Guyana Times - Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Exxon co-venturer, sub-contractors among 13 companies to get Local Content Plans approved

…Govt, companies all emphasise

of local content

The Local Content Secretariat has approved the Local Content Annual Plans of 13 further companies, among them foreign and local companies and ExxonMobil’s joint-venture partner and subcontractors in the Stabroek Block.

According to a statement, the 2023 Local Content plans of United Kingdom (UK)-based oil company Tullow and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, Exxon’s Stabroek Block partner, were approved by the Secretariat.

Tullow, alongside Eco Guyana, currently administers the Orinduik oil block that is located just a few kilometres from ExxonMobil’s discoveries in the Liza and Payara fields. Meanwhile, CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinese company CNOOC Limited, holds a 25 per cent interest in the Exxon administered Stabroek Block.

Other companies receiving their approvals from the

Local Content Secretariat were Guyana Shore Base Incorporated (GYSBI), a shore base operation that services six rigs and two floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels.

Guyana Deepwater Operations, the local subsidiary of Netherlands-based company SBM Offshore that was contracted by Exxon to construct its FPSO vessels and Noble Drilling Guyana Incorporated, whose parent company has been supplying drill ships to Exxon, also received approvals.

The remaining companies to receive their approvals were Bourbon Guyana Incorporated; SLB Guyana; Stena Carron Drilling Limited; Tenaris Guyana Incorporated; Tullow Guyana BV; Weatherford Trinidad Limited (Guyana); Tiger Rental; Sustainable Energy Solutions, and OEG Energy Inc.

In a statement, the Ministry of Natural Resources pointed to the approvals of the plans as tes-

tament to how committed both the Government and industry stakeholders are to sustainable development.

“The approved plans ensure that the exploration and production activities undertaken by the companies will maximise local participation, promote economic diversification, and foster social development,” the Ministry said.

Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, in the company of the Director of the Local Content Secretariat Dr Martin Pertab and the Ministry’s Legal Officer Michael Munroe, signed the companies’ letters of approval at the Ministry’s Kingston office.

During the signing, Minister Bharrat reminded the participants of the importance of local content to the Government and people of Guyana. He pointed out that mandating the submission of these Local Content Plans ensures that the development of Guyana’s natural resources translates

into tangible benefits for Guyanese, generating employment opportunities, and fostering the growth of local businesses.

In their comments, both SLB’s Managing Director Sharlene Seegoolam and Noble Drilling’s Local Content Manager Renatha Khan-Bovell reaffirmed their respective companies’ commitment to local content.

“This approval is a representation of our milestones/ commitment throughout the lifespan of our contract where we offer support to the economic development in the local communities,” Khan-Bovell was quoted as saying.

The Local Content Act states that contractors, sub-contractors and licensees operating in Guyana’s petroleum sector must submit a Local Content Annual Plan, outlining in detail their procurement, employment and capacity development plans for the reporting year.

Only recently, the

Ministry of Natural Resources had greenlit the annual plans of five oil majors operating in Guyana, including the Stabroek Block operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL). In the statement, the Ministry made it clear that it remains committed to the effective implementation and monitoring of local content policies and ensuring that companies are compliant.

“The Government will continue to work closely with the approved companies and all stakeholders to foster an enabling environment that empowers local businesses, develops local capacity, and promotes sustainable development in the natural resources sector,” the Ministry said.

After being passed in the National Assembly in December 2021, the Local Content Laws were enacted in January 2022. The Act lays out 40 different services that oil and gas companies and their subcon-

tractors must procure from Guyanese companies.

These include 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 100 per cent local insurance services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.

The Local Content Act mandates penalties, such as fines ranging from $5 million to $50 million, for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act.

However, the Act is intended to be a living one and both President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo have noted that the legislation will be continuously reviewed and updated over time in order to close loopholes that are being exploited by operators in the oil and gas sector. (G3)

importance

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat as he hands over the letter of approval to SLB’s Managing Director Sharlene Seegoolam Minister Vickram Bharrat with Noble Drilling’s Local Content Manager Renatha Khan-Bovell

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, May 30 – 01:30h – 03:00h and Wednesday, May 31 – 02:00h – 03:30h and 12:00h – 12:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, May 30 – 12:35h –14:05h and Wednesday, May 31 – 13:30h – 15:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and light rain showers during the day. Expect clear skies and light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Easterly to Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 13:10h reaching maximum height of 2.29 metres.

Low Tide: 06:43h and 19:04h reaching minimum heights of 0.94 metre and 0.89 metre.

President Ali on state visit to Brazil ahead of historic regional summit

…to hold talks with Brazilian President on bilateral cooperation

Ahead of what will be the first summit bringing together the majority of South American leaders as a bloc in almost a decade, President Dr Irfaan Ali has travelled to Brazil where he is also expected to hold talks with his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

According to a statement from the Government, President Dr Irfaan Ali departed Guyana on Monday for Brazil. Leaders of South American countries are gathering in Brazil for the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) summit being held today.

Founded in 2008 with the intention of increasing the integration of South America, UNASUR has not met with its full complement of leaders since 2014… making today’s summit a historic one. Back in 2018, Brazil (then under the Presidency of Jair Bolsonaro), Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Paraguay suspended their membership in UNASUR.

President Ali is being accompanied on his trip to Brazil by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd. According to the statement, President Ali will also meet with and hold talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Back in January, President Ali was among the world leaders who attended President Lula’s inauguration. Prior to Lula’s inauguration, President Ali in his congratulation message had listed a number of areas that would be critical for both countries to move their relationship forward, including energy and food security, telecommunication, infrastructure integration and trade.

The President had said earlier this month that the Linden/Lethem Road will be discussed during his next meeting with President Lula. The mostly United Kingdom (UK)-funded Lindento-Lethem Road is currently being built by Brazilian company Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

“We now have all the bridges to Lethem being reconstructed to international standards, four-lane concrete bridges. That will make a huge dif-

ference. At the end of this month, I’m meeting with President Lula to continue discussion on the further expansion of this road,” President Ali had said.

The Linden to Lethem Road will be the largest project administered by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and is one of the most historic projects undertaken in Guyana. The road works include upgrading the existing alignment to asphaltic concrete surface; 2 lanes spanning 7.2 metre width; and 122 kilometres with the inclusion of five drainage structures.

Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A is a large Brazilian contractor established in 1966. The company specialises in the construction of refineries, roads, bridges, commercial offices, residential buildings, highways and sewage systems worldwide.

The Linden-to-Lethem Road, a key link between Guyana and Brazil, with the potential to boost trade, is at present little more than an unsurfaced trail that deteriorates in rainfall. As such, the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (CIF) programme, administered through the CDB, would be providing funding for the first phase of the road: from Linden to Mabura Hill, as well as a crossing at Kurupukari.

The process leading to the award of the contract followed a stringent and transparent procurement process by which the call for proposals for the prequalification of contractors was made in February 2021. Ten contractors were prequalified, and this list was approved by the CDB in October 2021. Following the prequalification phase, the bidding process began in October 2021 and ended in December 2021. Of the 10 prequalified contractors, the following five made submissions: China Gezhouba Group Company Limited; China Railway International Group & China Railway No 10 Engineering Group Co Ltd; Shandong Luqiao Group Co; OECI SA (OECI) in JV with Castilho Engenharia E Empreendimentos S.A. (CEE); and Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A.

The bids were carefully scrutinised and evaluated by a team of local engineers. After a thorough evaluation process involving engagements and consultations with the Caribbean Development Bank, Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A was determined as the most responsive bid, indicating full compliance with all environmental, social, health and safety requirements. (G3)

President Dr Irfaan Ali as he arrived in Brazil

Editor: Tusika Martin

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World No Tobacco Day

Ahead of World No Tobacco Day tomorrow, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has revealed that new products and misleading information from the tobacco industry, targeting young people, threaten to undo gains made over the past decade to eliminate consumption.

Director of PAHO, Dr Jarbas Barbosa said: "The tobacco industry and its allies do not rest. Currently, they spread a lot of misleading information that promotes, especially among young people, the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products…Although eight countries in the region have banned the marketing of e-cigarettes and four of heated tobacco products, we are concerned that 14 countries have not yet taken any regulatory action in this regard.”

In Latin America and the Caribbean, tobacco use kills one million people per year. Worldwide, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has outlined that more than 40 million young people aged 13-15 have already started to use tobacco. In the region, 11 per cent of young people use tobacco. This, by any measure, is quite alarming, and one can only imagine the kind of impact this would have on our young people if urgent action is not taken to discourage such actions.

The WHO, for some time now, has embarked on a global campaign to highlight the “strategic, aggressive and well-resourced tactics” employed by the tobacco industry to target youths, and to debunk the myths they create.

The campaign seeks to provide young people with the knowledge required to easily detect industry manipulation –from product design to marketing campaigns – and equip them with the tools to rebuff such tactics, thereby empowering young people to stand up against them. The WHO described this effort as a counter-marketing campaign, as it would reinforce work in assisting countries to implement effective policy interventions to reduce the demand for tobacco.

Regionally, statistics show 15 per cent of cardiovascular disease deaths; 24 per cent of deaths from cancer and 45 per cent of deaths from chronic respiratory diseases are attributable to tobacco use.

Guyana’s Chronic Diseases Coordinator, Dr Kavita Singh has, in the past, lamented the fact that the tobacco industry is capitalising on new trends, targeting young persons. She noted that it was during this point in time that ‘big tobacco’ was using strategic marketing techniques to try to get young people to experiment with the new and emerging novel products, like the e-cigarettes and the heated tobacco products.

While there is a myth that these products are safe, they are equally as harmful as the smoke of an actual cigarette. According to WHO, smoking e-cigarettes and hookah pipes – marketed as “safer” alternatives to conventional cigarettes – is harmful, addictive, and increases the risk of developing heart and lung diseases.

Of note is that these products have the same tobacco, which has cancer-causing agents among other deadly emissions. The WHO notes that most of the countless flavours on offer – such as bubble-gum and candy – are there to attract youngsters, who at least double their chances of smoking cigarettes later in life.

It should be stated that tobacco is responsible for over seven million deaths per year worldwide. This includes approximately 900,000 persons who die from diseases related to exposure to tobacco smoke. Over 40 per cent of all tobacco-related deaths are from lung diseases like cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and tuberculosis.

Guyana’s tobacco control law, enacted in 2017, follows several of the Articles of the WHO Convention, and mandates the adoption and implementation of a series of tobacco control policies that make it one of the most complete tobacco control laws. These include: 100 per cent smoke-free environments in all indoor public spaces, indoor work spaces, public transportation, and specified outdoor spaces to protect people from exposure to tobacco smoke; a ban on all forms of advertising and promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products; health warnings featured on 60 per cent of tobacco product packaging, including images. It also includes a ban on the sale of tobacco products to and by minors, prohibition on vending machines’ sales, and a ban on the manufacture and sale of toys and candies, and any other goods in the form of tobacco products.

However, there is still much work to be done to win the battle against tobacco.

Impact of lockdowns on youth mental health

By Glenn Tucker

In an item during the evening news recently,

the Children's Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison went to great lengths to indicate that children and adolescents are exhibiting signs of mental health issues, including suicide.

About this time last year, there were concerns about the regular incidence of violence among schoolchildren. We need to discuss the effects of COVID-19. But this must be prefaced, because some troubling preconditions received little more than lip service over the years.

Jamaican children have been experiencing violence — directly or indirectly — in many settings, including at home, in school, online, or in neighbourhoods, and in many forms, such as bullying or harassment by peers, domestic violence, child maltreatment, and community violence. Exposure to violence can harm a child's emotional, psychological, and even physical development. For example, children exposed to violence are more likely to have difficulty in school, abuse drugs or alcohol, act aggressively, suffer from depression or other mental health problems, and engage in criminal behaviour.

The novel coronavirus, first reported in China, spread worldwide to create a pandemic. As of August 18, 2020, the virus had taken root in 216 countries, with almost 22 million confirmed cases and 771,635 deaths globally. Several countries, including Jamaica, declared this pandemic a national

emergency, forcing millions of people to go into lockdown. This decision unexpectedly imposed social isolation and caused enormous disruption of daily routines for the global community, especially children.

Among the measures intended to reduce the spread of the virus was school closure, and classes were moved to the home or online to encourage and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

As a result, the education of 67.6 per cent of students was impacted globally due to COVID-19 in 143 countries. In addition, the transition away from physical classes significantly disrupted the lives of students and their families, posing a potential risk to the mental well-being of children.

And why, one might ask, would isolation have such a severe effect on children? It is a fact that social isolation can stunt a child's development in numerous ways. It can make children anxious in social settings and unable to interact with their peers or adults. It can also prevent a child from learning. This lack of interaction can reduce academic momentum and hinder social and emotional growth. It has also been linked to negative impacts on mental health. These conditions pose an unusual situation for children's developing brains.

Countries with the resources and the foresight to conduct surveys made some exciting findings. Some 35 survey studies comprising 65,508 participants, ages four to 19 years, revealed anxiety (28 per cent); depression (23 per cent); lone-

liness (5 per cent); stress (5 per cent); fear (5 per cent); tension (3 per cent); anger (3 per cent); fatigue (3 per cent); confusion (3 per cent) and worry (3 per cent) were the most common mental health issues reported. Children and adolescents with psychiatric or developmental disorders were especially vulnerable to the mental health effects of COVID-19.

Although most children and adolescents infected with COVID-19 appear to have had mild to moderate symptoms and limited mortality rates, various mental health problems are surfacing. These include anxiety, stress, depression, panic, irritation, sleep problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal behaviour. The precautions were necessary, but at the same time, they came with increased risks of psychological impacts in this vulnerable age group.

Epidemiologist Mainuna Maijujumidal, attached to Boston Children's Hospital, gathered data from 14 states on suicide in 2020. She found that 10 to 19-year-olds accounted for a more significant share of suicides in 2020 than in prior years — increasing from 5.9 per cent 2015-2019 to 6.5 per cent in 2020, a statistically significant rise of 10 per cent. The clinical services department of the same hospital saw a similar trend when the hospital records were examined. Their findings appear in Hospital Pediatrics.

During the two-year study period — spanning the first pandemic year and the year just prior —

nearly 3800 children, aged four to 18, were admitted to inpatient units for mental health-related reasons. About 80 per cent were adolescents, aged 12 to 18. In the year before the pandemic, 50 per cent of admitted patients had suicidal ideation or had made suicidal attempts. That jumped to 60 per cent during the first pandemic year. The proportion making actual suicide attempts rose from 12 to 21 per cent of admissions.

Apart from suicidality, mental health admissions at Boston Children's increased year over year for several mental health conditions.

It is essential and obligatory for the scientific community and health-care workers to assess and analyse the psychological impact caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic on children and adolescents, as several mental health disorders begin during childhood. Countries worldwide are in the dilemma of determining appropriate strategies for children to minimise the psychological impact of COVID-19.

Therefore, Jamaica needs to investigate and identify the risk factors to mental health and possible solutions to avoid the detrimental consequence of this crisis on the psychology of our future adult generations.

Research shows that disrupting violence is associated with positive outcomes for children and interventions that improve parent-child relationships can decrease harmful effects and enhance a child's development. (Jamaica Observer)

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo chats with some youngsters during a football competition hosted at ‘Back Circle’, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown (Office of the Vice President photos)

NGOs (including OGGN) are political instruments bent on disrupting oil & gas sector

Dear Editor,

Numerous organisations in Guyana construct their identities under the label of Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). NGOs emerged out of two main dynamics and the definition of an NGO is linked to the said sources. Firstly, NGO developed from groups that are supposedly not under the control of Governments, that is, they belong to that sphere called civil society.

While these are private groups that push specific interests, they often depend on operating in the public sphere. Secondly, NGOs have historical links to what political scientists like me call ‘social movements.’ These latter are broad-based in their aims and objectives and are usually focused on social change. NGOs are in many ways parts of social movements.

Yet many of the NGOs in Guyana are, in association with their international partners, deeply political. This is most easily proven by the direct links that exist between those who claim to be in an NGO, but who are widely and indisputably linked to political parties.

Many local NGOs have links with foreign NGOs and vice versa. Local NGOs get access to the international community, when they link-up with International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs), such as Green Peace. They also receive money and senior members get invited to fully paid conference trips. This last is a kind of NGOsponsored tourism.

In turn, INGOs get access and legitimacy to countries, mostly in the Global South, where they can prosecute their interests, which often involve implanting foreign values and inter-

ests albeit under the rubric of furthering development and strengthening governance. Building capacity is a favourite expression with deep connections to the global technocratic class, themselves linked to the interests of dominant states.

Many INGOs that come here are staffed by lower grade academics and their students who are not among the highest academic achievers. These types see the Global South as ‘slim pickings,’ meaning that they assume the Third World is backward and needs the same kind of civilising missions envisaged by Rudyard Kipling or Thomas Macaulay more than a century ago. Many of these foreign entities recruit local collaborators to push their civilisational interests while forgetting the responsibility they should take based on the historical record of the countries they come from. Students in foreign universities are taught to frame their NGO interference as learning from us.

There is a third category type of organisation. These are NGOs made up mostly of people in the diaspora. The Oil & Gas Governance Network is the most relevant to our discussion here. It is made up of people who do not live here, as the list that follows shows. Alfred Bhulai (Guyana), Dr Andre Brandli (Switzerland), Dr Janette Bulkan (Canada), Dennis Henry (Canada), Darsh Khusial (Canada), Joe Persaud (Canada) Dr Ganga Ramdass (USA), Mike Persaud (USA), Charles Sugrim (USA).

Of the nine members of OGGN’s Board of Directors, only ONE lives in Guyana.

OGGN is a hypocritical organisation because while members are living in countries that are massive producers of oil and gas, they

want Guyana to desist from using our hydrocarbon resources for our own development. Except for Mr Bhulai, the Board of Directors are part of the populations that are the worst polluters in the world. The US and Canada produce 25 million barrels of oil daily! Worse, is the fact processes destructive such as fracking are prevalent in the countries where the members of board of OGGN live. There is also highly toxic hydrocarbons extracted. Guyana, by contrast, is blessed with light, sweet crude.

Oil from the Alberta tar sands, for instance, is among the worst in the world. According to the Centre for Biological Diversity “oil from [the] tar sands is one of the most destructive, carbon-intensive, and toxic fuels on the planet. Producing it releases three times as much greenhouse gas pollution as conventional crude oil does. Tar sands oil comes from a solid mass that must be extracted via energy intensive steam injection or destructive strip mining, techniques that destroy ecosystems, put wildlife at risk, and defile large areas of land. Finally, when transported by pipeline or rail, it puts communities, wildlife, and water supplies in danger of toxic spills that are nearly impossible to clean up.” Four of OGGN Directors live in Canada, including Dr Bulkan who is

a neighbour of the tar sands province.

Editor, the added problem we have here is that not only are many INGOs interfering in our national economic development. They are also actively interfering in the domestic politics of this country. The 501 (C) OGGN for instance has taken positions NOT connected to oil & gas.

NGOs and many INGOs have the support of the hegemonic states of the world, liberal academics and think tanks, the PR departments of global corporations, and the blessings of that elusive entity called the ‘international community.’ The assumption is that NGOs (domestic and international) are always superior in knowledge, credibility, capability, and legitimacy, compared to elected governments. This assumption, however, applies only to poor countries, developing, non-Western countries, and to that amorphous mass called the Third World. Democratically elected governments are pushed aside by the foreign and local NGOs, working hand in hand. NGOs, both domestic and foreign, seem bent on disrupting the development of our oil and gas sector. This Guyanese people will not let that happen.

Sincerely, Dr Randolph Persaud

Multiplying fractions and mixed numbers: Reducing (continued)

MULTIPLY MIXED NUMBERS: You can probably figure out the easiest way to multiply mixed numbers. Change them to improper fractions. Then multiply the fractions just as you normally would.

by AJ Seymour

Beauty about us in the breathe of names

Known to us all, but murmured over softly Woven to breath of peace. If but a wind blows, all their beauty wakes. Kwebanna on the Waini Indian words And peace asleep within the syllables. Cabacaburi and the Rupununi Reverence is guest in that soft hush of names. For battle music and the roll of drums. The shock and break of bodies locked in combat

MORE ABOUT REDUCING: Here is a good trick for reducing when you multiply two fractions. Look at both numerators and then at both denominators. If you can divide either of those numerators by the same number as either of the denominators, you can reduce.

Exercises: Multiply

The Tramen Cliff above Imbaimadai. Guiana. Waini are cousin water words... The Demerary, Desakepe and Courantyne Flow centuries before strange tongues bewitch Their beauty into common county names. Through all the years before the Indians came Rocks at Tumatumari kept their grace, And Tukeit, Amatuk and Waratuk Trained ear and eye for thundering Kaieteur.

And there are mountain tops that take the sun Jostling shoulders with seaward-eyed Roraima ...

These Amerindian names hold ancient sway

Beyond the European fingers reaching, Forever reaching in, but nearer coast Words born upon Dutch tongues live in our speech.

WORD SEARCH

NDC official arrested for destroying PPP campaign material

Asenior official of the Lancaster-Hogstye Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) on the Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) has been arrested and taken into custody for alleged-

ly removing flags pinned on utility poles as part of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) electoral campaign material. The Party is campaigning for the June 12 Local Government Elections

(LGE).

Video footage seen by Guyana Times captured a male mounting a ladder which was placed in the tray of a 4-runner and subsequently knocking flags off the utility poles.

Robbery accused stabs cop during arrest

Police have arrested a Rose Hall Town resident who was wanted in connection with stabbing a Police officer during a robbery.

Twenty-eight-yearold Daniel McLennon also called “Dutty” was arrested on Monday by Police ranks at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

He reportedly robbed

a businessperson at Port Mourant last week but was on the run after escaping lawmen. During efforts to apprehend the suspect, he stabbed the Police rank. At the time of this arrest, he was found with a quantity of women’s clothing, perfume, and sunglasses. McLennon is expected to be charged shortly.

An official from the PPP confirmed that the flags were placed there by the Party as a part of its campaign paraphernalia.

Police said on Sunday it received a report from the ruling PPP/C that the Party’s flags were placed on light poles along the Manchester Public Road Corentyne and a social worker of Alness village, along with others, was using a ladder and pulling down all the flags from the poles and leaving them on the ground.

The Police release, which

named the social worker, said ranks responded and picked up the said flags that were on the ground and arrested the social worker.

The social worker is said to be a senior official of the Lancaster-Hogstye NDC.

According to the Police, she was placed into custody for unlawfully removing displayed official electoral campaign materials.

Meanwhile, residents of Manchester Village told this publication that an NDC official was seen knocking down PPP flags that were on

poles in community streets.

The Party said it also received reports that some of the flags it had erected at Sandvoort Village in West Canje also in Region Six were removed sometime between Sunday evening and Monday morning.

There are provisions in the law which prohibit the removal of or damage to campaign materials belonging to political parties contesting an election. Offenders if found guilty can face jail time and also be fined. (G4)

Daniel McLennon called “Dutty”

Berbice woman allegedly admits to poisoning husband

…slapped with murder charge

ANew Amsterdam

woman has been remanded on a murder charge after she reportedly fed her husband poison.

Forty-two-year-old Leila Bacchus of Timmers Dam, Mount Sinai, which is typically called Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was on Monday arraigned for the murder of her reputed husband. She appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

Police stated that between May 16 and 20, 2023, she murdered 43-yearold Andy Junor also called “Bull” at their home.

Bacchus was not required to plead to the indictable charge when it was read to her by Magistrate Renita Singh. She was remanded to prison and the case will con-

tinue on July 14.

According to the Police, arrangements were being made to bury the body and the cause of death was given as poisoning.

However, the wife allegedly did not follow protocol by reporting the incident to the Police, as such Police launched an investigation. According to reports, the woman was allegedly seen by neighbours disposing the suspected poisonous substance in a drain.

According to the Police, Bacchus and another relative visited the Central Police Station on May 20 and reported that Junor had ingested a poisonous substance and subsequently died while being treated at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

Police said the accused did not follow the normal protocol, which prompted an investigation even as arrangements were being made for the burial.

…Guyana

Now that oil has put us on the map, your Eyewitness figured folks would quit confusing us with Ghana over in Africa. Not that he doesn’t think Ghana’s a nice place and all…but hey, did they ever had a Jim Jones doling out Cool Aid??!! Well, over the Independence weekend –with the usual revelries rightfully dimmed because of the Mahdia tragedy – he settled down in front of his TV to be distracted by the boob tube.

It is alleged that the woman gave her husband the poisonous substance after he reportedly caught her video chatting with a man. After falling ill, Junor, did not say that he ingested poison.

Questioned by investigators, Bacchus allegedly revealed that she and her reputed husband had been together for 24 years and he recently found out that she was unfaithful and has since been “nagging” at her.

She also reportedly confessed to giving him the poison to drink.

Bacchus reportedly told investigators that at about 17:30h on May 16, Junor returned home from work with an energy drink in his bag.

She allegedly confessed that she took the bag into the kitchen, opened the energy drink, and poured an amount of poison she had purchased to spray the yard into the bottle.

After consuming the drink, the man started to vomit and was rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. He died a few days later. (G4)

And right there on Netflix was his favourite action hero, Arnold, in his first-ever role on the small screen in a miniseries FUBAR – F****D Up Beyond Any Redemption!! How could he go wrong with such a combination – even though the blurb sounded pretty goofy?? Arnie’s a 40-year CIA veteran who discovers – on his retirement day – that his daughter’s been in the agency for seventeen years and he has to rescue her in…wait for this…GUYANA!!! Well, you coulda knocked your Eyewitness over with a feather – if he hadn’t already been lolling on his sofa!!

Seems there’s this bad guy Boro with a weapon of mass destruction in a briefcase. He’s hocking it to bad guys across the planet in a bidding war. And Arnold’s daughter – who’d infiltrated his Guyana organisation – was about to be outed and killed!! Well, your Eyewitness couldn’t wait to see his native land on the small screen -- with Arnold doing his thing!! So, imagine his consternation when the landscape that Arnold was dropped into was clearly in some temperate zone country!! Not a Mora or Greenheart or Kabukalli tropical tree in sight – and none of our lush, thick undergrowth!!

To make matters worse, all the extras representing “Guyanese” were clearly Spanish in origin!! Not an Indigenous Person – much less an African or Indian around!! This was clearly not even filmed in a tropical country much less Guyana!! Your Eyewitness quickly Googled the filming location and found it was Antwerp, Belgium and Mississauga, Toronto!! The irony, of course, is Mississauga’s chock full of Guyanese and even if they wanted to skimp on flight costs, they could’ve at least hired some of them. Your Eyewitness would’ve settled for a smatter of Guyanese accents!!

Now your Eyewitness had read about a Korean film on Netflix depicting Suriname as a drug trans-shipment centre – and the Surinamese Government had lodged a protest!! Giving them bad name and all that – which would damage their reputation!! Now here we are. marketing ourselves as a pristine TROPICAL tourist destination, and FUBAR depicts us as full of elm and oak and such like!! The nerve!! Why would Europeans and Americans come to spend their money here??

Let’s lodge that diplomatic protest!! And to boot, FUBAR sucked!!

…outrage

The way the Opposition’s carrying on, you’d think the Mahdia Secondary School and dorms were only built after Aug 2, 2020!! What exactly did the PNC coalition government do about the shortcomings they’re pointing out so gleefully right now?? Now we understand an Opposition’s there to keep the Government on its toes…and sure the Government COULDA done better. But is there a SINGLE aspect of national life that has consequences for life and limb that can’t be improved??

As your Eyewitness has said before, it’s we the citizens who have to start by pulling up our socks. And that practice will ensure that all of us bring pressure on whichever Government’s in power – to create and enforce codes. Take a simple thing like dropping our food boxes and drink bottles in drains. If we’re to only quit that disgusting habit, the floods that have now become endemic in Georgetown would be a thing of the past.

So, after all the faux outrage, will the Opposition solve the Georgetown flooding??

… candidates

Today, the Opposition’s claims about “illegal” boundary changes and PPP’s dead or departed candidates that are polluting the Voters List to such an extent that the LGE’s integrity would be destroyed are up for hearing?? Quo vadis LGE??

Leila Bacchus

Dead: Andy Junor

Deadly Mahdia dorm fire

15-year-old remanded on 19 murder charges

Days following the horrific incident, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) disclosed that the fire was allegedly started by the 15-yearold student, who also lived at the dorm, after her cellular phone was taken away by the dorm’s mother and a teacher.

Initial information received from sources close to the investigation had revealed that the teen in question was reportedly previously suspended for engaging in activities contrary to the rules of the institution and was involved in an argument with the administrators during which she allegedly threatened to cause “trouble.”

A15-year-old girl has appeared in court after allegedly torching the Mahdia Secondary School girls’ dormitory which resulted in the death of 19 children—18 girls and a five-year-old boy.

The young girl appeared virtually before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts and she was not required to plea to the 19 murder charges.

She was charged for the murders of Tracil Thomas; Lisa Roberts; Delicia Edwards; Lorita Williams; Natalie Bellarmine; Arriana Edwards; Cleoma Simon; Subrina John; Martha

Dandrade; Loreen Evans; Belnisa Evans; Mary Dandrade; Omerfia Edwin; Nickleen Robinson; Sherina Daniels; Eulander Carter; Andrea Roberts; Bibi Rita Jeffrey, and five-year-old Adanye Jerome.

Magistrate Scarce ordered that she be held at a juvenile holding centre until July 4, when the matters will be called for disclosure of statements.

The juvenile was represented by lawyers from the law firm, Dexter Todd and Associates.

The May 21, 2023 inferno killed 18 female students between the ages of 12 and 17 and a five-year-old boy,

who was the son of the dorm parents.

The Mahdia school’s dor-

mitory housed students from the communities of Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie, and Chenapao, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

The fire was allegedly set in the bathroom area of the dormitory. According to the surviving female students, they were asleep and were awakened by screams.

Upon checking, they saw fire and smoke in the bathroom area, which quickly spread in the building, causing several students to receive burns to their bodies and smoke inhalation, whilst several managed to escape. Several of the injured students were airdashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for treatment. On

May 27, a 13-year-old girl was flown to the Northwell Health Burn Care Centre in New York to seek advanced medical care.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the dormitory housed 59 students. At the time of the fire, there were 56 females and a fiveyear-old boy inside.

The remaining students had gone home for the weekend. The dormitory’s 26 windows were heavily grilled and the five doors were locked with keys when the fire broke out.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) will be conducted into the deadly blaze. He also announced that the victims’ families will be compensated by the State. (G1)

The Mahdia Secondary School girls’ dormitory on fire

Those who perished as a result of the fire

Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce

CoA slashes prison time for man convicted of raping boy

Aman who was convicted on two counts of sexual activity with a child and had been sentenced to two concurrent life sentences has had his prison time reduced by the Court of Appeal (CoA).

Mark Campbell was initially sentenced to life imprisonment on each of the two counts by trial Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall following a jury trial in 2017 at the Demerara High Court.

The Judge had set his parole eligibility at 30 years.

A jury had found that he had twice sexually penetrated a boy: in September 2011, when the boy was six years old, and again on July 10, 2013, when the boy had turned eight years old.

However, in a ruling handed down on Monday, the Court of Appeal ordered that the convict should instead serve 20 years in prison on each count, with parole not before 15 years.

He was also credited for the time he has already spent in custody.

In setting aside the sentences imposed by the trial court, the appellate court held that the trial judge did not follow sentencing principles. It also alluded to recent sentencing guidelines issued

by the country’s apex court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which would render the sentences imposed on this convict manifestly excessive.

Campbell’s appeal was heard by acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards and Justice of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

The sex offender was represented by Attorneysat-Law Kiswana Jefford and Ronald Daniels, while Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Teshana Lake appeared for the State.

After the jury had returned its verdict, Campbell, who had been unrepresent-

ed by counsel throughout his trial, begged the court for mercy, claiming that he did not have a fair trial.

“Since the day I enter this court and see how everything was going, I knew I couldn’t get a fair trial,” he had said, adding that his family did not assist him with retaining a lawyer.

He had expressed that it was “very hard to know” that he had been convicted of something he did not do.

But responding to Campbell’s comments, Justice Simone MorrisRamlall had said the court was not inclined to show him mercy, given that he had violated the boy in the “worst possible way”, and

did not even show “one ounce of love” to him when he, Campbell, testified.

“It was as if you were talking to a stranger. This court must send a strong message to others who may want to carry out such acts,” the Judge had noted.

Then in August 2018, Campbell had appeared before Demerara High Court Judge Priya SewnarineBeharry to answer a charge for a similar offence.

That time, however, he had forgone his right to a tri-

al and had pleaded guilty to sexually penetrating a fiveyear-old boy on April 16, 2013.

Justice SewnarineBeharry had similarly imposed a life sentence on him, and had ordered that he was not to be considered eligible for parole until after serving 30 years.

In sentencing the sex offender, the Judge had considered these aggravating factors: that Campbell had abused a position of trust, as he was left to take care of

the young boy; and the physical, psychological, and emotional trauma the act must have had on the little boy.

The Judge had also considered the serious nature of the offence, but had stated that Campbell, with his early guilty plea, had saved the victim the trauma of having to testify.

This publication was unable to confirm whether Campbell has appealed the custodial sentence imposed by Justice SewnarineBeharry. (G1)

Tabatinga man jailed for 3 years over ganja trafficking

The discovery of 48 grams of marijuana has led to one man being jailed for three years and fined $50,000. Twenty-one-year-old Jason Clement of Tabatinga, Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking charge when he appeared before a Magistrate on Monday.

As part of efforts to clamp down on micro-narcotics trafficking in Lethem, Region Nine, ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Tuesday, May 2, arrested three men, including Clement, with small amounts of the illegal substance.

CANU said its officers conducted a narcotics operation in Tabatinga, which led to the discovery of a quantity of suspected cannabis. This resulted in the arrest of three individuals: Clement and 24-year-old Leylon Winter, both of Tabatinga Central Rupununi; and 37-year-old Neil Ross of Bachelors Adventure, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The suspects were escorted to the Lethem Police Station, along with the narcotics, contained in 31 small zip-lock bags. The substance tested positive for cannabis, and weighed a total of 48 grams.

According to CANU, these operations are part of the agency’s strategy to combat micro-trafficking within various communities, including schools, as recently reported in the press.

In fact, following reports of students selling narcotics in schools in Region Nine, CANU officers were able to apprehend several individuals suspected to be facilitators of these illegal activities.

Three suspects were arrested in Tabatinga and were found in possession of parcels of cannabis amounting to 260 grams. They have been identified as Mark Opie, 21; John Lee Edmond, 23; and Okemmey Jervis, 23, all of Tabatinga, Central Rupununi.

Region Nine Police Commander, Superintendent Raphael Rose recently dis-

Jailed: Jason Clement

closed that school-aged children are being engaged in the sale of illicit drugs.

This has prompted swift action by Police officers in the division, which has led to the arrest of the adults suspected of giving the minors the narcotics to sell.

Commander Rose said ranks were informed by a teacher in Karasabai District of a teen boy being accosted with drugs while at school. The teenager indicated that an adult was giving him the narcotics to sell, and the Police were able to arrest the adult.

There was a similar case in the Annai District, and the Police have also received information about persons selling drugs at the Annai Secondary School.

Head of CANU, James Singh recently revealed that the law enforcement agency would be collaborating with the Education Ministry and other stakeholders to develop a programme that would see officials visiting schools to educate children on the ills of using drugs. (G1)

Convicted child rapist: Mark Campbell at court on Monday

Passengers decry being stranded on AA aircraft for hours in T&T

She contended that about 45 minutes after the plane landed at Piarco International Airport, a flight attendant announced that “We are stuck here because the pilots are out of flying time in accordance with FAA Regulations”. Further, the pilot subsequently informed the multi-national passengers that, “We are waiting on Immigration to peruse the manifest”.

About one hour after, he returned to the intercom to say that they were still awaiting immigration to let passengers off the plane, adding “We all want to deplane, to get off this plane.”

By that time, it was after midnight. The frustrated passenger told this publication that flight attendants were desperately trying to make everyone as comfortable as possible, and serving whatever

hours of rest.”

More than 100 passengers aboard the American Airlines flight to Guyana on Sunday evening were stranded for several hours at the Piarco International Airport, Trinidad and Tobago, unable to deplane.

American Airlines Flight 1513 diverted from its original route due to heavy fog conditions at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri. The flight departed Miami International Airport (MAI) at about 18:22h and was expected to land at CJIA at 22:48h. Passengers have since decried the frustrating situation.

One passenger aboard the flight told Guyana Times, “A mere

one hour or so before reaching Guyana, the pilot announced that he was diverting to Port of Spain because of heavy fog.”

little water was left. However, one of the toilets was overflowing while the other was out of service.

Passengers were allowed to dis-

embark from the aircraft several hours after enduring the ordeal, and informed that a rescue flight out of MIA would arrive at Piarco at about 09:15h on Monday for Guyana.

At about midday on Monday, the passenger updated, “We only now came into to Guyana with the rescue flight.”

Another person posted on social media, “There has been no response from the Trinidadian Authorities as it relates to letting the passengers off the aircraft. Even further, the aircraft has not been assigned a gate. The crew has already reported that according to federal law they can’t move the aircraft until they receive eight

While it is contended that Trinidadian authorities were responsible for them being stranded in the aircraft, this is not the first time American Airlines has been embroiled in unfortunate travel circumstances.

Just last February, the Guyana Government called out the carrier yet again over its refusal to grant VIP treatment to high-ranking officials travelling with the carrier from the CJIA.

This recent expression of disappointment comes on the heels of the airline’s treatment of two Caribbean Heads of State, who were leaving Guyana after an official visit. (G12)

Passengers getting ready to deplane after being informed that a rescue flight would connect them to Guyana

Piarco International Airport, Trinidad and Tobago

NGO launches local environmental competition

Anon-profit organisation, Recover, will soon be selecting Guyana’s top youth environmental speaker, who will be chosen to represent the country at any regional and international environment-related competitions in the future. The lucky individual will be chosen during the finals of “Shout” an environmental speech competition which was launched by Recover.

The competition is a three-phase one that began with the call for submissions by secondary school students across the length and breadth of Guyana, of an essay on what sustainable changes they would make to their environment if money was not an issue.

Speaking with this publication on Monday, the President of Recover, Dave Lalltoo, noted that a prize will be given to the winning school which will go toward executing the project which was stated in the initial essay submitted by participants.

He highlighted that the winning student will be the pilot person to execute the project that was initially proposed. The prize will total some $500,000 and of that, a sum of $250,000 will be the cash prize awarded to the school and the remaining will be in the form of

Lalltoo

technical assistance or any other support needed by the school throughout the execution of the project.

Throughout the competition, there was no restriction on whether private or public schools could make an entry. By the end of the closing date on April 30, submissions were received from secondary schools across Guyana. It was then that judging of the essays was done to determine the top thirty entrants that would be moving forward to the next phase of the competition.

After the selection was done, the thirty qualifying participants were afforded the opportunity to virtually meet with the members of

the judging panel and other team members to receive coaching on the competition guidelines, public speaking, and youth empowerment and its roles in environmental preservation.

This was in preparation for phases two and three of the competition; both of which will be held on June 5, World Environment Day, at the Georgetown Princess Ramada Roraima Suite at 09:00h. For phase two of “Shout”, each of the thirty candidates were given approved environment-based topics to prepare a speech which they will present to a panel of ten judges on the day of the competition.

The speech is expected to last between two to two and a half minutes and must be on the topic provided only. Once completed, the judges will deliberate and the top ten speakers will be identified to move on to phase three, which will happen later that day.

This phase entails an impromptu speech competition between the ten finalists. The topics/questions will be asked by each one of the ten judges. Once all speeches have concluded, scoring will be done by the judges and audited by professional auditors and the top speaker will be announced.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

President of Recover, Dave

President Dr Irfaan Ali arrives in Brasilia, Brazil for a Summit of South American Leaders being hosted by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

NGO launches...

Prizes will not just be awarded to the winning candidate, but the second and third-place winners can also expect a cut of the prize package. The top ten will also receive prizes and special prizes will be given to the most environmentally impactful speech, best essay, and best speech (of the prepared speech segment). Additionally, the school represented by the winning student will be given prizes as well valued at over $500,000. In total, the prize package for “Shout” is valued at over $2 million.

The participating schools who have made it to the semi-finals are, the Academy of Intellectual Minds, Anna Regina Multilateral School, Bartica Government School, Black Bush Secondary School, Bladen Hall Multilateral

FROM PAGE 12

School, Camille’s Academy (Crane), Camille’s Academy (Soesdyke), Diamond Secondary School, Dolphin Secondary School, Essequibo Islands Secondary School, Friendship Secondary School, Hope Secondary School, ISA Islamic School, Chandisingh Secondary School, Kato Secondary School, La Bonne Intention Secondary School, Leonora Secondary School, Marian Academy, Parika Salem Secondary School, Plaisance Secondary School, President’s College, Qayyim Academy, Queen’s College, Skeldon Line Path Secondary School, Saint Joseph High School, The New Guyana School, Vreeden-Hoop Secondary School, West Demerara Secondary School, Winifred Gaskin Memorial Secondary and Zeeburg Secondary School.

$10M extension works begin on Vryman’s Erven Special Needs School

Students of the Vryman’s Erven Special Needs School in New Amsterdam, Region Six, will soon have a more conducive learning environment, as over $10 million in extension works are ongoing on the facility.

According to a DPI report, the extension will provide more space for recreational and other activities as well as better accessibility, especially for those children who utilise wheelchairs.

With such comfort, these students will be able to focus better in the classroom.

According to Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six, Narindra Persaud, extension works commenced on April 17

and are expected to be completed by July 14.

“Our President is catering for the betterment of everyone and so the current school is a bit crowded. So, we are doing some extension works so that the children can be more comfortable,” the REO is quoted as saying by DPI.

The Government, through the Ministries of Education and Human Services and Social Security, has been investing in creating conducive learning environments for persons living with disabilities across the country.

Along with creating better facilities, the Administration continues to deliver improved social services.

(Office of the President photos)

Region Six REO Narindra Persaud inspecting ongoing works

Deadly Mahdia fire

Families of Mahdia fire victims express hurt at social media posts

As President Irfaan Ali engaged with the families of the Mahdia victims on Sunday evening, many expressed hurt at the social media posts which were making rounds in recent time.

The Head of State had organised a dinner where he listened to their concerns, just one week after the lives of 19 were lost in the massive dormitory fire in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). In response, he advised that they refrain from engaging in these posts, adding that Government and the authorities will be working to

offer continued support in whatever way needed.

“I’m concerned about you. Many of you have raised the hurt you’re feeling because of what people are saying on social media, because of what people are posting on social media. If you can, please ignore social media for now. As President, I have made a personal appeal for people on social media. Know that you have a group of people, a Government, public servants who are committed to working with you,” Ali voiced.

Education Minister

Priya Manickchand also responded to such concerns on her social media platform on Monday, where she posted, “The complaint raised by many is the way some people, on social media, have treated the tragedy and some of their choices and what they assume are “facts”. I ask you again: restrain yourself…The Government is respecting and facilitating the realisation of the wishes of the parents and children. You can do the same.”

Just last week, President Ali had called on Guyanese to be more responsible in

St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Terrance Drew, on Sunday evening, attended a candlelight vigil organized by the Guyanese diaspora there, to honour the lives of the 19 students who died in the fire that engulfed Mahdia Secondary School’s female dormitory. Governor-General Dame Marcella Liburd GCMG, JP and Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, International Transport, Employment and Labour and Urban Development, Marsha Henderson attended to also paid their respects and show support to the community (President Dr Irfaan Ali Facebook page photos)

how they discuss the deadly Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire on social media – an incident that took the lives of 19 young people. He had also urged persons to exercise responsibility and restraint in their social media discussions on the incident.

President Ali was quoted as saying, “There’s a time and place for everything. But as I’ve said before, myself and the Government as far as possible, we are going to fulfil the wishes and desires of these children and their families. It’s the least we can do…I’m urg-

ing all Guyanese, to desist from self-analysis. From reviewing timeline stories of all these girls, and from analysing the life stories of all these girls. There’s a time and place for everything. Let us focus our use of social media on motivational quotes, on prayers, on inspirational songs, on uplifting messages. And not on opportunities to theorise.”

During Sunday’s engagement, the Guyanese leader reiterated that nothing can compensate the cost of a life, while sharing that Government is doing its

best to make the families comfortable.

“We’re here to continue to support all of you. This evening (Sunday) I had a chance to sit with each of you to listen to any additional questions you may have, to answer those questions and reassure all of you of our continued support and commitment…Nothing can compensate the emotion and pain when you lose a life. But what we need to do is give you support, whether psychologically, physically, emotionally, socially, financially. That is what we will continue to do.” (G12)

President Dr Irfaan Ali meeting with some of the families on Sunday evening

Ruling on oil spill insurance coverage

Appellate Judge puts off arguments on preliminary matter to Wednesday

Justice of Appeal Rishi Persaud was forced to postpone a hearing on a preliminary matter from Monday to Wednesday in the State’s appeal against a High Court ruling, ordering ExxonMobil’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production (Guyana) Limited (EEPGL) to provide unlimited Parent Company Guarantee for offshore oil operations it is engaged in with its co-venturers in the Stabroek Block.

This was because Sanjeev Datadin, one of the

Agreement and/or unlimited liability Affiliate Company Guarantee, together with environmental liability insurance, as is customary in the international petroleum industry.

Non-compliance will result in the suspension of the company’s Environmental Permit.

Also on Wednesday, the Court of Appeal’s full bench will sit to consider an application filed by the Attorney General to be added as a party to the proceedings.

mit at the heart of the case is critically important to Guyana’s economic growth. It argued that should the permit which pertains to the Liza 1 and 2 fields be cancelled, this would have catastrophic consequences on the economy.

that this ruling can have profound ramifications and grave economic as well as other impacts on the public interest and national development. He noted that the EPA and EEPGL had spent almost a year negoti-

and the Environmental Protection Act.

“These negotiations only concluded [recently]. These negotiations and their material details were placed before the court for its consideration, but unfortunate-

lawyers representing the appellant, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), had experienced a delay in his return flight to Guyana.

During Monday’s hearing, it was revealed that all flights scheduled to land at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Sunday night had to find alternative landing due to heavy fog in the area. The flight Datadin was on was diverted to Puerto Rico.

In light of this, the lawyer, who is also a Government parliamentarian, was unable to attend the hearing. The Judge, in deferring the matter, recognised that flight delays do happen and that they are beyond one’s control. Monday was fixed for arguments on whether the appeal has a reasonable prospect of success. The EPA had previously issued a statement in which it noted that it has confidence in winning the appeal.

Cognisant that the deadline for compliance with Justice Sandil Kissoon’s ruling had been fast approaching, Datadin, at a May 15 Case Management Conference (CMC), had requested a stay of the order issued on May 3.

But his request was refused by Justice Persaud, who had committed to hearing the preliminary issue expeditiously and giving a ruling in the shortest possible time, highlighting that the matter is one of high national importance.

In fact, the Judge had committed to ruling on the matter before June 10—the last day for compliance with the order.

In that order, the EPA was directed to issue EEPGL with an Enforcement Notice on or before May 9, for the company to provide, within 30 days, an unlimited Parent Company Guarantee

Enforce liability clause

In September 2022, the President of the Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI), Fredericks Collins, and Guyanese citizen Godfrey Whyte moved to the court to get the EPA to enforce the liability clause in the permit issued to ExxonMobil for its operations.

They wanted the court to ensure EEPGL takes full financial accountability in the case of harm, loss, and damage to the environment from a well blowout, oil spill, or other failures in the Stabroek Block.

On the issue of whether the EPA acted in breach of its statutory duty and unreasonably permitted Esso to carry out petroleum production operations in the absence of compliance with the terms of the permit, Justice Kissoon ruled that the EPA has committed an illegality, acted unlawfully, ultra vires, unreasonably, in defiance of logic, irrationally, and without any jurisdiction.

He inter alia, found that Esso was engaged in a “disingenuous attempt” which was calculated to deceive when it sought to dilute its liabilities and settled obligations stipulated and expressed in Condition 14 of the permit, while simultaneously optimising production in the Stabroek Block.

“The insurance obtained by the EEPGL from its Affiliate Company AON UK Ltd, both for the Liza Phase 1 and Phase 2 Projects, does not satisfy the stipulation and obligation set out at Condition 14:5 of the Environmental Permit, or even what is considered environmental liability insurance according to international standards of the petroleum industry,” he held.

In the end, EPA and Esso were ordered to pay Whyte and Collins $1.5 million in court costs.

Grounds of appeal

Several days after the High Court ruling, EPA filed a Notice of Appeal in which it advanced several grounds on which it is seeking to set aside the ruling, among them being that the lower court’s reasoning was flawed and that the Environmental Permit was in keeping with the law.

“The trial court erred in law in its interpretation, consideration, and application of the combined effect of Clause 14 of the Environmental Permit… and erroneously concluded that the financial assurance to be provided by the third respondent herein, EEPGL, in relation to the said permit was unlimited,” one of the agency’s grounds of appeal outlined.

Another ground states, “The trial court erred in law and misconstrued the Environmental Protection Act and its regulations to determine that the appellant [EPA], a statutory body, had specific statutory powers which in fact it did not have.”

Another contention of the EPA is that the court wrongly ascribed meaning to the Environmental Protection Act that was contrary to specific provisions in that very Act.

It is also contended that the court “in effect substituted its own discretion as the decision of the appellant when the appellant, at all material times, had exercised its discretion and acted well within its statutory and regulatory powers.”

According to the EPA’s legal documents, the orders granted by Justice Kissoon are coercive and entirely remove the EPA’s discretion, which would have severe consequences. According to the agency, there would be severe disruption to the national economy if the order is allowed to stand.

EPA has been keen to point out that the very per-

“Guyana as a nation now earns billions of dollars annually from the petroleum activities conducted on the Liza 1 and Liza 2 fields, both of which are subject to the permit. The suspension or cancellation will have a catastrophic effect on national funds for development, and also the private sector which supports the activities on the said Liza 1 and 2 fields,” EPA averred.

Also strongly contesting the High Court’s order is EEPGL.

No obligation Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, had pointed out after the ruling that the Environmental Permit imposes no obligation on the permit holder to provide an unlimited Parent Company Guarantee Agreement and/or Affiliate Company Guarantee Agreement.

The AG also pointed out

ating a Parent Guarantee and Indemnity Agreement to the tune of US$2B in liability coverage, in compliance with EEPGL’s financial assurance obligations under the Environmental Permit

ly to no avail,” a statement from the Attorney General’s Chambers had disclosed. There are several court cases challenging various aspects of ExxonMobil’s operations offshore Guyana. (G1)

Justice of Appeal Rishi Persaud

Guyana secures US$350M loan to extend new WCD highway to Parika

tors and businessmen to invest in his country and benefit from opportunities in many sectors, mainly in oil and gas, infrastructure, tourism, services, hospitality, agriculture and others.”

The $11.8 billion

Services Inc, GuyAmerica Construction Inc, AJM Enterprise, Vals Construction, Puran Bros Disposal Inc, and JS Guyana Inc.

Contracts for this ground-breaking initiative

cess roads, bridges, culverts, drainage…,” Croal had explained.

Croal had also made reference to the development of shore base and port facilities in the region as well as the pioneering Wales

Fresh off his visit to Qatar where he met with a number of top Qatari officials, President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that Guyana secured a US$350 million loan that will see the four-lane highway being built from Schoonord, West Bank Demerara (WBD), to Crane on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), being extended to Parika.

The President made this announcement while meeting with residents of the Malgre Tout/Meer-Zorgen area. When it comes to the Schoonord to Crane portion of the project, he was hopeful that the bypass road could be opened by the 2023 third quarter.

“I just came back from Qatar. And we have secured US$350 million to continue that road through

to Parika and complete the new four lane road on the West Coast… we’ve already started and hopefully by the third quarter of this year, we’ll be opening the new bypass highway from Schoonord to Crane,” Ali further explained.

During President Ali’s visit to Qatar earlier this month, he had met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. A meeting was also held with Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who holds the dual portfolios of Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister; and Qatar’s Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari.

Bilateral discussions were also had between President Ali and Dr Singh and Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin

Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani in Doha. President Ali also met with Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi.

President Ali meanwhile also held bilateral discussions with Qatar’s Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber was represented by its First Vice Chairman, Mohamed Bin Ahmed Bin Twar AlKuwari, while President Ali was joined by Dr Singh. During the discussions, the various investment opportunities in Guyana were discussed.

The discussions focused on investment opportunities in Guyana in sectors that include oil and gas, infrastructure, tourism, services, hospitality and agriculture. According to the chamber following the discussions, “Ali called on Qatari inves-

Schoonord to Crane project, which was expected to last 15 months, will see the construction of 4.1 kilometres of a dual-carriageway, reinforced concrete road with an emergency lane. Additionally, 2.4 kilometres of road rehabilitation and upgrades will be undertaken.

The project, which will also feature two roundabouts, 11 reinforced concrete box culverts, 36 prestressed bridges, and road signage and markings, will be undertaken by eight contractors.

These are VR Construction Inc, Avinash Contracting & Scrap Metal Inc, L-Heureuse Construction and

were signed in September of last year at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). During the ceremony, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal had noted the importance of the project to the Government’s housing development drive and its investments in Region Three.

“[It] will complement other ongoing projects we have within the region. We have, for example, activities that entail preparation works, clearance of lands for the opening of new housing areas; we have ongoing works for persons who will be able to and have started to access their lands…so you have construction of ac-

Development Plan which encompasses the gas-to-shore project, contextualising it alongside the highway.

“The construction, therefore, of this Schoonord-toCrane highway…will also energise the economic activities within the region. These activities will no doubt result in significant improvement in job opportunities.”

“And when you have new road networking, opening of new lands will mean also, not just housing, but opportunities for expansion for agriculture and agro-processing industries, processing facilities in manufacturing and the construction of industrial complexes…,” Croal had also outlined. (G3)

New products threaten to undo decades of gains against tobacco use – PAHO

It is no secret that novel tobacco products have been entering the markets in fashionable ways to target new and existing users, but this poses a threat in undoing the gains made to eliminate consumption.

In observance of World No Tobacco Day this Wednesday, the Pan American Health Organisation has revealed that while usage in the Americas declined from 28 per cent to 16.3 per cent between 2000 and 2020, new products and misleading information from the tobacco industry, especially targeting young people, threaten to undo those gains.

Director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr Jarbas Barbosa has called for effective policies to protect young people.

“The tobacco industry and its allies do not rest. Currently, they spread a lot of misleading information that promotes, especially among young people, the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobac-

co products…Although eight countries in the Region have banned the marketing of e-cigarettes and four of heated tobacco products, we are concerned that 14 countries have not yet taken any regulatory action in this regard,” Dr Barbosa said.

E-cigarettes are the most common forms of electronic nicotine delivery. Their emissions contain nic-

otine and other toxic substances that are harmful to both users and those exposed to them.

To address the growing health threat posed by these products, the PAHO Director called on countries to implement policies to prevent their use, especially among young people, as they can become the gateway to regular tobacco con-

sumption.

Tobacco use kills one million people per year in the Americas, one every 34 seconds. In addition, 15 per cent of cardiovascular disease deaths, 24 per cent of deaths from cancer and 45 per cent of deaths from chronic respiratory diseases are attributable to tobacco use. In the Region, 11 per cent of young people use tobacco.

Since the entry into force of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2005, the Region has made great strides in tobacco prevention and control. Currently, 96 per cent of the population in 35 countries in the Region are protected by at least one of the six recommended tobacco control measures.

In 2020, South America became the first 100 per cent smoke-free sub-Region – where there is a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces, and on public transport. Mexico also adopted the smoke-free environment policy by the end of 2021 and banned all

forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

As a result, 63 per cent of the population of the Americas – or more than 600 million people – are now protected from exposure to tobacco smoke.

In addition, in 2022, Paraguay ratified the Protocol to Eliminate the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, which will boost regional efforts in this area.

“These achievements allow us to be confident that the Region of the Americas will reach the target of a 30 per cent reduction in the prevalence of tobacco use in those over 15 years of age by 2025, established in the WHO’s Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases.”

World No Tobacco Day was created by WHO Member States in 1987 and the aim is to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. The theme of this year’s World No Tobacco Day is: “Grow Food, Not Tobacco”.

The outline for the Schoonord-to-Crane four-lane highway

President Dr Irfaan Ali, during his meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

Pregnant woman attempts to scale NA Hospital fence

…baby delivered moments later

Apregnant woman was on Monday seen making a dash for the main gate at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital and trying to scale the fence.

Video footage shows the woman climbing to the top of the fence as security guards stand astonished.

Medical staff arrived and took her off the top of the eight-foot gate.

Shortly after the incident, the woman gave birth by way of Caesarean section (C-section).

The Regional Health Officer did not respond to the media in relation to the incident.

However, a source close to the hospital said that the woman was admitted to the maternity ward and whilst there she received information via so -

cial media about the alleged whereabouts of her partner and the activities he was indulging in while she was away.

The source said that the pregnant woman started to act erratic. After she gave birth, the hospital placed her under psychological supervision and her movements in the facility are being monitored.

(G4)

58 Lusignan Prison inmates complete skills training

Some 58 inmates at the Lusignan correctional facility graduated from various skills training programmes such as culinary arts, electrical insulation, carpentry and joinery.

Officer-in-Charge, Senior Superintendent of Prisons Deoraj Gyandat, according to a DPI report, said that this is in keeping with the mandate of the prison to equip inmates with the tools to successfully reintegrate into society upon completion of their sentenc-

SKILLS TRAINING

es, according to a release from the Guyana Prison Service.

According to a DPI report,

Shanghai breaks more than century-old heat record in sweltering May

Shanghai saw its hottest day in May for more than 100 years on Monday with temperatures hitting 36.1 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit), continuing a brutal trend of unusually hot weather in the country since March.

Several southern Chinese provinces are expected to swelter under extreme heat over the next few days and weather experts have already predicted another blistering summer, a repeat of last year's record-breaking more than two-month stretch.

The peak recorded by the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau on Monday beat the previous May record of 35.7 degrees Celsius set in 1876, 1903, 1915 and 2018, according to bureau statistics. Temperatures in the region typically climb even higher in June, July and August.

Earlier, many localities in Sichuan province, which is home to more than 80 million people, issued high-temperature

warnings, with some areas maxing out at 42 degrees Celsius, local media reported.

In the next three to five days, the maximum temperature in some cities in Sichuan, located in China's southwest, will reach 38 degrees Celsius, and hit 42 degrees Celsius in some areas, according to state media.

The China Meteorological Administration said that in the period to Wednesday most of southern China, including Guizhou, Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, will see temperatures rise above 35 degrees Celsius, with some areas reaching 37 to 39 degrees Celsius.

China, known for extreme weather conditions, has also been experiencing torrential rains for weeks in some regions.

Thousands of people were evacuated in northeast Sichuan province as of Monday, a precaution due to heavy rainfall in the area, local emergency response authorities said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Officer-in-Charge of Prisons’ Welfare and Corrections, Marielle Bristol-Grant high-

lighted the importance of prisoners having skills that can be utilised to make a living upon their return to society. She commended the graduates for this accomplishment.

Meanwhile, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot noted that knowledge of skills such as these requires the accompanying mindset. He reaffirmed the prison’s commitment to helping inmates learn from their mistakes and become better individuals.

In advancing this man-

date, the Director also expressed gratitude to the Government of Guyana for its continued support in enhancing the prison service.

The Government’s drive to transform the prison service from penal to correctional has seen several rehabilitative projects being implemented to reduce recidivism.

The Support for the Criminal Justice Sector Programme, for example, was launched to address overcrowding in prisons.

The programme identified community service as a method to reduce the prison population, in a system where incarceration was used as a default sanction.

In 2022, some 1400 inmates were trained in various disciplines, such as block making, basic agriculture and culinary arts among others, at a cost of $88.9 million and it is expected that this year, $100 million will be expended towards the training of 1500 inmates

12 to 17 named storms forecast for 2023

that suppress storm development and some that fuel it, driving this year’s overall forecast for a near-normal season.

After three hurricane seasons with La Niña present, NOAA scientists predict a high potential for El Niño’s, which is a warming of the ocean surface, or above-average sea sur -

face temperatures, in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, to develop this summer, which can suppress Atlantic hurricane activity.

El Niño’s potential influence on storm development could be offset by favourable conditions local to the tropical Atlantic Basin. (Excerpt from CMC)

The US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a near-normal hurricane season in the Atlantic this year which begins on June 1.

According to the NOAA forecasters with the Climate Prediction Centre, the outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which ends on November 30, calls for a 40 per cent chance of a near-normal season, a 30 per cent chance of an above-normal season and a 30 per cent chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms with winds of 39 miles per hour (mph) or higher. It said of those storms, five to nine of them could become hurricanes with winds of 74

mph or higher, including one to four major hurricanes with winds in excess of 11 mpg or higher.

“Thanks to the Commerce Department and NOAA’s critical investments this year in scientific and technological advancements in hurricane modelling, NOAA will be able to deliver even more accurate forecasts, helping ensure communities have the information they need to prepare for and respond to the destructive economic and ecological impacts of Atlantic hurricanes,” said Secretary of Commerce, Gina M Raimondo.

The experts say that the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be less active than recent years, due to competing factors, some

The pregnant woman attempting to scale the hospital fence

Regional US repatriates Caribbean migrants

Seventy-seven migrants attempting to enter the United States illegally have been repatriated to Cuba and the Bahamas over the last week, according to the United States Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard also interdicted three vessels carrying a total of 96 migrants from the Dominican Republic in the Mona Straits – an area between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico which connects the Caribbean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean.

The US Coast Guard said with assistance from Homeland Security Task Force it would maintain “a continual presence with air, land, and sea assets in the Florida Straits, the Windward Passage, the Mona Passage and the Caribbean Sea, collaborating to protect the safety of life at sea.

“Don’t take to the sea, as it’s a dangerous voyage and you could lose your life,” warned Lieutenant Matt Miller, District Seven response law enforcement officer.

“Our maritime borders are closed for unlawful entry to the US,” he added. “If you attempt it, it will result in your disqualification for the Cuba and Haiti parole process.”

“We urge anyone seeking to cross the Mona Passage by any unlawful means to not take to the sea,” warned Lieutenant Commander Edward Kunigonis, Sector San Juan chief of enforcement.

“These voyages are highly dangerous and, most often, take place

aboard grossly overloaded and unseaworthy vessels that have no lifesaving equipment,” he added. “If you are caught, you could also face possible prosecution, be returned to your country of origin, or be disqualified from entering the United States legally in the future.”

During the first interdiction event, the US Coast Guard said the cutter Donald Horsley interdicted a 35-foot makeshift vessel after an aircrew detected the suspect vessel west of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico.

The crew of the cutter Donald Horsley embarked all 64 adult migrants of which 62 claimed to be Dominican Republic nationals, and two others claimed to be Haitians, the US Coast Guard said.

In the second interdiction, it said the cutter Donald Horsley interdicted a 23-foot makeshift after watchstanders received a distress call on VHF Channel 16 of a vessel taking on water southwest of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico.

The crew of the Cutter Donald Horsley arrived on

Zika virus judicial review hearing

T&T Health Ministry failed to provide specialised care for boy – Judge

The failure of the Ministry of Health to provide specialised healthcare to a six-year-old boy of Chaguanas with birth defects associated with the Zika virus is set to cost the State significant compensation.

under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

and protocols were not yet finalised.

the scene and embarked two adult migrants, including one Haitian and a Dominican Republic national, the US Coast Guard said.

During the third interdiction, the US Coast Guard said the Donald Horsley interdicted a 25foot makeshift vessel after the aircrew of a Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft detected the suspect vessel northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

The crew of the Donald Horsley embarked 30 adult migrants of which 26 claimed to be Dominican Republic nationals and the remaining four claimed to be Haitians, the US Coast Guard said.

It said the Donald Horsley crew transferred all 96 migrants to a Dominican Republic Navy vessel just off the coast of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Since October 1, 2022, the US Coast Guard said its crews interdicted or encountered 6,701 Cubans and 4,512 Haitian migrants. (CMC)

US Vice President to visit Bahamas

US Vice President Kamala Harris will visit The Bahamas on June 8 to meet with CARICOM leaders.

Harris will meet with Caribbean leaders to discuss climate change, White House Press Secretary Kirsten Allen said.

The meeting will be co-hosted by Harris and Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, the current chair of CARICOM.

“This meeting builds on the vice president’s previous meetings with Caribbean leaders in April 2022, at the June 2022 Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, and in September 2022,” Allen said.

“The vice president’s trip delivers on the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to advance cooperation with the Caribbean in pursuit of shared prosperity and security, and in recognition of the common bonds and interests between our nations.

“The US-Caribbean leaders meeting will address a

range of regional issues. In particular, the vice president and Caribbean leaders will continue discussions on shared efforts to address the climate crisis, including by promoting climate resilience and adaptation in the Caribbean region and by increasing energy security through clean energy.”

Press Secretary Clint Watson said yesterday that leaders from CARICOM and regional stakeholders will attend the meeting.

He noted that in addition to climate change, ener-

Delivering a judgment on Friday, High Court Judge Joan Charles upheld a judicial review lawsuit brought against Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, the ministry’s permanent secretary, and the Attorney General’s Office by Kavita RamkissoonRagoo on behalf of her son Davyn.

Justice Charles ruled that Deyalsingh and the ministry’s permanent secretary breached their duties under the Regional Health Authorities Act by failing to implement comprehensive guidelines and protocols for treating Davyn and other children like him.

She stated that both Deyalsingh and the ministry’s permanent secretary would have been aware of their duties but failed to explain why they did not comply.

Justice Charles said: “It should be noted that no explanation has been proffered by the defendants for the failure to publish and/or implement the National Guidelines for several years after Zika had been declared a public health emergency, and after pregnant women had been infected with the virus and hundreds of children like DKR had been born with microcephaly.”

“In the circumstances, it was their duty to disclose them. Their failure to do so led me to conclude that such evidence was not available,” she added.

She also stated that it constituted a breach of the country’s international obligations

Justice Charles ruled that the ministry’s failure to provide urgent and specialised care to Davyn breached his constitutional right to life and ordered that he and his family receive compensation including aggravated damages, which are to be calculated by a High Court Master at a later date.

She also ordered that the ministry take immediate steps to begin providing Davyn with the treatment he needs and to provide financial assistance to his family on an ongoing basis.

On January 29, 2016, Deyalsingh declared the Zika virus a national public health emergency three days before the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a global health emergency.

A specialist committee including former Chief of Staff of the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital Dr Karen Sohan, who served as the family’s expert witness in the case, was appointed to develop protocols for the management of Zikapositive pregnant women and their offspring.

In August 2016, draft interim clinical protocols were submitted at a time when there were already 294 Zikapositive pregnancies in T&T.

In late October, Deyalsingh held a press conference during which he promised that the ministry would provide clinical and developmental support to children born with microcephaly due to Zika, that the Ministry of Social Development would provide grants, and that there were proper protocols in place.

When Davyn was born in February 2017 the guidelines

However, his family only learned that after their lawyers Kingsly Walesby, Sarfraz Alsaran, and Alvin Ramroop first sued the Health Ministry after it failed to disclose details of its official policy for treating the Zika virus and associated complications as allegedly promised by Deyalsingh.

In deciding the case, Justice Charles noted that the family did not have a legitimate expectation based on Deyalsingh’s statements.

“The statements outline no specific details as to how their plans were to be implemented,” she said.

She also stated that he never gave details about the quantum and frequency of the grants for those affected as she pointed out that the family received three $1,150 payments.

In her judgment, Justice Charles noted that despite the emotional and psychological burden of caring for a special needs baby, Davyn’s family was not seen by the hospital’s psychiatric team.

She also noted that a social worker only visited the family’s home when Davyn was 11 months old.

“No care was given to the claimant during clinic visits with DKR relative to recognition of seizures, breathing issues, training of caregivers in CPR,” she said.

Justice Charles also pointed out that the failure to provide Davyn with physiotherapy within the first year of his life resulted in him having delayed motor skills.

Justice Charles ordered the State to pay the family’s legal costs for pursuing the lawsuit.

The State’s legal team was led by Senior Counsel Russell Martineau. (T&T Guardian)

El Salvador ex-President sentenced to 14 years over gang talks

Acourt in El Salvador has sentenced former President Mauricio Funes to 14 years in prison for negotiating with gangs during his administration.

ister, General David Munguia Payes, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his involvement in the negotiations.

crimes in at least a half dozen cases.

gy management, food security and rebuilding in the aftermath of COVID-19, will also be discussed.

In January, Harris and Davis met at the White House where, among other things, the pair discussed the issue of gun smuggling, climate change, illegal migration and food and energy security.

Davis has been outspoken on the issue of climate change and the influx of guns into The Bahamas that he said can be traced back to the US. (The Nassau Guardian)

The sentence on Monday follows a trial that began in April with Funes living in neighbouring Nicaragua. El Salvador changed its laws last year to allow trials in absentia. Prosecutors had accused Funes, who served as president from 2009 to 2014, of illicit association and failure to perform his duties for a gang truce negotiated in 2012.

Funes had denied negotiating with the gangs or giving their leaders any privileges, stressing that the truce was brokered by the Catholic Church, not the government. Funes’s former security min-

“We were able to verify that these two former officials, who had the obligation to protect Salvadorans, negotiated their lives in exchange for electoral favours, acting as gang members,” Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado said on Twitter. Funes’s 14year sentence was the sum of eight years for illicit association and six years for failure to perform duties.

Prosecutors say the gang negotiations were aimed at getting the country’s powerful street gangs to lower the homicide rate in exchange for benefits to their imprisoned leaders.

El Salvador has pursued Funes, 64, for other alleged

In 2015, El Salvador’s Supreme Court ruled that the gangs are “terrorist” organisations.

The two main criminal groups in El Salvador, Mara Salvatrucha – more commonly referred to as MS-13 – and Barrio 18, have an estimated 70,000 members between them. Over the past year, several thousand suspected gang members have been rounded up as part of current President Nayib Bukele’s push to crack down on the groups.

Before Bukele imposed his contentious “state of exception”, however, the rightwing leader was accused of engaging in negotiations with the gangs. (Excerpted from Al Jazeera)

File photo: Prime Minister Philip Davis during a meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House in Washington, DC in January

Around The World OIL NEWS

Russia hits military base in Ukraine in new wave of strikes

Oil ticks up as markets weigh US debt

deal, rate hike possibility

Oil prices edged higher in choppy trading on Monday, as markets weighed a tentative US debt ceiling deal that would avert a default by the world's top oil consumer against further Federal Reserve interest rate hikes that could curb energy demand.

Brent crude futures settled up 12 cents, or 0.2%, to US$77.07 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was up 25 cents, or 0.3%, at US$72.92 a barrel.

Both benchmarks flip-flopped between positive and negative territory. Trade was subdued on Monday because of UK and US public holidays.

"The euphoria of the debt deal is wearing off as concern mounts for another rate hike by the Fed in June," brokerage Liquidity Energy LLC wrote in a note.

US President Joe Biden and House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy over the weekend forged an agreement to suspend the US$31.4 trillion debt ceiling and cap Government spending for the next two years. Both leaders expressed confidence that both Democratic and Republican lawmakers will support the deal.

Still, analysts saw any boost in oil prices from it as shortlived.

Markets are now pricing in a roughly 50-50 chance that the Fed raises rates by another 25 basis points at its June 1314 meeting, up from the 8.3% chance predicted a month ago, according to CME's FedWatch Tool.

At its last policy meeting on May 2-3, the Federal Reserve signalled it was open to pausing its most aggressive rate-hiking cycle since the early 1980s in June.

"Higher US rates are a headwind for crude oil demand," IG Sydney-based analyst Tony Sycamore said.

The dollar also nudged down on Monday as the debt ceiling deal lifted risk appetite in world markets and dented the greenback's safe-haven appeal. A lower greenback helps demand for oil, which is priced in dollars.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia, known as OPEC+, are due to meet on June 4.

Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman warned shortsellers betting that oil prices will fall to "watch out," in a possible signal that OPEC+ may further cut output.

However, comments from Russian oil officials and sources, including Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, indicate the world's third-largest oil producer is leaning toward leaving output unchanged.

"Traders have been left a little confused as to what we can expect," said Craig Erlam, senior markets analyst at OANDA.

"It may be that Saudi Arabia wants to keep traders on their toes, but to make these comments and not follow through could be perceived as weak and see prices drift lower again," Erlam said. (Reuters)

Russia said on Monday its military hit Ukrainian air bases in overnight strikes and Ukrainian forces shelled industrial facilities inside Russia as both sides sought the upper hand ahead of what Kyiv hopes will be a decisive counter-offensive.

In a rare acknowledgement of damage to a military "target", Ukraine said that work was under way to restore a runway and that five aircraft were taken out of service in the western region of Khmelnitskiy, though it did not name the sites.

Russian state-owned news agency RIA cited the Defence Ministry as saying more than one air base had been hit. There was no confirmation from Ukraine of damage to other air bases.

The Ukrainian capital came under attack for the 16th time this month after a second successive night of bombardment. But officials

said most of the drones and missiles fired overnight had been shot down and no targets were hit in the morning.

The attacks, which sent Kyiv residents running for shelter in metro stations, were part of a new wave of Russian air strikes this month as Ukraine, armed with new Western weapons, prepares a push to try to take back territory Russia has seized in the "special military operation" launched in February 2022.

"With these constant attacks, the enemy seeks to keep the civilian population in deep psychological tension," said Serhiy Popko, the head of the city's military administration.

Two people were killed and eight wounded in a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Toretsk in the eastern region of Donetsk on Monday, regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Republicans speak out against US debtceiling deal, in sign of rocky road ahead

Ahandful of hard-right Republican lawmakers said on Monday they would oppose a deal to raise the United States' US$31.4 trillion debt ceiling, in a sign that the bipartisan agreement could face a rocky path through Congress before the US runs out of money next week.

Although expected, the opposition illustrates the hurdles that Democratic President Joe Biden and top congressional Republican Kevin McCarthy will have to overcome to see the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and Democratic-controlled Senate pass the package.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a candidate for the Republican 2024 presi-

Tourist boat sinks on Lake Maggiore killing 4

Four people have died after a boat carrying more than 20 passengers, including tourists, sank in strong winds on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy.

The boat overturned on Sunday evening between the towns of Sesto Calende and Arona, Italian media say. Five people were rescued and taken to hospital.

Unconfirmed reports in Italian media say the victims are Italian, Israeli and Russian.

One of the them, a Russian woman, is said to have been the partner of the boat's skipper.

Attilio Fontana, presi

-

dent of the Lombardy region, said the "very serious incident" was due to bad weather.

The boat was 16m (52ft) long and had been hired by tourists, he said on Facebook.

According to Italian news outlets, the boat had been carrying about 25 people who were celebrating a birthday when a storm developed over the lake, later turning into a "small hurricane". The boat capsized and sank soon afterwards.

Everyone onboard went into the water, but many of the passengers swam ashore or were rescued by other boats.

Rescue divers and a helicopter scrambled to help with the search at the lake's southern end, and several ambulances and an air ambulance attended the scene.

A video shared by firefighters showed chairs and other debris floating in choppy waters.

Lake Maggiore - on the south side of the Alps - is shared by Italy and Switzerland and is a popular destination for tourists.

The area has seen poor weather over the last day, with Italy's meteorological service issuing thunderstorm warnings. (BBC News)

dential nomination, said the deal does not do enough to change the fiscal trajectory. "After this deal, our country will still be careening toward bankruptcy," he said on Fox News.

Still, backers predicted it would clear Congress before the United States runs out of money to pay its bills, which the Treasury Department

says will happen on June 5.

The 99-Page Bill would suspend the debt limit through Jan 1, 2025, allowing lawmakers to set aside the politically risky issue until after the November 2024 presidential election. It would also cap some Government spending over the next two years.

A crucial first test will

come on today, when the House Rules Committee takes up the Bill, in a necessary first step before a vote in the full House. Though the panel is normally closely aligned with House leadership, McCarthy was forced to include some sceptical conservatives as a price for winning the speaker's gavel.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Uganda enacts harsh anti-LGBTQ law including death penalty

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni signed one of the world's toughest anti-LGBTQ laws, including the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality", drawing Western condemnation and risking sanctions from aid donors.

Same-sex relations were already illegal in Uganda, as in more than 30 African countries, but the new law goes further.

It stipulates capital punishment for "serial offenders" against the law and transmission of a terminal illness like HIV/ AIDS through gay sex. It also decrees a 20-year sentence for "promoting" homosexuality.

"The Ugandan President has today legalised State-sponsored homophobia and transphobia," said Clare Byarugaba, a Ugandan rights activist.

United States President Joe Biden called the move "a tragic violation" of human rights and said Washington would evaluate the implications of the law "on all aspects of US engagement with Uganda."

"We are considering additional steps, including the application of sanctions and restriction of entry into the United States against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption," he said.

A presidency photo of Museveni showed him signing the law with a golden pen at his desk. The 78-year-old has called homosexuality a "deviation from normal" and urged lawmakers to resist "imperialist" pressure.

A local organisation, Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum, and

10 other individuals later filed a complaint against the law at the constitutional court, one of the petitioners, Busingye Kabumba, told Reuters. Museveni had sent the original Bill passed in March back, asking parliament to tone down some provisions. But his ultimate approval was not seen as in doubt in a conservative country where anti-LGBTQ attitudes have hardened in recent years, in part due to campaigning by Western evangelical church groups.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Local residents walk next to damaged buildings after Russian missiles strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv region, Ukraine May 29, 2023

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni speaks during a Reuters interview at his farm in Kisozi settlement of Gomba district, in the Central Region of Uganda, January 16, 2022

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Sort through your financial papers and see where you can cut costs or how you can bring in more cash. Explore new ways to capitalize on your skills, experience and knowledge.

(March 21-April 19)

Do more and talk less. Your performance will make a difference to the outcome of whatever you pursue. Update your look, and you'll attract attention and compliments that will lift your spirits.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Watch what's trending, and you'll discover something that interests you. A proactive approach will help you gain momentum, build friendships with informative peers and develop confidence.

Weigh the pros and cons before you start something new. Look for creative ways to cut corners. Don't limit what you can do because you lack information. Do your homework. Romance is favored.

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Reach out to people you enjoy working alongside. A group effort will make it easier to reach your goal by adding dimension to your original plan. Put your energy where it will have a profound impact.

Do some research and discover how to make your dreams come true. Ask an expert, sign up for a class or broaden your horizons through hands-on experience. Set a reasonable target.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

If you open your heart and mind to alternative concepts, something good will transpire. Protect your reputation by not sharing emotional or personal issues. Look for a way to use your skills.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

You'll draw people who offer unique or fresh opinions. A different approach to life, work and romance will point you in a new direction. Be innovative and constructive.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Slow down, do the math and figure out the best way forward. Don't learn the hard way; talk to an expert before spending money or time. Sell something you no longer need.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Take a moment to figure out what you want to achieve. Heading down a path with few guidelines will confuse you. Engage in events that encourage you to connect with people who can offer advice.

Refuse to let someone step in and take control. Don't head in a direction that doesn't appeal to you. Do your own thing and make the most of your day. Make some home improvements.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Trust and believe in yourself. Take control of your finances and set up a plan that will help you build equity. Saving for something will give you the discipline you need. Romance is favored.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

BCB/Dave West Indian Imports Berbice River 40-over Tournament… Wiruni defeat Sand Hills-Friendship to emerge as champions

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) is currently hosting a countywide Second-Division tournament with almost a hundred teams involved.

The tournament is divided into five sub-divisions where a champion would emerge and then the five champions would participate in a playoff to determine the overall Berbice champions.

On Friday last, Wiruni defeated arch-rivals Sand Hills-Friendship to emerge as the champions of the BCB/ Dave West Indian Imports Tournament for teams in the Berbice River area. Three teams – Wiruni,

Sand Hills-Friendship and Ebini – participated in the tournament which is being sponsored by Dave Narine, a New York-based businessman who owns and operates the popular Dave West Indian Imports business.

Wiruni won the toss and elected to bat first in the match, which was attended by a large and noisy crowd of riverine residents. Wiruni scored 201 for 6 off their allotted overs, with Desmond Osborne top-scoring with 62 (four boundaries and four huge sixes) and he received support from J Sinclair, who scored 26. Bowling for

Sand Hills-Friendship, Kelvin Evans claimed 4 for 19 in an impressive spell. Colin Welcome supported Evans with two wickets for nine runs.

In reply, Sand HillsFriendship were bowled out for 89 runs in 20 overs to lose by 112 runs. Randy DeNobreya top-scored with a polished 49, but he received no support in a poor team batting exhibition. N Thomas took four wickets for 36 runs while G McKenzie took three wickets for six runs for Wiruni. Osborne was declared the Man of the Finals for his innings of 62.

BCB President Hilbert Foster congratulated Wiruni on winning the tournament. He explained that similar finals would be played in the West Berbice, New Amsterdam-Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne areas. He noted that his administration was committed to development of the game. The BCB President also announced to loud applause that history would be created when a First-Division team from the Berbice River area play in the BCB/Speaker’s Cup 20/20 tournament. This will be the first time that a Berbice

River team would be playing at the First-Division level in the history of Berbice cricket. They will join West Berbice, Blairmont, Police, Tucber Park, Young Warriors, Rose Hall Canje, Albion, Port Mourant, RHT Thunderbolt Flour, Upper Corentyne and Skeldon. Chairman of the BCB Cricket Competition Committee, Leslie Solomon stated that he was impressed with the standard of the two teams and urged them to continue working on their game. Solomon also expressed gratitude to Narine for his sponsorship of the tournament.

Chelsea appoint ex-Tottenham

boss, Pochettino, as new manager

Chelsea have appointed former Tottenham and Paris St-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager.

Since Boehly took over, Chelsea have spent more than £550m on players with their Premier League record of £288m in January totalling more than all the clubs in the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1 combined.

the Trophee des Champions, which were the first trophies of Pochettino’s managerial career.

‘He needs to control the agenda at Chelsea’ - Analysis Guillem Balague, European football expert

Marian Academy emerged champions of the Independence Day Secondary Schools’ boys’ 8-a-side, 4-over knockout tapeball cricket competition. As such, Marian Academy won the beautiful trophy with medals, which were sponsored by Cummings Electrical, Guyana Beverages Inc (BUSTA) and MVP Sports.

Thirteen secondary schools participated in the event, which was organised by James “Uprising” Lewis, the sports ambassador.

In the first semi-final, Cummings Lodge Secondary v North Georgetown Secondary School, the latter batted first and scored 47 runs for five wickets off their four overs; in reply, Cummings Lodge scored 49 runs for four off their four overs.

The following semi-final was between Westminster Secondary and Marian Academy. Marian Academy batted first and scored 51 runs for four off their four overs. When Westminster Secondary batted, they knocked off the runs in 3.5 overs, scoring a total of 53 for 5.

A protest was later lodged by Marian Academy that Westminster Secondary had a player who did not attend the school, which Westminster’s Captain confirmed, and they were disqualified.

The final was played between Marian Academy and Cummings Lodge. Cummings Lodge batted

first and scored 53 runs for four off their four overs. In reply, Marian Academy only scored 46 runs for six wickets in their four overs, but immediately after the last ball was bowled, Marian Academy sports teacher lodged another protest to the organiser that Cummings Lodge Secondary School played two 20-year-old players from the Government Technical Institute (GTI). The players were confronted and they both admitted to that fact, so the organiser declared that Marian Academy were the champions. The trophy was presented by Georgetown Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore, who was present throughout the competition, along with a representative from the Guyana Beverages Inc.

The organisers, The G.O.A.P.C, expressed special thanks to the Ministry of Education Chief Executive Officer (CEO); the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Cummings Electrical Co, Mr Cummings, Guyana Beverages Inc, MVP Sports, the 13 schools that participated, all the teachers and parents for coming out in support, all of the players, the umpires, and the scorers.

The next such big competition is being scheduled for all CXC and CAPE students who did not get to participate in this event at the National Park on Saturday, June 24, so that all fifth and sixth form students could compete.

The Argentine, 51, begins his new role on 1 July 2023 on a two-year contract, with an option of a further year.

Interim boss Frank Lampard took Chelsea to 12th in the Premier League - their lowest finish for more than 25 years.

“Mauricio is a world-class coach with an outstanding track record. We are all looking forward to having him on board,” the club said.

Chelsea say Pochettino was first choice and the only manager who was brought into the club for talks.

He will work with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart.

“Mauricio’s experience, standards of excellence, leadership qualities and character will serve Chelsea Football Club well as we move forward,” Winstanley and Stewart said in a statement.

“He is a winning coach, who has worked at the highest levels, in multiple leagues and languages. His ethos, tactical approach and commitment to development all made him the exceptional candidate.”

Pochettino is Chelsea’s sixth permanent manager in five years following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter earlier this season, which led to Lampard taking charge on a temporary basis.

He is also the fourth boss of new owner Todd Boehly’s reign after the American took over at Stamford Bridge last July.

Incomings like World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez and Ukraine winger Mykhailo Mudryk could not lift a poor Chelsea season however, as the Blues lost to Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

They also suffered thirdround exits in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

From London rival to new head coach

Pochettino had been linked with a return to Tottenham after they parted company with Antonio Conte in March, but he has instead joined his former club’s London rivals.

Having started his managerial career with Espanyol before a 16-month spell at Southampton, he then managed Spurs from 2014 to 2019.

The Argentine guided his side to the League Cup final in 2015 and a Premier League runners-up spot in 2016-17, with Spurs missing out on winning both to Chelsea, and the 2019 Champions League final.

He also oversaw an infamous London derby in May 2016 in which Spurs picked up nine yellow cards compared with three for the Blues, the result ending their title hopes for the season.

Following his spell at Tottenham, Pochettino took over from Tuchel at PSG in January 2021.

The French club finished second in Ligue 1 at the end of the 2020-21 season but did win the Coupe de France and

Joining Chelsea is not a decision Pochettino has taken lightly; he has turned down a number of potential suitors since leaving Paris St-Germain in July 2022.

But none have ticked as many boxes as Chelsea, and he initially turned down Boehly until he was offered more control.

Much, of course, will depend on who he can bring in, with a need to find a striker clearly a main objective. Should Romelu Lukaku manage to steer clear of injury, he could well be an option, although he is going to have to jettison some players before contemplating adding to the squad.

What his time at PSG taught him is he needs to return to his essence, with all his passion and intensity, not dissimilar to the relationship he enjoyed with his players at Spurs.

For that, he has taken a good look at himself and what he did wrong at the French club, what he could have done better and how he can avoid making similar mistakes at Chelsea.

He needs to have the energy to be able to mould players, know that the players are listening to him and have the authority to ensure that this is happening.

He realises that, at Chelsea, he needs to control the agenda as much as possible - something he could not do at PSG.

Most importantly, he needs to get the message across that this will not be a quick fix and, more than vast sums of money, what is required most is time.

(BBC Sport)

Man of the Finals, Desmond Osborne

At 1:35 am on the third day of a T20 match, Chennai Super Kings emerged as the new Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, winning their fifth title to draw level with the Mumbai Indians.

Ravindra Jadeja pierced the silence built by tens of thousands of people when he hit the final two balls of an incredible, chaotic, unbelievable chase for boundaries. One straight in front of him. The other behind.

An equation of 171 off 15 overs reduced to 14 off one. Mohit Sharma made it even tougher – 11 off 3. CSK hadn't hit a boundary in 13 balls. They had, however, lost two wickets. One of them was MS Dhoni, for a duck.

That was looking like it might be his last act on a cricket field. He will be 42 soon. He said preparing for the IPL at his age was taking a "heavy toll". When he came in, Ahmedabad broke the sound barrier. When he left, the crowd was bereft.

But a few minutes later, they looked on, having suffered through the rain, braving difficult journeys to and from the ground, as their hero walked up onto the podium and picked up his fifth IPL trophy. In a rare show of emotion, once the winning runs were hit, Dhoni leapt into Jadeja's arms. That's how much it meant to him.

None of this would have been possible though without the impact of Ambati Rayudu. He tweeted that this would be his final IPL match. When he walked out, ESPNcricinfo's forecaster suggested CSK only had a 35 per cent chance of victory. He lashed Mohit for 6, 4 and 6 and with those three hits, his team became overwhelming favourites – 93 per cent.

The highlights

The IPL final began on May 28. Not a ball was bowled because of rain. Then it shifted to May 29. Two-hundred and ten balls took six hours to be bowled because of another weather intervention.

B Sai Sudharsan made the final the spectacle it was. The 21-year-old Chennai boy took it to his hometown franchise, scoring 96 runs off 47 balls. Mohit made it last the distance. He came back from the Rayudu assault to pick up two wickets in two balls.

Later, facing the greatest pressure a player can be under – bowling the last over with an IPL final on his shoulders –he nailed three perfect off-stump yorkers that were simply unhittable.

Super Kings had been propped up by yet another strong opening partnership from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway. But once the field spread – after four overs – they found the going tougher. Especially against Noor Ahmad. The 18-year-old left-arm wristspinner did not concede a single boundary in a spell of 3-0-17-2. His Afghanistan team-mate, though, was battered around.

Rashid Khan was about to finish his spell well. The first four balls of his last over went for just three runs. The rest went for 12. Shivam

Dube got the tossed-up balls he wanted and he smashed them both for sixes.

CSK needed to go 6, 6, 6, 4, 6 between the 12th and the 13th overs just to get ahead in this game. They were trailing until that fiveball sequence. Imagine being the Titans right now. Those five balls –and then the last two –ended up deciding their fate.

They finally roar for Jadeja

At the end of the league stage, Jadeja had a strike rate of 149.47 between overs 15 and 20. That is the lowest of the 14 finishers who have faced at least 75 balls in this phase. His closest competitor for a place in the Indian team in T20 cricket – Axar Patel – was up at 175.55.

To make matters

worse, every time he fell, he was greeted by the sound of the crowd roaring as one for the incoming batter. Dhoni. It got to the point where he rounded on the fans, in jest of course, and, in response, the next time he walked out to the middle, the Chepauk DJ played a song called Mannippaya, which in Tamil translates to will you forgive me?

Jadeja faced only six balls in the final. He was at the crease for only 13. There were no boundaries hit for the duration of his stay … until the penultimate ball. A yorker that fell only inches short from Mohit was launched down the ground, and then the last ball, another attempted yorker that became a low full toss, was flicked past the left of short fine.

Chennai would have roared as one. This time for Jadeja. The blinder from Rayudu CSK needed 73 from 36. Eleven balls, two fours and a wicket later, they needed 55 from 25 and that's what Rayudu walked into. He has played 204 matches in his IPL career, which began in 2010. This season he's had to play a reduced role. He was CSK's Impact Sub at the start. None of his innings lasted more than 17 balls. Yet he kept telling his team-mates in the dressing room that he would win the final for them. Deepak Chahar made a point of saying that by cutting across Rayudu himself when he was doing an interview with the host broadcaster.

The second six he hit was especially stunning. Off an into-the-wicket slower ball that was designed to rob the batter of his balance, but Rayudu kept his, and smashed it over extra cover. As far as cameos go, his 19 off 8 will remain long in memory.

The forgotten hero

Sudharsan arrived on the back of a stumping that Dhoni pulled off in 0.1 seconds to get rid of Shubman Gill. He was 10 off 12 with no boundaries after 11 overs. He was the man that had to retire out in Qualifier 2 so Titans could get a better ball-striker in. But even that night, they let Sudharsan bat till the start of the 20th over and only then pulled him out. They trust this guy. They trust all their guys. That's their whole thing.

Sudharsan seems to understand his limitations. And that gives him his power. He can't hit sixes like Tim David or Suryakumar Yadav. Even the ones he manages to hit look like they take a lot out of him. That bat goes as high as it can in the back-lift and comes thundering down. He holds nothing back, because he knows he can't afford to.

Defensive bowling is all about protecting one side of the pitch. Usually, the leg side. That's why most teams station more men in the deep there. It's instinct to slog the ball in T20s.

But Sudharsan is different. He is a really good offside player. On Monday, he found six of his eight fours there. Two of them were slaps in the face of CSK's plans.

SCOREBOARD

Gujarat Titans (20 ovs maximum)

Wriddhiman Saha †

c †Dhoni b Chahar 54

Shubman Gill st †Dhoni

b Jadeja 39

Sai Sudharsan lbw b Pathirana 96

Hardik Pandya (c) not out 21

Rashid Khan c Gaikwad

b Pathirana 0

Extras (b 1, lb 1, w 2) 4

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 10.70) 214/4

Did not bat: Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Mohit Sharma, Noor Ahmad, Mohammed Shami, Josh Little Fall of wickets: 1-67 (Shubman Gill, 6.6 ov), 2-131 (Wriddhiman Saha, 13.6 ov), 3-212 (Sai

Sudharsan, 19.3 ov), 4-214 (Rashid Khan, 19.6 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Deepak Chahar 4-0-38-1

Tushar Deshpande 4-0-56-0

Maheesh Theekshana 4-0-36-0

Ravindra Jadeja 4-0-38-1

Matheesha Pathirana 4-0-44-2

Chennai Super Kings (T: 171 runs from 15 ovs)

Ruturaj Gaikwad c Rashid

Khan b Noor Ahmad 26

Devon Conway c Sharma b Noor Ahmad 47

Shivam Dube not out 32

Ajinkya Rahane c Shankar

b Sharma 27

Ambati Rayudu c & b Sharma 19

MS Dhoni (c)† c Miller b Sharma 0

Ravindra Jadeja not out 15

Extras (lb 1, w 4) 5

TOTAL 15 Ov (RR: 11.40) 171/5

Did not bat: Moeen Ali, Deepak

Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana

Fall of wickets: 1-74 (Ruturaj

Gaikwad, 6.3 ov), 2-78 (Devon

Conway, 6.6 ov), 3-117 (Ajinkya

Rahane, 10.5 ov), 4-149 (Ambati Rayudu, 12.4 ov), 5-149 (MS Dhoni, 12.5 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Mohammed Shami 3-0-29-0

Hardik Pandya 1-0-14-0

Rashid Khan 3-0-44-0

Noor Ahmad 3-0-17-2

Josh Little 2-0-30-0

Mohit Sharma 3-0-36-3

In the 17th over, with mid-off and cover up and Tushar Deshpande trying to tuck him up on middle and leg, Sudharsan made room and flat-batted two beautiful boundaries where he knew he didn't need power.

Just placement.

This was part of a three-over period in which he scored all of the Titans' boundaries – three sixes and five fours. When a batter pillages runs both sides of the wicket, the opposition unravels. No CSK bowler was spared. Not even Matheesha Pathirana. He had gone entire games – 9 of 14 –without giving away as many runs as he did Monday night to just one player. Sudharsan whacked the Sri Lankan sensation for 34 in 14 balls.

(ESPNcricinfo)

KFC Elite League…

Round 2 ends with thrillers over weekend

There were victories written in the stars for Western Tigers; Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC; Fruta Conquerors and Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) lit up its National Training Centre (NTC), at Providence for the second round of the KFC Elite League. With the installation of the temporary lights at the facility, Western Tigers and Buxton United were the first teams to take to the pitch on Saturday evening.

Buxton took the lead with a 45th+1 minute freekick

Round of 16, quarter-finals set in ExxonMobil U14 tournaments

There were big wins for Waramuri Top and Marian Academy girls while the Bartica and Dora Secondary boys dominated on Sunday to book spots in the ExxonMobil Girls’ and Boys’ quarterfinals and Round of 16 respectively.

It was in fact a packed weekend in the Petra-organised tournament, which saw group stage action on Saturday and Sunday. When the dust settled at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Ground, Carifesta Avenue, 16 male and 8 female teams remained in the hunt for this year’s titles.

Notably, the boys’ competition will see a new champion with Charlestown Secondary now out of contention.

In the girls’ competition, six goals off the boots of Mechelle Williams in the 2nd, 10th, 12th, 14th, 17th and 28th minutes of the game for Waramuri Primary Top propelled the team to a 13-0 victory over New Campbellville Secondary, sealing a perfect nine points and passage to the quarter-finals. Williams was backed up by Allia Henry, who netted four in the 8th, 23rd, 25th and 38th minutes.

Another entertaining game saw Tucville Secondary in a 5-0 win over Christ Church Secondary. Kaira Boyce led the charge for Tucville, with a brace in the 24th and 30th minutes.

Meanwhile, Marian Academy thumped Mackenzie High 6-0, with hat-tricks from Ashley Walton (28th, 30th, 40th) and Kaleigh Todd (11th, 33rd, 35th).

Over in the boys’ competition, Bartica Secondary had a resounding 10-0 victory over Carmel Secondary. Bartica’s Riley Tracey led the charge, finding the back of the net four times in the 15th, 18th, 19th and 23rd minutes while Meshack Williamson contributed a double in the 18th and 24th.

A hat-trick from Isaac Ross (2nd, 5th, 31st) and two goals from Rayshawn Hemerding in the 16th and 39th minutes spurred Dora Secondary to a 5-0 win against North Ruimveldt Multilateral.

Vergenoegen Secondary and St Stanislaus College both

played to 4-0 victories over New Amsterdam and Hope Secondary.

Meanwhile, Darius Chester, Randy Yaw, and Stephon Salvador each found the back of the net once to ensure Chase’s Academy would triumph in a 3-1 affair against Ann’s Grove.

The teams advancing to the ExxonMobil Boys’ Round of 16 are Cummings Lodge, Waramuri

Top, Westminster, Bush Lot, Fort Wellington, Patentia, Bartica, Vergenoegen, New Central High, Mackenzie High, Christianburg Wismar, Dolphin, Chase’s Academy, Dora, East Ruimveldt and Marian Academy.

On the distaff side, Waramuri

Top, Tucville, Ann’s Grove, President’s College, Bartica, Charlestown, New Central High and Marian Academy will compete in the girls’ quarterfinals.

The ExxonMobil U14 tournament is expected to continue this Saturday, June 3.

Complete results:

Girls’

Waramuri Primary Top

13 v New Campbellville 0

Goal-scorers

- Mechelle Williams 2nd, 10th,12th,14th,17th,28th

- Allia Henry 8th, 23rd, 25th, 38th

- Mnemasyne Peters 4th, 16th

- Brenita Marks 34th

Tucville 5 v Christ Church 0

Goal-scorers

- Ceara Glasgow 1st

- Marissa Sam 6th

- Kaira Boyce 24th, 30th

- Shania Waldron 14th

New Amsterdam 0 v Dora 2

Goal-scorers

- Akalia George 6th

- Michelle Latchman 27th

Bartica 4 v IAE 0

Goal-scorers

- Arianna Joseph 6th

- Candacy Robinson 8th

- Mia Peters 17th

- Nikesh Persaud 38th

Mackenzie High 0 v Marian Academy 6

Goal-scorers

- Ashley Walton 28th, 30th, 40th

- Kaleigh Todd 11th, 33rd, 35th

Charlestown 3 v Cummings Lodge 0

Goal-scorers

- Kelsey Bernard 7th

- Tyesha Archer 11th

- Makaeda Hart 15th

President’s College

2 v Westminster 0

Goal-scorer

- Kimora Edwards 3rd, 24th St Stanislaus College

1 v Vergenoegen 0

Goal-scorer

- Makaylah Poole 23rd

Ann’s Grove 2 v East Ruimveldt 0

Goal-scorers

- Elena Pompey 6th

- Keshaiya Tixey 32nd

New Central v West Ruimveldt 0 (New Central won via walkover)

Boys’

Bartica 10 v Carmel 0

Goal-scorers

- Durell Washington 11th

- Riley Tracey 15th, 18th, 23rd, 19th

- Meshack Williamson 18th, 24th

- Joshua Joseph 28th

- Jaden Daniels 35th

- Rondell Reid 39th

Charlestown v Charity (Charlestown won via walkover)

Dora 5 v North Ruimveldt 0

Goal-scorers

- Isaac Ross 2nd, 5th, 31st

- Rayshawn

Hemerding 16th, 39th

Waramuri Primary Top

2 v President’s College 1

Goal-scorers (Waramuri)

- Ricardo Lewis 21st

- Shaleel Marks 10th

President’s College

- Ajiande Isaacs 28th

Christ Church v St Cuthbert (Christ Church won via walkover)

Bush Lot 1 v Westminster 0

Goal-scorer

- Ceon George 28th

Vergenoegen 4 v

off the boots of Samuel Johnson. However, a slipup in the second half saw Buxton conceding an own goal in the 56th minute.

Eusi Phillips later added the cherry on top in the 72nd minute to hand Western Tigers the 2-1 win.

The following game saw GDF thumping Den Amstel FC 4-0. Olvis Mitchell got GDF’s adrenaline pumping early with two goals in the seventh and eighth minutes. However, it was only until the second half that the soldiers extended their tally with goals from Stephon McDonald and Ryan Hackett in the 79th and 87th respectively.

following game. Nicholas McArthur was the marksman on show, with goals in the 20th, 33rd, 39th and 41st minute. Meanwhile, Ronaldo Dover (18th), Keswin Fraser (57th) and Ravi Coates (84th) all found the back of the net once.

The KFC Elite League will continue with Round 3 this evening (Tuesday, May 30) at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, with Western Tigers and Victoria Kings meeting at 19:00h. Den Amstel and Police will then lock horns at 21:00h.

New Amsterdam 0

Goal-scorers

- Elvis Grant 6th

- Devon Williams

8th, 23rd, 33rd

New Central High 3

v Mackenzie High 0

Goal-scorers

- Peter Khan 18th, 20th

- Trevor Gordon 29th

CWSS 1 v Dolphin 1

Goal-scorers (CWSS)

- Gowan Adams 27th

- Own goal 30th

Patentia 2 v Fort Wellington 1

Goal-scorer (Patentia)

- Fedel Abrams 23rd, 38th

Fort Wellington

- Quivion Julius 21st

St Stanislaus College 4 v Hope 0

Goal-scorers

- Clint Bynoe 1st, 11th, 32nd

- Avon Ritchie 37th

Cummings Lodge 3 v IAE 0

Goal-scorers

- Cleon London 4th

- Malachi Anderson 26th

- Own goal 13th

East Ruimveldt 1 v Marian Academy 1

Goal-scorers (East Ruimveldt)

- Gary Primo 11th

Marian Academy

- Justin Tenpow 6th

West Ruimveldt

2 v Annandale 1

Goal-scorer (West Ruimveldt)

- Wayne Solomon 23rd, 35th Annandale

- Sherwin Mc Almont 26th

Yellow card Annandale

- Devon Williams 18th

Queenstown 0 v New Campbellville 1

Goal-scorer

- Omario Bernard 14th

Chase 3 v Ann’s Grove 1

Goal-scorers (Chase)

- Darius Chester 7th

- Randy Yaw 14th

- Stephon Salvador 12th Ann’s Grove

- Jamario Joshiah 20th

Meanwhile, on Sunday, late goals had spectators on the edge of their seats as Fruta Conquerors narrowly got past Ann’s Grove FC. After a deadlocked first half, Neron Barrow handed Fruta Conquerors the lead in the 77th minute.

Shemar Beckles equalised for Ann’s Grove three minutes later, but in the 86th minute Fruta snatched the lead once again by way of a Samuel Garnett goal.

Police closed the weekend’s and Round 2’s action with a 7-0 drubbing of Victoria Kings FC in the

After Round 2, Western Tigers still lead the table, although narrowly, with 6 points and a +11 goal difference. They are followed by Santos, with 6 points and a +10 goal difference. The GPF FC and the GDF FC also have 6 points each with goal differences of +9 and +8 respectively. Two teams in Buxton United FC and Fruta Conquerors sit on 3 points while Den Amstel, Victoria Kings, Ann’s Grove and Milerock FC are all yet to pick up points in the KFCsponsored League.

In addition, Nicholas McArthur has distinguished himself in the ‘most goals’ category, netting six goals in two games thus far.

Region 6 win GVF Inter-Region Tournament

The Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) National Inter-Region Tournament saw participation from six teams, namely from Regions One, Three, Four, Six, Seven and 10, competing in a two-zone tourney over the Independence weekend (May 26-28).

According to the GVF, the availability of the National Gymnasium was a major setback for the execution of the tournament, owing to an Independence table tennis tournament that caused late starts on all three days.

In Zone A, Region Four emerged winners in the threeteam round-robin play-off, with Region Three being the runnersup. In Zone B, Region Six were the winners, with Region Seven being the runners-up in their round-robin play-off.

The semi-finals saw Region Four defeating Region Seven 2 sets to 1, with scores reading 19-25, 25-21, 15-7. Likewise,

Region Six defeated Region Three, with scores reading 2510, 27-25, 15-10. Thus, Regions Six and Four were the last two teams standing, to compete in the best-of-five final.

Region Six drew first blood and went on to bring down the curtains with scores of 25-17, 25-23, 22-25 and 29-27.

The victorious Region Six team received the monetary first prize of $100,000, while Region Four received the second-place prize of $50,000. Daniel Joseph of Region Six was adjudged Most Valuable Player (MVP) and received $20,000.

The GVF extended gratitude to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Flores Maritime, all officials and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. According to the Federation, the next upcoming activity is the selection of male and female squads for a border game in Brazil, sometime in August.

The victorious team

Scenes from the KFC Elite League Round 2 games at the GFF’s NTC, Providence