Guyana Times - Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Greenwich Park deadly smash-up

WCD man slapped with 5 causing death charges refused bail again

Ewart Stewart, the 38-year-old man who was remanded to prison last month for causing the death of five persons in a horrific accident at Greenwich Park, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was again refused bail when he made another court appearance last week Tuesday.

The resident of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD), has pleaded not guilty to five counts of causing death by dangerous driving before Senior Magistrate Zamilla AllySeepaul at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Those killed in the accident are: 72-yearold Margaret Kennedy of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE); 57-yearold Olga Reddy of Parika, EBE; 50-year-old Vernon Prowell of Bent Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown; 40-year-old Elvis Charles of Ruby, EBE; and 71-yearold Stella Parhoo of Parika, EBE.

Stewart is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Ganesh Hira.

Police Headquarters reported that the truck driver, Stewart, has also been charged with driving an uninsured motor vehicle and driving an uncertified motor vehicle. He has been granted bail for these two charges in the sum of $20,000 after pleading not guilty.

Prowell was the driver of a minibus BWW 8364

in which the four other now deceased persons were passengers at the time of the accident. Several other

the car, but, in the process, he collided with the minibus, which was proceeding from the opposite direction.

The impact of the crash also caused a Guyana Power

and Light (GPL) pole to break and fall into a house in the area. However, no one was injured in the home.

Following the accident, a party of Policemen visited

the scene and carried out an investigation. A breath analysis carried out on the driver of the motor lorry showed a reading of .00%.

found dead

Quamina St

passengers were seriously injured following that horrific accident which occurred on the Greenwich Park Public Road, EBE, on the morning of March 6.

Those injured are: 21-year-old Shemar Alleyne of Tuschen, EBE; 46-year-old Samuel Ramda of Tuschen, EBE; 64-year-old Selmont Brisport of Tuschen, EBE; Samuel Ramdas of Ruby Backdam, EBE; and Junior Jack, 25, of Tuschen, EBE.

Reports are that motor lorry GZZ 2285, driven by Stewart, was proceeding east along the northern side of the Greenwich Park Public Road at a fast rate of speed behind motor car PWW 836.

The lorry driver alleged that the driver of the car made a sudden stop to allow a pedestrian to cross the road, and he swerved to the right to avoid a collision with

The lifeless body of 46-year-old Omar Ally was found on Friday in a room at the Quamina Guest House, Quamina Street, Georgetown shortly after a loud commotion was heard.

Based on a report on News Source Guyana, the man’s body was found by a receptionist about 14:15h who reported that the man had checked into the hotel in the company of someone dressed like a female but suspected to be a male.

He had reportedly left his place of employment just after midday on Friday after receiving a telephone call.

However, about 15 minutes after checking into the hotel loud sounds were heard emanating from room 104. This prompted the receptionist to check. As she went into the room, she observed that Ally was lying on the floor with a person standing over him. He was reportedly naked and blood

was oozing from behind his head.

The receptionist reportedly told relatives that the person claimed that Ally fell and hit his head on the toilet, and she needed to leave the scene immediately.

The receptionist reportedly left the room and returned to the reception area, where she contacted her supervisor, who then contacted the Guyana Fire Service ambulance.

The identifiable person made good their escape west along Quamina Street after jumping out the south-eastern bedroom window within public view.

“As the hotel’s staffers summoned the Police to the scene, the woman jumped from the second-floor window of the room onto the roadway, falling to the ground as she landed,” the News Source Guyana report added.

A surveillance video recording showed the wom-

an, clad in a pair of short pants and a brassiere with her blouse in hand, limping away from the scene.

Family members were left shocked and confused when they viewed the video recording since the woman in the video was someone they knew well.

The report further stated that the woman resides opposite the family’s B Field, Sophia home, but has not been seen since Friday when the incident occurred. From all reports received, Ally and the woman were regular visitors to the hotel, especially on Friday afternoons.

While the Police did not release any info on the incident, family members stated they noticed a wound to the back of the man’s head and also scratches on his face. Days after, the now-dead man’s family is yet to get a report from the Police. A post-mortem is expected to be conducted on Wednesday.

The scene of the accident

Dead: Stella Parhoo

Sophia man

in

hotel – Police looking for suspected “male dressed as female”

Omar Ally (deceased), and the woman who escaped through the window (News Source Guyana photos)

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, May 2 – 03:00h – 04:30h and Wednesday, May 3 – 03:30h – 05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, May 2 – 14:10h – 15:40h and Wednesday, May 3 – 14:50h – 16:20h.

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 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 14:44 reaching a maximum height of 2.44 metres.

Low Tide: 08:19h and 20:36h reaching minimum heights of 0.8 metre and 0.74 metre.

Govt committed to working with all stakeholders to uplift workers – Pres Ali tells Union leaders

...calls

for a unified labour force to advance workers’ rights

President Dr Irfaan Ali, who on Monday hosted a Labour Day breakfast meeting with leaders of trade unions in Guyana, has reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to working with stakeholders for the upliftment of workers in a holistic manner.

During the breakfast meeting, a diverse collection of leaders from a number of labour unions were brought together. These included the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU); the Guyana Agricultural & General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Labour Union (GLU).

Also present during

LOTTERY NUMBERS

the meeting were leaders of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU), as well as the National Association of Clerical, Commercial

and Industrial Employees (NACCIE).

The President was accompanied by Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC; Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for

Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag; and Education Minister, Priya Manickchand.

During the meeting, the President reiterated his

Government’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to achieve the holistic upliftment of workers. According to the President, in advancing any cause, all stakeholders should unify around the common agenda of the good of the country.

“President Ali reiterated his Government’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to achieve the holistic upliftment of workers. He pointed to the significance of the engagement and the ensuing discussions and spoke of the relevance of the day and the importance of workers’ rights. Dr Ali emphasised that in advancing any cause, all stakeholders should unify around one common agenda, which is Guyana,” a statement from the Office of the President said.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and members of his Cabinet share a light moment with Union leaders

The collection of Union leaders and officials as they sit at the table

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Helping new mothers

Earlier this year, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh announced money has been budgeted for there to be a countrywide screening for post-partum depression. Coming on the heels of that announcement Guyana’s Health Minister confirmed that health professionals will now be trained to diagnose and treat women with post-partum depression.

Worldwide, more than 3 in 10 women and babies do not currently receive postnatal care in the first days after birth – the period when most maternal and infant deaths occur, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said.

At the same time, according to WHO, the physical and emotional consequences of childbirth – from injuries to recurring pain and trauma – can be debilitating if unmanaged, but are often highly treatable when the right care is given at the right time.

Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing at WHO, Dr Anshu Banerjee, in 2022 had said that the need for quality maternity and newborn care does not stop once a baby is born, adding that indeed, the birth of a baby is a life-changing moment – one that is bound by love, hope and excitement – but it can also cause unprecedented stress and anxiety. Parents need strong health care and support systems, especially women, whose needs are too often neglected when the baby comes.

Here in Guyana, Dr Singh in his Budget presentation had said: “In 2023, we will launch several new initiatives, including one that aims at expectant mothers in the hinterland having at least one ultrasound and is visited at least once by an obstetrician during her pregnancy. Additionally, screening for post-partum depression will be implemented countrywide.”

He also said that there have been investments over the years to will help to reduce maternal mortality, which stands at an estimated 112 per 100,000 as at the end of 2022. Reducing this incidence will be further aided by the training of 29 traditional birth attendants in Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and the purchase of over $250 million in related equipment and expanded training of health-care providers in family planning.

Adding to this, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony subsequently said that one of the areas that the Ministry was working on is to “improve the care that we give to mothers, so we have focused a lot on pregnancy –first, second and third trimester – so that delivery is safe, but we also recognise that after delivery some mothers develop what is called post-partum depression and we recognise this and want to create a programme to prevent depression.”

Last year October, it was announced that some 200 doctors and medexes at health centres countrywide will receive specialised training to identify depression.

Studies have shown that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall prevalence of post-partum depression was similar to that before the pandemic. However, there was a marked increase among women who gave birth during wave four of the pandemic.

According to one study, the pandemic has had a major impact on the occurrence of depressive symptoms after childbirth and can be used to formulate psychological interventions to minimise depression among these women.

In its comprehensive plan to assist countries deal with this phenomenon, WHO came up with over 60 recommendations that help shape a positive postnatal experience for women, babies, and families.

WHO has also stated that evidence shows that women and their families want and need a positive postnatal experience that helps them navigate the immense physical and emotional challenges that occur after their babies are born while building their confidence as parents.

Medical Officer with WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and the UN Special Programme, HRP, Dr Mercedes Bonet has said that dedicated postnatal services should provide vital physical and mental health support while helping caregivers thrive in providing the right care for their newborns.

It is hoped that Guyana’s undertaking for countrywide screening for post-partum depression achieves its objective as this topic within families is one of the ‘taboo’ issues.

National interest is paramount in intelligence and security bill

Dear Editor, I write with reference to concerns expressed about the National Intelligence and Security Agency Bill which is now before a Parliamentary Special Select Committee. The Select Committee should be left to do its work without being harangued and harassed through ‘talking down’ in the letter sections, or on social media platforms.

It is important to keep in mind that we are working on nothing less than national security, something that requires all parties to put aside their partisanship and for once, allow the commitment to the nation’s well-being prevail.

It is disappointing that the Hon Jermaine Figueira has already found the time to sow doubts when in fact there is no authentic basis for doing do. Mr Figueira for instance believes that the Bill “gives sweeping power for unregulated intelligence gathering,” and that electronic information collection “…will create an atmosphere of fear, suspicion, and intimidation, which will most certainly erode trust between citizens and the Government, undermining civil liberties.”

The truth is that citizens should be afraid that we do not yet have a fully built-out national intelligence system that has gone through the full parliamentary process. Further, it is letters such as that of Hon MP Figueira that are not only likely to generate fear, doubt, and apprehension, but that are intended to do exactly that.

Scholars and policymakers worldwide will tell you that the paramount responsibility of any state, and es-

pecially democratic states, is to provide security for all citizens regardless of their economic status, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political affiliation, or national origin. The Guyanese population does not need to be reminded of the brutalities visited upon this nation since independence. Were it not for the dedicated professional work of the Police and other relevant apparatuses of the State, things could have spiralled out of control in the early 2000s.

The naysayers should understand and accept forthwith that the work of intelligence agencies involves ‘snooping around.’ Criminals and others who want to do harm, do not send you a memo of their intentions, plans and desired outcomes. Only the most naïve among us would think that you can phone up the “enemy” and ask them for their itinerary.

Mr Figueira needs to understand that threats to national security are not purely internal. Moreover, the idea of national sovereignty needs to be broadened beyond threats to territorial integrity, to include threats from transnational organised crime sources. These organisations have enormous capabilities, including intelligence infrastructures often staffed by highly trained (ex-military) agents. To understand, track, and repel these threats, the State (what most people call the Government) must develop equivalent, or better capabilities.

One bright spot here is that no intelligence agency operates in a hermetically sealed manner. Domestic inter-agency cooperation is critical, as is intelligence

sharing with Interpol, regional security agencies, and friendly states. Some readers might recall the November 13, 2015, terrorist attack in Paris that killed at least 130 people. The attack was done by extremists who had returned from the ‘battlefield’ in Syria (Dettmer, 17/11/2015). With all the capabilities in France and in Europe, the attack was not foiled. This was so for two reasons. First, the returning fighters used Belgium (with less intelligence resources than France) as a staging area. Secondly, the French (DGSE) had ignored intelligence warnings from

Iraq and Türkiye (Ibid). Strengthening regional intelligence sharing is, therefore, urgently needed. The point here is that intelligence is a complex and painstaking task. Mr Figueira and other critics must remember that this is about saving lives. Here is hoping that the civil society organisations in Guyana will come out in staunch support of the Bill that is before the Parliamentary Special Select Committee. The nation is counting on you.

Sincerely, Dr Randolph

Persaud

The CoI confirmed what was generally known

Dear Editor, Damning the CoI Report and its damning findings, it was labelled 'useless and substandard' (SN April 30).

Among the many reasons gleaned from reading the Report and proffered for this classification, point 4 is somewhat baffling to this layperson, which stated "The CoI ignored opinions expressed in society, surveyed and otherwise, of important elements of the elections.”

By this layperson reasoning and point of view, the Commissioners and by extension the CoI, could not reasonably tolerate or allow to be tolerated and accepted or countenance evidence in the public domain, which was not formally, properly, and according to protocol presented to it, to be considered in the course of and during the inquiry.

This would be tantamount to hearsay, would it not, and

would be of no legal standing?

Of course, the CoI was not a court, but its conduct did have certain legalities, did it not?

After all eminent legal persons were in charge of its conduct and proceedings.

Calls were made for witnesses to give evidence, with some being summoned. Those who chose to decline or invoked their right to remain silent had their chance. From the onset the Opposition made known its position and what it thought of the CoI. The position and labelling are therefore not surprising.

The intention of the CoI was not to malign anyone but rather to uncover what was generally known. It confirmed there was a 'shockingly brazen' attempt to deter the will of the people. How is that 'useless and substandard'?

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry through the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit recently hosted a Game Day for Persons Living with Disabilities in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (MoHSSS photo)

Wise to pursue closer economic ties with India

Dear Editor, Guyana historically has benefited from India's generosity and kindness in spite of our country's cold shoulder towards India by succeeding governments. The Irfaan Ali Government has wised up and opted to pursue closer economic relations with India, resulting in several economic delegations visiting Guyana and signing memorandum of agreements in various areas. The President and Vice President also visited India on separate trips, bolstering economic and political relations. The Foreign Minister (MEA) Dr S Jaishankar also visited Guyana last week to strengthen relations. He is one of the most talked about Foreign Ministers of any country by experts in Washington where he served as Ambassador some years ago. Dr Jaishankar has been

highly rated by intellectuals in international relations. Jaishankar, a scholar in international relations and an expert on Russia, China, USA, and Japan has been conducting India's foreign policy with great finesse. His diplomacy has redounded to positive benefits for the Indian economy. He has been travelling the globe to pursue economic tie-ups between India and other countries. So it is no accident that he has visited Guyana and held round table business discussions with captains of industries. A Guyana-India Chamber of Commerce was launched in Georgetown.

The MEA Dr Jaishankar announced there will be annual India-Guyana-Caricom business summits from next year alternating between India and the Caribbean. Guyana and the Region stand to benefit enormously from eco-

nomic ties with India which is the fastest-growing major economy that is set to become number three in GDP by the end of this decade. Currently, India is number 6, just nipping the UK last year. Western economies, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand are courting India for closer trade and political (security) ties.

The state of the Indian economy and Western security has been a major talking point today. India has managed its economy well. While other major economies are on the brink of a recession, India has been growing. The economy contracted in 2020 because of COVID but has bounced back over the last two years, recovering to preCOVID level in terms of output. Unlike in other countries, inflation is relatively low in India. The Reserve Bank of India has done a

great job in managing monetary policy.

Interest rates were raised judiciously as in the USA, putting a handle on inflation. But unlike in the USA where the economy has stalled, India's economy has grown. Foreign exchange reserves were released strategically in India, buying and selling dollars to prevent the rupee exchange rate from wide fluctuation. Westerners see opportunities in India which has a stable economy and huge foreign exchange reserves.

As the war in Ukraine continues and hostility deepened in relations between the West, Australia, Japan, and China, major Western companies are now looking at India as a potential investment destination. This will provide greater economic opportunities for India and increase trading between Guyana and

Guyana Local Government Officers Union

Dear Editor,

The trade union movement in Guyana which was founded by the late Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow in 1919 was once a powerful force in our country. However, today a number of trade unions in Guyana have lost their way, principal among them is the Guyana Local Government Officers (GLGOU) as a result of political affiliation, nepotism, and cronyism.

This is not only shameful and unacceptable, but some members of this union have become so emboldened, that most recently they held an election that was not only questionable but was riddled with malpractice and manipulation.

How could this union hold an election without calling an annual general meeting and without inviting each and every one of its members to attend and participate? How could vendors whom are neither members of the union nor municipal employees be attending and voting for office bearers to the executive of this union?

But then again, this union has been suffering from poor leadership and the toxic effects of a line of hereditary succession of friends and family for the longest while and so finally

the chickens have come home to roost.

The representation provided by the GLGOU to municipal workers for decades now has been woefully ineffectual, inadequate, and in fact useless to say the least. This trade union organisation should be about defending and advancing the rights, struggles, and overall interests of municipal workers across the board, but this is only done for a very few. The lack of impartiality by the leadership of this union over time and the playing of politics with the lives and livelihoods of its members have been most distasteful and destructive.

In many instances, the Presidents of this union have remained in office to continue enjoying the perks and privileges, long after their membership to this union should have expired, upon their retirement from their municipal posts. In fact, to hang on to the presidency long after they retired, they even toyed with the idea of expanding the membership base and parameters of the union by trying to rename it the ‘General and Local Government Workers' Union (GLGWU)’. Of course, this effort was never legitimised so this attempted sham never saw the light of day.

If this union is to earn respect and credibility in the wider Guyana society, and at the bargaining table, it must elect an executive that has competent, qualified, experienced, reputable, eminent, and widely known persons, through a legitimate process.

Indeed, one has to wonder whether the Registrar of Trade Unions is ensuring that this union is maintaining compliance with Guyana’s Trade Union Act in the management of its affairs in a transparent and publicly accountable manner.

On Financial Accountability, the Trade

Union Act expressly requires every treasurer or other officers of unions to render to the trustees, and the members of the union at a duly constituted meeting of the union, a just and true account of monies received and paid, funds remaining, and all bonds and securities of the union. The general membership of this union has not been benefiting from this information or standard operating procedure for years now.

It is time for all members to demand better from this union.

Sincerely,

Abidemi James

India. It can also potentially lead to Indian companies investing in Guyana, especially in food production to meet Western demands. Guyana can be an attraction to Indian investors in oil and gas, energy, agriculture, and education. It is important, therefore, that Guyana deepens ties with India. Greater benefits will follow.

It is recalled that Guyana and the Caribbean have benefited tremendously from India's aid programme over the last sixty-five years.

India doled out thousands of scholarships to students in

the Region valued hundreds of millions in American dollars as well as billions more of American dollars in nonrepayable grants, soft loans, vaccines, technical assistance, training, and other forms of aid to Guyana and the Region.

Guyana can further benefit from India’s progress and expertise in the fields of science, engineering, data, and economic strategy to consolidate Guyana’s path to development.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

need to hear the voices of Red Thread on the findings of the CoI

Dear Editor, They were dormant during all the material times the APNU/AFC was in office. Not a word on the abuse of women and children through harmful policies. Not a word on the snatching of the cash grant for school children. Not a word on the placement of taxes on farm supplies and equipment. Not a word on the raising of UG fees. Not a word on the almost allmale Boards. Not a word…

It is proven that where undemocratic rule happens it is the vulnerable that suffers the most.

Red Thread themselves say women and children

are the most vulnerable. It defies understanding therefore that this group was silent when the most egregious attempt at election rigging took place in the five-month period following the March 2, 2020 elections. Not a word. The best that can be said of them is perhaps they were unsure of what was happening.

Now that the report of the CoI is out, clearly painting a picture of what took place during that period, we are still to hear from Red Thread.

Sincerely yours,

Attiya Baksh

We

Guyana mulls selling excess cooking gas to Brazil, other countries – VP Jagdeo

...says domestic, int’l demand for gas from Guyana

Guyana has been receiving interest from other Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries for the cooking gas it will eventually produce once the gas-to-energy project comes onstream. According to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Brazil is one of the countries that Guyana may end up exporting cooking gas to.

Jagdeo made this disclosure during a recent press conference where he stressed that Guyana already has both a domestic and international demand for gas even before the gas-to-energy project is complete.

“All of the gas can be sold for fertiliser, basalt, fibre, a whole range. They can even feed animals. So, the demand for the additional gas is already there. Once the power plant comes in, it’s starting to run, the 50 million (cubic feet of gas) comes in, then we can start to push to get the additional one.”

“Then that would be sold to the people for the other industries. So, they’ll be producing maybe urea and other things right here in Guyana. So, the demand is there. For the whole project,

“So, we’re not exporting the gas. Because we’ll be utilising all the gas here. We would have more of the liquids than we could utilise locally. Say the cooking gas. It’s estimated that from our 50 million cubic, we’ll have three times the national consumption of cooking gas.”

“So, we’ll export some of that. We’re hoping into northern Brazil, but across the Caribbean people have approached us already. We

already exists

er plant components of the project will cost another US$23 million.

The scope of Guyana’s gas-to-energy project also consists of the construction of 225 kilometres of pipeline from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil.

It features approximately 200 kilometres of a sub-

sea pipeline offshore that will run from Liza Destiny and Liza Unity floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to the shore.

Upon landing on the West Coast Demerara shore, the pipeline would continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

The pipeline would be 12 inches wide, and is expected

to transport per day some 50 million standard cubic feet (mscfpd) of dry gas to the NGL plant, but it has the capacity to push as much as 120 mscfpd.

The pipeline’s route onshore would follow the same path as the fibre optic cables, and will terminate at Hermitage, part of the Wales Development Zone (WDZ) which will house the gas-to-shore project. (G-3)

the demand is secure on the gas side,” Jagdeo said.

The Vice President clarified, however, that the intention is not to export the natural gas but rather to utilise it for domestic power. What they can export is the processed cooking gas, since Guyana is likely to produce far more than it can use domestically.

haven’t decided where that will go. That will be done later,” Jagdeo said.

According to Jagdeo, cooking and propane gas can also be used for industries. He gave the example of the hinterland, where power is being generated using fossil fuel. According to Jagdeo, they may be able to put propane in tanks and transport to those hinterland regions

for use.

The gas-to-shore project includes the construction of an integrated Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant and the 300-megawatt (MW) combined cycle power plant at Wales on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD). In Budget 2023, the gas-to-energy project received a $43.3 billion allocation. This allocation is in addition to the $24.6 billion injected into the startup of the transformational project.

The NGL and 300 MW power plant components of the gas-to-shore project, are meanwhile expected to cost US$759.8 million and will be financed through sources that include budgets and loan financing. In addition to the US$759.8 million Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract, the supervision of the NGL and 300 MW pow-

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

The site that is being prepared for the gas-to-energy project

32 new certified Prosecutors boost GPF's legal team

Labour...

…love lost

There it was again in GT…but this time there was no green or any other colour – just a sea – well a puddle then!! – of red!! It was Labour Day!! And probably more out of reflex than anything else, members of several unions gathered at Parade Ground to start marching through the city. Interestingly, they were on Burnham Court – named after the chap who brought the urban unions there in 1962 to burn half of the commercial district down to the ground! And not so coincidentally ignite the process that was to oust the PPP Government from office – and keep them out for 28 years!!

Thirty-two ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have successfully completed an international training course in prosecution at the School of the Nations.

The graduates are the second batch of Police ranks to benefit from the course and include three top performers whom all completed their studies with a 100 per cent pass rate.

The Police prosecutors’ course was established to give Police ranks formal accredited training to improve their performance in court.

Top performer Danilla Dow was excited after re-

ceiving her examination results. “I was scared and didn’t want to continue because it was new to me, I had never done anything like that before,” she told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Happy about her new knowledge, the Police Constable said she intends to further her studies in the field, explaining that the course has helped her to better understand and appreciate the law.

“The partnership between the GPF and Nations and other educational institutions to teach Police the law and court procedure, and

how to deal with citizens will benefit the Force, as Police will become more aware of the law,” Dow added.

Another top performer, Corporal Carl Pedro explained that the course will enhance his capabilities as a Police officer.

“It helped me to better understand the power that the Police possess so that I won’t overstep my authority. It also helped me to better understand that the role of a prosecutor is not to get a conviction but to ensure that justice is served.”

Meanwhile, Elisha Barrington feels privileged after having the opportunity

to complete the course and said she will do her best in the court to ensure justice is served.

“The field of prosecuting is new to me, but I grasped a lot that will help me as a prosecutor in the criminal justice system, the facilitator was adamant that we understand and know what to look for before establishing certain offences and before an actual case can be made out,” she explained. The Government continues to invest in the Guyana Police Force, particularly to enhance the effectiveness of Police prosecutors during court proceedings.

Govt committed to working with all...

With Guyana presently on an irreversible trajectory towards greater progress and prosperity, President Ali had said in his Labour Day message that workers are pivotal to the success of this process. He stressed that without their brain and brawn, skill and steadfastness and creativity and craftsmanship, the econom-

ic and social transformation will stall.

“I assure all the workers of Guyana that not only will they benefit significantly from the country’s economic and social transformation but they will be one of the principal forces driving this process. My Government’s developmental philosophy emphasises

a people-centred approach to development. The welfare of people, and particularly our workers, is at the centre of efforts to establish shared national prosperity,” he said.

The President had further noted that working class families are being provided with greater opportunities under his Government

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in areas such as housing, academic and skills development, job creation, enhanced infrastructure, and improved healthcare services, among others.

The President had also pointed to the need for a “new compact” between labour and the Government as well as between the labour movement and its members. To this end, President Ali declared that he is prepared to be part of fashioning a new era of relations between the Government, the labour movement and the private sector – one in which everyone joins forces to work for the advancement of workers rather than work against each other.

“I remain open through a tripartite dialogue between labour, the private sector and the Government. May Day reminds us of the legacies of workers. The legacy can only be preserved through greater collaboration and cooperation. Let us, therefore, urge a new era of relations bereft of risks and disgorgement. Let us establish platforms of cooperation, predicated on respect and civility and characterised by cooperation

“Let us work together to end exploitation, eradicate child labour, improve workers’ safety, ensure social protections, address labour shortages and ensure greater competitiveness and efficiency, all of which are vital to long-term and sustainable growth and development,” the Guyanese leader stated.

The sparse contingents reminded us that for most of our workers, the enthusiasm of the earlier days was gone. And why not?? It surely wasn’t coincidental that the leader of the aforementioned urban unions – one of two umbrella groups representing unions – had a long missive in the press criticising the Government and the CoI into the 2020 elections – but not a word about workers and their struggles!! Now, of course, unions and their leaders must be concerned about what goes on in the ocean where they swim. But this letter wasn’t an aberration – it just emphasised the misplaced priorities of some unions.

It was a pitiful sight –- in the estimation of your workingclass Eyewitness – to see the depths into which our labour organisations have found themselves. And if that makes it seem that all of this happened to them without their active connivance – well it just ain’t so. Our labour unions made the mistake that invariably dooms organisations – they forget the reasons for their existence and try to ride several horses at the same time. Now is never gonna work – even if some of those horses may be going in the same general direction. The problem is those other horses have jockeys who’re whipping them to move at their own pace and specific destinations!

Sure all the political leaders came out of the trade union movement. Sure, those linkages don’t have to be destroyed. After all, if for nothing else, it’s good to have links to politicians who may form the Government – or are already in Government. They may make moves that would benefit their membership. But they have to go by what has been their experience historically!! Has the single-minded devotion to political parties paid off in dividends to their membership?? Not nearly as much as it should’ve been!!

Unions have to wake up and smell the coffee – but certainly not the one from Starbucks in the Mall!! They should remember the experience of the US Starbucks employees to appreciate the pressure on workers in a neoliberal economy. Its sweatshops’ philosophy!!

Solidarity forever gotta be the watchword!!

…and banking

Now workers still gotta manually slog away – in Guyana still in the cane fields as during slavery and Indentureship – to earn their daily bread from their blood, sweat and tears. But in the 21st century, we hear about the economies of the developed countries being “financialised”, Meaning they don’t depend on sweat to get rich – just gambling with money to make money with a click on a keyboard. Staggering amounts!! And we eventually pay for it!!

After all, they create crises that affect us all. After the collapse of American banks in 2008, you’d think they’d learn their lesson. But easy money’s too tempting. A third big bank – Republic Bank with assets of $229.1 billion following Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in mid-March – has collapsed – even though US$30 billion was pumped into it. The FDIC persuaded JPMorganChase – their largest bank with US$4 TRILLION in assets! – to take it over.

US banks gonna have to pay the FDIC US$13B for their efforts. Are local deposits insured??

…and agriculture pricing

We’re manfully diversifying our agricultural output. But we should remember that commodity prices - like for soya and sugar – aren’t set by supply and demand – but by speculators in the developed economies.

Can we play that game??

The certified Prosecutors at the graduation

$600M to be spent on 200 young professional housing units

to house more than 12,500 households when completed.

Back in January, preliminary works at Silica City had commenced, paving the way for the construction of the first 100 homes.

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.

Meanwhile, a whopping $2.1 billion contract was inked in February to develop the city during a contract signing ceremony at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

The Housing Minister, at the signing ceremony, had explained that significant investments will be made

in key project areas – a major one being the Silica City project, which will be inhabited by 2025.

“A lot of people have been asking if they will see Silica City off, and they have been hearing about Silica City. One thing you can be rest assured is that, by 2025, you will hear much more than just Silica City. You will see people living there,” the Minister envisioned.

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.

The Housing Ministry is set to invest close to $600 million for the construction of 200 young professionals’ housing units in Silica City, located on the SoesdykeLinden Highway. This was revealed by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal during the launch of the first Linden Building Expo at Amelia’s Ward, Linden, on Thursday.

“The first phase of the housing development - Tract B Kuru Kururu has been cleared and surveyed and development works have begun. This initial block of land within Silica City will be developed as a Young Professional Scheme. Close to six hundred million dollars will be expended on the construction of two hundred young professionals’ housing units,” the Minister disclosed.

Further, it will also include commercial lots, mixed-use development, apartments and condos, and provisions for reserve spaces for institutional and community use.

According to Croal, Silica City is envisaged to tackle the issue of non-coastal urban settlement development and the challenges of climate change and sea-level rise through the creation of a vibrant, sustainable, resilient, and modern city that is in keeping with the Low Carbon Development Strategy.

The Minister added that the preliminary development concept of Silica City is completed and detailed planning activities are in progress, and a detailed topographic survey has already been completed. He assured citizens that in the coming months, they will continue to receive news about Silica City and its massive devel-

opment as well as see more “Dream Realised” Housing Drives take place across the country.

“While these projects are Government-led, there are many private sector-led projects happening too,” the Minister explained.

Meanwhile, during a recent visit to India back in January, President Dr Irfaan Ali had discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about ways in which India can provide support to Guyana, for its vision of building Silica City.

According to the President, one possibility from those discussions is India sending its urban planners to help with developing Silica City.

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.

Silica City will initially cater to just over 3000 households in the first five years, and eventually grow

An aerial view of land clearing works which were recently completed at Silica City

Spike in workplace fatalities is a “worrying development” – GAWU

…be more assertive in demanding rights

President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine has raised concerns over the frequent occurrence of workplace fatalities - a worrying factor in workplaces which demands more attention.

He made these remarks at the Labour Day Rally on Monday, organised by the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana

(FITUG) at the National Park. “We are concerned when we see, far too often, a lax attitude by both workers and employers to occupational safety and health.

Too often workers are not given protective equipment and in other instances when given, workers do not utilise them. This is a worrying development...We believe it is now necessary to examine the Occupational Safety and

Health Act and regulations, to identify gaps and shortcomings towards implementing appropriate measures,” Narine expressed.

He opined that sections of the labour laws also require attention, since the last major revision that took place occurred in the 1990s.

“Since then, we have not promulgated any new legislation or pursued substantive amendments. We all recognise several changes

took place since and new forms of employment have now emerged. In many instances, those workers are minimally protected if at all. We believe it is time for a comprehensive evaluation of our labour legislations to rebalance the owner-worker relationship.”

Moving forward, he urged workers to be more assertive in having their rights upheld and hold greater insistence to be involved in decision making.

“On this May Day 2023, as workers, let us recognise that we need to be more assertive in demanding our rights and insist that we be involved in the decision-making processes that impact our lives. Today’s conditions do not call for complacency but for greater activism,” Narine voiced.

In his message, the trade unionist also added that Labour Day serves to honour the sacrifices, the struggles, the contributions of workers and their families across the world; and a renewed pledge to continue the struggle on their behalf.

“Labour Day is a day when we raise high the banner of solidarity of the inter-

national working class. We are part of this world movement. As generations of workers before us have done in our country, the working class of the world have also written, selflessly, glorious and inspiring chapters of struggles that impacted positively on our lives and influenced profound socio-economic changes.”

The GAWU President noted instances of the high cost of living being the reality of many countries across the world as he commended the ‘proactive efforts’ advanced by the Government to cushion these effects.

“We appreciate policies to maintain water and electricity rates, zero-rating of fuel, and adjustments to the import duty regime. We have seen too the efforts to enhance disposable income and provide additional benefits. These are welcomed but the situation, for workers at the bottom, remains challenging,” Narine disclosed.

He spoke on the rapid economic expansion, which is expected to see Guyana rivalling the developed world on a per-capita income basis. This, it was shared, will

call for resources to be maximised for the benefit of the people.

“We are happy and anticipate the unlocking of greater prosperity for us all. We are conscious too of the paths of other countries. There are not many shining examples, and we must be careful to avoid their pitfalls as we chart our path to further development. Together, we must also seek to maximise our resources. We are a small developing country with many goals yet to be attained. We must ensure that our resources continue to benefit our people and country foremostly. Already there is a big boost of the social services inclusive of education opportunities available to the population.”

Narine, who is also the Treasurer of FITUG, said the organisation remains committed to unity in the trade union movement as it is in the interests of the nation’s workers but this cannot come at any cost. It must rest on the principles of the workers’ movement and commitment to working class ideals and not ‘selfish desires’. (G-12)

Forty-six-year-old Mahendra Kissoon, of Lot K Land of Plenty Public Road, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was on Saturday evening killed in a hit-and-run accident.

The accident reportedly involved a motor lorry bearing registration number GLL 5654, owned by Golden Fleece Investment.

Police stated that Kissoon and his granddaughter had gone to purchase hotdogs a short distance away from their home.

As they were returning

home, Kissoon was struck by the speeding lorry. As a result, he was tossed into the air and landed on the

roadway, sustaining major injuries.

The driver then fled the scene leaving the victim bleeding on the roadway. The man’s granddaughter reportedly ran home and alerted family members.

Upon arriving at the scene, they picked up the injured man and took him to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The lorry driver was subsequently arrested, and the lorry was lodged at the Anna Regina Police Station. He is expected to make his court appearance today.

GAWU President Seepaul Narine and other trade unionists in the forefront of the Labour Day march

Dead: Mahendra Kissoon

Essequibo man killed in hit and run in front of granddaughter

Houston Offshore Technology Conference 2023

Guyana Pavilion opens with focus on energy transition, LCD, climate services

...dedication by Govt to showcase Guyana’s development is unwavering – GO-Invest

The Guyana Pavilion at the Offshore Technology Conference 2023 (OTC), was officially opened on Monday with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The event, from May 1 to May 4, 2023, at the NRG Centre in Houston, sees Guyana participating for the fourth time in this prestigious international gathering.

Chief Investment Officer

of Guyana and Agency Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter Ramsaroop and Honorary Consul General of Guyana in Houston, Lutfi Hassan led the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Dr Ramsaroop stated that the ongoing dedication of the Government to showcase Guyana’s development and opportunities to the world is unwavering.

“OTC is one of the most

prestigious platforms for the world to keep engaging with Guyana as we continue to lead on energy transition, low carbon development, and climate services. The group that we have here comprised representatives from the Government and from private sector organisations, inclusive of individual companies of every size. This is a good engagement opportunity.”

Members of Guyana’s delegation to the OTC

A part of the Guyana delegation at the ribbon-cutting ceremony being led by Dr Peter Ramsaroop at the Guyana Pavilion at the OTC being held in Houston, Texas

Scenes of Labour

(Photos by DPI, NCN, Newsroom, News

Labour Day activities

149 Reg 5 residents now certified in several areas through BIT

One hundred and forty-nine (149) residents of Region Five graduated from several technical and vocational training programmes offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

The ceremony was held on Friday at the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre. BIT continues to offer the necessary training programmes

to help Guyanese across the country advance their skills in chosen fields.

Some 23 persons are skilled in data operation, 24 in electrical installation, 5 in motor vehicle servicing, 13 in furniture making, 11 in plumbing, 12 in commercial food preparation, 12 in garment construction, 10 in agro-processing, 8 in information technology, 10 in office administration, 10 in

welding and fabrication, and 15 in heavy-duty equipment operation.

Delivering remarks at the gradation, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton urged the graduates to continually advance their skills by enrolling in complementing courses being provided.

Minister Hamilton said the Government is making the necessary resources available to provide the

training programmes.

“We are moving from a place where in 2021 when we expended a little over $8 million in Region Five training some 85 persons, to a place where we have expended over $61 million in Region Five training 535 persons.”

The training programmes will help to fully equip the beneficiaries with skills to become entrepre-

GRA warns of penalties for late submission of tax returns

…deadline extended from April 30 to today

are advised that besides at GRA’s Camp Street, Georgetown headquarters, Licence Revenue Office, Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and the Guyana Post Office (GPO), Robb Street, Georgetown, they can also utiltise the agency’s e-services platform at eservices. gra.gov.gy when submitting their tax returns.

neurs or employable.

Senior Technical Officer Bevon Shepherd, Inspector

Moore of Region Five, and other officials also attended the graduation.

The deadline for the submission of income, property, partnership, corporation, and capital gains tax returns is today, Tuesday, May 2. This deadline was extended from Sunday, April 30 by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). Taxpayers are encouraged to lodge their returns and pay all outstanding taxes by this deadline.

Failure will see the tax body immediately enforcing penalties. Leading up to the prescribed date, the GRA embarked on awareness campaigns to sensitise the public on the laws relating to the filing of returns and the attended penalties for failure to comply with these laws.

Even if your income is below the statutory thresh-

old of $900,000 for 2022, and if you are self-employed, you are still obligated to file your income tax return on or before May 2. An individual who submits their property, partnership, corporation, and capital gains tax returns late, will be required to pay a penalty of 10 percent of the tax assessed.

Additionally, individuals will also be subject to a late paying penalty of two per cent per month of the tax outstanding for each month the tax remains outstanding. Interest will be charged on a compound basis at the rate of 18 per cent per annum.

“Once you are earning income, you are obligated to pay taxes…If you are employed, your employer is

tasked with the responsibility of deducting and remitting the taxes on your behalf. If you are self-employed, you are responsible for remitting your taxes to the GRA,” GRA has advised.

The submission of tax returns and the payment of taxes are of utmost importance since it allows individuals to become tax compliant, the tax body has said, noting that being tax compliant enables an individual or company to obtain a Certificate of Compliance quickly and with ease.

According to GRA, paying taxes helps to foster the country’s economic growth, and provides healthcare, education, infrastructure, and other public goods and services to its citizens.

Moreover, taxpayers

The GRA is also urging taxpayers to use the available alternative payment options. Payment of taxes can be made via MMG, Bill Express, and any of the following banking institutions’ online bill payment facilities; Demerara Bank, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, and Republic Bank.

Persons residing out of town are encouraged to file their returns at their respective Integrated Regional Tax Offices. Though the GRA collected $242B in revenue in 2021, the Auditor General flagged the fact that some 76 per cent of self-employed persons did not file their tax returns.

According to the Auditor General Report of 2021, 87,267 self-employed persons did not file their income tax returns, out of 114,838. This means that only 27,211 persons, or 24 per cent, filed their tax returns, which totalled $4 billion.

Guyana Pavilion opens with...

The OTC serves as a vital forum for offshore energy industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore innovative technologies. Guyana’s participation results from a collaboration between the Guyana Office for Investment and 40 private sector companies, with over 100 participants in the delegation. GKB, Guyana Logistics & Support Services, Friedlander, GTT, and Swiss Machinery are among the notable companies present, alongside key Guyanese business organisations such as the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), AmCham, and Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), forming the Guyana delegation.

GCCI President, Kester Hutson related “We continue to be satisfied with the continued enthusiasm demonstrated by our members for participation at the OTC. We must applaud the Guyana Office for Investment for being able to assemble businesses and organisations for this event. As we continue to be a regional energy production powerhouse, Guyana needs to be promoted to the world more than ever.”

The Guyana Pavilion’s presence at the 2023 OTC highlights the nation’s dedication to encouraging investment and growth in both

FROM PAGE 11

offshore and traditional sectors. The conference offers an excellent opportunity for networking, collaboration, and showcasing Guyana’s potential for future industry developments.

President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber, Manniram Prashad explained “We are delighted to participate at the Guyana Pavilion at the OTC. GOGEC plays a significant role in linking oil and gas and energy companies to Guyanese businesses. We are excited to bring such a large delegation to the oil and gas capital of the world and expect to see tremendous results in the form of MoUs and contract signings.”

By participating in the OTC, Guyanese businesses can seek partners and learn about emerging opportunities in their South American homeland. This involvement will help bring more supply chain opportunities to Guyana’s shores.

A primary focus of this mission is education, connection, and networking. Energy professionals, engineers, executives, operators, scientists, and managers from around the globe and across all offshore energy sectors are in attendance. Industry leaders will discuss licensing, business opportunities, and recent advancements in technology.

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton

The batch of graduates from the BIT programme

Workers must unite to tackle challenges – trade unionists

...GPSU calls out Govt for non-appointment of Chancellor, Chief Justice

As the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) on Monday celebrated Labour Day with its annual march and rally, sentiments echoed for there to be unity among workers in the face of challenges.

The theme for Labour Day 2023 is “Building Strong Progressive Unions to Respond to New Challenges”. Workers and trade unionists joined the activity, dressed in bright red to mark the occasion as they lobbied for better working conditions and rights to be upheld in the annual parade. Delivering his remarks, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis sought to point out that there are many issues facing workers. For there to be improvement, he noted that resiliency is key.

“There are plenty, plenty of challenges. Each of us is representative of that resilience that the trade union requires to fight …We must have a purpose and that purpose is to support what is always constant as we yearn for improvement. Today, I see us doing more than we are doing. We need to develop the ability to work

together. Work together!” Lewis told the gathering.

At the parade activity, President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Mark Lyte said proper compensation for workers and an improved system of operation have been in the current conversation to better working conditions.

In recent times, Lyte shared that engagements were facilitated with Government Ministers to spark more incentives for teachers.

“The last meeting seemed to heading in that direction. We met with three

Government Ministers and highlighted some of the issues we have been talking about in the media. If that step is taken, we have to allow the process to at least be unfolded…I would say as a leader, we have to give the [Government] an opportunity to see what they’re coming with on the table as we talk,” Lyte contended.

Meanwhile, President of the General Workers Union (GWU), Norris Witter urged for there to be unity in order to confront challenges which affect the working class. “We must remind ourselves that the labour movement is the

only legitimate mass movement and it is in essence, a movement that unites, Therefore, whoever seeks to divide, we must continue to unite.”

Meanwhile, the Guyana Public Service Union in its Labour Day message called for the Government respects the rule of law, be inclusive, desist from its discriminatory posture and involve all stakeholders in decision-making processes.

According to the GPSU, workers must remain unified to stand against challenges.

“The deliberate, blatant, and discriminatory ignoring of the astronomical increase in cost of living; current inadequate earnings of workers, who provided and continue to provide quality public services; and the displeasure displayed by so many workers, particularly those in the health sector and teaching services, who choose migration rather than remain in this hostile, political, race-charged environment, ineptly managed by an ungrateful, uncaring, and insensitive employer”, the Union noted.

In addition, the Union called out the Government over the non-appointment of the Public Service

Commission and the Judicial Services Commission.

Only recently, High Court Judge Damone Younge called on the Head of State and the Opposition Leader to act with “all convenient speed” to fill the substantive appointments of the two top judicial posts.

In a Fixed Date Application (FDA) brought against the Attorney General by Opposition parliamentarian Vinceroy Jordan, he asked the High Court to declare that the Head of State’s failure to make permanent appointments to the offices of the

Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Chief Justice between August 2020 and April 2022 amounted to a gross dereliction and abdication of his duties.

Currently, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards and Justice Roxane George, SC, are performing the duties of Chancellor and Chief Justice, respectively. The last confirmed Chief Justice was in the person of Dr Desiree Bernard, who served from 1996 to 2001. She also served as substantive Chancellor and Head of the Judiciary from 2001 to 2005.

re-establishment of collective bargaining

According to Norton, if all these stakeholders can successfully “play their role, then we can get a better environment for workers in general.”

As recently as last year, individual unions have been bargaining with specific State agencies and winning concessions. In December 2022, following an arduous and extensive negotiation process, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial, and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) signed a Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) that will see over 70 per cent of GPL employees benefitting from a seven per cent salary increase.

The importance of collective bargaining was on Monday highlighted by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, who during Labour Day observances in Georgetown called for the collective bargaining process to be re-established.

During an interview with the media, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) leader described collective bargaining as a must. So important is it, according to Norton, that it can directly improve the lives of workers.

“And like I said earlier, as you shift more towards the private enterprises and

you need to protect workers, I believe collective bargaining will have to be re-established as a mechanism for trade unions to not only wield power but represent their members and be able to find good agreements for them,” Norton said.

“So, for me, collective bargaining is part of the process. If you look at our industrial system, you will see it is characterised by trade unions, which are representatives of the people, businesses, which are representative of business interests and the Ministry of Labour, which should be a mediator and a conciliator.”

Nor is that all. During the signing ceremony in the Labour Ministry’s Boardroom, NAACIE’s General Secretary, Dawchan Nagar, had revealed that the agreement affords several other incentives to further motivate employees, including improvements in allowances, outside of salary.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of GPL, Renford Homer had noted that the negotiation process was not without its challenges. However, he said both parties have managed to arrive at an amicable agreement in the interest of consolidation.

Moreover, he stressed that despite the financial difficulties GPL has been facing, the company manages to take into consideration the needs of its employees.

“I think the negotiation leading up to where we are today was one that embraces professional maturity and mutual respect. The Board of Directors and management of GPL, notwithstanding that challenge, recognises the need to take into consideration the desires and expectations, to some extent, of employees, and tried its best to make an offer. It is one that was considered afford-

able and palatable,” Homer had pointed out.

And just one month prior, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) had signed their own Collective Labour Agreement (CLA). The 16-page agreement addresses 33 clauses on a range of matters which will see 36 workers benefitting.

Among the issues considered by the CLA were the payment of overtime, annual leave, subsistence allowance, meals allowance, hazard allowance, the mechanism for promotion, sick-

ness leave, occupational safety and health (OSH), among a host of other conditions.

The GAWU in the latter half of 2021 had also secured bargaining rights on behalf of the employees of the Board. Ever since, GAWU has been working with the workers in developing and negotiating the CLA.

Apart from that, the Union has been able to address a few other issues in the interest of the workers.

The GAWU is pleased that it has been able to continue to advance the interest of workers.

GTU President Mark Lyte

GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis

NAACIE General President Whitney Graham handing over the signed CLA to GPL’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Renford Homer, last year

Opposition Leader urges

...says crucial for creating a better environment for workers

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

Acting Chancellor urges lawyers to practise compassionate justice

...says Restorative Justice Centre will enhance criminal justice system

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards has called on members of the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) to practice with empathy and compassion, highlighting that these characteristics are essential to achieving justice, while also reminding them of their obligation to serve the public.

While addressing a large gathering, which included judicial officers, diplomats, Government officials, attorneys-at-law, and law students at GBA’s Law Week Symposium last Friday, the Chancellor encouraged the GBA to give back to the community in the form of community engagements and outreaches.

She said attorneys-at-law must ensure that their legal and social obligations to the Bench, the Bar, and fellow citizens are carried out.

“I know in the legal profession, you operate as a feefor-service occupation or pay as you seek my services, pay as I appear in court to represent you. But I want to challenge you to embrace a new way of looking at justice. Looking at the civic component, in terms of maintaining social order, promoting rights and values and stability,” Justice CummingsEdwards said.

Law Week featured several activities, including pro-bono work and outreach-

es to secondary schools.

Compassionate lawyering or advocacy, the Justice of Appeal explained, calls for a paradigm shift from the adversarial system to the integration of compassion to treating the particular issue at its core and finding a solution.

The acting Chancellor added, “We are talking not about sympathy or a court of sympathy but one where access to justice, delivery of services, administration of justice as a whole, and the physical space and the environment are infused with compassion and empathy.”

In making her point, she noted that Guyana’s apex

court, the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has embraced compassionate justice, especially in criminal matters.

“Because we have seen over the past few years, drastic reduction in the sentences from those imposed by our trial Judges when they take into account those social determinants together with a very, very low starting point for the offence. Adding to that, the necessary aggravating and mitigating factors and the necessary upward or downward adjustments.”

Speaking specifically on the symposium’s theme, “New Frontiers in Law,

AML/CFT, Compliance Commission Bills open for public input

Guyana’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework will be undergoing its fourth round of mutual evaluation in September by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

In preparation for that exercise, the Government will be tabling in the National Assembly, the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment)

Bill 2023 and the Guyana Compliance Commission Bill 2023.

This will be done to implement outstanding recommendations of the CFATF and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), as well as correct deficiencies identified and overall strengthen Guyana’s AML/CFT framework.

In keeping with the Government’s policy of publicly consulting with import-

ant stakeholders and the citizenry on significant pieces of legislation, the Attorney General’s Chambers, on Monday, said that recommendations and other constructive inputs are hereby invited in writing in respect of the said two Bills within 14 days to be submitted to agchambers@gmail.com.

These Bills can be accessed on the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs

Preparing for the Future”, the Judiciary’s head said that new frontiers should not only be in the area of technology or legislation or online courts, but it should also embrace social justice, community justice, therapeutic justice, and compassionate justice. Alluding to the recent symposium at which Caricom Heads of Government declared the Region’s crime and violence situation a public health issue, the Chancellor emphasised that the three arms of Government and the public must work together to keep society safe.

“Compassionate jurisprudence which treats the core of the issues of the problem facing society, to my mind, will help especially in the criminal justice system. Rather than place the burden on the courts alone, or imply that the courts may have a part to play by the granting of bail, all hands being on board to address the issue,

and the implementation of mediation, [Alternative Dispute Resolution] and a raft of similar measures will to my mind assist with the existential threat posed by crime and violence in society.”

Restorative justice

Justice CummingsEdwards lauded the recent passage of the Restorative Justice Act of 2022, which she said, will bring together community residents, victims, offenders, and their personal representatives, in a safe and carefully managed environment to effect repairs in communities that have been damaged by criminal acts.

To this end, she said that the recently launched Restorative Justice Centre will enhance the criminal justice system because it will provide huge benefits for the criminal justice system.

With restorative justice, the Chancellor added that

there will be no compromise on fairness or equality or access to justice but socially disadvantaged groups and social justice and criminal justice will be brought together to repair, rehabilitate and restore.

In closing, she stated, “I would like to see the Bar Association of Guyana encouraging fellow practitioners to engage in the practice of law in that new frontier of restorative justice, mediation…We need to support therapeutic jurisprudence. The realities of life are such that compassion must find its way into the justice system if we are to treat the core issues involved in the dispute before the court or if the offending behaviour can be addressed.”

The Restorative Justice Act, inter alia, is aimed at strengthening the justice system and reducing the prison population through alternative sentencing. (Feona Morrison)

MARAD announces new operating hours for water taxis

website www.mola.gov.gy.

Last November, the Attorney General’s Chambers reported that Guyana had completed its second AML/CFT National Risk Assessment Report (NRA), with the Government intending to implement additional amendments to the AML/CFT. The Government is looking to make approximately 30 amendments to the AML/CFT and also to insert new sections.

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has announced new operating hours for water taxis plying the ParikaWakenaam - Supenaam and Parika - Leguan services effective immediately.

The hours of operation of the water taxis on the Parika – Wakenaam - Supenaam and ParikaLeguan routes will be from 05:30h to 17:30h.

However, water taxis that operate in the Demerara River between Georgetown and Vreed-enHoop are permitted to operate from 05:30h to 20:00h.

“This takes effect immediately and will remain in effect until otherwise amended by the Department. Failure to comply with the above instruction can lead to the immediate revocation of operating licences,” the Department warned.

Just last October, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill made it clear that water taxis operating in the Essequibo River were only allowed to operate during

daylight hours since these vessels are not built to navigate at night.

The Minister has explained that the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has standard operating times and Government will not condone any activities beyond the prescribed period.

Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar had also expressed that operators should not flout the guidelines intended for their safety and those of the passengers they’re taking.

“Who goes to tell their family that the operator decided to travel in the night and hit a rock? Sometimes it looks like the Government is not regulating but people can’t do their own thing outside of the guidelines that MARAD has. We’re not going to introduce things to accommodate behaviour outside of the prescribed timing. There is a safe time to operate passenger vessels using those speedboats. We’re not going to allow that. That is the position of

our Government,” Indar had stated.

In February, MARAD with support from the Guyana Coast Guard carried out an exercise along the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers where boat operators, captains, bowmen and owners were stopped and checked for documentation.

The exercise, MARAD assured, was not meant to penalise anyone, instead, it was a compliance survey.

As vessels were stopped during transit on the rivers, the team conducted quick inspections for life vests, boat registration or licences, captain licences, bowman badges and worthiness of the vessels, and what was unearthed were many cases of non-compliance with the Maritime Law.

Defaulting operators were advised that operating vessels without the requisite compliance is in fact a breach of the Maritime Law, which must be adhered to at all times, and errant and non-compliant operators will be fined and prosecuted accordingly.

Chancellor of the Judiciary (acting), Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards

Labour Ministry conducted over 7000 inspections to date – Min Hamilton

ers,” Minister Hamilton pointed out.

To this end, workers are being urged to make use of the many opportunities made available by the Government to enhance their skills.

“It would be remiss of me not to underscore the importance of trade unions and the role that they have played and continue to play in the struggle for workers’ rights, equity, just conditions of work and justice for workers throughout Guyana.

Orealla drowning Family of dead teen chides excursion organisers for lack of supervision

The relatives of 14-year-old Nathaniel Nelson, whose body was pulled from the Corentyne River on Sunday, are blaming the organisers of a family excursion for his death, claiming the patrons were not properly supervised.

Since assuming office in 2020, the Labour Ministry has conducted over 7000 workplace inspections throughout Guyana with the view of enforcing labour and occupational health and safety laws. This was revealed by the subject Minister, Joseph Hamilton, in his Labour Day message on Monday while reiterating that the Government through the Ministry remains dedicated to Guyanese workers. Hamilton further explained that the inspections provided technical information to both employers and employees. They also ensure that the legal provisions relating to conditions of work and the protection of workers are enforced.

He noted that tackling labour and employment issues is critical for Guyana to achieve the targets set out in the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and for the country’s economic and social progress.

“It gives me great pleasure and honour to once again recognise the contributions of our workers to the economic growth and progressive development of Guyana. I firmly believe that tackling labour and employment issues is critical for us to achieve the targets set out in the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and for our economic and social progress,” the Minister said in his statement.

Consequently, the triple dedication of Government, employers, and workers’ organisations is imperative and one that must be encouraged, promoted, and sustained for us to realise our goals and prosperity for all the workers and people of our beautiful country.

“The process of social dialogue is fundamental and at the core of good industrial relations, which is needed for achieving solutions, stability, and good economic outcomes. Importantly, workers must also be active and ensure their rights are not ignored in the workplace,” he stated.

He added that as the oil and gas sector continues to experience accelerated growth and a spike in foreign direct investments, the Government is committed to ensuring that both local and foreign employers comply with the constitutional provision of the “right to equal pay for equal work or work of equal value and to just conditions of work”.

“Importantly, this accelerated expansion and increase in economic activities have increased the demand for skilled work-

“In this regard, the Ministry of Labour will continue to work with the trade unions to ensure that they remain a formidable and major stakeholder in ensuring workers’ rights are protected and contributing to economic growth through involvement in economic and social policy-making, collective bargaining and negotiations at all levels,” Hamilton added. Hamilton also acknowledged workers for their commitment, effort, dedication, and hard work as the nation works towards building a sustainable future.

Nelson, who could not swim, and three others including his younger brother were part of the event when they went into the river to play without life jackets.

The teen’s mother, Kaminie Seenarina, related that the two brothers were accompanied by their grandmother to Orealla for the outing during which they raised concerns about the level of supervision and life jackets.

“They said they spoke about it but no one addressed it.” She said from her understanding, there was no one monitoring activities in the water.

Police had stated that the boys did not say that they were going into the wa-

ter but Seenarina is holding out that the organisers acted in an irresponsible manner.

Dexter Nelson, the dead teen’s father, explained that upon being informed that his son had died, he left his Crabwood Creek home for Orealla but intercepted the boat that was bringing out his son’s body.

“I took him from there and I brought him out.

When I reach out here the Police were waiting for him and they say they are taking the body and not even telling me what they are doing. They say it is a Police matter and my wife had to demand that they tell us what is the procedure – they can’t just take him and don’t tell us what they are going to do with him or where they are taking him,” he told Guyana Times

The incident occurred at about 7:30h on Sunday as the boys were playing in the water. However, it was reported that they ventured further into the river which subsequently led to the disappearance of Nelson.

An alarm was raised and during a two-hour search and rescue exercise, the teen’s body was retrieved. Meanwhile, the relatives are furious the photo released by the Police is that of an older brother of the dead teen and not that Nathaniel Nelson. They have since called for a public apology for the mistake.

27 Reg 5 farmers receive training in capacity building

Twenty-seven farmers in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) were part of an Organisational Management Training Workshop as part of the Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc/Partners of the Americas, Farmer to Farmer Programme collaboration – Capacity Building Training Programme.

The farmers were drawn from the Sandvoort Farmers’ Association and West Coast Berbice Sheep and Goat Association.

The training was held from April 18 to 26 and focused on effective communication, emotional intelligence, team building/ dynamics developing an organisation’s mission/vision, aims and objectives, and organisational structure and roles and responsibilities.

This initiative was held with the aim of training the farmers to gain economies of scale and effectively compete in Guyana’s growing and developing economy.

The training was conducted by a volunteer specialist from the USA recruited by Partners of the Americas, Rozetta Williams.

This is the second batch of farmers trained in Organisational Management through the FFTP (Guyana) Inc/ Partners of the Americas collaboration; the first batch was Perth Central Mahaicony Farmers’ Association, Perth Village, West Coast Berbice.

Dead: Nathaniel Nelson

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton

Volunteer Specialist/Facilitator Rozetta Williams

Farmers and representatives of Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc and Partners of America

FFTP CEO Kent Vincent

Brazilian Police shoot dead 4 illegal gold miners on Yanomami reservation

Brazilian Police and environmental protection agents were ambushed by illegal gold miners on the Yanomami Indigenous reservation in the Amazon on Monday and four miners were shot dead in the exchange of gunfire, a Government statement said. The Environment Ministry said their team was attacked when they moved in to dismantle a wildcat mining camp run by an organised crime gang.

Brazilian authorities are keen to show that they mean business in their efforts to remove the remainder of the wildcat miners on the reservation following the fatal shooting of a Yanomami man.

Gold miners killed one man and seriously injured two others in an attack on Saturday in the Yanomami territory, where authorities have been evicting illegal miners who invaded Brazil's largest Indigenous reservation.

According to Indigenous

People Minister Sonia Guajajara, about 80 per cent of the more than 20,000 gold miners that invaded the reservation have been evicted and those still there are resisting removal more violently.

Environment Minister Marina Silva said 300 mining camps had been dismantled, and 20 planes and one helicopter destroyed by agents of the environmental protection agency Ibama, that is continuing to seek the remaining miners with

Paraguayans see Pena as “ideal” President to boost economy

Paraguayans on Monday were mixed about the prospects of another five years of conservative Colorado party rule, but hoped Presidentelect Santiago Pena could reboot the country’s farm-driven economy.

Pena, a 44-year-old economist, secured a 15-point lead over his opposition rival with 42.7 per cent of the vote, cementing another five-year term for the ruling Colorado Party.

Voters also handed the Colorados a greater majority in both houses of

Congress, with a bigger number of seats than in the previous 2018 election. Fifteen of the country’s 17 governorships are held by the party.

After a night of fireworks and celebrations outside the party’s main headquarters in downtown Asuncion, Beatriz Candia was out cleaning the city’s streets, on a more subdued Monday, given the May 1 Labour Day holiday.

"For me personally, Santiago Pena is a person who could contribute a lot to the economy of our

country (by) putting things in place in macroeconomic terms,” Candia told Reuters.

In his victory speech, Pena acknowledged the economic challenges the landlocked South American country faces.

"We have a lot to do, after the last years of economic stagnation, of fiscal deficit, the task that awaits us is not for a single person or for a party," Pena said on Sunday, calling for "unity and consensus". (Excerpt from Reuters)

the help of Police.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva vowed when he took office in January to remove the miners, whose presence caused a humanitarian crisis, spreading disease and causing malnutrition among the Yanomami by reducing their game and poisoning rivers.

A large-scale enforcement operation was launched in February and most miners began to leave or were forced to go. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trinidad and Tobago launches emergency warning system

The Trinidad Public Alert Notification System (PANS), that allows emergency alert information to be shared on a nationwide scale, has been officially launched by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM).

The aim of PANS will be to caution citizens about current or impending emergencies which may face the country and disasters such as floods.

Speaking during a recent

press conference, the ODPM’s Operations Manager, Dennis Marcelle explained how PANS would work.

“Through our day-to-day operations the ODPM will look at these various pieces of information which come to us, we assess the situation and then based on the level of threat perceived, we can then generate an alert through this system through multiple platforms,” he said.

The launch actually occurred the same day when

Haiti on “brink of civil war”, humanitarian group warns

Haiti is on the “brink of a civil war”, the humanitarian group Mercy Corps has warned, as violence between criminal gangs and civilians risks spiralling.

Mercy Corps said on Monday that the deteriorating security situation and rising prices have also sparked a hunger crisis in the Caribbean nation.

the country’s entire school population was sent into panic and confusion as bomb threats were sent to schools via mass email.

National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, who also spoke at the launch, said such a warning measure would not only be of tremendous importance to the public, but it would also ensure that the correct information was disseminated and therefore, save valuable resources.

(Excerpt from CMC)

UPP condemns Browne Administration’s attempts to deracinate sister islanders and expunge Barbuda Land Act

The Leadership, Central Executive and Women’s Forum of the United Progressive Party (UPP) stand in unwavering support of the position taken by the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM), the Barbuda Council, and the people of Barbuda on the communal ownership of their lands and the primacy of the Council on matters related to the governance of the island, the Party said in a release.

“We condemn the attempts of Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his Administration to deracinate Barbudans, at worst, and to marginalise them geographically and politically, at best, under the guise of “develop-

ment” and “foreign direct investment” .

“Further, the UPP continues to support the tenets enshrined in the Barbuda Land Act, 2007, and we condemn the current attempts to have that legislation expunged. Such an action would be unconscionable, disrespectful, and utterly contemptuous of the Barbudan people and should be seen as such by all right-thinking Antiguans.

“We do not accept that Barbudans’ communal ownership and Antiguans not being allowed to purchase their land as “discrimination;” and we utterly reject every attempt to erase the identity of “Barbudans” and have them subsumed into the collective.

“The Kalinago of Dominica; the Maori of New Zealand; and the Native American tribes of the United States of America all enjoy special arrangements of ownership of their ancestral lands and have a say in how they are used. Why should the Barbudans be treated with less consideration simply to satisfy the objectives of a bankrupt and greedy Administration?

“Accordingly, we call upon all persons and organisations – nationally, regionally and internationally – to support and rally around the people of the sister island at this critical time. History will judge those who fail to respond to this moral crisis.”

(Antigua Observer)

With the escalating violence – particularly in the capital Port-au-Prince, where gangs have taken over large parts of the city –families are losing access to basic necessities, including food and clean water, the group added.

“The population has been pushed to make impossible decisions, like choosing between taking children to a hospital or health clinics to treat cholera at the risk of being kidnapped and killed, or staying home and hoping they will get better,” said

Lunise Jules, Mercy Corps country director for Haiti.

Jules added that many residents are starting to question, “Why not seek revenge and take justice into their own hands?”

Last week, a mob lynched at least 13 suspected gang members who had been arrested in Port-au-Prince.

The violence has been

exacerbated by a series of crises facing the country of more than 11 million residents. Haiti has suffered from periodic natural disasters, gang violence, a cholera outbreak and long-standing political instability made worse by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Boss of Mexico's migration authority charged over deadly fire

The Head of Mexico's migration authority, Francisco Garduño, has been charged in connection with a deadly fire at a migrant centre in Ciudad Juárez on March 27.

Forty migrants from Central and South America died behind bars when smoke filled a cell they were being held in.

CCTV footage appeared to show the guards walking away as the fire spread without opening the locked cell door.

Garduño is the most senior official to be charged over the fire.

The deadly blaze caused outrage and raised questions about the handling of the treatment of migrants by the Mexican authorities.

A court in Ciudad Juárez ruled on Sunday that there

was sufficient evidence to charge Garduño with "unlawful exercise of public office".

The 74-year-old has not been arrested, but has been ordered to regularly report to the authorities.

Prosecutors argue that his failure to act led to the

death of the migrants who were being held at the centre run by the National Institute of Migration (INM) just south of the US-Mexico border.

The prosecution has been given four months to build its case against Garduño before the trial starts.

Garduño said he could not comment on the ongoing case.

Last week, more footage of the minutes leading up to the fire were shared by local newspaper El Diario de Juárez.

In it, guards appear to walk away from the room which is quickly filling with smoke without seeming to take any action to free the migrants who were locked in the cell where the fire started. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Illegal mining in the Yanomami Indigenous land, Roraima state, Brazil, February 11, 2023 (Reuters/Amanda Perobelli file photo)

Police patrol the streets after gang members tried to attack a Police station in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on April 25 [File: Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters]

Francisco Garduño remains in his post as head of the National Institute of Migration (INM)

Around The World OIL NEWS

Oil drops 1% as economic growth concerns offset OPEC+ cuts

Oil prices dropped by a dollar a barrel on Monday after weak economic data from China and expectations of another US interest rate hike outweighed support from OPEC+ supply cuts that take effect this month.

Brent crude fell US$1.02, or 1.3%, to settle at US$78.45 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slid US$1.12, or 1.5%, to settle at US$75.66.

China's manufacturing activity unexpectedly fell in April, official data showed on Sunday, the first contraction since December in the manufacturing purchasing managers' index.

"The market is highly dependent on what happens to China, and the most real time news from the manufacturing sector was a disappointment," said Third Bridge analyst Peter McNally.

China is expected to be the biggest factor driving oil demand growth this year, he added.

The US Federal Reserve, which meets on May 2-3, is expected to increase interest rates by another 25 basis points. The Us dollar rose against a basket of currencies, making oil more expensive for other currency holders.

"We continue to be at the mercy of sentiment surrounding a Chinese recovery or the lack thereof, while the backdrop in the US of ongoing monetary tightening leaves us in the 'bad is good' realm when it comes to economic data or newsflow," said Kpler analyst Matt Smith.

Banking fears have weighed on oil in recent weeks and in what is the third major US institution to fail in two months, US regulators seized First Republic Bank over the weekend ahead of a deal in which JPMorgan bought most of its assets.

Voluntary output cuts of around 1.16 million barrels per day by members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, take effect from May.

Oil prices drew some support from US manufacturing activity pulling off a three-year low in April, as new orders improved slightly and employment rebounded.

"Crude prices are paring losses on optimism the economy can strengthen now that banking drama is behind us and on signs factory activity is improving," said OANDA analyst Edward Moya. (Reuters)

"Dangerous precedent":

Tunisian Police target books

Tunisian authorities have seized two books at the national book fair and temporarily closed down a publishing house’s pavilion, moments after the President had told reporters about the importance of combatting rigid thinking.

Friday’s first confiscation, decried by critics as a further step in President Kais Saied’s crackdown on dissenting voices, was of the book Tunisian Frankenstein by Kamel Riahi.

The seizure came right after Saied told reporters at the opening of the Tunis International Book Fair: “It is important to liberate thinking because we cannot accomplish anything with rigid thoughts.”

“I consider this a dangerous precedent for the suppression of freedom of expression,” Riahi told Al Jazeera.

Tunisian Frankenstein is about the collapse of democ-

US to end COVID vaccination requirements on May 11 for foreign travellers, federal workers

The United States will end its COVID-19 vaccination requirements for international travellers and federal workers on May 11, when the coronavirus public health emergency ends, the White House said on Monday.

In February, the US House of Representatives voted to lift the requirement that most foreign air travellers be vaccinated against COVID-19, one of the few remaining pandemic travel restrictions still in place.

The Biden Administration last June dropped its requirement that people arriving in the US by air must test negative for COVID, but kept in place Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination requirements for most foreign

travellers.

The rules barred Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic from taking part in some US tournaments because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19, but from May 12 he could freely enter and play in major American tournaments like the US Open.

The Homeland Security Department also said Monday starting May 12 it would no longer require non-US travellers entering the United States via land ports of entry and ferries to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.

The Biden Administration’s rules imposed in September 2021 requiring about 3.5 million federal employees and contractors to be vaccinated or face firing or disciplinary action have not been enforced for over a year after a series of court rulings.

A federal appeals court in March upheld a decision blocking enforcement of the employee vaccine requirement.

The White House told federal agencies in October 2022 not to enforce the contractor vaccine requirements even after a nationwide injunction was lifted.

The Health and Human Services Department said it would start the process to end vaccination requirements for Head Start educators and Governmentcertified healthcare facilities. (Reuters)

Ukraine war: More than 20,000 Russian fighters dead in Bakhmut – US says

The White House believes that more than 20,000 Russian combatants have died in the battle for the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

A further 80,000 have been wounded, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, citing newly declassified intelligence.

Half of the dead are from the Wagner mercenary group, the US says.

If accurate, the number of Russian casualties outweighs the city's pre-war population of 70,000.

thousand civilians remainhas taken on huge symbolic importance for both sides.

Russia has suffered more than 100,000 casualties, including over 20,000 killed in action," he added.

The toll in Bakhmut accounts for losses since the start of December, according to the US figures.

"The bottom line is that Russia's attempted offensive has backfired after months of fighting and extraordinary losses," Kirby said.

racy in Tunisia, Riahi said, along with the decline of public freedoms and Saied’s violations of the Tunisian Revolution’s values.

Officials also closed down the stand of Riahi’s publishing house, Dar el-Kitab, only to reopen it a day later after other stands closed in solidarity.

Dar el-Kitab chief Habib Zoghbi said in a video on social media on Saturday that authorities justified their action by claiming the book had not been authorised for display, even though it was included in a list sent a week earlier to the fair’s administration.

Also on Saturday, security officers returned to the fair and picked up samples of another book by author and journalist Nizam Bahloul titled Kais the First, President of a Drunken Ship and asked the publisher to withdraw all other copies, the author said.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Moscow has been trying to take Bakhmut since last year in a grinding war of attrition.

The battle for the small city - where only a few

Ukrainian officials have also said they are using the battle to kill as many Russian troops as possible and wear down its reserves. However, Ukraine only now controls a small

portion of the city.

"Russia's attempt at an offensive in the Donbas largely through Bakhmut has failed," Kirby told reporters. "Russia has been unable to seize any real strategic and significant territory."

"We estimate that

He added he was not giving estimates of Ukrainian casualties because "they are the victims here. Russia is the aggressor".

The BBC is unable to independently verify the figures given and Moscow has not commented. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Sudan battles risk exodus of

800,000

The United Nations warned on Monday that 800,000 people may flee Sudan as rival military factions battled in the capital despite a supposed ceasefire and foreign states wound down evacuations.

Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands wounded over 16 days of battles since disputes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted into conflict on April 15.

people – UN says

There seems little prospect of a quick resolution to the crisis, which has unleashed a humanitarian disaster, damaged swathes of Khartoum, risked drawing in regional powers, and reignited conflict in the Darfur region. Both sides agreed on Sunday to extend a much-violated truce by 72 hours and the UN told Reuters they may hold truce talks in Saudi Arabia. But air strikes and artillery rang out on

Monday as smoke hung over Khartoum and neighbouring cities.

UN refugee deputy chief Raouf Mazou said his agency was planning for an exodus of 815,000 people including 580,000 Sudanese as well as foreign refugees now living in the country.

Some 73,000 have already left Sudan, he said.

Sudanese who ventured onto the streets were shocked by the transformation.

"We saw dead bodies. The industrial area that was all looted. We saw people carrying TVs on their backs and big sacks looted from factories," said resident Mohamed Ezzeldin.

Many fear for their lives in the power struggle between the army chief and RSF head, who had shared control of Government after a 2021 coup but fell out over a planned transition to civilian rule. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A Ukrainian soldier fires towards Russian positions outside Bakhmut in November

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Observation will provide insight into someone's motives. Understanding what you must give up will ensure you get what you want. Keep personal information to yourself.

(March 21-April 19)

Home improvement projects will pay off. Decluttering your space will ease stress and motivate you to take better care of yourself and your possessions. A compassionate attitude will be key.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Walk away from drama. Opportunities are apparent if you focus on what's important. A chance to expand your interests will prove pivotal. Be careful with whom you share your secrets.

Invest in something solid and lasting, not in someone else's dream. A unique approach to your responsibilities will bring positive results. Financial matters will complicate certain relationships.

(June 21-July 22)

Communication will make you aware of what's possible. Ask questions, collaborate with people you can learn from and be quick to take advantage of a rare opportunity that comes your way.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Proceed with an open mind and a will to learn. Your discipline and hard work will pay off if you don't let your emotions and personal life interfere with your responsibilities.

Look for ways to lower your overhead. Avoid making impulse purchases and taking on more debt than you can afford. Update your qualifications and resume to fit a position that interests you.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Keep the ball rolling. Don't lose sight of your goal or your personal or professional associates. Maintaining balance and integrity will be necessary if you want to form strong alliances.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Spend more time getting to know someone who interests you, and you'll gain valuable insight. Strive for perfection, and pay attention to detail. Avoid taking on too much.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

How you earn and handle your money will be crucial. Consider your living arrangements and how they affect your life and daily routine. Work to ease stress and set a sensible budget.

Learn from your mistakes, and you'll find a safe way to make your money grow. How you invest, budget and put an end to overindulgence will be key.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Do what comes naturally. Don't second-guess yourself or trust someone else to take care of your interests. Change your fitness routine to suit your lifestyle. Say no to temptation.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Bowlers do the job as RCB defend 126 to go 5th

in the first three overs, du Plessis and Kohli tried to break the shackles. In the fourth over, du Plessis hit Naveen for a straight six and Kohli followed it with a four. However, Krunal and Bishnoi conceded only 10 in the next two, and RCB finished the powerplay on 42 for no loss.

Bishnoi gets Kohli and Maxwell

Du Plessis and Kohli had put on 62 in 8.5 overs when Kohli decided to skip down the track against Bishnoi. He reached nowhere near the ball, it also

he pulled a half-tracker from Mishra for a six and du Plessis also tried to take Mishra on but ended up miscuing his attempt. Krunal ran to his right from point and completed the tumbling catch near extra cover.

RCB were relying on Karthik for some late blows, but Yash Thakur dashed their hopes. In the 19th over, Wanindu Hasaranga hit one back towards Thakur, who fielded the ball and nailed the direct hit at the non-striker's end to find Karthik well short after he had taken off a long way.

six, but when he tried to go for another big hit against Karn Sharma, he holed out to deep square leg.

LSG slip further LSG still looked to attack their way to the target. Gowtham hit Karn for a six and four, and followed it with another six off Hasaranga. That reduced the equation to 64 needed from the last 10 overs. But when Stoinis tried to go big against Karn, he sliced it to long-off. In the next over, Gowtham too perished, his

casual running while returning for a second run leading to him being run-out.

Rahul leaves it too late LSG needed 49 in the last five overs with two wickets in hand. Mishra and Naveen were in the middle; Rahul was still padded up in the dugout. The required rate kept ballooning, and when Rahul finally walked in, it was too late, because he couldn't run and Mishra couldn't get the boundaries. (ESPNcricinfo)

Faf du Plessis top-scored for RCB

In the previous meeting between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants, 425 runs were scored in 40 overs on the batting paradise at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

On Monday night, LSG served a black-soil pitch on their home ground where the ball gripped and held into the surface. The result: 234 runs in 39.5 overs with RCB coming out on top by 18 runs.

After Faf du Plessis opted to bat, he and Virat Kohli set the platform by adding 62 in nine overs. But the innings never really came out of the first gear. Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Amit Mishra and K Gowtham combined to bowl 13 overs of spin and picked up 5 for 73 between them. Naveen-ul-Haq, too, reaped the rewards of bowling his cutters

into the pitch and picked up three wickets at the death to restrict RCB to a modest 126 for 9.

In response, LSG had a nightmarish start. They were 38 for 5 after seven overs, and when Marcus Stoinis and Gowtham too fell in back-to-back overs, they were soon 77 for 8. LSG's only hope at that point was KL Rahul. He had hobbled off the field after hurting his right leg in the second over of the game. But by the time he came out at No. 11, LSG needed 24 off eight balls.

It was clear Rahul was not going to run between the wickets.

turned it to be a googly and beat him on the inside edge for Nicholas Pooran to effect an easy stumping.

Number three Anuj Rawat managed only nine before being dismissed by Gowtham. That brought Glenn Maxwell, arguably RCB's best batter against spin, into the middle. On his fifth ball, he tried to reverse-sweep a Bishnoi legbreak only to get hit on the thigh and be given out lbw.

In the 15th over, Mishra had Suyash Prabhudessai caught at long-off, courtesy an excellent diving catch by Gowtham, to leave RCB 90 for 4.

SCOREBOARD

Royal Challengers Bangalore (20 ovs maximum)

Virat Kohli st †Pooran

b Ravi Bishnoi 31

Faf du Plessis (c) c Pandya

b Mishra 44

Anuj Rawat c Mayers

b Gowth

am 9

Glenn Maxwell lbw b

Ravi Bishnoi 4

Suyash Prabhudessai

c Gowtham b Mishra 6

Dinesh Karthik † run out (Yash Thakur) 16

Mahipal Lomror lbw

b Naveen-ul-Haq 3

RCB bounce back

Mohammed Siraj has been lethal with the new ball this season, and he once again struck early, having Kyle Mayers caught at mid-on with the second ball of the chase. After two overs, LSG were 2 for 1.

Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva not out 8

Karn Sharma c Gowtham

b Naveen-ul-Haq 2

Mohammed Siraj c †Pooran

b Naveen-ul-Haq 0

Josh Hazlewood not out 1

Extras (w 2) 2

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 6.30) 126/9

Did not bat: Harshal Patel

He played three dots, one of which was a free hit, and then saw Mishra trying, but failing to score 23 in the final over.

RCB's slow start

After RCB scored only 20 runs

Rain, but no runs

After a brief spell of rain that halted play for around 25 minutes, Dinesh Karthik resumed by hitting Naveen over midwicket for four. In the next over, the 17th,

Krunal hit Siraj for three successive fours in the third to move the needle, but LSG lost four wickets in the next four overs. Krunal was the first to go, chipping Maxwell to longoff. From the other end, Josh Hazlewood removed Ayush Badoni, who had come in as Impact Player for Thakur and opened the innings.

Hasaranga dealt a blow with his first ball, drawing Deepak Hooda out of the crease with a googly and having him stumped. Pooran started with a first-ball

Fall of wickets: 1-62 (Virat

Kohli, 8.6 ov), 2-75 (Anuj

Rawat, 11.4 ov), 3-80 (Glenn

Maxwell, 12.4 ov), 4-90 (Suyash Prabhudessai, 14.3 ov), 5-109 (Faf du Plessis, 16.5 ov), 6-114 (Mahipal Lomror, 17.5 ov), 7-117 (Dinesh Karthik, 18.4 ov), 8-121 (Karn Sharma, 19.2 ov), 9-121 (Mohammed Siraj, 19.3 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Krunal Pandya 4-0-21-0

Marcus Stoinis 1-0-11-0

Naveen-ul-Haq 4-0-30-3

Ravi Bishnoi 4-0-21-2

Amit Mishra 3-0-21-2

Yash Thakur 2-0-12-0

Krishnappa Gowtham 2-0-10-1 Lucknow Super Giants (T: 127 runs from 20 ovs)

Kyle Mayers c Anuj Rawat

b Mohammed Siraj 0

Ayush Badoni c Kohli b

Hazlewood 4

Krunal Pandya c Kohli

b Maxwell 14

Deepak Hooda st †Karthik

b de Silva 1

Marcus Stoinis c Prabhudessai

b Sharma 13

Nicholas Pooran † c

Lomror b Sharma 9

Krishnappa Gowtham run out (sub [R Sonu Yadav]/†Karthik) 23

Ravi Bishnoi run out (Patel/†Karthik)

(Deepak Hooda, 5.1 ov), 5-38 (Nicholas Pooran, 6.6 ov), 6-65 (Marcus Stoinis, 10.4 ov), 7-66 (Krishnappa Gowtham, 11.1 ov), 8-77 (Ravi Bishnoi, 14.4 ov), 9-103 (Naveen-ul-Haq, 18.4 ov), 10-108 (Amit Mishra, 19.5 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W

Mohammed Siraj 3-0-24-1

Josh Hazlewood 3-0-15-2

Maxwell 1-0-3-1

Ukrainian athletes will boycott this month's World Judo Championships in Qatar over concerns about Russian and Belarusian participation.

The International Judo Federation decided to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutrals.

The decision will allow judokas from those countries to participate in qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games.

"We have decided not to participate in the World Championships," the Ukrainian Judo Federation (UJF) said on Monday.

Last month, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to compete under a neutral flag, but it has yet to make a decision on Paris 2024.

The IOC also recommended athletes and support personnel who actively support the war in Ukraine, or who are contracted to the military, should not be permitted to compete.

However, the UJF alleged that a number of Russian judokas registered for the World Judo Championships, which take place between May 7 and 14, are "active

servicemen".

"We do not see here neutrality, equal conditions and a 'bridge to peace', as stated in the IJF Resolution on the participation of Russian and Belarusian teams in the World Championships in Doha," the UJF said.

"We see here a decision that contradicts the latest recommendations of the International Olympic Committee.

"We are disappointed with the decision of the International Judo Federation."

The IJF said it has enlisted an independent company to

perform background checks on Russian and Belarusian athletes with "specific reference to possible war propaganda".

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the IJF removed Russian President Vladimir Putin from his position as honorary president and cancelled a Grand Slam event in Kazan, Russia.

On Saturday, the International Canoe Federation said Russian and Belarusian athletes "who are not in support of their State's actions in Ukraine" can return to competition as neutrals. (BBC Sport)

Russian athletes won three bronze medals in Judo at Tokyo 2020

RCB celebrate

Dinesh Karthik is quick to stump Deepak Hooda

Rosignol, NA United win big in NAMILCO league

10th minute. Isaiah Alphonso found the back of the net in the 29th minute to hand Haslington the lead and eventually, the victory.

Meanwhile, a solitary strike from Deshawn Mc Pherson ensured Buxton

Stars would edge Dynamics FC 1-0, in their encounter. Mc Pherson’s game-winning goal came in the 31st minute.

The NAMILCO U-17 League is set to continue over the weekend in various Associations.

Russell throws CWI/ JCA under the bus in Star Sports interview

A

In the Berbice Football Association (BFA) edition of the league, Rosignol United assaulted Ithaca FC 12-2.

Luke Langevine was the leading man for Rosignol with goals in the 22nd, 25th, 28th and 46th minutes, while his teammate Hartman Winton netted three goals.

S

Curry hit a play-off careerhigh 50 points as his side won 120-100.

tephen Curry ensured reigning NBA champions the Golden State Warriors avoided an early play-off exit with a masterclass in the series decider at the Sacramento Kings.The Warriors will face LeBron James' LA Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals.

Earlier, the Miami Heat beat the New York Knicks 108101 to go 1-0 up in the Eastern Conference semis.

The Warriors were trounced 118-99 in game six on Friday, but Curry, chasing a fifth NBA title in nine years, starred in the decider –finishing with the most points ever in a game seven – as his side progressed.

"What an incredible alltime performance," said Curry's team-mate Klay Thompson. "This is a game seven I'll forever remember as the Steph Curry game."

"We all take him for granted, because he's brilliant night after night and we've been watching this for 10 years," added Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr.

"You just have to remind yourself, big picture, this is

ction in the Regional Member Association (RMA)-organised National Milling Company (NAMILCO) Boys’ Under-17 League continued over the weekend, with Rosignol United FC standing out among the weekend’s competitors.Also contributing to the large tally were Terrence Lewis (29th, 37th), Quency Fraser (23rd, 85th) and Niron Thom (78th).

Omarion Anthony and Jaheem Edwards netted one apiece for Ithaca.

Another resounding victory went the way of New Amsterdam United when they took on Paradise Invaders FC. Akeem Hosannah (10th), Joshua Dougall (45th), Civion Arokium (16th), Nicquan Samuels (65th) and Kymani Spellen (68th) all found the back of the net in New Amsterdam’s 6-0 win.

Meanwhile, further up the coast, Haslington narrowly

Rosignol United’s goal-scorers

got past Ann’s Grove 2-1, in the East (Coast) Demerara Football Association’s edition of the league.

Ann’s Grove struck

A

The 35-year-old all-rounder has played for KKR since 2014, when he helped them win the IPL title.

first in the third minute, compliments of Nigel Grant, but Haslington would soon level the scores by way of an Akin Baynes strike in the

Since that time, Russell, who last played for the West Indies during the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup in 2021, has declined several opportunities to represent the regional team often, citing health issues relating to longterm knee injuries.

During a recent interview on Star Sports in India, Russell said KKR make him feel special, with

ndre Russell has thrown Cricket West Indies (CWI) under the bus in a recent interview claiming his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders treat him better.everything that Kolkata-based franchise did for him to get treatment done on his knees.

"Where I was, a few years ago, KKR actually make things happen for me where they send me to get proper treatments on my knees,” Russell said.

“That's something special to me to be honest. No other franchise or even my country never really invest that much on me."

Russell added that he feels at home at KKR.

"I'm happy here. I don't see any other franchise I would love to be a part of in this tournament, because I've been here for about nine years now. Been here for so many years, I meet these guys, get closer to them every year," he said. (Sportsmax)

good post-season form, making it five wins from six play-off games to follow up their surprise win over top seeds Milwaukee Bucks in the first round.

The influential Jimmy Butler led the eighth seeds with 25 points and 11 rebounds, but rolled his ankle late in the game and, although he continued, will require treatment before game two at 00:30 on Wednesday.

Stephen Curry had eight rebounds and six assists alongside his 50 points

one of the best players in the history of the game."

The Kings, who were making their first post-season appearance in 17 years, and had the benefit of a home crowd, led 58-56 at halftime with Domantas Sabonis scoring 16 points.

But the third quarter belonged to the Warriors, and once Curry scored five points in a row to put them 69-62 up with seven minutes 50 seconds remaining they seized control and never relinquished it.

Curry was devastating with seven three-pointers in his tally but Kevon Looney (21 rebounds and 11 points), Andrew Wiggins (17 points) and Klay Thompson (16 points)

also played their parts in the win.

The opening game between the Lakers and the Warriors will take place at 03:00 BST on Wednesday in San Francisco.

The Warriors faced a James-led Cleveland Cavaliers in four consecutive NBA finals between 2015 and 2018, winning three of them. Fourtime champion James won his last title with the Lakers in 2020.

Speaking about facing NBA record scorer James again, Curry added: "It's special from the first series we played him in Cleveland. We're blessed to be playing at this level still and excited about a new chapter."

Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra refused to speculate on whether Butler would be involved in that game.

"You just don't know with ankle sprains," he said. "I don't even know if we will know more by tomorrow. We'll just have to wait and see. It will be a waiting game."

New York led 32-21 after the first quarter and were 5550 ahead at the break, but the Heat took over in the third quarter led by Butler, along with Max Strus who landed two crucial three-pointers.

The Knicks were led by 26 points from RJ Barrett and 25 from Jalen Brunson but were without two-time All-Star forward Julius Randle, who was sidelined with a left ankle sprain. (BBC Sport)

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Curry leads Warriors past Kings with 50-point haul

Buxton Stars’ Deshawn Mc Pherson New Amsterdam United

Allicock starts World Championships with victory

Guyanese pugilist

Keevin Allicock started the country’s campaign at the International Boxing Association (IBA) Men’s World Boxing Championships on a stellar note, with an opening victory.

Allicock came up against Turkmenistan boxer Yhlas Gylychjanov Monday morning, in a Round of 64 featherweight contest at the Humo Arena in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

While the Guyanese boxer, fighting out of the red corner, looked wellpoised in the first two

Kwakwani edge Linden Foundation to clinch championship

rounds, it was in the third he upped the ante, landing decisive blows on his opponent. The bout was eventually stopped by the referee, just over a minute into the third round, and victory was assured for Allicock.

The pugilist will now move on to the Round of 32, where he is expected to oppose Abdumalik Khalokov of Uzbekistan.

The other Guyanese boxer at the championships, reigning Sportsman of the Year Desmond Amsterdam will also be in action this week against Bulgaria’s Kristiyan Nikolov, in the

Light Heavy Round of 32.

The Guyanese boxers competing in Uzbekistan are accompanied by Coach Terrence Poole.

If the Guyanese duo are to medal at the ongoing World Championships, they stand the chance of pocketing US$200,000 for a gold medal, US$100,000 (the previous champion’s purse) for a silver medal or US$50,000 for a bronze medal.

In total, 538 boxers from 107 countries are competing at this year’s Boxing World Championships.

Pele FC Alumni Educational Programme 2023 deemed a resounding success

The mining town of Linden was treated to scintillating competition by up-and-coming kayakers when the Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours staged its second Inter-Schools kayaking competition.

In the end, it was the Kwakwani Secondary School that put on an amazing show at this year’s tournament to come away with the championship, in the Demerara River aback the Watooka Guest House in Mackenzie, Linden.

The school from the upper Berbice River community in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), competing for the first time, took the lion’s share of the prizes up for

grabs, amassing a total of 50 points and edging past Linden Foundation, who had to settle for second place with 49 points.

For their outstanding performance, Kwakwani

Secondary (31 points) fifth.

Mackenzie High School (6), St Stanislaus College (7), Wisburg Secondary (8), St Rose’s High (9), St Joseph High (10) and Queen’s College (11) were the other participants.

Pele FC Alumni Corporation Chairman Denis Ivor Carrington has deemed the 2023 Educational Programme, which made a return after being halted by COVID-19, a resounding success.

Carrington, along with a number of other Executive members including Treasurer Patrick “Labba” Barton and other members in the Diaspora, spent two weeks in Guyana last month to run off this marquee activity among others.

Having returned to the USA where most of the members reside, Carrington informed that after reviewing this year’s rebound edition, they could only conclude that its success was heart-warming.

The programme attracted 126 students and took place at the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary, from April 11-13. Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken paid a surprise visit and interacted with the participants.

Among the topics dealt with during the three days were Acceptable Social Behaviour facilitated by Dawn Braithwaite; Life Skills – Self Awareness, Dental Hygiene (Dr Watson); Health Care – Mental Health (Cecil Jacques); Life Skill – Decision-Making, and Social Etiquette.

answering questions posed by each facilitator.

The final day of the Life Skills Camp saw the kids going on an educational tour which took them to the Caricom building in the morning and to the University of Guyana in the afternoon.

Chairman Carrington concluded that while it was very hectic, they were very pleased with what was achieved.

Secondary won $200,000 in cash along with trophies and medals, compliments of SLB. Additionally, Courts will be donating tablets and school supplies to each student of the Kwakwani team.

However, it was a close battle with Linden Foundation Secondary, as they finished one point behind the winners, with New Silver City Secondary (40 points) finishing third, last year’s winners Harmony Secondary (35 points) fourth and Christianburg Wismar

Dr Deon Anderson, who heads the kayaking body, took time out to give special thanks to sponsor Banks DIH for its unwavering support.

He also made specific note of title sponsors SLB for making this possible in a very big way; Courts for honouring the champions, and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Guyana Tourism Authority, the Office of the Prime Minister, and ENet for their very tangible contributions.

“We are of the collective position that this year’s activity was very impactful, and we were able to achieve the desired objectives amongst which was ensuring that the kids were exposed to life skills sessions over the three days of the programme. We owe a depth of gratitude to all those persons and entities that contributed to the success of all the activities that we held whilst in Guyana, especially, the Lions Club of Georgetown, Durban Park which coordinated and ran the Life Skills Camp,” he noted.

The participants at one of the lunch sessions were treated and exposed to eating with the relevant cutlery. Many said that it was the first time they were exposed to eating with the correct cutlery while observing all the required protocols.

Dr Mark Kirton delivered the feature address at the opening. The opening day saw each participant being presented with a backpack containing personal health items. And on the final day, each child received a backpack with educational materials, including a tablet on the final day,

Additionally, eight of the participants were rewarded with laptops for being attentive during the sessions and

“This is something we plan for and work towards doing. We love it and are energised when we see these kids coming out daily and being actively involved in each session. This is just our way of giving back to the country of our birth and what better way to do it than by empowering the next generation to become rounded citizens that can go on to do well for themselves and Guyana,” he declared.

A number of the scholarship students who are being sponsored by the Pele FC Alumni on various programmes at UG as well as at the secondary level participated by sharing their experiences with the kids attending the programme.

This was used as a tool to encourage the participants, who themselves can one day, become recipients of a Pele FC Alumni, scholarship at the secondary or tertiary level (UG).

Keevin Allicock’s hand is officially raised after the bout was stopped by the referee

New Kayaking Schools champions Kwakwani pose with their trophies and the cheque handed over by Shanta Ramdass Recruiting & Staffing Coordinator of SLB at right

A glimpse of some of the action from Sunday’s competition

Kayaking, Nature Tours Inter-Schools Kayaking Championship…

The participants, facilitators and Pele FC Alumni Executive take time out for a kodak moment at Eve Leary Ground