Guyana Times - Tuesday, November 21. 2023

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 5560

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023

Investing in Guyana will open countless opportunities, markets – Pres Ali urges EU Trade Mission

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Family calls for justice 6 months after teen’s P11 brutal murder

Page 3

Truck driver gets $1.5M bail for causing P8 death of 63-year-old Madewini man

– says it’s a ‘now or never’ move to leverage this advantage Female security

Effects of El Niño season blamed for high prices on local market – Govt invests $5B to support farmers during dry season

Over 25 ‘mystery vehicles’ received fuel under APNU/AFC at taxpayers’ expense – PAC hears Page 7

...Reg 5 administration foots bill despite vehicles not being on books

officer dies P2 after crashing motorcycle into parked trailer

Page 9

Corentyne man 2 arrested for stabbed to rape, murder of Berbice woman death by bartender Top Cop urges Police graduates "the catalyst during argument toforbechange"

P2

Page 17

Late payment of salaries, maternity benefits among issues plaguing public sector – Advisor ...says employees must receive benefits entitled to in a timely manner See story on page 10

...victim died from shock and haemorrhage due to multiple stab wounds – autopsy

within GPF

P12

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Female security 2 arrested for rape, officer dies after of Berbice woman crashing motorcycle murder ...victim died from shock and haemorrhage into parked trailer due to multiple stab wounds – autopsy

A

A

Dead security officer Zaleen Khan

female security guard is now dead after the motorbike she was riding reportedly crashed into a parked trailer along the Mibicuri Public Road, Black Bush Polder (BBP), on Saturday

evening.

The dead woman has been identified as 25-yearold Zaleen Khan of Mibicuri South, BBP, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

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The front of the motorcycle

s investigations continue into the brutal murder of 48-year-old Daniele Charles, whose naked body was found at Experiment New Housing Scheme, West Coast Berbice, on Sunday, the Police have confirmed that two men were arrested and are in custody.

It was reported that the Police received reports that the body of a woman was seen in a clump of bushes on a vacant plot of land at Experiment New Housing Scheme.

Upon arriving at the scene, Police found the woman’s naked body lying face up. A multi-coloured top with bloodstains, a pair of three-quarter denim pants, a bra and an underwear were found next to the body. The pants, bra and underwear were cut open, the Police said.

A used condom and wrapper were found next to the woman’s feet and wrapped-up tissues were found between the deceased legs.

Murdered: Daniele Charles

Upon further inspection, a total of 10 stab wounds were seen on the woman’s body - six to the abdomen, one to the left side breast, two to the throat, and one to the centre of the chest.

Police say the woman

is suspected to have been killed between 03:23h and 12:10h on Sunday.

Charles was reportedly seen consuming alcohol at a popular bar at Bath Settlement, WCB, with her relatives and a male and female friend. At about

20:00h on Saturday evening, the relatives left the bar, leaving Charles in the company of her friends.

Charles’ son, Yeukini Joseph, told investigators that at about 03:23h on Sunday morning, his mother called him and enquired if he was okay. In response, he told her that he was fine and in turn asked her if she was okay, but the phone got disconnected.

He attempted to call her back, but the phone was turned off. The young man stated that during the telephone call, the background was quiet, which meant his mother had already left the bar.

Meanwhile, a post-mortem was performed on Charles’ body on Monday

by Dr V Brijmohan at Bailey/Michael Funeral Home, No 4 Village, WCB, which gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to multiple stab wounds.

The body was handed over to relatives for burial.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, Nov 21 – No retraction and Wednesday, Nov 22 – 00:30h – 02:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Nov 21 – 11:15h – 12:45h and Wednesday, Nov 22 – 12:20h – 13:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine and thundery showers during the day. Expect clear skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 11:39h and 23:59h reaching maximum heights of 2.23 metres and 2.3 metres.

Low Tide: 17:28h reaching a minimum height of 1.0 metre.

Investing in Guyana will open countless opportunities, markets – Pres Ali urges EU Trade Mission – says it’s a ‘now or never’ move to leverage this advantage

By Rupa Seenaraine

T

he journey to accessing new markets and capitalising on the vast opportunities in Guyana begins with a leap to invest in the country’s prospering economy, President Irfaan Ali on Monday told investors from the visiting European Union (EU) Trade Mission.

The trade mission arrived in Guyana through the Global Gateway initiative - a mechanism to bridge investment gaps sustainably.

At the Marriott Hotel, President Irfaan Ali told

President Irfaan Ali in discussion with investors at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Monday

trade with the Europe Union stood at approxi-

the past five years, with an average annual growth

EU Ambassador to Guyana, Rene Van Nes during his address to the gathering

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Crude Oil

$82.32/barrel

+2.12

Rough Rice London Sugar

$312.57/ton $745.80/ton

-0.23 +1.25

Live Spot Gold Bid/Ask Low/High Change

Change %

USD Per Ounce $1981.00 $1964.80 +3.40

$1982.00 $1983.80 +0.17

the potential investors that they have the opportunity to be part of the most sustainable and resilient story of development that will evolve in 2030 and beyond.

In the space between a booming economy and the need for development in key sectors, it is a ‘now or never’ move to leverage this advantage, as the country’s unique position allows for it to become a leading hub in the Region.

“We are here to tell you in a convincing way that the door for our opportunities is open so that it can become your opportunities also. Do not believe that you need to do it alone. We have been growing our local private sector and they’re becoming far more sophisticated,” the Guyanese Head of State echoed.

Some 23 companies are visiting from 10 member states: Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Spain, France, Ireland, Finland and Austria. Among the entities are renowned brands Nokia and Siemens Energy.

Increasing trade

This partnership will not be starting from zero.

From January 2017 to September 2023, total

mately US$11 billion. It has increased ‘steadily’ in

of 20 per cent.

The President identi-

fied, “Trade grew by 778 per cent in 2022 over 2021 period. It is a movement from US $614 million to US$5.4 billion. The massive growth in 2022 is due to the considerable expansion in exports of petroleum.”

Ali mentioned that with the driven leadership on food, energy and climate, there is a demand for investments in the building out of services in healthcare, education, biodiversity and pharmaceutical.

Expanding operations in Guyana will form an integration into the wider market by capitalising on existing trade relations which the country sports.

“This market that I speak of is not the Guyanese market. It is what Guyana offers you in a much wider market based on trade agreements that we have in those markets. What we are seeking to do is create the competitive advantages within Guyana so that you can relocate or expand your services here to better compete and gain access to those markets. At the end of the day, business viability and economic viability are two different things.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023

Views

Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

UNITE to end violence against women

W

ithin the space of eight days beginning last Monday, four Guyanese women lay dead at the hands of loved ones and former loved ones. This as the global community gears up for the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Commencing on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and culminating on December 10, Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism campaign has been a steadfast international initiative since 1991. Started by activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute, it is intended as a powerful strategy, uniting individuals and organisations worldwide in the shared mission to prevent and eradicate gender-based violence. But it is hard to see how effective this campaign has really been as violence against women continues to leave many scars and claim many lives, locally and around the globe.

The United Nations defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life".

Estimates published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that globally about 1 in 3 (30 per cent) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. Most of this violence is intimate partner violence. Worldwide, almost one third (27 per cent ) of women aged 15-49 years who have been in a relationship report that they have been subjected to some form of physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner.

Globally, as many as 38 per cent of all murders of women are committed by intimate partners. In addition to intimate partner violence, globally, six per cent of women report having been sexually assaulted by someone other than a partner, although data for non-partner sexual violence is more limited.

Intimate partner and sexual violence are mostly perpetrated by men against women.

The social and economic costs of intimate partner and sexual violence are enormous and have ripple effects throughout society. Women may suffer isolation, inability to work, loss of wages, lack of participation in regular activities and limited ability to care for themselves and their children.

And when the mental aspect and the impact this violence has on children are considered, humanity can ill-afford the havoc it wreaks. Children who grow up in families where there is violence may suffer a range of behavioural and emotional disturbances. These can also be associated with perpetrating or experiencing violence later in life. Intimate partner violence has also been associated with higher rates of infant and child mortality and morbidity.

So why have we not eliminated this monstrous malfeasance of human behaviour after 32 years of global effort, some may ask. The answer to that question is the problem lies rooted in human behaviour and human behaviour can be very difficult to change.

In support of the 16 Days of Activism, the United Nations Secretary General, in 2008, launched the campaign UNITE by 2030 to End Violence against Women, which runs parallel to the 16 Days of Activism.

The global theme of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”.

Let us redouble our efforts to not only call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls but to achieve it. Let us UNITE to end violence against women. This year’s campaign calls on citizens to show how much they care about ending violence against women and girls by sharing the actions they are taking to create a world free from violence towards women. It also calls on Governments worldwide to share how they are investing in gender-based violence prevention.

The new US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot recently met with the 2023 Youth Ambassadors and their mentors at her residence.

During the meeting, she indicated her intention to working with the group and was impressed with their ideas to develop their respective communities

The menace of our road madness Dear Editor, Traffic craziness, carelessness, and confusion continue on the carriageways, leading to constant corruption, chaos and carnage as more lives are wasted and lost, pedestrians and passengers are dismembered and injured and survivors and families remain hurt, humiliated and hapless.

Despite the cries, pleas and advice from the President, the Police, and all stakeholders throughout Guyana, recklessness is a daily feature that can be observed by the minute on the roads and streets by unconcerned users, be it drivers, riders, bicyclists, pedestrians, workers and maintenance crew. No wonder there has been a 71 per cent increase in road fatalities resulting in 151 deaths from 129 recorded accidents, as revealed by the Traffic Chief last week.

The grave situation is a result of many studies, monitored and noted reasons, causes, explanations, analyses, and opinions, discussed and written already, including a failed system and an undisciplined society.

Recommendations for corrections and supplements to the rules and regulations, traffic laws, increased penalties, and education, better and more roads to enhance improvement and prevent accidents, have all been tried and tested but are yet to curb or control the madness that is exercised and executed by several users and abusers, be it men, women and children, both male and female, experienced and novice.

The brandished, befuddled, and bewildered be-

haviour beats the brain as injured parties bemoan the tragic incident that occurred last week when a two-weekold married cop was killed by a speeding driver, allegedly intoxicated and who ignored the stop light to slam into the officer and her colleague who were manning a roadblock outside the BV Police Station.

Perhaps this is the epitome of a sad incident, demonstrating the callous, cruel and calamitous carelessness of a catastrophic driver. This demonic drama demonstrates the demand for another penalty review. Any drunk driver convicted of causing an accident resulting in the death of anyone should be fined heavily, sentenced to nothing less than ten years’ imprisonment, and should be banned for life from driving or riding any motorised vehicle. Tough times call for tough measures.

Last holiday Monday, 47 bicyclists were observed during the evening hours between 6:15 and 6:45 in Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, at a popular junction on the main road. 45 did not display any headlights or reflectors while only one had a red reflector attached to the back wheel and another rider pitched his phone light as a warning or guidance. There were numerous motorbikes, all of the riders speeding and wearing no helmets, two of them without any headlights on.

Five e-bikes travelled the route without any headlights on, one of the riders was 12 or 13 years of age. Many drivers were speeding on this busy

road and three of them were driving without any lights on.

6 cars plied the route with loud, lawless, and lewd music blaring as if they were playing at an open concert. Many cars and minibuses stopped at the Chinese supermarket.

The drivers and other occupants purchased beers and consumed the same on the premises while competing to play their different music at high volume, much to the annoyance of the aggrieved residents in the area. Why do shop owners tolerate this nuisance? A Police outpost is located within hearing and seeing distance! Imagine what is happening in the rest of the country!

This is not an exaggerated situation but a norm in many areas. The Police, public and private domain are well aware, acquainted, and acknowledge this typical scenario. Many drivers and riders obey the traffic law and act within the parameters of rules and regulations while operating with patience and diligence to adhere to the famous five Cs: care, caution, consideration, common sense, and courtesy.

They should be commended. Many Police officers maintain the dignity of their uniforms to uphold honour by practicing and applying the law. They should be recognised and awarded appropriately. Those road users who flaunt the law should be ashamed of themselves.

Of course, they don’t care and are not remorseful over a guilty conscience. They are simply mean and will remain a menace. Those officers who “collect” instead of caution

and correct others or fail to comply with the law, are a disgrace and detriment to the Force and should be dismissed.

As adumbrated before and is prevalent in many countries, unmarked cars should be used to patrol our roadways to catch those who break the law on the roadway. The placement of more CCTVs and cameras is needed for surveillance on all the roads, not only a few.

Plainclothes officers should be riding the minibuses to uphold the law by ensuring drivers are in strict compliance. Traffic lights are needed also in rural areas.

Radar guns should be a daily usage by the Police. Police should not hesitate to issue traffic tickets, including for over-loading.

Conductors on minibuses believe that they are DJs on a dance floor. Many can be seen drinking beers while on duty and in the buses.

Overcharging is rampant.

Many buses refuse short drop passengers unless you pay a long drop premium.

Also, discrimination is practiced by choosing selected passengers. Is there a minibus association?

The Ministry for Commerce and Business may want to intervene along with others, including the Consumer Affairs Association, to protect and provide for passengers who are at the mercy of bus drivers. The safety and security of this nation and its people is everybody’s business.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Unveiling the Truth: Guyana's Oil Strategy vs Kaieteur News' Misleading Portrayal Dear Editor, I am reaching out to respectfully request space in your esteemed publication to present a detailed and well-informed counter-narrative to the comparison of Guyana's and Suriname’s oil deals as recently featured in Kaieteur News. My intention is to dispel prevailing misconceptions and shed light on the complexities of these agreements, especially in the context of the policies implemented by Guyana's Government under the People's Progressive Party (PPP).

Reassessment of the New PSA Terms under the PPP In a departure from the policies of the previous APNU/AFC coalition Government, the PPP initiated significant revisions in the new Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) for Guyana's oil sector. These revisions were marked by: 1. Elevated royalty rates: The PPP successfully increased the royalty rates from a modest 2% to a robust 10%, thereby significantly amplifying Guyana's share of the oil rev-

enue.

2. Strategic fiscal policy changes: Notably, these new agreements introduced a 10% corporate tax and reduced the ceiling for cost recovery from 75% to 65%, a move that effectively bolstered Guyana’s share in the profits.

Analysing the enhanced profit share and production dynamics 1. Augmented profit share for Guyana: Under these revised fiscal terms, Guyana’s share in the oil sector has risen to approximately 28.25%, marking a notable upswing from the earlier agreements.

2. Comparative analysis of production volumes: While reports suggest Suriname gains 64 barrels out of every 100, compared to Guyana’s 14, it is imperative to consider the broader picture of Guyana's larger production scale, which could potentially translate into higher aggregate profitability.

Contrasting fiscal approaches of Suriname and Guyana The Kaieteur News article juxtaposes Suriname’s 36% oil tax with Guyana's ap-

proach under the new PSAs. This comparison, however, does not adequately consider the wider economic ramifications of Guyana’s strategic fiscal adjustments, designed to foster a more conducive environment for investment.

Crucially, the imposition of a 36% tax can escalate the operational costs for oil companies, thereby impacting the net profit margins.

Demystifying financial concepts in oil agreements 1. Differences between rate of return and oil profit sharing: The rate of return on standard investments contrasts starkly with profit sharing in oil deals, the latter being subject to a variety of complex factors including global oil prices and production expenses.

2. Interest on loans versus returns on investments: It is essential to distinguish between the interest rates on loans, determined by market trends and creditworthiness, and the returns on investments in the oil sector, which are inherently linked to the profitability of specific projects.

The significance of

The use of UN Security Council is not optional and should not be delayed!

Dear Editor, The recent press conference held by the President to address several issues including the current conflict with Venezuela was both informative and disappointing. Although the President is trusting in the ICJ process and working closely with strategic and development partners in addressing the current conflict, it is imperative that the conflict also be brought to the UN Security Council for a resolution as soon as possible. Not doing so could result in a perception that the current Administration is willing to break its alliance with the US and its allies.

We must also avoid the perception that the major parties are reverting to their non-capitalist (Communist and Socialist) ways by avoiding a serious commitment against Venezuela and their allies (Iran, China, Russia, North Korea, and Turkey).

Some of whom are members of the Security Council.

China is currently in a conflict over Taiwan and Russia is in an armed conflict for territory in Ukraine. Like Venezuela, these two permanent members of the UN Security Council also do not recognise the jurisdiction of the ICJ. Venezuela is about to carry out what China is preparing to do and what Russia is doing.

We must not be naive in thinking that what we saw at the ICJ was not very serious.

We all remember and will never forget the videos shown

of the President of Venezuela and his military. When speaking on the upcoming referendum he screamed to the people of Venezuela, “Jamas, Jamas, Jamas!”, which is pronounced Hamas and means Never. He was telling them that he would never give up Essequibo.

There was also the video of his military troops saying, “An el combat”, which means “to the combat”. They are resolute and committed to going to combat over Essequibo.

They are also building a military logistics airport to aid them in their pursuit of conquering Essequibo. We must remember that war is filled with deception. They prepare to invade while saying that they do not want war. Actions speak louder than words.

We must prepare for military operations at the border. The only deterrent to the military of Venezuela and its allies is a stronger military force. For this very reason, we must allow the United States and their allies to make military preparations at the border with the GDF. For those who may be thinking of religious conviction as a reason for breaking away from our current allies, we must not allow the pitfalls of religious belief to change our current course of economic development. The UN Security Council is also the place where concerns over the conflict between the Israelites and the Palestinians/Philistines should be addressed.

There is no business or

concern more important than that of our sovereign Nation.

The Venezuelans are preparing to take our wealth and would prefer to see us impoverished. They are planning to take away the oil and other natural resources that are both on and offshore Essequibo. As a member of the UN Security Council, we must use this forum to bring forth the key issues that we believe are currently a serious threat to global peace.

The conflict with Venezuela is such a threat. It not only concerns Guyana, but more importantly it concerns the peace of the Region and the security of the United States.

As Guyana continues to aspire to global leadership, we must use this opportunity to be stewards of peace and allow for a discussion at the UN Security Council on the current conflict with Venezuela to help us and our allies gauge the receptiveness of a peaceful resolution to the conflict and respect for the ruling of the ICJ. It will also open the door to a broader discussion on sovereignty, which may help bring an end to the current conflicts and wars around the world that are also rooted in territorial integrity.

We must not hesitate to use the UN Security Council to prevent armed conflict that could result in its very members taking up arms against each other.

Sincerely, Jamil Changlee

ring-fencing and windfall gains 1. Ring-fencing as a financial strategy: This critical practice ensures transparent and effective management of oil resources. However, its application must be carefully considered within a broader financial context to avoid a narrow interpretation.

2. Prospects of windfall gains for Guyana: As the proprietor of its oil resources, Guyana is well positioned to capitalise on any windfall gains arising from fluctuations in the global market.

Proposals for enhancing Guyana’s oil sector management To further advance the management of Guyana’s oil sector, I recommend persistent investments in crucial sectors, establishing an independent petroleum commission for greater transparency, and embracing digitalisation to foster public engagement and governance efficiency.

Addressing the misconceptions in Kaieteur News’ report In conclusion, the narra-

tive presented by Kaieteur News significantly lacks a holistic understanding of the intricacies of oil agreements and fails to accurately portray the strategic and nuanced approach undertaken by the PPP. Their representation simplifies and misconstrues the PPP’s diligent management of Guyana's oil resources, which is firmly geared towards securing long-term national prosperity.

Yours sincerely, Mahendra Hariraj

Our lawmen need to be ever vigilant, ever on the alert!

Dear Editor, The statement was made soon after that infamous group of persons were charged with fraud and attempting to rig the 2020 Election, that statement ran thus, "there would be no trial of any such individuals, and even if there is a trial then you gon see what gon happen." It was an expletive laden statement found on the Facebook pages of one of the usual suspects.

Now, dwelling on the first part of that statement is a foregone conclusion, that is, the rigging crew would be tried, there is no doubt about that. To the second part, "you gon see wha gon happen" is what I would like to address.

Is there a move on to derail the trial and subsequent punishment of the accused? I think there is, and as such we have to take immediate action to thwart their plans.

Ironically, similar sentiments were expressed by Trump's rigging media, however, all of this came to no avail, because they were tried and just punishments applied. In the Guyana situation, it will be no different, those who are to be tried, will be tried and the appropriate punishments for their crimes would apply.

From experience, we have learnt that when such statements are made, there is some sinister plot is on the cards. When that statement was made after the notorious prison break, we saw what took place - a period of killings - which was politically motivated and which had the potential to destabilise this country.

Guyana was rocked by untold horrors such as the Lusignan and Bartica Massacres, other instances where our armed forces were killed. Then, should we ask ourselves the question, are we to witness a repeat of this?

Well, I think not, and this is dependent on us to be on the alert at all times. I call on our lawmen to be ever vigilant, be on guard to avert whatever the threat that is at hand.

In the Fineman rampage, these were in a group who were clearly misguided, per-

sons who were of the mistaken belief that they can take on the Police and be successful at it. That did not happen, and there is no reason why they can get away with it now. There are still remnants of that misguided lot around, some brainwashed political stooges whose sole intent is to make trouble, but my advice to them is to think twice before they get themselves into something they, nor their enablers can get them out of.

Again, I say, during the Fineman rampage, their enablers supported them with "guns and training for the revolution." Are we witnessing an enabling mob in the diaspora who are arming them with arms and ammunition?

Then why are we witnessing

an influx of guns with matching ammunition clandestinely shipped in gift barrels?

In recent weeks there have been two instances of such shipments turning up at our ports, it only behoves us that some plot is in progress and our security forces need to get to the bottom of it.

In closing, I would say there is reason for us to believe these statements for what there are worth. These statements cannot be taken lightly nor can they be brushed aside as idle talk, because past experiences have taught us so much. Our real enemies might be right here in our midst.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:30 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:05 13:35 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 00:00

(Sign on) Inspiration Time Cartoons Evening News (RB) Stay Woke Guy's Grocery Games BBC Travel Show Stop Suffering Paternity Court Divorce Court News Break Movie - The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020) Wheel of Fortune Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir S5 E14 The Tom and Jerry Show S2 E18 Indian Soaps Sydney to the Max S1 E21 Austin & Ally S3 E5 The Young & The Restless CNN Teaching the Truth in Love The Evening News Stop Suffering Stand-up Comedy Dynasty S4 E7 Blacklist S8 E8 The Vampire Diaries S8 E16 Sign off

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions

By Jaxsun Castro Horn

Gone are the rays, of summery days soon castles fade to breaking waves.

Solar and lunar ply shine and rain, to wallow in splendor, and weep in pain.

Warmth from the Sol come and go.

As Terra and Luna, dance to and fro.

Whilst creatures of land, sea, and air; Supplies needed

Leather or fake leather White or red cord Matching embroidery floss Split key ring

Tools needed:

Embroidery needle Sharp scissors

How to make a heart Key Chain:

Neatly cut out a heart to act as your pattern.

Flip your leather or faux leather over and on the backside trace the heart using a pencil twice (front and back). Carefully cut out each heart. *Quick Tip – If using dark colours, like black, you can use a paint marker to transfer the shape of your heart.

Cut a piece of cord to a length of 6-8” to create a Lark’s Head Knot. Fold the cord so that the ends meet. Place the loop of cord through a split ring. Grab the ends and pull through the loop (over the ring).

Pull the ends of the cord tight to tighten the knot onto the split ring.

Apply a dab of hot glue onto the back side of one of your hearts. Make sure you glue the cord far enough inside of the

heart that it holds well and gives you the amount of length you want your finished heart keychain to be. *Quick Tip – When applying the glue, be sure to NOT put any of it where you will be stitching. Pushing a needle through leather, fake or real, with hot glue in the middle is so hard and frustrating!

While the glue is still hot, place the other half of your heart, back side down, to create one piece. Before the glue cools finagle the heart as needed so both match up well.

Thread an embroidery needle. Run the needle through the inside of the 2 hearts and out the dip in the centre/top.

Holding the split key ring and cord out of the way, blanket stitch around the edge.

Once you get back to the centre top knot off your thread and run in back through the inside of the hearts and out one of the sides. Pull the cord taut and snip close to the leather edge. Once released the tail should be lost inside of the heart! (dreamalittlebig.com)

the mortal multitudes steadfastly prepare.

A Virgin whisper winds of change, far beyond Cancer and Leo’s range.

With sobering hues of autumnal fashion, yielding a balance of supernal passions.

Winter’s goat tops it’s mountain climb, heralding the gem in 3 days time.

Evening’s zinc shimmers through mist, illuminating her ocean of dancing fish.

Alas, a flame longs an aqueous queen.

Midnight and noon thrones coalesce unseen.

Arcadia exalts their ecliptic surrender, lest Seraphim weep their last September. (poemhunter.com)

WORD SEARCH

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 25 ‘mystery vehicles’ received fuel under APNU/AFC at taxpayers’ expense – PAC hears ...Reg 5 administration foots bill despite vehicles not being on books

U

nder the former A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, a situation existed where a number of vehicles that were not on the Region Five (Upper DemeraraBerbice) register, received thousands of litres of fuel free of charge on multiple occasions.

This is contained in the Auditor General 2019 report, which was discussed at the level of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday.

Region Five Regional Executive Officer (REO) Genevieve Blackman was questioned by the committee on this situation.

It was revealed in the

report that there were 18 instances where 1195 litres of fuel were purchased for a vehicle, with licence plate PTT 1184, amounting to $253,913 in 2019.

The year before, there were 41 instances of fuel being purchased for 26 vehicles that weren’t in the region’s inventory, totalling almost $500,000.

The REO explained that PTT 1184 was a vehicle that belonged to the Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration. According to her, she does not have documentation showing that the vehicle had permission to receive gasoline on the taxpayers’ bill.

“Based on the research, the RDC would have giv-

en gas to a bus belonging to the Hugo Chavez (Rehabilitation Centre) to assist them… it’s another Government agency in the region, controlled by the Ministry of Human Services. But there is no documentation anywhere,” the REO explained.

Questioned how the Centre gets fuel now, Blackman explained that they no longer get fuel from the region. Rather, such fuel is most likely funded from their own budget.

Asked for an update on the 26 vehicles from 2018 that also benefitted from the fuel, Blackman committed to laying over information, including the numbers and origins of the 26 vehicles, at a subsequent sitting.

Female security officer dies...

However, family members of the dead woman are disputing the Police’s version of the incident, claiming that another motorcycle might have been involved in the accident.

Khan was at the time riding a motorcycle carrying a trade plate as she had purchased it a few days prior and it was not yet registered.

According to her father, Nazim Khan, she had gone to uplift food from a barbeque in the neighbouring polder of Zambia and was on her way home when the accident occurred.

Khan said his daughter’s husband had accompanied her and was about 200 metres behind her when the accident occurred.

“The husband say he see a light spin around on the road and when he reach the man was picking up his motorbike and went away. When he looked, he see his wife motorbike and then he see his wife under the trailer,” the woman’s father added.

Khan said his son-inlaw claimed to have spoken to the other motorcyclist before he left the scene.

The Police have not officially provided any details on the accident. However, a source close to the Police said the woman rode into the parked trailer and caused her own injuries.

According to the father, the other motorcycle might have struck his daughter from behind.

“If it was hit from in front it would have been different. The back wheel is bent and nothing happened to the front of the motorbike,” Khan said.

The motorcycle seen by this publication did appear

FROM PAGE 2

The rear of the motorcycle

to have some damage both in front and at the back.

Meanwhile, the woman was picked up and taken to the Mibicuri Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The dead woman’s father said she suffered head injuries.

Khan is holding out that his daughter, who has been married for seven years and started working as a security guard ear-

lier this year, did not fall off her motorcycle to crash into the parked trailer.

“If she fell from the motorbike, she would have had brises to her skin but it is only head injuries. The one side of her head dent in,” the father explained.

The Police are continuing their investigations and have since questioned a motorcyclist.

Region 5 officials listen as Regional Engineer Dhanpaul Sukha responds to a question. To his immediate left is REO Genevieve Blackman. Blackman’s predecessor, Ovid Morrison, is on the far left

Meanwhile, Regional Engineer Dhanpaul Sukha explained that the fuel is purchased through a purchase order at the beginning of the month under a specific programme. At the end of the month, a reconciliation is done between the region and the service station, which would provide them with a list of the vehicles that uplifted fuel for the month.

“The system at the region is whereby a purchase order is raised by programme. So, under the different programmes, for a particular month a purchase order is raised for a quantity of fuel, maybe $1 million. For the different programmes.”

“So, what would happen, the individual vehi-

cles would go during the course of the month to the different programme heads, therefore the Deputy Regional Executive Officer or the Regional Executive Officer, for approval. And following that, go to the service station, receive the fuel and that amount is deducted from the total amount that was raised at the beginning of the month.”

Asked by Mahipaul how the gas station verifies that a vehicle belongs to the region, the engineer explained that the vehicle goes with an Internal Service Request (ISR) to the service station which would contain the requisite details. However, he also said that there are times when the car vehicle

number can get mixed up.

“They write a figure wrong, a letter wrong. So, it doesn’t always match up. And that is where the audit office would have picked up there were vehicles, the numbers didn’t match up. Not coinciding with vehicles on our inventory,” he said.

The Audit Office was eventually able to produce a list of the 26 vehicles that received the fuel, but when the vehicle numbers were called out, the regional administration could not account for them. Further, PAC member Ganesh Mahipaul expressed concern that the 2019 practice of requisitioning for fuel, was still in practice. (G-3)

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Truck driver gets $1.5M bail for causing death of 63-year-old Madewini man

T

wenty-seven-yearold Rameshwar Persaud, a truck driver from Farm Track Madewini was on Monday granted bail in the sum of $1.5 million for causing the death of Arnold De Santos.

Persaud appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond Magistrate's Court, where he pleaded not guilty to a causing death by dangerous driving charge.

Persaud was charged with causing the death of the 63-year-old pedestrian while he was reversing a motor lorry bearing registration GAD 7213 on Thursday last along the Farm Track access road, Madewini, East Bank

Charged: Rameshwar Persaud

Dead: Arnold De Santos

Demerara (EBD).

It was reported that on the day in question at about 18:15h, Persaud was reversing along the roadway at a fast rate when it collided De Santos. As a result of the collision, the rear right-side wheel of the lorry ‘rolled over’ the pedestrian, thus causing him to receive injuries to

his head and on the body.

He was then picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead.

The dead man’s son, Odel Moses, had explained that he was in the bath when he heard his uncle screaming. As he ran out

to enquire, he saw his father lying under the truck with his head smashed.

At the time, he stated that his father was walking to a nearby shop to purchase a pack of biscuits, for which he had a craving. However, the young man explained that the truck would reverse on the road quite regularly.

“Most of the trucks, because of the width of the road, would drive in and then make a turn in an opening space but this driver would always reverse… it was dark and I don’t think he see my father walking…,” the young man added.

De Santos leaves to mourn his three children and grandchildren.

Alleged robbery accused again refused bail

K

irth Smith, 45, was denied bail on Monday by city Magistrate Rhondell Weever, nearly a month after he was sent to prison after appearing before her on a robbery allegation.

This Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD) man, who also listed a second address as D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, is accused of robbing Onessa Thorne on October 16, 2023, at Water Street, Georgetown, of a black purse worth $10,000 and $1 million in cash. The defendant, a father of five, has entered a not guilty plea.

At Smith’s initial court appearance, his attorney had informed the court during a bail application that his client is the only provider for his family and

Remanded: Kirth Smith

has no past criminal history.

The attorney had stated that his client was prepared to follow any terms imposed on bail.

The Police prosecutor, however, had opposed bail for Smith, pointing out the seriousness of the crime and the severe punishment it carries.

The prosecutor had disclosed that Smith bought goods with the stolen money, some of which were

found at the Crane address that he listed.

The prosecutor went on to state that after the Police were unable to locate Smith at the Georgetown address, they found him at the Crane address.

In response, the defence lawyer had informed the presiding Magistrate that his client would periodically visit his reputed wife at the WCD address.

The lawyer’s bail application on Smith’s behalf was denied again on Monday and the defendant was further remanded to prison.

The case has been adjourned until November 27.

Security officer slapped with robbery, wounding charges

Miner charged, granted T bail on narcotics possession charge

A

miner of West La Penitence Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was on Monday charged for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Forty-nine-year-old Sheldon Parks appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Dylon Bess where he pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on November 18, 2023, at Sherima Police Station District, he had 1858 grams of narcotics in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

He was neverthe-

Charged: Sheldon Parks

less, granted bail in the sum of $750,000 and the matter was adjourned to December 15, 2023.

The accused was arrested during a Police operation in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

hirty-one-year-old Mark Allen, a security officer of Friendship, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Monday granted $75,000 bail on wounding and robbery with violence charges. He appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court where the charges were read to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

He was charged with robbery with violence, contrary to Section 222 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01 and unlawful wounding, contrary to Section 50 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01.

The acts were committed on Friday last, thus leading to Allen’s arrest.

However, when the charges were read to him

Charged: Mark Allen

on Monday, he pleaded not guilty to both of them.

As such, he was placed on $25,000 bail for the unlawful wounding and $50,000 bail for the robbery with violence charge.

He is expected to make is next court appearance on January 15, 2024.

Building… …the Chinese Kingdom

“M

ay you live in interesting times” is an ironic Chinese saying that’s appreciated by another saying, "Better to be a dog in times of tranquillity than a human in times of chaos!"

And against that background, the moves by China to match the US-dominated financial institutions formed after WWII – the IMF and the World Bank are interesting indeed!! Now what exactly, Dear Reader, did you think the Chinese were doing when they launched their Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI) a decade ago?? Just connecting dots on a world map that were really cities??

Naaah!! You gotta remember – even if the Yanks pretend, they don’t! – that for the last four decades they’ve transferred all their vaunted manufacturing capabilities to China!! Now you’d think if the Yanks were smart, they’d know they were building up a country they’d fought against in 1950 – the Korean War. But they probably figured that just as the Germans and Japs became allies after they were rebuilt by them, the Chinese would follow suit!! They didn’t appreciate that China wasn’t Germany or Japan – they had a different ideology – communism – which GUARANTEED they’d eventually triumph. When you combine that belief with their millennia-old one that they were the “Middle Kingdon” around which the world revolves, you know something was gonna hit the fan soon enough!!

And hit it did, when the Yanks’ capitalist drive for profits ended up with China stocking their Walmarts – but insidiously made them end up with TRILLIONS of dollars and euros as debt from the US and the West!!

What to do with all of that?? Well…use it to win friends and influence nations by offering cheap loans without the botheration of the IMF and WB to set “conditionalities”!!

And not only that…the Chinese didn’t just lend these countries in Africa, Latin America – and even Europe! – money, but actually stepped up to the plate to create all the infrastructure and other projects lusted after to be modern!!

And before you could say “Mao Zedong”, the entire globe was wrapped by Chinese projects in the B&RI that China could use to ship in its manufactured goods!! And these countries now owed China not just the loans that had to be repaid – but a debt of gratitude that they didn’t have to jump through humiliating IMF and WB hoops!!

Now, finally, America realises from Athens and Sparta’s experience that their hegemony’s gonna be challenged any day now by China to be #1!! So it’s been trying to put together strategic alliances to contain the Chinese Dragon with its vision of becoming the globally pivotal Middle Kingdom once again!! But as the US is frantically creating alliances to counter the Chinese – like the QUAD, the Chinese haven’t been sleeping.

Notice BRICS? …US Black perspective One area of American politics we Guyanese don’t appreciate enough – even though half our population live there – is the role of ethnic caucuses. The Americans have always openly accepted that when folks vote, they’re gonna be influenced by their identity. Makes sense, doesn’t it? After all, if other people deal with you along particular lines, you gotta respond likewise!! So we got the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) in the US Democratic Party. While the Republican Tea Party has now morphed into a rabid supremacist far-right party for Whites!

And here’s where these state legislators from the US come from. They’ve come on their “fact-finding mission” from a Black vs White paradigm. They’ve been totally weaned for all of their political careers to look at politics through lenses that hone in on issues from a Black American perspective. They’ve no idea of the nuances of dealing with a society in which the representatives were actually RUNNING THE COUNTRY for decades after independence – and had oppressed others!! …PNC Unity So, the PNC’s Central Executive meeting was convened and is over. And lo and behold there were no fireworks!! You gotta hand it to Aubrey to be able to get all those egos under one roof without any explosion!!

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

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

NEWS

9

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Effects of El Niño season blamed for high prices on local market – Govt invests $5B to support farmers during dry season

G

uyanese have been up in arms as prices for vegetables and fruits skyrocketed in local markets thus putting additional strain to their pockets in recent weeks.

It is a situation which can be blamed on the prolonged El Niño conditions currently facing Guyana but the Government is putting systems in place to cushion these burdens, President Irfaan Ali on Monday disclosed.

Speaking with media operatives on the sidelines of an event, the Guyanese leader expressed that due to the continuous dry weather conditions, yield and productivity has reduced.

“In some areas, farms have burnt out because of the extreme heat and this has caused a drop in supply.

Basic theory is that if there is

Some of the produce at the market carrying heavy prices

a drop in supply and demand does not decrease, then price increases. So, that is primarily the main issue that we have here,” the President noted.

The dry season is expected to last until early 2024; a prediction indicates that the second crop will also be affected.

Given the situation, Government intervened to provide $5 billion in support recently to assist both farmers and the Agriculture Ministry. This includes assistance with fertilisers and facilitating farmers’ markets countrywide where the prices remain reasonable.

Despite this, there is the

Investing in Guyana will open...

FROM PAGE 3

He pointed to Guyana’s natural markets in Argentina, Canada, China, Cuba, United States, and the Caribbean which investors can capitalise on to make the businesses very competitive.

Reset

The President added that for some time, European investors had a narrow outlook on the Caribbean based on population and size of the economy. This engagement is set to reset their strategic thinking in order to forge ahead.

“You have the technology, the know-how, more connected culturally and we have a closer geographic space. But what was lacking was the narrow outward engagement by European investors because honestly, you viewed Caricom and Guyana from a very narrow lens.”

He painted the picture of other investors scooping up these opportunities as he said, “The capability is world-renowned but imagine you have an investor coming from the Middle East here to build that capability when you would have had that opportunity.

And they will come here to build that capability to supply a market in the Middle East, a market that we are going to integrate in our business model.”

In engaging the investors, Ali underscored that Government is seeking out the best in technology, artificial intelligence, digitisation, healthcare, legislation, fiscal incentives; and then will work on preparing the population for the new Guyana.

Pooling resources

Meanwhile, EU Ambassador to Guyana, Rene Van Nes underscored that the group of companies had a total revenue of €400 billion in

2022 and employed a total of 500,000 persons worldwide.

These companies were selected for their contributions to the priority sectors of the EU Global Gateway strategy to connect Europe to the world. Such industries include renewable energy, digital economy services, green solutions for agriculture, transport, forest, manufacturing, recycling and waste management, environmental remedies, health, pharmaceuticals and others.

Ambassador Van Nes pointed out that these sectors are highly relevant for Guyana to achieve its ambitions, as a country and as a regional hub, to lead in energy security, food security and climate security.

“The Global Gateway stands for creating sustainable and trusted connections that work for people and the planet. It helps to tackle the most pressing global challenges, from fighting climate change, to improving health systems, and boosting competitiveness and security of global supply chains. It recognises the strength of the private sector as the engine of growth and puts sustainability at the centre. Financial, economic, social and environmental sustainability,” the diplomatic added.

According to him, these are not just talks about economic opportunities but a transformative approach through European Union's Global Gateway initiative. It's a departure from the traditional development model of providing assistance, and leaning towards working together to create mutual benefits.

“By pooling resources and expertise, we aim for effectiveness that goes beyond what we could achieve alone. And of course, our approach is anchored in our shared values which are increasingly being

challenged in the world today.”

Between 2021 and 2027, the Global Gateway Invest Agenda has the ambition to mobilise up to €300 billion for sustainable and high-quality projects. This is the total value of the projects to leverage with export finance, credit guarantees, feasibility studies, and others.

Global Gateway

The Global Gateway initiative is an EU strategy to invest in infrastructure projects and establish economic partnerships through smart, clean, and secure linkages.

It seeks a transformational impact in the digital, climate and energy, transport, health, and education and research sectors. The focus is on smart investments in quality infrastructure, respecting the highest social and environmental standards, in line with the EU’s interests and values: rule of law, human rights and international norms and standards.

Among the officials present at Monday’s opening ceremony were Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd; Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, and Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar.

The visiting companies comprise: EDF Energy, Siemens Energy, Abloy Colombia, SDV, Bergen Engines, Lamor, Nokia, United Caribbean Contractors, The Talent Holding, Gcon4 Spain SL, Blue Water Shipping, Perez y Cia, Scania, Arts and Zorg, VAMED, Getinge, MG Rosan, Cities4forest, Global Paint Products, Lazard, Green Generation and Sheep Milk Ireland.

still the challenge of harsh climatic conditions – an unpreventable variable – which is destroying crops.

“We are working on supporting the farmers so that their input costs will come down. But they are faced with the challenge that even with reducing input costs, the climatic condition is affecting severely their productivity, which is yield and also destroying the crop completely. So, there's a major problem with supply, misuse or whether the price is likely to come down. I think that's the support,” Ali underlined.

Asked when these prices will return to normalcy, the President noted that external variables will determine such.

“There are some things that are called external variables that you don't have control on. So, every country is faced with internal variables that you can control and external variables that you cannot control…

You have climatic conditions

that none of us can control.

We can’t turn a switch on and say rain will come tomorrow.”

What Government will do, he added, is try to minimise the impact of external shocks and variables. It is a matter of ensuring that food is still on the shelves and available for Guyanese.

President Ali told the media, “If you look at our inflation rate and the numbers, you will see that the policies and the type of measures that we've put in place has minimised that impact substantially. We would love it to come down tomorrow…

But what the Government has to do is to implement measures that minimise the impact and we have done that.”

“That is why you see the low inflation rate. That is why you still see food available on the market. Whilst we are working on the supply and demand and the pricing, there are markets because of the climatic conditions that

they're working primarily on getting food on the shelves.”

On social media, there has been an outcry in relation to the hiked prices. In one case, someone lamented that a chunk of pumpkin carries the price tag of $1000.

The ongoing El Niño phase is expected to continue throughout and beyond the November 2023 to January 2024 period. As a consequence, rainfall amounts are expected to be less than the historical average. Further, southern sections of Regions Six and Eight and all of Region Nine will continue to experience dry conditions.

As a result of the projected drier-than-usual conditions, water supply in conservancies, reservoirs, and inland rivers across Regions Nine, Eight and southern Region Six can be expected to remain low, while supply levels in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, 10 and northern Region Six would be increased, but slower than usual.

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Late payment of salaries, maternity benefits among issues plaguing public sector – Advisor ...says employees must receive benefits entitled to in a timely manner

By Feona Morrison

G

overnment Advisor and former Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer Westford on Monday came down heavily on Personnel Officers over back-door employment that are being done in various public sector institutions and Government departments in the country.

Dr Westford made these comments at the opening of the Annual Personnel Practioners’ Workshop, which is being held under the theme "Strengthening the Public Sector Through Human Resources Management" at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, and caters to Personnel Officers, Permanent Secretaries, and Regional Executive Officers (REO).

In her presentation, Dr Westford outlined several problems that beset the public sector, such as backdoor hiring, contract workers not

Advisor to the Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer Westford

es departments are not functioning “the way they ought to”.

“Persons are working for five months and four months and not being paid.

Personnel Officers are illegally employing staff. It is wrong and it must stop. If

tled to in a timely manner.

“These are the little things that are so important in the lives of a public servant. Someone whom you have stewardship over.

I fear and I hope that each one of you here understands what your responsibilities

there…”

“Confidentially" is a crucial word for Personnel Officers, according to Dr Westford, because workers need to feel at ease approaching them with problems. She mentioned that there are systems in place to support staff members going through challenging times.

“We have mechanisms in place, we have tools in our hands that we can use to make the lives of our public servants, our colleagues much better so that they can perform. So that our public service would be a place where people would want to come and work. Have some empathy.”

During her closing remarks, Dr Westford implored the officials to make every effort, to be their brother’s keepers, and to interact with public servants in a constructive manner.

She said that once this is practised, Guyana will have an effective and efficient public administration that will be the envy of its neighbours.

Meanwhile, weighing on the issue of backdoor hiring, Minister Parag said that over the last two months, she has had to deal with this “in a very holistic but a very

Public Service Minister Sonia Parag

exhausting way with all of the Ministries.” She made it clear that while she would not consider this practise to be “illegal”, it is outside of the Public Service Rules.

According to her, “I am not going to tolerate that. I am going to tolerate a culture of excellence and professionalism.”

She admitted that this is an “ongoing” issue which has resulted in workers not being paid.

Parag clarified that before hiring employees,

Personnel Officers must first obtain permission from the Public Service Ministry.

Besides Minister Parag and Dr Westford, Prime Minister Mark Phillips and the Public Service Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Soyinka Grogan, were among those who attended Monday’s opening.

After it was disrupted in 2016, the Annual Personnel Practioners’ Workshop has now resumed; it concludes today.

Timehri Prison harvests 200lbs tilapia from aquaculture initiative Scenes from the opening of the Annual Personnel Practioners’ Workshop

getting their gratuities on time, female employees not receiving maternity benefits timely, and employees not getting paid in a reasonable manner.

Public Service Minister Sonia Parag mentioned the misuse of the sick leave policy.

“I have a real difficulty with and this is where professionalism is lacking terribly. I've had people whose medical leave outweighs their annual leave and I've had cause to send those persons to the medical board,” Parag said, adding that disciplinary action will be taken against them. The Minister noted that doctors approving such leave will be put “under pressure”.

However, Personnel Officers, Dr Westford noted, are the cornerstone and social workers of the public sector because it is where human resource management resides. She said she fears Guyana’s public sector is currently “a little shaky” because the human resourc-

that happens without the necessary procedure, the public service is not going to rubber stamp any employment done through the backdoor. And who is going to suffer? None other than the staff who are employed illegally.”

“We have issues where we have our females who go off on maternity leave… why can’t their NIS [National Insurance Scheme] papers be processed efficiently so that they get their little monies?

Some of them return to work without even being paid their NIS. Then we have our contracted workers, to get their gratuity is another issue,” Dr Westford said. She went on to draw attention to more problems in the public sector by stating that paperwork for employees leaving for retirement is not "forwarded on time."

She contended that in order for the public sector to run properly and efficiently, its employees must receive the benefits they are enti-

are. I get the understanding sometimes that some people really don’t know what is it they have to do and it’s just business as usual.”

The Government Advisor also asked everyone in attendance to take the time to "get to know" their employees rather than simply "know of them" in order to learn about their personal lives.

For instance, she said there are times when the Ministry receives complaints of staff being repeatedly late.

“If a public servant is late, it affects the service.

But then, do you know why he/she is late? Have you taken the time off to know why he/she is late? Do you know if he/she has five children and the smallest one is one year old? And that might be a reason why they are late because whomever is looking after her child…. She is a single mother. She cannot pay for someone to look after the baby and whoever is doing her that favour is not

T

he staff and inmates attached to the Timehri Prison on Sunday harvested a whopping 200 pounds of tilapia, which will be consumed by the general prison population.

Last year, the GPS embarked on an aquaculture initiative with the rearing of red tilapia at its Timehri Prison location. It was a pilot project of the prison module, spearheaded by the Satyadeo Sawh Aquaculture Station.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot said the project clearly demonstrates that the GPS is extending its rehabilitation programmes and finding more ways to help prisoners develop their existing skills, or discover their skills and talents.

Additionally, Officerin-Charge of the location,

The red and black tilapia harvested at Timehri Prison

Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, Roddy Denhart said while the project forms part of the efforts by the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) to boost its self-sustaining food-supply programme, it will also enhance the rehabilitation efforts accessible to the inmates.

Tilapia rearing is only one aspect of the programme.

Over the years, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), through its agricultural programme, has harvested a large quantity of vegetables and fruits at its respective farms.

These include eschalot, cauliflower, pineapple, banana, and plantain.

In fact, for the first quarter of 2023, a total of 698 ki-

lograms of Pak Choy were harvested, 666 pounds of Boulanger, 577 pounds of bora among other vegetables and fruits were also reaped across the various farming locations.

Additionally, the inmates reared cattle and pigs, resulting in production of 383 kilograms of meat. Eight hundred and thirty-nine trays of eggs were also produced.

Farming is done at the New Amsterdam, Mazaruni, Lusignan and Timehri Prisons, with efforts being focused on ensuring that farms are utilised to adequately supply the needs of the prison population in the coming years.

NEWS

11

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s share from oil lifts likely to increase to 27M barrels next year – two British firms to market Guyana’s crude for next 12 months

W

ith three floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels now in operation, Guyana’s share from the crude oil lifts in the Stabroek Block is likely to increase to 27 million barrels by next year.

This was according to Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, during a recent press conference where he stated that Liza Unity FPSO, which services the Liza Phase Two project, will account for 11 lifts from Guyana’s share of crude.

“We expect, in a year, that the Liza Unity will give us a minimum of 11 lifts, all things go well.

Because we can never know what can happen offshore.

But we always hope for the best. We can get 11 lifts from Unity, once Prosperity reaches optimum production, hopefully soon, we can

get another 11 lifts minimum from Prosperity as well.”

“Destiny, which is our smallest FPSO, that was awarded to a company called JE Trading. They actually submitted a very good proposal. The proposal is 70 cents premium on each barrel lifted from Destiny. However, Destiny is much smaller. And we expect a minimum of five lifts in a year. We can get six, all things go well,” Bharrat said.

According to Bharrat, two firms will be marketing Guyana’s crude for the next year. They are BB Energy and JE Trading, both British firms. He explained that the firms were selected from the Requests for Proposals (RFPs) “We realised that we can now actually get a premium for our crude. That is no marketing fee, but you pay-

The Prosperity FPSO is the latest FPSO to begin production of oil

ing us an addition to what the Brent price was for the period. And we’ve achieved that, through the RFP that was publicly advertised,” Bharrat explained.

“And we would have had a number of companies, 25 companies as a matter of fact, submitting proposals.

Of which we would have identified BB Energy out of the UK, to market our crude from the Prosperity and Unity FPSO. And they will be paying a premium

Family calls for justice 6 months after teen’s brutal murder

T

he relatives of 19-year-old Dequane Pyle of Laing Avenue, Georgetown, who was brutally murdered while trying to rescue his sister during a confrontation back in June are still pleading for justice six months later.

On June 17, the young man was awakened by a loud brawling noise only to find his sister involved in an altercation with another woman. Without hesitation, he rushed to his sister’s aid when he was struck to the head by the suspect who was not directly involved in the commotion.

He reportedly collapsed and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead. The suspect was never prosecuted and continues to roam the streets in the village and living a normal lifestyle.

Only recently, the now dead teen’s aunt, Melissa Pyle vividly recalled the fateful morning when she heard the noise of a quarrel but no one knew that tears would have followed.

She reminisced that her nephew jumped out of his bed and rushed to pull his sister away from the confrontation. “That was when this boy picked up a piece of wood and lash my nephew straight to the back of his neck... I had a good look at his face and I recognised him because he lives just couple house away from us,” the aunt said.

Following the tragic death of her nephew, a report was made at the Ruimveldt Police station.

“The Police had us running to the station, three to four days after giving them information about what had hap-

Murdered: Dequane Pyle

pened. They even arrested the alleged suspect but re-

“The Police are well aware of who the suspect is, and they’re usually patrolling the area on a regular basis. Mr Singh himself even said to me that I can go out and help the Police get information.”

Meanwhile, no further investigations were done since June. “We are celebrating his birthday today (Saturday), he would have turned 19…I still calling for justice… we want help, we even tried going to other Police officers but still can’t get help,” the woman told

The home once occupied by the now dead teenager

leased him only days after,” the aggrieved aunt related.

The aunt noted that handling the investigations at the time were Detective Rupert Singh, Sergeant LaRose and Officer Smith, all attached to the Ruimveldt Police Station.

Additionally, the aunt claimed that the alleged suspect, whose name was provided to the Police, along with his accomplices continue to walk the streets and, in some cases, send threatening messages to the family.

Guyana Times on Saturday during an interview.

Pyle attended the David Rose Secondary School after which he worked as a labourer at a hardware store in the community. He resided with his older sister, aunts and other family members up to the time of his demise.

Six months after Pyle’s death, the family believes that the matter was not properly investigated and as such, called for intervention from the higher authorities.

of 26 cents per barrel. Now, that is not the price we will receive.”

Last year October, United Kingdom’s BP Oil International Limited won the one-year contract to market Guyana’s share of profit oil from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity FPSOs. The new contractor would now have to market the country’s crude from three FPSOs. Prior to BP Oil, Saudi Aramco was contracted in September 2021 to market Guyana’s share of profit oil from the ExxonMobilled operations offshore.

Guyana started producing oil in December 2019,

and its crude lift was initially marketed by Shell Western, after which Hess International marketed the following oil share.

Between January and June 2023, Government earned US$705.2 million as revenue from its share of profit oil from two lifts that occurred in the final quarter of 2022, and seven of the eight lifts that occurred in the first six months of this year. Government also earned US$110.8 million in royalties from 2022’s last quarter and from production and sales in the first three months of this year.

According to the report, in July, US$73.8 million was received as a profit oil payment for the Government lift done in June. The cumulative balance, inclusive of interest income of US$35.6 million, at the end of June was US$1,723.5 million, after withdrawals of US$200 million each in the months of February and May. It was noted, however, with the price of crude oil declining amid de-

mand-side concerns and financial market disruptions that threaten a global slowdown in economic activity, the forecast for Natural Resource Fund (NRF) deposits has been marginally downgraded. Petroleum deposits for the year are now projected to total US$1,629.3 million, compared with US$1,631.7 million estimated at the beginning of the year.

Consequently, the Guyana Government is now projected to earn some US$1,410 million from the sale of Guyana’s share of profit oil, and US$219.3 million in royalties. It is anticipated that at the end of the year, the NRF closing balance will stand at approximately US$2 billion.

So far this year, Government has withdrawn, in four tranches, some $124.8 billion (US$600 million) from the NRF, which is being held in an account at the New York Federal Reserve Bank in the United States. In the second half of the year.

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Top Cop urges Police graduates to be "the catalyst for change" within GPF

Acting Top Cop Clifton Hicken

T

op Cop Clifton Hicken along with Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Calvin Brutus and Deputy Commissioner ‘Operation’, Ravindradat Budhram on Monday met with scores of Police officers and ranks who recently graduated with their diplomas and degrees, including Master’s, from the University of Guyana (UG) and other academic institutions.

Hicken lauded the graduates for their academic achievement while noting that it augurs well for the Guyana Police Force, which is moving in the right direction.

“I think history is now being created here as this is the first time a Commissioner of Police is addressing a gathering of university graduates and he also would have graduated,” Hicken posited.

The acting Top Cop, who himself recently graduated with a Master’s degree (specialising in Human Resource Management), is also pursuing his Doctorate (PhD), which he was quick

Senior members of the GPF and the recently graduated Police ranks

ic heights, as they are integral to the succession planning of the Force.

On this note, he alluded

Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Calvin Brutus

to the examples being set at the Executive Leadership level of the Force by point-

Commissioner Hicken made reference to the Head of the Corporate Communications Unit, Mark Ramotar, who has two Master’s degrees.

“If you feel that you are an Inspector or a Sergeant and you don’t have to go back to school, I think that is a wrong idea as you are never too old to study. Every day you learn something new. We live in an evolving society and we have to be ready and remain relevant,” he told the graduates.

“The demands of yesterday will always be different from the demands of today and those of tomorrow. We are living in a technological era where we are not private anymore, especially given the popularity and reach of social media. As leaders, it

why I want to meet with them is because they made the ultimate sacrifice to allow you to join the Guyana

to point out is not to compete with anyone but to satisfy himself knowing that he has and will continue to put the Force and country first, and it is never too late to study.

"I am fading out but I am putting structures in place to ensure continuity," Commissioner Hicken stated.

He urged the graduates to always continue to further their studies and to aim to scale higher academ-

ing out that, for instance, Deputy Commissioner Brutus has a Doctorate and is pursuing another PhD, in addition to having a Master’s degree and an LLB. He also alluded to Deputy Commissioner Budhram, who has a Master’s degree and an LLB, among other qualifications; and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who has a Master’s degree and an LLB among other qualifications.

is not what is done but how it is done.”

Noting that the Guyana Police Force is on a rapid upward growth trajectory, Commissioner Hicken said academia, discipline and commitment among the members will be key if the GPF is going to be relevant and competitive.

Hicken also indicated that sometime next year, he wants to meet with the parents of policemen and women in the GPF. “The reason

has the largest grouping of graduates, followed by some smaller groupings from other institutions such

Some of the ranks who completed studies at UG

Police Force knowing that there is a likelihood that you could be injured or killed in the line of duty,” he said.

Commissioner Hicken was thorough in outlining the trajectory of the Guyana Police Force for the next few years, as well as the expectations of persons who graduated. He urged the graduates that their commitment must be to the nation, and driven by their commitment to the oath they took to “serve and protect”.

Catalyst for change

Another group of Police ranks who recently graduated from the University of Guyana (UG) and other academic institutions

forward in the future,” the acting Top Cop added.

He also urged the gathering that when making de-

“Your commitment will speak volumes if we are cohesive, and your commitment will take the organisation in the direction where we need to go. In the GPF, like the public service, we have rules and regulations that we must adhere to and the things that can spoil this organisation are by being irresponsible and indisciplined. As the Guyana Police Force forges ahead, you are the change agents and you are considered the catalyst for change.

Challenges will increase and you will have to learn how to mitigate those challenges as you take the Force

cisions they must first look at all the variables, as whatever decisions they make must be in keeping within the framework of the laws and policies of the Guyana Police Force.

Dawn of a new era

“Today brings the dawn of a new era where we expect that in the execution of your duties, that you perform at a higher standard and you also focus on community building and forging partnerships that are external of the organisation.”

“Much is given and much is expected. Your attitude will determine your altitude. Create the positive change that you want to see in the Force,” he said, in his motivational message to the ranks.

Deputy Commissioner Brutus, in his remarks, also glorified the graduates.

"Today is a day of achievement in the Guyana Police Force. Today we want to speak with you, to encourage you, and to congratulate you for your successes from the various institutions that you just graduated from.”

He noted that the University of Guyana (UG)

as Nations University and Texila University.

He also referenced the fact that the Guyana Police Force's Academy recently concluded a Foreign Language course for Police ranks, of which the first batch of ‘Spanish speakers’ graduated.

He noted that the GPF Academy is accredited locally and committed efforts are underway towards international law enforcement accreditation hopefully by June of next year.

Brutus also noted that education is a key pillar that the World Bank uses as a criterion to assess development. He noted that access to education and the various levels of education is seen as development, and the larger number of qualified persons in a country gives that country a higher rating on the Index.

He added that with the growing number of qualified persons in the Force, he is hoping to see a change in attitude, output and standards which will move the Guyana Police Force to a modern organisation that all of us can be proud of.

(GPF)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pres Ali visits last night of GuyExpo 2023

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CAL explores collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Programme

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he Chairman of Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL), S Ronnie Mohammed, engaged in high-level discussions with Vice President of Commercial from Saudi Arabia's Air Connectivity Programme (ACP), Rashed Alshammair with the aim of exploring areas of collaboration and cooperation between the airlines and the Middle Eastern country.

Mohammed was part of Prime Minister Keith Rowley’s delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Caricom-Saudi Summit last week.

Established in 2021, the Saudi Air Connectivity Programme aims to bolster tourism growth in Saudi

Chairman of Caribbean Airlines, S Ronnie Mohammed presents a token to Vice President of Commercial from Saudi Arabia's Air Connectivity Programme (ACP), Rashed Alshammair

Arabia by enhancing air connectivity and developing both existing and potential air routes.

By working at the intersection of tourism and aviation, ACP plays a crucial role in realising the National Tourism Strategy's vision, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in tourism air connectivity.

“These strategic meetings align seamlessly with Caribbean Airlines' ambitious 2023-2027 strategic plan, where network growth stands as one of the key pillars. Recognising the importance of Saudi Arabia as a destination for the Muslim community in Trinidad and Tobago and the broader Region,

particularly for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, Caribbean Airlines is eager to contribute to the facilitation of affordable and convenient travel,” CAL stated in a release.

During discussions, however, Mohammed in particular explored potential interline arrangements with Saudi Air and Riyadh Air, with the latter set to launch in 2024.

This initiative forms a pivotal component of Caribbean Airlines' growth strategy, emphasising partnerships with airlines and stakeholders to extend its reach and enhance connectivity between Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean, and the global community.

GTA hosts wilderness 1st responders training

T

The participants and instructors

One of the instructors briefing the participants

he Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) recently concluded

a 3-day Wilderness First Responder Training session with tour guides and opera-

tors in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Brazilian Army.

The sessions were conducted by Lieutenant Emmanuel Trotman and

Day Two focused on improvised floating techniques where participants honed

skills, they navigated obstacles and executed survival techniques during an

The participants during the training

Asford George.

Day One focused on foundational elements, including rope and knot tying, pacing techniques, and compass navigation in both daylight and nocturnal conditions.

Participants also gained proficiency in crafting improvised shelters using natural elements such as branches and bark found within the jungle.

their abilities in constructing floating rafts, river crossing with rope assistance, sourcing water, creating fire, and identifying diverse jungle edibles, encompassing both meats and fruits.

During the afternoon session of Day Two to the morning of Day Three, participants engaged in a challenging real-life jungle scenario.

Applying the acquired

overnight stay in the jungle, showcasing the practical application of the training.

The Guyana Tourism Authority extends its gratitude to the GDF and the Brazilian Army for their collaborative efforts in enhancing the capabilities of tour operators, ensuring a safer and more resilient tourism experience in the diverse landscapes of Guyana.

NEWS

15

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Casa De Frances – providing GNBScertified bed and breakfast accommodation C

asa De Frances is translated the ‘French House.’ This Bed and Breakfast (B&B) facility is located at 483 Plantation Farm, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

It was officially opened in 2020 and was certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) this year, under the Bed and Breakfast Certification Programme.

Casa De Frances takes centre stage as we observe Tourism Awareness Month under the theme “Cultural Tapestry: Investing in our people, enriching our heritage”.

The GNBS B&B Certification programme sets a new benchmark for accommodation providers looking to demonstrate conformance to standard, and it is premised on the Guyana Standard GYS 514:2022 “Requirements for bed and breakfast facilities.” The standard was developed in 2016 and amended in 2022 with inputs from various stakeholders including the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Tourism and Hospitality Association (THAG), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and others. The document defines B&B businesses as a facility for overnight stay, that may offer breakfast. To become certified, these facilities must meet a strict list of requirements including the provision of adequate parking and security among other amenities.

Construction of Casa De Frances commenced in 2015 after the Government of Guyana announced the first discovery of recoverable oil resources offshore.

Proprietor of the establishment, Kurt French said the facility was completed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a daunting

Casa De Frances Bed and Breakfast facility located at Farm, EBD

Proprietor Kurt French (centre) and staff pose for a photo after receiving their certificate

outlook, but he did not give up and eventually became the first facility to achieve certification under the B&B Certification programme.

French said he first heard of the GNBS’ programme on a local radio station and

and a kitchen is located on the bottom flat of the building which is open to guests.

Further, a fully stocked bar outfitted with a karaoke system is also available.

“There was a lot that we had to put in place to become certification ready and I do not want to give the impression as though it was a walk in the park. It was challenging but at the end of it, it was worth the while,” the proprietor said.

The certification programme requires businesses to provide a safe parking area, a policy for payments and cancellation of reservations, bottled water for guests, a caretaker, security, a bedside lamp as well as other essential furniture.

These facilities can be certified in Categories A, B or C. The rooms provided by Casa

spection and when that concluded, they said to me that we’re almost there,” he recalled.

Inspired by the good news, the businessman begun implementing the recommendations which included

Dining area provided in each room at the Casa De Frances B&B facility

decided to check his provisions against the National Standard. “I felt like I have most of the standard (requirements) and I wanted to measure my facility against the GNBS standard, so I reached out to the GNBS. The guys came and did an in-

the provision of first aid kits, smoke detectors, fire alarms, mosquito mesh, blackout curtains and other conveniences in the sixteen-room facility. He noted that while each room does not include a stove, breakfast is provided as part of the room rate

Canje Chinese supermarket robbed by gunmen

T

wo gunmen on Sunday evening executed a daring robbery on the Good Life Supermarket at Cumberland, East Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

The incident occurred at about 21:00h shortly before the supermarket closed its doors to the public.

Guyana Times understands that the staff had already left the building but the last two customers were being attended to by the owners of the supermarket.

However, the two men entered the supermarket, whipped out two firearms and demanded that everyone adhere to their demands.

The CCTV footage revealed that one of the perpetrators dealt one blow to the Chinese national thus forcing him to sit on the floor while the other rushed to

One of the robbers caught on camera

the cash register and started to look for cash.

He was seen collecting several items from the drawers and putting them into a bag.

After about 45 seconds, his colleague approached the counter and took out money from the cash register along with a few other items. The men then exited the building during which they discharged two rounds into the air before escaping.

The owner told Guyana Times that the men only managed to escape with $23,000 in cash.

Meanwhile, shortly after 2:00h on Monday, a lone man was seen on camera removing a number of items from the supermarket.

Meanwhile, in October, the supermarket was robbed of 13 brooms and the previous night, an electric fan and several bicycle tires were also removed.

De Frances were certified in the A Category, and as part of the certification, the GNBS will routinely conduct surveillance audits to ensure requirements are maintained.

French received his certificate from the GNBS on May 30, 2023, and has since seen tremendous benefits from the programme. “The systems required by the programme did improve the service we provide and since then, we had a lot more attention than we had before the certification; there has been a lot more interest in the business and our rooms are almost always booked out,” he noted. The business has also seen an increase in reviews and enquiries on its social media pages.

The business currently employs seven staff and is looking to expand and open a

new location.

French is encouraging similar establishments to get certified under the B&B Certification programme.

“Before GNBS would’ve arrived at these requirements within the standard, they took into consideration the accommodation, the customer, the customer service, and other beneficiaries…so obviously the guests will benefit, and the hotel will benefit. In addition, the standard serves as a model to calibrate your facility with, so there is no disadvantage to getting certified,” he said.

As Guyana observes Tourism Awareness Month, he pointed out that the certification of more accommodations in Guyana will lead to the delivery of a better tourism experience to visitors.

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Was killing my husband worth it? — murdered phone card vendor’s widow asks bandits E ach of the two men who admitted to robbing and killing Westminster, West Bank Demerara (WBD) phone card vendor Ron Mansfield will be sentenced tomorrow.

Before Demerara High Court Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall, they had earlier pleaded guilty to a joint murder charge.

Alexander La Cruz, aged 31, a father of two who was previously a resident of West Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and 31-year-old Mark Welch Jr, formerly of West La Penitence, Georgetown, admitted that they killed Mansfield on June 19, 2018.

In a victim impact statement given to the court last week, Mansfield's widow, Anthea, revealed to the robbers that she finds it difficult to forget the violent way her husband was taken from her.

“We did everything together,” the emotional woman who made her statement via Zoom said, describing her late partner as “a people person, loving, funny and charismatic.” Fighting to hold back tears, Anthea expressed that no amount of punishment could replace her husband’s life while adding that “greed” prompted others to take his belongings.

Anthea revealed that

Murdered: Ron Mansfield

Ron was killed two months shy of their seventh wedding anniversary. Ron's 21-year-old daughter said

rible time getting by and were even forced to live with strangers.

Ambitious, smart, loving, and kind were the words she used to describe her late father. The nowdead man's daughter questioned her father's killers about whether or not killing her father was worth it, much like her stepmother Anthea did.

When asked by the Judge if he had anything to say, La Cruz, who worked as a taxi driver/tattoo artist prior to his incarceration told Mansfield’s

Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall

that, at the age of 16, she lost her father, six months after her mother passed away. The young woman said that following the death of their father, she and her brother had a ter-

daughter, “I had no intention to take your father’s life. I am very sorry.” He confessed that he was paid $60,000 to transport the robbers to and from the scene.

Mark Welch (behind Prison Officer) and Alexander La Cruz (in black shirt)

Welch, on the other hand, told the Judge, “I am just begging for mercy.

I would never do it again; I didn’t do no shooting.”

Both convicts had favourable probation reports.

They have never been sanctioned by the prison service for bad conduct. In fact, Welch works as an orderly in the prison, helping to maintain order among his fellow inmates.

La Cruz and Welch's attorney, Tuanna Hardy, for her part, stated that her clients are deserving of rehabilitation and are in the process of turning a new leaf. She said Welch acted as the “lookout” man.

In calculating an appropriate sentence, she asked the Judge to consider the men’s previous unblemished criminal record as

well as their early guilty pleas.

In the circumstances, Hardy begged the court to temper justice with mercy.

Meanwhile, State Prosecutors Delon Fraser and Madana Rampersaud asked the court to impose a sentence that reflects the serious nature and prevalence of the offence. The men's use of a deadly weapon and gratuitous brutality against an unarmed man who did not pose a threat to them were underlined by the prosecutors as aggravating elements.

The use of a gun shows that they intended to kill or cause their victim serious harm, the prosecutors submitted. Fraser and Rampersaud also asked the court to take into ac-

count the impact Ron’s death has had and continues to have on his family.

On June 19, 2018, Mansfield, 37, a father of two, had just arrived home after plying his trade when he was attacked and shot by gunmen during a robbery. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH). The attack had occurred at around 20:30h.

“The victim, who was discovered with a gunshot injury to the body, was reportedly returning home from selling phone cards on his motorcycle,” Police had said. His bag containing his phone cards and money was not found, according to the Police.

(Feona Morrison)

GSA graduates challenged to contribute to diversification, modernisation of agri sector

E

ighty-six students who graduated from the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), have been challenged to expand, diversify and modernise Guyana’s resilient and competitive agriculture sector.

This call was made

by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during GSA’s 58th graduation ceremony, on Monday.

As GSA through the Ministry of Agriculture is committed to supporting the entrepreneurial endeavours of their students, Minister Mustapha told the graduates to be the changemakers in the sector.

Mustapha underlined, “I encourage you to not only see agriculture as merely working on a farm, but to see agriculture as a profession… that allows you to contribute to the nation’s development in areas such as resource development, marketing and distribution, and the adap-

Ashanti Haywood receiving one of her trophies

tation of innovative technology that will boost production.”

The Minister also noted that the time is right for those who are willing to make the most of the opportunities to advance their academic and professional pursuits.

“Your graduation, today, is on the cusp of a pivotal junction of the nation’s transformation. You are part of the genera-

tion that will carry on all that we have started,” the Agriculture Minister said.

The 86 graduates achieved various qualifications including Diploma and Certificate in Agriculture, Diploma in Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health and Certificate in Forestry and Agro-processing.

GSA also celebrated 60 years of providing tertiary education and other

Some of the officials at the graduation ceremony

services to young men and women.

As agricultural development is a crucial aspect of Guyana’s economy, GSA continues to promote and support the training of young men and women interested in agricultural careers.

To date, some 4138 students have graduated from the institution.

Director General of the Ministry, Madanlall Ramraj; Chief Executive Officer of GSA, Gavindra Ramnarain; CEO of the National Agricultural Research and Extension

Institute (NAREI), Jagnarine Singh; Former Vice Chairman of GSA, Dr Steve Surujbally; Training Manager at NAREI, Warren Barlow and President of GSA Alumni, Kelvin Craig were among the officials at the graduation ceremony.

17 Corentyne man stabbed to death by bartender during argument NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

A

Corentyne construction worker was on Sunday evening stabbed to death during an argument with a bartender at a drinking spot at John’s Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Dead is 29-year-old Ramanand Mingo called "Rambo” of Lot 247 Clifton, Corentyne.

Based on reports received, the now dead man had left home to play a game of cricket after which is it customary for the players to take a few drinks.

However, while imbibing with friends at a supermarket along John’s Public Road, his brother went to collect him with the inten-

tion of taking him home but on their way, he insisted on stopping at a bar.

According to the Police, Mingo went into the shop while his brother stood outside. Soon after, the brother realised that an argument had broken with his brother and the bartender, who was later identified as “Andrew”.

As such, the brother went into the shop and attempted to separate them, but the suspect whipped out a knife from his pants waist and dealt one blow to Mingo’s left side chest.

Mingo reportedly collapsed but was picked up by his brother and taken to the Port Mourant Hospital,

Dead: Ramanand Mingo, called “Rambo”

where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The dead man's 27-year-

New laws to be brought to Parliament to beef up powers of PAC – as PAC hears of need for law to summon accounting officers

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ew pieces of legislation aimed at beefing up the powers of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to go after officers skirting accountability, are likely to be brought to the National Assembly in the coming months.

The PAC is an important organ of Parliament, in charge of ensuring taxpayers’ money is well spent and free from corruption. It has, however, had to grapple with public officers who refuse to, or are unable to, make themselves available for questioning.

On Monday, the PAC met to peruse spending in Region 5 Regional Administration during the 2019 fiscal year. However, the accounting officer from that period, Ovid Morrison, was not present at the morning session.

During the sitting, PAC member and parliamentarian Juretha Fernandes reminded the committee of a pending motion that will seek to, through the introduction of legislation, beef up the PAC’s powers.

“One of the things I want to remind the PAC is that we had an issue in which we discussed, at length, whether the PAC even had the power to summon anyone to attend. Because we realised, and I think it was expressed even by our legal minds here at the PAC, Mr (Sanjeev) Datadin and so forth, that we do not have that power to summon anyone.”

“Hence, we have a motion being put forward right now, collectively, by the PAC to the National Assembly, so that we will actually have the law changed so that we will then have the power to summon someone. So, as it is right now, we cannot operate as though the PAC has any power to summon.

So, we need to expedite

The bar where the stabbing occurred

old brother, Dainand, recounted that they were on their way home when his now dead brother said he wanted something to drink.

As a result, they stopped at Amus Sports Bar, which is popularly called “Metalist Shop”.

“I tell him that the shop closed but he tell me that it still open, so I give him money to buy something to drink and when he go in he and the boy at the counter start talking and they start to argue. So, I decide to go inside and bring my brother out of the shop and the

counter boy pull out a knife and jook him in his stomach,” the grieving brother recalled.

Dainand believes his elder brother died at the scene even though he rushed with him to the Port Mourant Hospital.

He explained that the shop is one that they frequently visit on Sundays but his brother did not have a chance to purchase something to drink before he was mortally injured.

The dead man’s sister, Vishwattie Mingo, referred to her brother as being a

very nice person to people in the community. “I don’t know how come this happened,” she said.

Meanwhile, an autopsy performed on Mingo’s body by Government Pathologist Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan gave the cause of death as a result of shock and haemorrhage due to a stab wound to the heart.

Mingo leaves to mourn his mother and his two siblings. The Police are on the hunt for the suspect who fled the scene after the stabbing incident.

Rosalynn Carter, wife of former US President Jimmy Carter, passes away PAC member Ganesh Mahipaul

Former Region 5 REO Ovid Morrison

that motion in the National Assembly so we can go down this course.”

Fernandes pointed out that there have been instances before where accounting officers did not show up and emphasised that the PAC’s work must continue.

This was reinforced by acting Chairperson, Ganesh Mahipaul.

“I am guided that the Parliament Office was informed by the current REO that she is in communication with Mr Ovid Morrison. And in so doing the Parliament Office dispatched a letter addressed to Mr Ovid Morrison, to the current REO, for her to dispatch to Mr Morrison.

Three weeks ago, we were supposed to examine Region Five. And unfortunately, we did not get to examine Region 5.”

“Clearly there is an issue in terms of communication, his availability and whether he is in the jurisdiction or not. I am proposing that we move forward with the paragraphs before us and if the need arises where a paragraph or two would require that clarity from the former REO, then we would have to take a decision going forward.”

According to Mahipaul, the motion would seek to

vest the PAC with the authority in the Legislative Evidence Bodies Act, to be able to summon officers.

In the meantime, the work of the PAC will not be stymied.

Meanwhile, when Morrison did eventually show up at the PAC meeting in the afternoon session, he explained that he had a “perfect handing over” to his successor when he demitted office. He further noted that any responses to the audit queries he gave back in 2019, would be consistent with his current responses.

“I wish to make it clear that my response is in keeping with my response to the Auditor General queries.

However, I have been asked five years, matters of five years back. When I handed over, I had a perfect handing over. And therefore, in discussing any audit query, all department heads should always be present in discussions with me. So, any department head can answer.”

Days after the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) took office in August of 2020, Morrison was one of seven REOs that the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry had given marching orders to.

F

ormer US First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the wife of ex-President Jimmy Carter, has died at the age of 96.

The Carter Center confirmed in a statement that she died peacefully with her family by her side.

On Friday, it was reported that she had entered a hospice care home in the state of Georgia, and was spending time with her 99-year-old husband, who has been in hospice care since February.

Carter was diagnosed with dementia in May. The longest-married first couple marked their 77th wedding anniversary in July.

“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” said Carter in the statement.

“She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”

Carter was born Eleanor Rosalynn Smith on August 18, 1927.

She married Jimmy Carter on July 7, 1946 and they had four children.

The Carters’ son, Chip, described her as a loving mother, extraordinary first lady and “a great humanitarian in her own right”.

“She will be sorely missed not only by our family, but by the many people who have better mental health care and access to resources for caregiving today.”

She is also survived by

Former US President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn attend the "All Together Now – A Celebration Of Service" at the John F Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts in Washington on March 21, 2011. (Reuters)

11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, after losing a grandson in 2015.

When her husband began his political career in the 1960s – first as Georgia state senator, governor, and later US president – Carter was focused on raising mental health awareness and reducing the stigma attached to people with mental illnesses.

As first lady of Georgia she was a member of a governor’s commission to improve services for the mentally ill, and as US First Lady she became honorary chair of the President’s Commission on Mental Health, which was key to the passage of a 1980 act that helped fund local mental health centres.

After leaving Washington, she and her husband founded the Carter Center in 1982, through which she continued her advocacy work for mental

health, early childhood immunisation and other humanitarian causes.

The couple were also key figures in the Habitat For Humanity charity, helping build homes for families in need.

They received recognition for their humanitarian work in 2002 when Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

In a 2013 interview with US TV network C-SPAN, she said: “I hope our legacy continues, more than just as First Lady, because the Carter Center has been an integral part of our lives.

“And our motto is waging peace, fighting disease and building hope. And I hope that I have contributed something to mental health issues and help improve a little bit the lives of people living with mental illnesses.” (BBC News)

18

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

“Largest rainfall event Shakira settles tax fraud ever” kills at least 21 case with €7.5m fine in Dominican Republic C T

he President of the Dominican Republic has insisted that climate change must be taken seriously after heavy rains killed at least 21 people and displaced thousands more.

More than 13,000 people have had to move to more secure areas after torrential rains over the previous 48 hours flooded homes, caused power outages and damaged bridges and roads, the Caribbean country’s Emergency Operations Centre (COE) said on Sunday. At least 21 people have lost their lives, the COE added.

The storm’s victims include nine people who died on Saturday after rains caused the wall of a highway tunnel to collapse onto their cars in the capital, Santa Domingo, according to the National Police.

The water “infiltrated a saturated subsoil” and the foundation of the concrete wall gave way, the Ministry of Public Works said on the following day.

An investigation into the

Rescuers search for people trapped under a wall that collapsed on several vehicles after heavy rains in Santo Domingo on November 18 [Felix Leon/AFP]

incident has been ordered, while the majority of the nation’s 32 provinces remain under an alert designation.

Videos on social media showed rushing water dragging cars down streets and flooded buildings President Luis Abinader said it is the “largest rainfall event ever” in the Dominican Republic’s history.

“Those who do not believe in climate change, start believing,” said Abinader, who spoke of “extensive and sub-

stantial” damage.

Classes have been suspended until Wednesday, Abinader said, “in order to evaluate the schools that may have been affected” and “guarantee the safety of our young people”.

The rains, from a tropical depression, are expected to continue across portions of the country for the next 24 hours, the United States embassy said in a weather alert. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

olombian pop star Shakira has reached a deal with Spanish prosecutors to settle a tax fraud case, just as her trial was about to begin.

The singer has paid a €7.5 million fine – prosecutors had wanted to jail her for eight years and fine her €23.8m if found guilty.

She had faced tax fraud allegations for €14.5m in a Barcelona court.

Shakira, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, said she settled "with the best interest of my kids at heart".

In a lengthy statement, she said her children "do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight".

The performer had previously rejected a deal offered by prosecutors, instead opting to go to trial.

The case centred around where Shakira was living between 2012 and 2014.

"Throughout my career, I have always strived to do

Shakira arriving at court: "I need to move past the stress and emotional toll of the last several years"

what's right and set a positive example for others," she said.

"Unfortunately, and despite these efforts, tax authorities in Spain pursued a case against me as they have against many professional athletes and other high-profile individuals, draining those people's energy, time, and tranquillity for years at a time.

"While I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my lawyers were confident would have ruled in my favour, I have made the decision to finally resolve this matter with the best interest of my kids at heart who do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight."

(Excerpt from BBC News)

PM not consulted before Argentine libertarian Milei pledges change of TSTT CEO new political era after election win T

A

rgentina elected right-wing libertarian Javier Milei as its new president on Sunday, rolling the dice on an outsider with radical views to fix an economy battered by triple-digit inflation, a looming recession, and rising poverty.

Milei, who rode a wave of voter anger with the political mainstream, won by a wider-than-expected margin. He landed some 56 per cent of the vote versus just over 44 per cent for his rival, Peronist Economy Minister Sergio Massa, who conceded.

"The model of decadence has come to an end, there's no going back," Milei said in a defiant speech after the result, while also acknowledging the challenges that face him.

"We have monumental problems ahead: inflation, lack of work, and poverty," he said. "The situation is critical and there is no place for tepid half-measures."

Milei is pledging economic shock therapy. His plans include shutting the central bank, ditching the peso, and slashing spending, potentially painful reforms that resonated with voters angry

at the economic malaise.

"Milei is the new thing, he's a bit of an unknown and it is a little scary, but it's time to turn over a new page," said 31-year-old restaurant worker Cristian as he voted on Sunday.

Some Argentines had characterised the vote as a choice of the "lesser evil": fear of Milei's painful economic medicine versus anger at Massa and his Peronist party for an economic crisis that has left Argentina deeply in debt and unable to tap global credit markets. (Excerpt from Reuters)

rinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley has said he was not consulted before the Telecommunications Services of TT (TSTT) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) was changed last week.

Dr Rowley's response came to a question posed by a Journalist during Monday's post-Cabinet media briefing on whether he was consulted before the CEO's "dismissal", given that the State is the company's majority shareholder. Asked if he was informed of the move in advance, Dr Rowley said: "I knew that there were attempts made to ensure that there was accountability

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

and that the Government would get a clear and accurate report from the company...That much I knew."

Former CEO Agard was replaced last Wednesday

and was replaced by former TSTT GM (customer experience and marketing) Kent Western.

Neither the company nor Agard has since stated the reason for the change or whether she was indeed "dismissed".

The move came weeks after the telecommunications provider was hacked, losing six gigabytes of sensitive customer information. The company did not inform the public of the attack until weeks after the event and downplayed its significance. Agard, along with other management members, has since garnered heavy criticism from the public over how the matter was handled.

(Trinidad Newsday)

UN chief, Chile's Boric to visit Antarctica before COP28 climate summit Bajan national convicted of cocaine smuggling at Sangster Airport U nited Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres will travel to Antarctica this week with Chilean President Gabriel Boric to observe the impact of rising temperatures caused by climate change on the continent, he said on Monday.

"Scorching temperatures mean Antarctic ice is melting ever-faster, with deadly consequences for people around the world," Guterres told reporters.

Guterres and Boric will be in Antarctica from Wednesday to Saturday,

subject to weather conditions, the UN communications office in Chile said.

The two are set to see the Collins and Nelson Glaciers, as well as a stop to see the penguins and other native species at Kopaitic Island, according to UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

Guterres will speak on his experience during UN climate summit COP28 in Dubai next week, where he will "call for action that matches the scale of the crisis we face", he said.

World leaders will con-

vene for the annual conference with the aim of keeping the Paris Agreement warming target of 1.5C alive. As they stand, countries' emissions pledges would still put the world on track to warm by nearly three degrees Celsius this century, according to a UN analysis released on Monday.

Boric travelled to Antarctica previously this year, and has invited other leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping to do the same. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A

4 0 - y e a r - o l d Barbadian was convicted for breaches under the Dangerous Drugs Act on Friday, November 17, 2023, for attempting to smuggle over 1.8 kilograms of cocaine into the United Kingdom through the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James.

Kelvin Charles, a carpenter from Bridgetown, Barbados was arrested on

Thursday, October 26, after customs officers allegedly discovered the illicit drug concealed in false compartments of his luggage during security screening procedures.

He was subsequently charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, and attempting to export cocaine.

During his appearance before the St James Parish Court on Friday, November

17, Charles pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced as follows: · Possession of cocaine: $200,000 or six months’ imprisonment; attempting to export cocaine: 400,000 or six months’ imprisonment; mandatory imprisonment: six months He was ordered to pay the fines immediately.

Failure to do so will see Charles serving a total of 18 months’ imprisonment.

(Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023

19

Around The World

Premature Gaza babies evacuated to Egypt OILNEWS OIL NEWS as Israeli tanks encircle 2nd hospital Brent, US crude futures climb over 2% as OPEC cuts expected

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rent and US crude futures climbed more than 2.5%, gaining US$2 a barrel, on Monday as further supply cuts in OPEC+ production are expected to be announced following a meeting of member countries early next week.

Brent crude futures were up US$2.19 to US$82.80 a barrel by 12:15 pm CST (1815 GMT). US West Texas Intermediate crude was up US$2.13, or 2.81% at US$78.02.

The front-month December WTI contract expires later on Monday. The more active January futures gained US$2.39 to US$78.34, up 3.02%.

Both contracts settled 4% higher on Friday after three OPEC+ sources told Reuters that the producer group, comprising the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia, is set to consider whether to make additional supply cuts when it meets on Nov 26.

"The OPEC commentary signalling further cuts came right on cue," said John Kilduff, partner with Again Capital LLC. "I would expect any cut would be modest. The Saudis have cut so much production, I don't know how much more they can do."

Oil prices have dropped almost 20% since late September, while prompt inter-month spreads for Brent and WTI slipped into contango last week. In a contango market, prompt prices are lower than those in future months, signalling sufficient supply.

Traders were also watching for signs of demand destruction from a possible US recession in 2024 and also considering a warning about possible deflation from leading retailer Walmart Inc. But most of all, traders were waiting for the OPEC+ meeting set for Sunday.

Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, said members will be focused on supply and demand and not using crude as a weapon against the United States, which is supporting Israel in its seven-week-old war against Hamas.

"Some of the countries are concerned about the war spreading to a regional conflict," Lipow said. "They want to see their oil continue to flow."

The number of oil and gas rigs operated by US companies rose last week, the first gain in three weeks, energy services business Baker Hughes said on Friday. The oil and gas rig count serves as an early indicator of future output.

Meanwhile, US oil refiners are on course to boost production by 559,000 barrels per day (bpd) this week as they come out of fall planned maintenance leaving just 264,000 bpd of capacity offline, research company IIR Energy said on Monday. (Reuters)

T

wenty-eight prematurely born babies evacuated from Gaza's biggest hospital were taken into Egypt for urgent treatment on Monday, while Palestinian authorities and the WHO said 12 people were killed at another Gaza hospital encircled by Israeli tanks.

The newborns had been in north Gaza's Al Shifa hospital, where several others died after their incubators were knocked out amid a collapse of medical services during Israel's military assault on Gaza City.

Israeli forces seized Shifa last week to search for what they said was a tunnel network belonging to Hamas Islamists built underneath.

Hundreds of patients, medical staff and displaced people left Shifa at the week-

end, with doctors saying they were ejected by troops and Israel saying the departures were voluntary.

Live footage aired by Egypt's Al Qahera TV showed medical staff carefully lifting infants from inside an ambulance and placing them in mobile incubators, which were then wheeled across a car park towards other ambulances.

The babies were transported on Sunday to a hospital in Rafah, on the southern border of Hamas-ruled Gaza, so their condition could be stabilised ahead of transfer to Egypt. The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said 12 had been flown on to Cairo.

All of the evacuated babies were "fighting serious infections", a WHO spokes-

Egyptian ambulance crews transfer premature Palestinian babies evacuated from Gaza to ambulances on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt November 20, 2023 in this handout picture, courtesy of the Egyptian Health Ministry

person said.

Eight infants have died since doctors at Shifa originally raised an international alarm this month about

39 premature babies at risk from a lack of infection control, clean water and medicines in the neo-natal ward.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Zelenskyy sacks Ukraine’s military medical chief, urges reform of system

U

kraine’s President V o l o d y m y r Zelenskyy has demanded rapid changes in the operations of Ukraine’s military medical system, announcing the dismissal of the Commander of the medical forces.

Zelenskyy’s move was announced on Sunday as he met Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and coincided with a debate over the conduct of the 20-month-old war against Russia, with questions over how quick-

ly a counteroffensive in the east and south is proceeding.

“In today’s meeting with Defence Minister Umerov, priorities were set,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. “There is little time left to wait for results. Quick action is needed for forthcoming changes.”

Zelenskyy said he had replaced Major-General Tetiana Ostashchenko as Commander of the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces.

“The task is clear, as has been repeatedly stressed in society, particularly among combat medics, we need a fundamentally new level of medical support for our soldiers,” he said.

This, he said, included a range of issues – better tourniquets, digitalisation and better communication.

Umerov acknowledged the change in a post on the Telegram messaging app and laid out digitalisation, tactical medicine and rotation of servicepeople as his

top priorities.

“The experience of the effectiveness of specific units should be extended to the entire defence forces,” he said.

Ukrainian commander-in-chief General Valery Zaluzhniy, in an essay published this month, said the war was entering a new stage of attrition, and Ukraine needed more sophisticated technology to counter the Russian military. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

UK PM Sunak reportedly Italy mafia trial: 200 Philippines woos sentenced to 2200 neighbours to craft code said "just let people die", COVID inquiry hears years for mob links on South China Sea

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ore than 200 defendants in one of Italy's biggest mafia trials for generations have been sentenced to a total of more than 2200 years in jail.

The three-year trial saw individuals allegedly linked to the 'Ndrangheta sentenced for crimes ranging from extortion to drug trafficking.

Those sentenced included a former Italian senator, though the verdicts can still be appealed.

The 'Ndrangheta is one of Europe's most influential criminal organisations.

The case illustrated the mob's broad influence over the politics and society of southern Italy. Experts said the convictions of white-collar workers, including local officials, businessmen and politicians, showed the far-reaching impact of organised crime on Italian institutions.

Among the most notable people to be sentenced was Giancarlo Pittelli, a lawyer and former senator for ex-pre-

mier Silvio Berlusconi's party Forza Italia. Pittelli received an 11-year sentence for collusion with a mafia-type organisation.

Others convicted included civil servants, professionals across various industries and high-ranking officials, who were critical to the 'Ndrangheta's success in infiltrating the legitimate economy and state institutions.

More than 100 defendants were acquitted.

The Judges presiding over the case were put under Police protection over fears for their safety.

Originating in the impoverished region of Calabria, the 'Ndrangheta is considered one of the world's most dangerous criminal organisations. It is estimated to control as much as 80% of Europe's cocaine market.

The gang boasts an estimated annual turnover of around US$60bn (£49bn).

(Excerpt from BBC News)

T

he Philippines has approached neighbours such as Malaysia and Vietnam to discuss a separate code of conduct regarding the South China Sea, its President said on Monday, citing limited progress towards striking a broader regional pact with China.

Relations between the two have grown more tense under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who has increasingly complained about China's "aggressive" behaviour while rekindling strong ties with the Philippines' sole treaty ally, the United States.

Speaking in Hawaii at a livestreamed event, Marcos said escalating tension in the South China Sea required the Philippines to partner with allies and neighbours to maintain peace in the busy waterway, with the situation now "more dire".

"We are still waiting for the code of conduct between China and ASEAN and the

progress has been rather slow unfortunately," Marcos said, referring to efforts by the grouping of Southeast Asian nations.

"We have taken the initiative to approach those other countries around ASEAN with whom we have existing territorial conflicts, Vietnam being one of them, Malaysia being another and to make our own code of conduct.

"Hopefully this will grow further and extend to other ASEAN countries."

China said formulating a code of conduct in the South China Sea was an important task for it and ASEAN countries.

But a spokesperson of its Foreign Ministry warned at a regular press briefing, "Any move that deviates from the framework and runs counter to the spirit of the declaration on the conduct of parties (DOC) in the South China Sea is null and void." (Excerpt from Reuters)

P

rime Minister Rishi Sunak was quoted as saying the Government should "just let people die" during the COVID-19 pandemic rather than impose a second national lockdown, the inquiry into how Britain handled the crisis heard on Monday.

Patrick Vallance, who was the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser during COVID, made a note in his diary on Oct 25, 2020, about a meeting involving then Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Sunak, who was Finance Minister.

The diary entry shown to the inquiry recorded how Dominic Cummings, Johnson's most senior adviser during the pandemic, had relayed to Vallance what he said he had heard at the meeting.

Vallance quoted Cummings in his diary as saying: "Rishi thinks just let people die and that's okay.

This all feels like a complete lack of leadership."

A spokesman for Sunak said the Prime Minister would set out his position when he gives evidence to the inquiry "rather than respond to each one in piecemeal".

The inquiry is examining the Government's response to the coronavirus pandemic that shut large sections of the economy and killed more than 220,000 people in Britain. It is due to run until the summer of 2026.

Senior Government officials have repeatedly said the Government was unprepared for the pandemic and a "toxic" and "macho" culture hampered the response to the health crisis.

The danger for Sunak is that evidence at the inquiry undermines his attempt to cast himself as a change to the chaotic leadership of Johnson even though he was one of the most senior Ministers in that Government. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

Take the initiative to pick up information to help you get ahead. Visit someone who can offer inside information. Taking a short trip or reconnecting with a friend will pay off. Romance is favored.

Doors will open if you promote yourself. Be bold and negotiate, and you’ll impress the right people. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Make changes in your life.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Be careful whom you trust. Someone will use emotional tactics and twist your words around. Ask questions, get the truth and distance yourself from people trying to exploit you.

(May 21-June 20) Pay attention to detail, and you’ll gain recognition for your astute and unique approach. Embrace change or an offer you receive; it will enhance your security and put your mind at ease.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Don’t worry about the little things or let someone’s decisions ruin your mood.

Stay in tune with what’s important to you and use your skills and experience to get where you want to go.

(July 23-Aug. 22) The more you achieve, the better you’ll feel about yourself. Don’t wait for someone to make the first move. If you want to stay ahead of the competition, take the initiative to get things done.

CALVIN AND HOBBES (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Keep your emotions in check. Don’t give anyone a chance to take advantage of your vulnerabilities. Keep your home life private and your money matters to yourself. Invest time and money in yourself.

Don’t take anything for granted. Do your due diligence to ensure you get what you want. A passionate approach to life, love and happiness will help you convince others to assist you.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Be careful whom you trust. Don’t share personal information or let anyone scam you into something you don’t need or want. Focus on self-improvement, health and securing your position.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Seize the moment. Do whatever makes you happy and inspired. Don’t wallow in someone else’s misfortune when your state of mind and accomplishments should be the focus.

LAST PUBLISHED WORD -- GRAPHICS

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Go after what matters to you and what you want to achieve. Use your connections and communication skills to help you pursue your dreams. Don’t give in or get trapped by emotional blackmail.

Learn and adjust to ensure that you get things right. Find what motivates you most, and don’t lose sight of your goal. An energetic approach to your pursuits will be key.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023

21

Finalists dominate Cricket World Cup Team of the Tournament T

he International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 delivered some phenomenal individual performances across seven weeks of high-class international action, and here is the official ICC Team of the Tournament.

1. Quinton de Kock (South Africa) (wk) South Africa’s opener was in breath-taking form during the group stage, scoring four centuries, including an enormous 174 against Bangladesh at the Wankhede Stadium.

Quinton de Kock scored 594 runs at a strike rate of 107.02 across the tournament, with only Indian pair Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli scoring more.

2. Rohit Sharma (India) (c) The India Captain and opener set the tone at the top of the order for the hosts, hitting 597 runs, with only his teammate Kohli scoring more.

Rohit’s tally is the seventh-highest ever at a men’s Cricket World Cup, 51 runs

short of his own best effort at the 2019 tournament in England.

The nature of the opener’s runs was even more crucial than their volume, with his strike-rate of 125.94 being the highest of any top-four batter in the tournament. Only Glenn Maxwell and Heinrich Klassen scored at a quicker rate among the World Cup’s recognised specialist batters.

3. Virat Kohli (India) Virat Kohli produced an all-time great run of form, scoring the most runs ever by an individual batter at a men’s Cricket World Cup. His 765 surpassed the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar (673 in 2003) and came at an average of 96.62.

Only twice out of 11 innings did Kohli not reach at least a half-century. And his three hundreds in the tournament saw him reach 50 career ODI tons, overtaking Tendulkar for the most in the history of the format.

4. Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)

New Zealand’s run to the semi-finals was built on the back of a mountain of runs, and Daryl Mitchell played a big part in that.

His 552 runs in nine innings came at an average of 69 and strike-rate of 111.06, and showcased his great versatility – building platforms at times and upping the scoring rate at others.

His 134 in a losing cause in the semi-final against India was a brave effort when his team needed it most.

5. KL Rahul (India) The India right-hander was a model of consistency for his side throughout the world Cup as he amassed a decent total of 452 runs from 10 hits.

Rahul impressed mainly during the middle overs, scoring a tournament-best 102 against the Netherlands in Bengaluru and contributing an even better innings of 97* against Australia at the start of the event.

The 31-year-old finished the World Cup with a superb average of 75.33, which was

get away.

No bowler to have played more than a single game in the tournament was able to return a better economy rate than Bumrah’s 4.06 – an even more remarkable stat considering he was so often in action when the fielding restrictions were in place.

9. Dilshan Madushanka (Sri Lanka) Sri Lanka’s left-arm speedster Dilshan Madushanka was a revelation.

His 21 wickets put him firmly in the tournament’s top five wicket-takers, and he was a relentless threat with the new ball.

A haul of 5-80 against India was the pick of his efforts.

Members of the Team of the Tournament for the 2023 ODI World Cup

BCB, UG launch 2nd edition of youth coaching manual T he proactive Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) with the assistance of the University of Guyana on Thursday launched the second edition of its historic coaching manual for youth cricketers.

The launching took place at the Tain campus of the university during a special ceremony to open the Berbice cricket wall of fame. A total of 31 players from the county were inducted onto the wall of fame. The players range from John Trim in 1948 to Ashmini Munsieur who debuted in 2023. The inductees were players from Berbice who represented the West Indies at either the Test, OneDay International (ODI) or T20 levels.

BCB President Hilbert Foster stated that the Board in 2021 had published the first edition of the manual after it was prepared by a top-level delegation of cricket coaches. The group was headed by the late Michael Hyles and included Julian Moore, Leslie Solomon, Balram Samaroo, Winston Smith, Ameer Rahaman and Travis Hardcourt. The BCB distributed 1000 copies to schools, cricket clubs and youth cricketers across the county while several were requested by clubs as far away as Antigua, North America, and England.

With a total of 18 cricket coaches working with

BCB President Hilbert Foster is joined by UG Chancellor Edward Greene and Vice Chancellor Dr Paloma Mohamed Martin to launch the coaching manual.

youths in Berbice under the Government of Guyana 10day work programme, there was a huge demand for more manuals. The Board then approached the University of Guyana for assistance to publish another 1000 copies and Vice Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin readily agreed to the request.

A special task committee reviewed the contents of the manual for correction and update.

Foster also hailed the effort of the Tain Campus Director, Dr Gomathinayagam Subramanian and the head of events, conferences and communication, Jainarine Deonauth, who worked with him to make the project a re-

ality.

The full-colour manual covers basic coaching for all aspects of the game – batting, bowling, fielding, catching, wicketkeeping and physical fitness. It also offers advice on the attributes of a good batsman, mental approach to batting, mental approach to the game, importance of discipline, key points when running between the wickets, benefits of physical preparation, and the importance of physical fitness. Youths would benefit from coaching tips on the bat grip, stands and how to play a wide range of cricket shots, including the forward defence, straight drive, cover drive, on drive, pull shot, back foot defence, back foot

drive and sweep shot. Tips are also available for fast bowling, off spin, leg spin and left arm orthodox. The fielding section include tips on long barrier, two hands interception and arm throw, high catching, throwing the ball and close catching. Other articles in the manual feature umpiring signals, ways of dismissals and photos of the female international and Test players from the county. Foster committed the BCB to making the manual available to other cricket boards if so requested.

UG Chancellor Edward Greene, Tain Director Dr Subramanian and Vice Chancellor Dr Mohamed Martin stated that the university was delighted to be part of the project. The Vice Chancellor expressed confidence that the coaching manual would inspire the next set of Berbice cricketing heroes to come forth to follow in the footsteps of Rohan Kanhai and Basil Butcher.

Deonauth stated that both efforts of the BCB and the university had resulted in an upgraded version of the coaching manual which matches international standards. He hailed the efforts of Foster and his executives in making the project a success. Special mention was also made of the Director of Tain campus Dr Subramaniam for his hard work and dedication.

the third best overall for any batter during the tournament.

6. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) The Big Show provided two all-time moments with the bat. His century against the Netherlands was the fastest ever seen at a Men’s Cricket World Cup, coming off just 40 balls.

But his effort against Afghanistan was even more extraordinary.

With Australia requiring 292 and slipping to 91-7, Maxwell produced arguably the greatest individual innings of all-time, scoring 201* from 128 balls as he battled pressure, Afghanistan’s spinners and crippling cramp to get his team across the line.

7. Ravindra Jadeja (India) India’s spin-bowling all-rounder played a crucial role for his team, taking key wickets throughout the middle overs and consistently turning the screw.

His economy rate was among the best in the tournament, going for 4.25 per over as he brilliantly backed up the new-ball attack.

With the bat he played an important role at number seven too, scoring 120 runs in his five appearances in the middle.

8. Jasprit Bumrah (India) The leader of India’s attack, Jasprit Bumrah was relentless in his excellence.

While being a threat in all sections of the innings, it was Bumrah’s new-ball brilliance that made the biggest impact for his team.

He took wickets throughout the tournament, and proved extremely difficult to

10. Adam Zampa (Australia) Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament, Adam Zampa equalled Muttiah Muralidaran for most wickets by a spinner in a single Men’s Cricket World Cup. His 23 wickets came at an average of 22.39, and he took three consecutive four-wicket hauls in the league stage, including a remarkable spell of 4-8 against the Netherlands.

Only Mohammed Shami took more wickets in the tournament than the Aussie leg-spinner.

And Zampa’s lower-order 29 against England ended up being pivotal in a match that put Australia in control of their progression to the semi-finals.

11. Mohammed Shami (India) The tournament’s top wicket-taker, Mohammed Shami was simply extraordinary for a team that he wasn’t even a part of at the start of the campaign.

Shami sat out his team’s first four matches, but was remarkable from thereon in, taking 24 wickets at an average of just 10.70 and 5.26.

Only four players in the history of the men’s game have taken more Cricket World Cup wickets than Shami's 55 – Lasith Malinga (56); Mitchell Starc (65); Muttiah Muralitharan (68) and Glenn McGrath (71) – with Shami’s returns coming in 10 fewer matches than any of those above him in the list.

12th: Gerald Coetzee (South Africa) South Africa needed a spark in their attack in the absence of Anrich Nortje, and found it in young Gerald Coetzee.

He bowled with pace and threat throughout the campaign, taking 20 wickets across his eight matches.

The 23-year-old finished with an average of 19.80 and economy of 6.23. (ICC)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023

GFF-NAMILCO U17 Playoff…

Thrilling weekend sees Bartica, Georgetown, Berbice win F

ans savoured four thrilling matches on Saturday and Sunday, witnessing unforgettable victories by Bartica, Georgetown and Berbice Football Academies in the Guyana Football Federation ( G F F ) - N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 National Academy Playoff.

Saturday, November 18, saw the Rupununi Football Academy clinch a win against Essequibo Football Academy through two stunning goals: one by Shavez Moses in the sixth minute and another by Adrian Carbal in the 89th minute.

Rupununi's defence remained impenetrable throughout the entire match in Essequibo.

In another intense match, but this time in Berbice, East Coast Football Academy lost 3-2 to Berbice Football Academy courtesy of Shamar Johnson’s goal in the 64th minute and Tyrone Delph netting two goals in the 67th and 80th+4 minutes.

In an attempt to equalise, Shaquan David scored two goals in the 17th and 77th minutes for East Coast Football Academy.

Both teams showcased strong strategic play, but Berbice Football Academy

Snapshot from the weekend’s NAMILCO U17 Play-off

secured the victory in the final moments.

In Georgetown, on

BCB 2023 cricket season – Dave West Indian Imports Tournament …

No 70 Spartans beat Crabwood Creek Gladiators to win 40-over championship

T

he No 69 Vikings cricket ground was packed on Sunday by spectators as the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) in conjunction with the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) hosted the final of the Upper Corentyne-Dave West Indian Imports 40-over tournament.

The tournament for the Upper Corentyne involved 29 teams and is one of six tournaments across the county to determine the overall champions of Berbice at the second division level. The BCB has now successfully completed sub-association tournaments in Berbice River, Upper Corentyne and West Berbice with finals coming up for New Amsterdam/Canje and Lower/ Central Corentyne.

The final on Sunday was contested by No 70 Spartans and Crabwood Creek Gladiators. No 70 Spartans won the toss and elected to take strike in very humid conditions. They were led to a total of 233 all out from their allotted 40 overs. Their main batsmen were Tharesh Ramgohan, who scored 50 with six delightful boundaries and a six; Charran Singh (52 with four boundaries) and Latchman Roopchand, who struck four boundaries and three massive sixes. Singh and Roopchan had a fifth-wicket partnership of 94 to lead their team to a solid total. Bowling for Crabwood Creek Gladiators, Mohammad Ally claimed 3 for 47 from 4 overs, Joel Dhanraj 2 for 42, and Trevon Sukhoo 2 for 39.

Needing to score 234 runs from their 40 overs, Crabwood Creek Gladiators were never in the hunt as the No 70 Spartans team bowled well and were well backed up with sharp fielding. The Gladiators lost wickets on a regular basis as Clark (2); Alistair (16); Dharesh Bruce (29); Kevin

Sunday, November 19, Georgetown Football Academy triumphed over the Under-15 National Team 2-1 in an enthralling opening match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Joshua Bentick of Georgetown Football Academy kick-started the scoring with an electrifying goal in the eighth minute, followed by another from teammate Charles Austin in the 48th minute.

Despite a late comeback attempt by Under-15 National Team’s Jade Adonis with a goal in the 65th minute, the outcome remained unchanged.

In the second game on Sunday in Georgetown, Bartica Football Academy applied relentless pressure on Rupununi Football Academy's defence, resulting in a commanding 2-0 victory.

Ian Gomes stole the spotlight, netting goals in the 66th and 80th minutes of the match.

The NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 National Academy Playoff is a vital component of the Academy Training Centre programme, which focuses on nurturing the talents of boys aged 14 to 17 years old. This programme holds the prestigious status of being an approved 'Generation Next' FIFA development initiative.

The participating teams have been strategically organised into two groups. Group A includes Georgetown, East Coast, East Bank, the National Under-15 Team and Berbice, while Group B features Upper Demerara, Essequibo, Bartica and West Demerara.

GFF President Wayne Forde, who was present at Sunday's games which were held at the Georgetown Football Club on North Road,

emphasised that the academies and players' commitment to grassroots development deserved significant applause.

“We witnessed yet another thrilling weekend of games from the Under-17 teams across the region. Fans had the opportunity to see these future stars battling it out in this prestigious tournament, shining a spotlight on our upcoming football talent.

“I once again thank NAMILCO for supporting our grassroots vision and applaud all the academies and players for their dedication to grassroots development as we continue to prioritise and focus on nurturing talent at the foundation level. This is an opportunity for fans to witness the emergence of Guyana's future football stars.”

Following the round-robin phase, the most outstanding teams from each group will advance to the championship round.

These teams will fiercely vie for the esteemed title of national champions, promising an electrifying showcase of emerging football talent.

The playoff continues on Saturday, November 24.

ExxonMobil Futsal tournament top 8 decided CLASSIFIED ADS

The winning #70 Spartan team poses with sponsor Dave Narine

Saywack (7); Trevon Sukhoo (7); Zahir Mohammed (20); Alvon Jeffrey (1); Joanne King (4) and Joel Dhanraj (1) fell cheaply. Seenarine and Mohammed added 47 for fourth wicket to offer some hope, but when Seenarine was stumped off Singh for 30, it was all over for Crabwood Creek. They were eventually bowled out for 150 in 29.1 overs. Singh was the best bowler for the champions with three wickets for 29 runs from four overs. The champions, runners-up and Man of the Final received trophies and cash prizes at the presentation ceremony.

BCB President Hilbert Foster hailed the excellent organising skills of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association under the leadership of Dennis D’Andrade and praised them for hosting a successful tournament in a few months.

Foster committed to hosting the overall Berbice championship final at the No 69 Ground, and stated that the No 70 Spartans have joined Cotton Tree Cricket Club of the West Berbice area and Wiruni Cricket Club of the Berbice River area in the overall Berbice finals. The remaining two sub-association cham-

pions would emerge from the New Amsterdam/Canje and Lower/ Central Corentyne area. The BCB President noted that his administration in 2023 has organised a total of 33 tournaments at the Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-23, female, primary school, secondary school, inter-zone, grassroot, second division and first division levels. Foster also indicated that the BCB would shortly host a one-day tournament for female teams in the Upper Corentyne area.

BCB Competition Committee Chairman Leslie Solomon disclosed that three tournaments for second-division teams in the sub-association have been completed in 2023. They are the Dave West Indian Imports 40 overs , Vishnu Superstore 40 overs, the Price is Right 20/20 while the NPG round-robin 20/20 would commence shortly. Sponsor Dave Narine stated that he was very delighted to be associated with Berbice cricket. The Guyana-born New York-based businessman said that he was confident that more exciting talent for the future would emerge from the tournament.

TO RENT

The ExxonMobil-sponsored football tournament will continue on Wednesday

T

he ExxonMobil Futsal tournament, organised by New Era Entertainment, is diving headfirst into the heart-pounding action as the top eight teams gear up for an epic showdown on Wednesday at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden.

With a dazzling $1 million winner's purse up for grabs in the tournament, at 19:00h, the undefeated Young Gunners, rulers of Group A, are set to go toe-to-toe with the slick second-placers from Group C, the Money Team.

Next up in the frenzy is a face-off between the Group B winners, LA Ballers, and the tenacious DC Ballers, who clinched second place in Group D. In another corner of the futsal arena, Group C standouts YMCA are making waves, but standing in their way to glory is the formidable Hard Knocks, a team that know a thing or two about giv-

ing their opponents a run for their money.

And for the grand finale of Wednesday's spectacle, the undefeated pre-tournament favourites, Gold is Money, are throwing down the gauntlet against the spirited HH Ballers.

Andrew Major, the Co-Director of New Era Entertainment, stated that this year's tournament has exceeded all expectations.

There’s a recap of the last hurrah of group-stage action over the weekend, YMCA slammed their way to an impressive 11-2 victory against Hillsyde, Gold is Money clinched a nail-biting 9-8 win over Anybody Gets It, and Hard Knocks and Young Gunners played to a 3-3 stalemate.

In addition the coveted $1 million top prize, teams snagging second through fourth place will be heading home with $500,000, $200,000, and $100,000, respectively.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023

23

Rutherford returns to Windies colours with maiden ODI call-up C

ricket West Indies (CWI) Senior Men’s Selection Panel on Monday named the 15-member squad for the upcoming CG United One-Day International (ODI) Series against England starting on December 3. Shai Hope will again lead the team with Alzarri Joseph named as the new Vice Captain.

There are two uncapped players in the squad: batting all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford and seam bowling all-rounder Matthew Forde – who has earned his first callup at the senior international level. The Selection Panel also recalled experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich, who played his only ODI in May 2019 and opener Kjorn Ottley, who played two ODIs in January 2021.

Lead Selector, Dr Desmond Haynes said: “We named Alzarri Joseph as

Vice Captain as he demonstrated maturity and good leadership qualities for the Leeward Islands Hurricanes during the recent CG United Super50 Cup. We believe with exposure and opportunities, he could be a future leader in West Indies cricket. Matthew Forde is a whole-hearted cricketer who has been impressive. He is one of the players coming through the West Indies Academy programme who can form part of the future.”

Haynes added: “England on tour of the West Indies is always filled with excitement and expectation. We expect this to be a hard-fought series, but we also believe this squad will do well in our home conditions. We have a clear vision.

We are focused on building a solid team. Our main focus is to rebuild for success at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.”

The CG United ODI

Alzarri Joseph has been promoted to Vice Captain of the ODI squad

Series will feature three matches. The tour will start with two CG United ODIs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Sunday, December 3 and Wednesday, December 6. The

National Chess Championship Qualifiers…

Khan completes unbeaten campaign in tournament

C

andidate Master Taffin Khan remained undefeated in the Ram and McRae-sponsored National Open Chess Championship Qualifying Tournament, an eight-round Swiss System tournament played over four days on November 11-19, 2023 at the Guyana National Stadium.

Khan defeated Keron Sandiford in round seven and Loris Nathoo in a four-hour battle in round eight. Khan and Nathoo both played a balanced opening and an incredible middle game. Khan finally outshone Nathoo in the end game, with accurate and decisive moves. Khan also claimed points from Isa Bremner, Errol Tiwari, Ethan Lee, Justino DaSilva, Roberto Neto, and Sachin Pitamber.

Second place went to 20-year-old Ethan Lee, who finished with seven points.

Lee’s final game ended in a victory against young Sachin Pitamber in the eighth round. Current National Junior Champion Sandiford placed third in the tournament with 5.5 points. He lost to Khan in Round 7, but defeated 15-year-old newcomer Alex Benjamin.

In fourth position, Gilbert Williams also scored 5.5 points. His wins came against Tremusa Marshall, Shivanand Nandalall, Asif Rahaman, Nicholas Sakoor, and Rolex Alexander.

In fifth position, 13-yearold Pitamber demonstrated his ability to compete with the senior players by earning 5 points. He won a point by default in the first round, and drew with Sandiford in the second. He went on to win against fellow teen Najeeb Mohamed and then against

first CG United ODI is a day game starting at 09:30h with the second CG United ODI being a day-night game starting at 13:30h.

The tour then moves to Barbados for the third and final CG United ODI to be played at Kensington Oval, on Saturday, December 9.

This will also be a day-night game starting at 13:30h.

Ahead of the first match, the West Indies squad was scheduled to assemble for a preparation camp in Antigua,

from Monday. Head Coach Daren Sammy indicated that the camp was a crucial component of the team’s preparations to face the visitors.

The camp will be at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and Coolidge Cricket Ground with net and planning sessions as well as fitness and strength and conditioning sessions.

“Everyone is fully aware of what is required as we prepare to face England on our home soil. The camp will be detailed and based on specifics that we have identified will be required if we are to be successful at the international level. We will have high-intensity, purposeful training sessions and everything that we do will be geared towards improving and winning,” Sammy said.

“I believe in preparation.

I believe when you prepare well, you give yourself the best chance of winning. When you do the hard work, the right kind of work, when you finetune your skills, that will add value to your game.”

In addition, CWI has noted that Justin Greaves is unavailable for selection due to an injury he sustained in the recently-concluded

CG United Super50 Cup. Nicholas Pooran is unavailable for selection as he prioritises preparation for the T20I format and Jason Holder is unavailable for selection as he prioritises preparation for the Test and T20I formats.

Full squad

Shai Hope (Captain) Alzarri Joseph (Vice Captain) Alick Athanaze Yannic Cariah Keacy Carty Roston Chase Shane Dowrich Matthew Forde Shimron Hetmyer Brandon King Gudakesh Motie Kjorn Ottley Sherfane Rutherford Romario Shepherd Oshane Thomas Match Schedule Sunday, December 3: 1st CG United ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua – 9:30am Wednesday, December 6: 2nd CG United ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua – 1:30pm Saturday, December 9: 3rd CG United at Kensington Oval, Barbados – 1:30pm

Limacol Schools’ Football League…

Mackenzie draw with Chase in round 5 highlight …Carmel, Bartica win narrowly

A

CM Taffin Khan and Loris Nathoo during their eighth-round battle

seasoned players Saeed Ali and DaSilva. Pitamber drew with Williams in round seven, but lost to Lee in the last round.

Rounding out the top 10, Dasilva, Neto, Nathoo, Alexander and Jaden Taylor occupy sixth to tenth places, respectively.

These top 10 players will advance to the National Open Chess Championship to compete for the title for 2023.

The Chief Arbiter for the tournament was FIDE Arbiter John Lee, assisted by FIDE Arbiter Anand Raghunauth. The top twelve boards were live-streamed throughout the tournament thanks to the expertise of John Lee, who made sure that fans viewed the games in real time.

The 41 players who participated in the tournament included 29 juniors of which nine were female. Seasoned players, including Tiwari, Nandalall and Nathoo also participated in this prestigious tournament. Special mention must be made of the Region Three players from Qayyim Academy and lone Berbician School

Teacher Julian Dey of Fyrish, Corentyne, who also entered the competition.

Vice President of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), Irshad Mohamad presented medals to the winners. He noted that the tournament was the largest-ever National Open Qualifiers he had seen and attributed the growth to the number of junior chess players who participated. Mohamad expressed gratitude to the sponsors of the tournament Ram and McRae on behalf of the GCF and to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for the use of the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The National Championships will conclude in the next few weeks giving rise to the 2023 champion.

The Grand Prix and National tournaments will start early next year to pave the way for selection for the Olympiad team in September 2024 in Hungary. Chess players are asked to check the website guyanachess.gy for guidelines on how to qualify for the Olympiad team.

s the NEW GPC INCsponsored Limacol Schools’ Football League headed into the fifth round over the weekend, the points table took an interesting turn as some tournament favourites failed to bag three points.

The likes of Chase’s Academy and Carmel Secondary missed out on the services of a few key players owing to the Inter-Guiana Games, making way for an entertaining fifth round and setting up a must- watch final two rounds in the League.

On Saturday, Bartica Secondary got the better of Santa Rosa Secondary in a hard-fought battle.

From the get-go, Bartica looked to be the more composed side, but their finishing left much to be desired. Santa Rosa eventually found their footing in the second half, but it did not stop Bartica’s Reizer Reid from sending a shot into the corner of the goal. Reid’s strike later became the only one of the game as Bartica won 1-0.

Then on Sunday, table-toppers Chase’s Academy met a fierce challenge from Mackenzie High School.

The encounter began as all games involving Chase’s Academy does, with two quickfire goals in the open-

Action from the Limacol Schools’ Football League (file photo)

ing minutes.

Justin Alcindor netted first in the ninth minute, while Kerstyn Gonsalves made it a 2-0 affair in the 12th minute. However, that was the last anyone would see of the Chase’s strikers.

Mackenzie’s Azainneo Benjamin pulled one back for the Linden outfit in the 13th minute and the scores would remain 2-1 into the second half. There, Deon Peters netted in the 40th minute to level the scores.

Thereafter, Mackenzie High remained resolute in their defence to seal the 2-all draw.

The final game of the weekend saw Carmel Secondary needling Ann’s Grove Secondary. After a stalemate in the first half, Carmel’s Ian Daniels finally found favour in the 60th minute. Daniels converted

a penalty opportunity for what would be the lone goal of the game.

After five rounds, Chase’s Academy still leads the points table in spite of their draw against Mackenzie High. Chase have four wins and a draw from five games, while Carmel Secondary and Bartica Secondary each have four wins and a loss from five games. Santa Rosa Secondary’s chances of finishing, even within the top three, have been daunted as they now have two wins, two losses and a draw in their five games. Both Mackenzie High School and Ann’s Grove Secondary have a win, two draws and a loss in their five games.

The Limacol League is set to continue next Sunday, November 26 at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

Pg 23

Limacol Schools’ Football League…

Mackenzie draw to Windies colours with Chase in with maiden ODI round 5 highlight call-up Pg 23

…Carmel, Bartica win narrowly

Pg 23

National Chess Championship Qualifiers…

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