Guyana Times - Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Agro- P5 processing survey to gauge demand, shape policies in industry Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5546

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023

Guyana’s National Assembly passes motion denouncing Venezuela’s illegal referendum on Essequibo See story on page 3

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Man admits to killing farmer during violent P8 robbery 2 Venezuelans busted with P26 11,000g ganja at Harbour Bridge

2 arrested after miner gave P5 friend gun for ‘safekeeping’

…Venezuela condemned for threatening regional peace & security

Venezuelans should reject Maduro’s referendum on Essequibo – Teixeira

... Nandlall says referendum has legal ramifications for border case Page 7 See story Border controversy Guyana has no on page 2

1899 Arbitral Award intention of dropping was duly accepted in ICJ case to engage legitimate, irrefutable Venezuela – Greenidge …as country gears up for Venezuela’s referendum court challenge process – historian Page 9

Teen miner killed during dispute over dancing with woman See story on page 5

4 injured as P9 speeding minibus driver crashes into 4 vehicles

Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase receives 1st commercial P26 vessel …longest vessel to ever enter Demerara River

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana has no intention of dropping ICJ case to engage Venezuela – Greenidge …as country gears up for Venezuela’s referendum court challenge

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uyana’s co-agent in the Venezuela border case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Carl Greenidge, has assured that Government remains focused on obtaining a final, binding judgement from the World Court regardless of Venezuela’s efforts to distract Guyana.

A special sitting of the National Assembly to discuss the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy got underway on Monday.

Greenidge, who is Guyana’s co-agent on the case alongside fellow co-agent Sir Shridath Ramphal, was present at the sitting.

In an interview with the

Guyana’s co-agent Carl Greenidge

media, he assured that the Government has no intention of abandoning the legal process which has already begun and engaging Venezuela outside of the

court. Greenidge also spoke about the November 14 upcoming case before the ICJ where Guyana is seeking an injunction against Venezuela’s efforts to annex Essequibo via a referendum planned for December 3.

According to Greenidge, the referendum itself is problematic because it contains clauses that are in flagrant violation of international law. He noted that Guyana will bring very forceful arguments in this regard.

“As regards the referendum itself, the point is in normal circumstances one couldn’t give a hoot what another country decides to do with regards to a referendum. But a referendum is a little bit like the exercise of freedom. Your right to do and say things ends… if those rights affect me,” Greenidge said.

“And what we are looking at here, particularly in regards to questions one, three and five, are efforts on the part of the Venezuelan Government, to have its electorate pronounce on matters related to both the treaty and the work of the court and the

wellbeing of Guyanese,” he added.

Outside of the referendum, however, Greenidge noted that Guyana has major problems with the actions Venezuela has taken in the lead up to December 3, when the referendum is scheduled to take place.

Guyana’s co-agent noted that all of this will be brought to the World Court’s attention.

“The referendum, as is usual with these things, is part of a scenario. In other words, maybe if it was the referendum alone it would be bad enough. But if you look at what has been happening over the past few months, you will find the referendum is one of many things that we are concerned about,” the co-agent explained.

“And included amongst those things is the arrangements being made on the Venezuelan side, along with very hostile language, for the movement of troops on our borders. Actions which affect the stability and also the wellbeing of Guyanese, especially those in the area bordering Venezuela, in the North West, North East in particular. And that’s one

part of the battle.”

Last month, the Venezuelan National Electoral Council published a list of five questions it plans to put before the Venezuelan people in a referendum set for December 3, 2023. One question (#5) proposes the creation of Venezuelan State of Guyana Essequibo and an accelerated plan for giving Venezuelan citizenship and identity cards to the Guyanese population.

After years of failed good offices process, Guyana approached the World Court in 2018, seeking a final and binding judgement to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties, as well as legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of the country’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

Guyana’s Spanishspeaking neighbour has laid claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region, and to a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which nearly 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered large-

ly by United States oil giant ExxonMobil.

Venezuela has accused the Guyana Government of being a puppet of ExxonMobil and the US Southern Command. And Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has called on President Dr Irfaan Ali to abandon the ICJ process and engage in bilateral discussions with Venezuela, mediated by the Caribbean Community (Caricom). The Guyana Government has, however, already declared its commitment to resolving this longstanding border controversy with Venezuela through the legal process at the World Court.

Over the past few weeks, Guyana has been informing regional and international partners of Venezuela’s planned referendum, which has been criticised by the United States, Caricom, and the Organisation of American States (OAS), as well as several other nations in the Region, including Brazil. There is a consensus that Venezuela’s referendum threatens the peace, security and stability of the Region. (G3)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, Nov 7 – No retraction and Wednesday, Nov 8 – 01:00h – 02:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Berbice – Tuesday, Nov 7 – 12:55h – 14:25h and Wednesday, Nov 8 – 13:40h – 15:10h.

Guyana’s National Assembly passes motion denouncing Venezuela’s illegal referendum on Essequibo

…Venezuela condemned for threatening regional peace & security

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Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

special sitting of the National Assembly on Tuesday resulted in the Government and Opposition sides unanimously approving a motion denouncing Venezuela’s effort to threaten Guyana and by extension, the Region’s peace and security, as well as Venezuela’s illegal referendum on annexing Essequibo.

The debate got underway at the National Assembly with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd leading the list of 11 speakers from both sides of the House.

Todd started off the special sitting by noting that Venezuela was, and continues to be, on the wrong side of international law by challenging the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award through intimidation and brute force.

In fact, Todd noted that Venezuela has a history of disrespecting international law and seizing territory, like they did with the Aves Island off the coast of Dominica… even though that island was 350 miles away from Venezuela.

Another island Venezuela took was the Patos island off Trinidad and Tobago’s coast.

“The Essequibo region, Mr Speaker, is the only territory which Venezuela has had her eye set on, that she has not been able to take possession of. And she will not be able to take possession of our Essequibo,” Todd said, to thunderous applause.

“We are here this morning, as a nation united, to show the world that we are here, on the right side of history and the right side of international law… the history and the facts are overwhelming. But we have to give the people a full understanding of this longstanding controversy, which Guyana intends to see through to its logical conclusion at the ICJ.”

up in the face of Venezuela’s aggression against Guyana.

Additionally, they were both of the view that the Nicolas Maduro regime, instead of doing its job and giving the Venezuelan people a better life, are just using the referendum to distract the Venezuelans from the horrible conditions afflicting the country.

“I support the Government in its pursuit to ensure a peaceful and lawful resolution of the controversy before the ICJ. I support the Government’s urgent approach for protection done through the International Court of Justice. I support calls for the deepening of engagements among all national stakeholders.”

“I would like to express gratitude to our international partners. A friend in need is a friend indeed. And we’re in need. There is no time for silence. We require our international partners to speak out, to speak up and support Guyana as we stand on the side of the law,” Kissoon said.

In his presentation, Prime

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PM Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips

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Minister Todd pointed out that Venezuela benefitted the most from the 1899 Arbitral award, from which they attained 751,640 kilometres.

While Venezuela has claimed that its people “deserve” Guyana’s sovereign territory of Essequibo, Todd made it clear that Venezuela’s claim is born strictly from greed.

“That’s more than four

times the size of Guyana.

That’s what they got in the award. Guyana got 83,000 square miles. The facts are here. Venezuela was content with what they wanted.

Because they felt that if they got the Orinoco, it was a victory,” Todd said.

“They got all they bargained for. Therefore, it is unbelievable and inconceivable that Venezuela would want to try to fool the rest of the world that it has a legitimate right to Essequibo. This will not stand. We live in a world where rules and laws must be followed by every nation state.”

Meanwhile, both Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Khemraj Ramjattan and Deputy Speaker Dr Asha Kissoon of The New Movement (TNM) found common ground on a number of issues besides their support for the motion.

Int’l community

Both Ramjattan and Kissoon urged the international community not to be silent and to continue speaking

Minister Brigadier Retired Mark Phillips noted that this special sitting of the National Assembly sends a clear message of a unified country. He further emphasised to the Venezuelans that Guyana will not deviate from the legal pathway before the ICJ. “We are sending a message of unity in the face of a clear and present danger from Nicolas Maduro’s Government… We must guard against simultaneously politicising this topic for political gains which are deemed selfish. If Guyanese are not mobilised around this issue, it becomes a lost cause,” the Prime Minister said.

“The time for negotiation is over. There will be no need for dialogue with Nicolas Maduro. There will be no meeting…between Maduro and President Dr Irfaan Ali. Essequibo is no bird island, no concessions through bilateral.

No to invasion, annexation, and other acts of aggression,” he added.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023

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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

Alcohol and society

V

ery often, there have been many public debates and discussions on alcoholism and the negative effects it has on individuals and society as a whole.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), alcohol kills a whopping three million people worldwide each year — more than AIDS, violence, and road accidents combined. It was stated that men are particularly at risk.

WHO’s Global Status Reports on Alcohol and Health, over the years, have presented a comprehensive picture of alcohol consumption and the disease burden attributable to alcohol worldwide.

In the past, several Letters to the Editor of this newspaper had expressed the view that alcohol is being promoted by some Chutney singers in their songs. A few years back, Guyanese were being bombarded with “rum songs” which featured characters who resort to rum drinking to ‘end’ their sorrows. Many of these songs are featured at concerts and parties across the country.

One letter writer proffered that alcohol is considered to be a “downer” type of drug, so it should not be consumed if one is in a depressed state of mind. In essence, drinking while in a depressed state will certainly contribute to feelings of more depression and do more harm than good.

The negative effects of drinking too much alcohol can be divided into short-term and long-term effects. The short-term effects of drinking too much alcohol are loss of judgment, loss of coordination, blurred vision, slurring of speech, and loss of balance. These negative effects can cause one to make bad decisions while being under the influence. The long-term effects include loss of brain cells, liver failure, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, certain types of cancer, epilepsy, nerve damage, and heart failure. If the abuse of alcohol does not cause immediate problems, then excessive use over a period of time can cause major problems down the line.

Further, alcoholism contributes to a range of social problems; for example, there has been an increase in cases of domestic and other forms of violence in our society. Official statistics show that one in four Guyanese women have been physically abused in a relationship.

The increase in domestic violence has been blamed on several reasons, including children being socialised in a society that propagates violence and abuse of alcohol and drugs. While there are many solutions that have been previously put forward to protect our women and girls from experiencing the level of violence we see in our society today, what we know for sure is that there is no ‘one solution’, there needs to be a combination of ongoing measures with the involvement of Government, the Police, the Judiciary, religious bodies and other NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) and the communities as a whole, to holistically address the problem.

In addition, research shows that alcoholism contributes to suicide, which has been, and continues to be, a major social problem in Guyana.

The effects of alcohol abuse are well known. Citizens should, therefore, be encouraged to use better judgement in every situation in the interest of one’s self, family and community, and ignore the messages that encourage rum drinking. While it is not our intention to place the blame for all our problems on alcohol, one cannot dispute the fact it is indeed a contributory factor to some of the social ills we face in our country today. There is, therefore, urgent need for all stakeholders to redouble their efforts and step up the campaign to spread more awareness and education about the dangers of alcohol abuse.

While the Government must play a crucial role in designing the relevant programmes and policies and putting in place the necessary legislative framework and other support mechanisms aimed at addressing the harmful use of alcohol, this burden must also be shared by other stakeholders too, such as religious groups, the private sector and NGOs, among others.

Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla sit in an electric tuktuk with a driver from the British, High Commission Eunice Karanja during a visit to Fort Jesus, a UNESCO world heritage site, in Mombasa Old Town, Kenya (AFP)

Selling a dream – a dangerous fantasy Dear Editor, As Guyana’s economic growth and development continue to progress by leaps and bounds, the Opposition and the Kaieteur News have vigorously renewed and intensified their efforts to stigmatise and discredit the PPP/C Government. This is not unlike what was done prior to 2015.

The Opposition, likewise, the Kaieteur News have sung the corruption mantra with great gusto prior to the 2015 General Elections and have achieved the desired results - the reducing of the PPP/C into a minority Government and the eventual ushering of the coalition into power.

We are now witnessing the tremendous and unrelenting efforts made by the Kaieteur News publisher to blame the PPP/C Government for all the ‘defects’ of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement signed by the coalition in June that year.

This is despite the rational and logical explanations given by the present Government. Many ‘oil experts’ have materialised since this Government

took office and have been utilising corrupt examples from countries such as Nigeria to dramatise their misrepresentations of this Government. This is tantamount to saying that this Government will engage in the same corrupt practices. They were non-existent prior to August 2020.

The editorial of this media and the publisher will never highlight the benefits from the oil money which Guyanese are enjoying. It is always about how Guyanese are being ‘robbed’ by Exxon and the Government doing nothing. Those who have eyes shall see and those who have eyes shall hear.

Not only in Guyana but Guyanese and citizens of other countries all over the world are proud of the developments taking place.

The APNU and the AFC mastered this art of deception in 2015. What will be more attractive than telling the people that they are going to get thousands of US dollars in their pocket? How will Lall ever give them this? Let’s be realistic, Glenn Lall has a snowball chance in hell to win a general election and form a Government, so what’s his

agenda? He is simply selling a dream - a dangerous fantasy. In the same vein we saw the promises made by the coalition which never materialised. Lies and deceit, chaos and mayhem are their only contributions to nation building.

Now the coalition has a new addition to its repertoire - the Venezuelan/ Guyana border issue.

Venezuelans people are fleeing from hunger and severe deprivations of basic needs, many of whom are from Guyanese parentage. All the AFC and APNU can see is votes for the PPP. Where is their humanity? During the PNC dictatorship, thousands of Guyanese fled to all parts of the world in search for a living for themselves and families.

Many were ill-treated and treated as last class citizens whilst some were not even allowed entry into another country - there was the Guyana Bench at the Grantley Adams International Airport and some Guyanese could not enter the country at all. Vice President Jagdeo remembered this and empathised with the Venezuelan migrants. Is

this legally and morally wrong? We cannot and should not see each and every migrant as a threat to our sovereignty. There is a screening process and that is being followed. The USA is allowing hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans entry into the US in a safe and orderly manner, but as usual the APNU and AFC have nothing to persuade or convince their dwindling support base of their usefulness so they embark on their journey of lies and spinning of deceitful yarns.

It is a known fact that they are deathly afraid of the great statesmanship of the VP and his keen acumen since he is the sole reason why they are in the process of becoming the longest running Opposition ever.

The plans of the Kaieteur News and the APNU/AFC will fail miserably this time since the Guyanese people are benefiting from the massive socio-economic development taking place across every community and region of this country and this is getting better on a daily basis.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023

5

News

Agro-processing survey to gauge demand, shape policies in industry …as Agriculture Ministry urges processors to participate

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he Agriculture Ministry is currently in the process of gathering information on the current status of the agro-processing industry, and has encouraged stakeholders to actively participate.

Until the ending of November, representatives from the Ministry will join the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) to actively reach out to agro-processors throughout all administrative regions, except Regions Seven and Eight.

The aim of the survey is to gather information about the current status of the processing industry, inclusive of the production capacity of agro-processors in these regions, and their value chains, as well as create a comprehensive directory of agro-processors in Guyana. The survey is also intended to identify the demand for agro-processing inputs, the Ministry contended.

“We strongly encourage all agro-processors to actively participate in this survey, it's an opportunity

Locally-manufactured products on display (file photos)

to contribute to the shaping of policies that will drive the sustainable development of the agri-food industry in Guyana,” it added.

As many as 13 agro-processing facilities were to come onstream in Guyana this year, in furtherance of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s push to increase food production in Guyana and the Caribbean Region as a whole. Such facilities have been established in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Nine, and 10. Over 2500 farmers, agro-processors,

wholesalers and retailers now have access to certified agro-processing facilities in their regions.

In September, a $23.3 million state-of-the-art agro-processing facility at Charity, Essequibo Coast, was commissioned and expected to benefit over 300 persons including women and youths.

The facility boasts an impressive production capacity projected at 24,000 litres of cassareep and 3600 litres of sauces and seasonings per month.

Equipped with mixers, blenders, stoves, stainless steel containers, chillers,

and mechanisation, it offers 24-hour service to ensure efficient processing.

One of the facility’s standout features is the solar dryer, which aids in the dehydration of carambola fruits and other commodities. This technology extends their shelf life and contributes to food security in the region.

Earlier that month, it was announced that 250 households in White Water Creek, North West District (NWD) and surrounding villages would soon benefit from a spanking new $25 million agro-processing facility. When it becomes operational, farmers will be able to advance their operations to a more commercialised value-added production and achieve sustainable economic growth through agro-processing. This will ensure that products, including cassava bread, farine, and cassareep will have easier access to markets.

Crabwood Creek and Orealla communities in Region Six will also benefit from the construction of processing facilities.

With the commissioning of a $14 million agro-processing facility, over 200

Teen miner killed 2 arrested after during dispute over miner gave friend gun for ‘safekeeping’ dancing with woman

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construction worker was taken into Police custody on Monday morning after he was found with a gun, which he claimed was given to him by a friend for safekeeping.

The friend, a licensed firearm holder, was also arrested.

At about 04:15h, a supernumerary rank attached to a private security service contacted the Beterverwagting Police Station and reported that he retrieved a firearm from a man at a bar located in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

The rank retrieved the weapon from a 26-year-old construction worker of Mon Repos, as he was walking with it in his hand.

As a result, Police ranks went to the location where they contacted the rank and he handed over a 9mm pistol and 15 live matching rounds.

The ranks then questioned the 26-year-old construction worker and he related that the firearm is licensed to a 65-year-old gold miner of Providence, East Bank Demerara. He contended that the owner gave it to him safe keeping as he was consuming alcohol.

The licensed firearm holder was contacted and the firearm and ammunition were lodged. They were taken into custody as investigations continue. (G12)

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16-year-old miner was stabbed to dealt in the wee hours of Monday morning, after an argument ensued with his attacker over dancing with a woman.

Dead is Raymond Cozier of Isseneru Village, Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-River).

The fatal stabbing occurred at around 01:30h at a bar located at Issano Landing, Middle Mazaruni River.

Investigations by the Guyana Police Force have so far revealed that the suspect and the victim were at a bar at Issano Landing

consuming alcohol during which the victim was dancing with a female.

The suspect expressed an interest to dance with the said female which resulted in an argument between the two. During the argument, the suspect brandished a knife and dealt the victim one stab to his right upper arm and then fled the scene.

The victim, who suffered severe blood loss, was taken to the Issano Health Centre where he succumbed whilst receiving treatment to his injury. Checks are currently being made for the suspect. (G12)

Karaudarnau Village, Region Nine farmers also have the opportunity to add value to their produce.

Meanwhile, a $37 million state-of-the-art food processing factory commissioned at Fort Wellington in West Coast Berbice is benefitting about 700 persons from both Regions Five and Six. In November 2022, a $15 million agro-processing factory was opened in

St Ignatius, Region Nine, for farmers to process their peanuts and cashew nuts.

Due to the large expenditures made in these sectors, the export revenue from agriculture-processed goods brought in $897 million for the nation, with a 61 per cent rise in export volume from 1071 metric tonnes in 2021 to 1724 metric tonnes in 2022. (G12)

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions

Song of the Open Road

BY WALT WHITMAN

Continued from Monday 2 You road I enter upon and look around, I believe you are not all that is here, I believe that much unseen is also here.

Here the profound lesson of reception, nor preference nor denial, The black with his woolly head, the felon, the diseas’d, the illiterate person, are not denied; The birth, the hasting after the physician, the beggar’s tramp, the drunkard’s stagger, the laughing party of mechanics, The escaped youth, the rich person’s carriage, the fop, the eloping couple, The early market-man, the hearse, the moving of furniture into the town, the return back from the town, They pass, I also pass, any thing passes, none can be interdicted, None but are accepted, none but shall be dear to me.

To be continued

B

The origins of tourism

y the early 21st century, international tourism had become one of the world’s most important economic activities, and its impact was becoming increasingly apparent from the Arctic to Antarctica. The history of tourism is therefore of great interest and importance. That history begins long before the coinage of the word tourist at the end of the 18th century. In the Western tradition, organised travel with supporting infrastructure, sightseeing, and an emphasis on essential

destinations and experiences can be found in ancient Greece and Rome, which can lay claim to the origins of both “heritage tourism” (aimed at the celebration and appreciation of historic sites of recognised cultural importance) and beach resorts. The Seven Wonders of the World became tourist sites for Greeks and Romans.

Pilgrimage offers similar antecedents, bringing Eastern civilisations into play.

Its religious goals coexist with defined routes, commercial hospitality, and an ad-

mixture of curiosity, adventure, and enjoyment among the motives of the participants. Pilgrimage to the earliest Buddhist sites began more than 2000 years ago, although it is hard to define a transition from the makeshift privations of small groups of monks to recognisably tourist practices. Pilgrimage to Mecca is of similar antiquity. The tourist status of the hajj is problematic given the number of casualties that – even in the 21st century – continued to be suffered on the journey through

the desert. The thermal spa as a tourist destination – regardless of the pilgrimage associations with the site as a holy well or sacred spring – is not necessarily a European invention, despite deriving its English-language label from Spa, an early resort in what is now Belgium. The oldest Japanese onsen (hot springs) were catering to bathers from at least the 6th century. Tourism has been a global phenomenon from its origins. (Excerpt from britannica. com)

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuelans should reject Maduro’s referendum on Essequibo – Teixeira – as Nandlall says referendum has legal ramifications for border case

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enezuelan people, already suffering under the socio-economic fallout of sanction-hit Venezuela, will be asked to go out and vote on a referendum to annex Essequibo. According to Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira, Venezuelans should reject this referendum.

She made this comment during her contribution to the debates during the Extraordinary Sitting of the National Assembly, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, on Monday. According to Teixeira, Venezuelans ratifying the referendum will only cause more problems.

“I call on the hardworking Venezuela people to reject questions three and five of the referendum… I believe the Venezuelan people are capable of reading through the lines and this decision they are asked to make would not

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

bring greater benefits to their lives, in fact it will bring greater harm,” Teixeira said.

“We just have to look at the world right now and see the destruction that annexation unilaterally does… we must be on the side of righteousness and justice not on the side of bullyism and threats. We hope that the Venezuelan Government will see the light.”

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister of Legal

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira

Affairs Anil Nandlall urged that the international and in particular, the legal community condemn Venezuela’s efforts to annex Essequibo. He noted that the referendum has ramifications for Guyana’s current case against Venezuela before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“Anyone familiar with the curial process would know that a party in a litigation has

Guyana’s National Assembly...

FROM PAGE 3

Further steps

For his part, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton expressed the opposition’s full support for the government’s efforts and in fact made calls for further steps to be taken, such as a halt to issuing documents to Venezuelans and more public education on the border controversy.

“Halt issuing documents to Venezuelans and put in place a proper register and a system to evaluate each applicant, screen and monitor their activities. It will be naïve of us to believe that Venezuela will not send its agents into Guyana,” Norton

said.

“I think it is our task to rally all Guyanese in support of this country… I think there is need for more action. I think there is need for more public education. I think there is need for more involvement of our people.

Our people will only be with us if we involve them. And so, I want to stress that.”

The motion was eventually unanimously passed, denouncing Venezuela’s motion as “provocative, unlawful, void, and of no international legal effect.” According to the motion, the referendum is in flagrant disregard for inter-

national law, since question five speaks to the annexation of the sovereign territory of another country, namely Essequibo, which was awarded to Guyana (then British Guiana) in the 1899 Arbitral Award… which Venezuela accepted and ratified at the time.

Several members of the of the diplomatic community, including the US Ambassador Nicole Theriot; British High Commissioner, Jane Miller; Canadian High Commissioner, Mark Berman among others were present in Parliament on Monday. (G3)

Members of Parliament along with members of the diplomatic community in Parliament on Monday

a right to seek appropriate legal remedies, interlocutory, if the other party in the litigation is taking steps that can defeat, compromise or render negatory, the legal proceedings itself and/or its final outcome.”

“Guyana is of the considered view, that the impending referendum slated for the 3rd of December, 2023 is intended to and will compromise the legal proceedings pending at the International Court of Justice, if not subvert the legal process altogether and prejudice its outcome,” Nandlall said.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General made a call for unity, noting that “in our short history as a nation state, if there was ever a time to transform the words of our national pledge, our national anthem and our national songs into action, that time is now.”

According to Nandlall, the commitment that Guyanese make when singing the national anthem, must now be converted into action.

After years of failed good offices process, Guyana approached the World Court in

2018, seeking a final and binding judgement to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties, as well as legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of the country’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

Guyana’s Spanishspeaking neighbour has laid claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region, and to a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which nearly 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered largely by United States oil giant ExxonMobil.

Last month, the Venezuelan National Electoral Council had published a list of five questions that it plans to put before the Venezuelan people in a referendum set for December 3, 2023.

The referendum will seek the Venezuelan people’s approval to, among other things, annex Essequibo and create a Venezuelan state. A particular question (#5) also seeks the citizens’ approval for Venezuela to grant citizenship

and identity cards to residents of Essequibo.

Last week Tuesday, it was revealed that the Guyana Government has sought the World Court’s intervention to prevent Venezuela from taking action through its planned referendum to annex Guyana’s Essequibo region.

One of the questions from the referendum that Guyana is seeking an order against is the very first one, which asks the Venezuelan people to reject the boundary between the two countries that was set in the 1899 Arbitral Award – following a process of arbitration.

In a statement on Friday last, the Netherlands-based Court had said it will hold public hearings in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899 (Guyana v Venezuela) on Tuesday November 14, 2023, at the Peace Palace in The Hague.

According to the ICJ, the hearings will be devoted to the Request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by Guyana on October 30, 2023.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man admits to killing farmer during violent robbery Building support…

S …for agri drive unil Ally, who is accused of robbing a cash crop/poultry farmer during a violent robbery, is now awaiting sentencing after admitting guilt to the charge.

At his recent arraignment before Berbice High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon, Ally pleaded guilty to a charge for the capital offence of murder, which was committed during a robbery.

He accepted that on February 1, 2019, he murdered 59-year-old Deoprakash Lalbachan, also known as “Deo” and “Williams,” of Lot 22 Grant

Murdered: Deoprakash Lalbachan

1651, Crabwood Creek, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) during the course or furtherance of a robbery.

Justice Kissoon has deferred his sentencing to November 27 to hear from probation and other social impact reports. State Counsel Muntaz Ali is prosecuting this case.

Arriving at the Skeldon Public Hospital shortly after 23:00h on February 1, 2019, Lalbachan was declared dead. Five stab wounds were on his body.

His wife, Nalini Lalbachan, discovered him leaning on the kitchen counter in the bottom flat of their home while he was still clutching his stab wounds.

It was stated that a

Y

High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon

camouflage vest was also found at the crime site in addition to a knife, which is the likely murder weapon. (G1)

Driver gets $200,000 bail on fraud charge

H

akeem Khan has been granted $200,000 bail after being first denied bail and remanded to prison when he appeared before a city Magistrate in August on charges of fraud.

It is alleged that on November 22, 2022, at Sheriff Street, Georgetown, being solely entrusted by Suneeta Singh, a cashier employed by Mima Decor, with $2,130,000 in order to make payments to Ramps Logistics on behalf of Mima Decor, Khan converted the sum to his own use and benefit.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Hakeem Khan

At first, the Police prosecutor had opposed Khan's release on bail. However,

Adrian Thompson, Khan's attorney, renewed his client's bail request during a recent hearing.

The attorney claimed that his client is in negotiations with the business to resolve the matter.

Senior Magistrate Leron Daly approved a $200,000 bail amount.

Khan is required to report to the Brickdam Police Station under the terms of his bail.

The Police prosecutor told the court that Khan worked as a driver for Mima Decor and that one of his responsibilities was to process payments on the company's behalf.

On the day in question, the company’s cashier allegedly gave Khan the money to make payments to Ramps Logistics for the services that the company had provided. It is alleged that Khan never returned to work, and the payments were never made. He was driving a corporate bus, which was later found abandoned.

Contact attempts were unsuccessful until August 16, 2023, when the accused was spotted on a construction site. After contacting the Police, Khan was taken into custody.

Khan’s next court date is November 17. (G1)

Turkeyen welder Accused in rape charged again of 11-year-old with robbery girl freed by jury

A

welder of Lot 407 D Field Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, has been accused of robbery twice in almost three years.

Seon Benjamin pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared on Monday before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts.

That charge is contrary to Section 222 (c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 08:01.

The 21-year-old was remanded to prison and the case will continue on December 28.

Benjamin was before Magistrate George in February 2021.

He was granted $50,000 bail after being accused of committing a violent robbery.

In that case, it was alleged that on December 17, 2020, he robbed Fitzroy

A

Remanded: Seon Benjamin

Cummings of cash and items worth $815,000. The robbery occurred in the vicinity of B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown. He was also told to report to the Turkeyen Police Station and to avoid driving between 18:00h to 06:00h.

This publication is unaware of the legal status of this matter. (G1)

man accused of raping an 11-year-old girl walked out of the Demerara High Court a free man on Monday after a jury unanimously acquitted him of the charge.

Following hours of deliberations, the mixed 12-member panel returned with its verdict, finding 22-year-old Timothy McGarrell not guilty of sexually penetrating the then 11-year-old girl on August 3, 2020.

He was accused of committing the offence at a West Bank Demerara home.

Trial Judge Navindra Singh then informed McGarrell that the jury had found him not guilty and that he was free to go.

The prosecution’s case, presented by State Counsel Abiola Lowe and State Counsel Mikel Puran, had been that after McGarrell’s parents went to the market,

Freed: Timothy McGarrell

he dragged the girl downstairs and raped her. He was 19 at the time.

In his defence, McGarrell, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Kevin Morgan, claimed alibi and fabrication.

He claimed that he never lived with his parents and that he was not there on the date and time the prosecution alleges the rape occurred. (G1)

our Eyewitness read a very depressing report on an alleged meltdown at the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) – even as the Government’s placing quite a lot of its eggs in the agricultural basket to take us into the promised land of milk and honey. Now we know the GMC was founded by the PNC back in the day in its drive to “feed, clothe and house” the nation and they’d appointed the Sage of Buxton as its first Chairman. It was actually used to dole out patronage to the lower support base in the form of land, loans and whatever else was needed for the co-op movement – including purchasing what was produced.

Hoyte changed all of that under the ministrations of the IMF conditionalities he was forced into – because of his Founder Leader’s quixotic adventures. Since then, the NEW GMC was supposed to do whatever it took to MARKET “non-traditional” crops produced by farmers – especially to foreign. We were now in the brave new world of “free markets”!! As its Mission Statement declares the GMC’s supposed to “Coordinate and facilitate the development and marketing of quality agricultural produce and product”.

Now, your Eyewitness figures it shouldn’t take long for the authorities to decide whether the complaints in this most critical institution are valid. Its responsibilities are right there on its website: Firstly, it’s a “Marketing Information Centre that: Provides market and marketing information on market opportunities Locally, Regionally and Internationally; Provides a match-making service linking buyers and sellers; Advises on the availability of produce, freight and other marketing matters; Provides a one-stop desk for export documentation of non-traditional agricultural produce; Conducts market studies for local and overseas markets; Participates in trade fairs, and expositions to promote Guyana’s fresh fruits and vegetables, and agro-processed products; Assists exporters with registering with the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Bioterrorism Legislation; Conducts training for farmers, exporters & other stakeholders; Monitors daily wholesale and retail prices from local markets; Conducts analyses of data on prices, export volumes.”

Then it runs a “Guyana Shop: that: Promotes the sale and consumption of locally produced and manufactured nontraditional agricultural produce and products; Supports the development of micro and small agri-businesses. And finally has Packaging Facilities that: Provides facilities for the preparation of fresh produce for export; Provides facilities for the transportation of fresh produce from farm to packhouse, and from packhouse to ports of export; Provides cold storage facilities; Provides advice on the methods of preparation for fresh fruits and vegetables for export.”

Your Eyewitness is sure we’d all agree that this isn’t a “learning-on-the-job” kinda position!! So without even getting into the specifics of the charges, the powers-thatbe oughta check out the credentials of the head honcho!! …for countering Venezuela With Mad Maduro’s Dec 3 referendum gambit for Venezuelans – those who haven’t been able to flee, that is!!

– to justify his moves on our Essequibo less than a month away, we have some time to get our pieces positioned on the chessboard. We’ve gone to the ICJ – which will issue a ruling on the outrageous move to bootstrap legitimacy on his controversy on Nov 14. But we know there’s a method to Maduro’s madness – he considers the ICJ and the UN to be toothless tigers that can’t enforce their judgements.

Sticks and stones…

Well, maybe we should try some sticks and stones!! And since we don’t have too many of those, then we’d better get a friend who has. Now we don’t have to look too far, do we?? But while the US – not Biden!! – has a lot of stones, it might be seduced by the mathematics of 300 vs 11 billion barrels of oil!!

So how about Brazil who’s always resented Venezuela’s pretentions? …for Gaza With the death toll from Israeli missiles on Palestinians trapped in Gaza topping 10,000, the handwringing from the UN continues. Only superior force will stop the Israelis from what they see as an opportunity for the “final solution”.

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

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Border controversy

1899 Arbitral Award was duly accepted in legitimate, irrefutable process – historian I

n light of Venezuela’s planned referendum to annex Guyana’s Essequibo region, historian and Registrar of the University of Guyana, Dr Nigel Gravesande has positioned that the 1899 Arbitral Award was duly accepted in a legitimate process.

At the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen and Tain Talks session under the banner: “Prepare rather than fear - Venezuela’s illegal claim and its possible effects” on Monday evening, Gravesande underscored that the 1899 Arbitral Award was duly accepted by both parties of the agreement.

“The Arbitral Award of 1988 legally and conclusively settled the boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela. It is to be irrefutably underscored here that this was the culmination of a legitimate process that was agreed to by both Great Britian and Venezuela in 1897 under the auspices of the Treaty of Washington. Both parties agreed that whatev-

ity of the Region.

Security considerations

Former House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland

er the determination was, it would be a ‘full, perfect and final settlement’.”

But now that the country has reached this junction, he voiced, “Historians will always contend that in life, as is the conduct of relations between states, there will always be hawks among some. Wars or threat of wars will never be the only alternative settlement to judicial disputes.”

Over the past few weeks, Guyana has been

Historian and Registrar of the University of Guyana, Dr Nigel Gravesande

informing regional and international partners of Venezuela’s planned referendum. This move by Venezuela has been criticised by the United States, the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Commonwealth and the Organisation of American States (OAS) as well as several other nations in the Region including Brazil. There is a consensus that Venezuela’s referendum threatens the peace, security, and stabil-

In his presentation, Member of the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Advisory Committee on Guyana Border Matters and Attorney-at-Law, Dr Barton Scotland underscored that there should be further recourse at the level of the United Nations.

“Recourse to the United Nations with continuing strong diplomatic activity should aid in diffusing the tension and concern felt by Guyanese. Guyana, in addition to recourse to protection, must consider and discharge her obligation to Venezuelan nations, who have been admitted within our borders and who are under our control and protection.”

Scotland highlighted that Venezuelans who enter the border with animosity to Guyana will give rise to security considerations which Guyana must attend.

“Where their presence is driven by need, Guyana must maintain a legally

acceptable environment in which they may live…The Venezuelans who might be admitted by Guyana but enters with animus towards Guyana and might be motivated by a different purpose.”

After years of failed good offices process, Guyana approached the World Court in March 2018 seeking a final and binding judgement to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties as well as legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of the country’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

The Spanish-speaking neighbour has laid claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region and a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which nearly 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered largely by United States oil giant, ExxonMobil. The Guyana Government has already declared its commitment

to resolve this longstanding border controversy with Venezuela through the legal process at the World Court.

Guyana’s agent to the International Court of Justice and former Legal Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge voiced that there are many dimensions to this case to make sense of the challenges.

Speaking on the referendum, Greenidge said it pre-empts the decision of the Court and ignores the power of this institution.

“Guyana has lodged a complaint to the Court, in which the Court is being asked to react to this urgently and in a manner that says in effect that Venezuela is to do nothing to undermine or change the current status of Guyana, either to incorporate it or do [any]thing to its citizens.”

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will be holding a special sitting on November 14 to hear Guyana’s Request regarding Venezuela’s planned referendum. (G12)

4 injured as speeding minibus driver crashes into 4 vehicles

F

our persons received injuries about their bodies following a two-vehicle collision at Windsor Castle Public Road, Essequibo Coast, which occurred at around 17:00h on Sunday.

The accident also resulted in damages to three vehicles which were parked along the roadway, belonging to a farmer of Lot 2 Windsor Castle.

Injured are 64-yearold Renvylle Persaud, who was the driver of motor car PJJ 3110, and 27-yearold Sheldon Ellis, who was the driver of minibus BVV 9881.

Also injured are minibus passengers 20-year-old Akeem Norton and 17-yearold Fernando Johnson.

Police said the motor car was proceeding north along the roadway while the minibus was proceeding south, at a fast rate of speed.

It is alleged that the driver of the minibus lost control of the vehicle and collided with the front portion of the motor car.

This caused the motor car to crash into a sign board situated on the western side of the public road.

The minibus, meanwhile, collided with an electric pole, after which it crashed into three vehicles

that were parked on the roadway.

These are two motor cars and a motor tractor, owned by a farmer.

After crashing into those vehicles, the minibus then

collided with a concrete culvert, before coming to a halt.

All four persons were picked up in unconscious conditions and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital.

The minibus driver along with the 17-year-old passenger remain hospitalised while the other two victims were treated and sent away.

"Yesterday (Sunday) af-

ternoon we were at the back when we heard a loud noise and we went out to see... when I went I see my two vehicles damaged and my tractor rim bend and the bus turn over near a cul-

vert... one bai like he fling in the trench and the other two fling out not far from the bus,” the owner of the tractor said.

Parmanand (only name given) told the publication that one of his cars operates with a taxi service and he depends on that income.

Only recently, Attorney General Anil Nandlall revealed that the Government may soon have to consider amendments to the country’s insurance legislation to provide higher penalties for damages suffered by innocent persons as a result of road accidents.

The Government has already taken steps to recover monies from drivers who are responsible for damage to public properties as a result of road accidents. (G14)

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26 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase receives 1st commercial vessel …longest vessel to ever enter Demerara River

as it takes us closer to becoming fully operational.”

Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc is a joint

T

he Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase has received its first commercial ship, the MV Virtuous Striker.

This was disclosed by President Dr Irfaan Ali via his social media page on Monday, where he noted that at 190m long, this vessel is the longest to ever enter the Demerara River.

“She arrived at Guyana’s first man-made island with an 8m draft, loaded with 26,900 metric tonnes of aggregate,” he explained.

Also on Monday, Vreeden-Hoop Shorebase Inc said that the vessel docked at the newly constructed manmade island. Additionally, with a cargo of over 26,900 metric tonnes, it was also

one of the largest payloads to ever be offloaded.

The docking and offloading of the vessel mark a major milestone for the 44acre facility which will primarily serve as a shorebase for Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) projects. According to Nicholas Deygoo “We are very proud of this milestone

2 Venezuelans busted with 11,000g ganja at Harbour Bridge

The duo was busted at the DHB with 15 parcels of the illegal substance

A

roadblock on the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) on Monday resulted in the arrest of two Venezuelan nationals, who were nabbed with 11,000 grams of narcotics in the trunk of the motor car in which they were travelling.

Acting on information received, at about 05:15h, Police ranks conducted a road block exercise on the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, where motor car PPP 1521, which was

proceeding east, with the two Venezuelan nationals, 22-year-old Kevyn De Jesus and 29-year-old Marcelino Marcos – who have their address listed as David Street, Kitty, was asked to stop.

A Police Corporal, who was a part of the roadblock, told the driver of his suspicions and requested to carry out a search on the motor car and the two occupants. A search on the person of both men revealed nothing illegal. However, a search of the motor car revealed a total of

15 compressed parcels.

The parcels, which were opened in the men’s presence, revealed a quantity of seeds, leaves and stems suspected to be cannabis. Both men were told of the offence committed, but remained silent.

They were arrested and escorted to the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station along with the narcotics, which amounted to 11,000 grams when weighed. They remain in custody pending charges. (G12)

venture between NRG Holdings Inc—a 100 per cent Guyanese-owned consortium that is the majori-

ty shareholder – and Jan De Nul, a Belgium international maritime infrastructure company.

Donald Trump clashes repeatedly with Judge in heated New York testimony

D

onald Trump has testified in a civil fraud trial that threatens his property empire, repeatedly clashing with the judge and defending his business.

During almost four hours on the stand in New York, the former president disputed claims that he deceived banks and aired grievances with the case.

The judge has already ruled the Trump Organization committed fraud and this trial will determine the penalties.

Prosecutors are seeking a US$250m (£202m) fine and severe business restrictions.

During his highly anticipated appearance at the Manhattan federal courthouse on Monday, Trump, 77, was asked about the value of various properties including his Florida estate Mar-a-Lago, Trump Tower in New York and his golf course in Scotland.

These properties are among several that prosecutors say were intentionally overvalued in company statements in order to secure better loans and insurance policies.

In his testimony, Trump, who is the current frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, stood by the valuations as prosecutors quizzed him on how they were reached and the financial statements at the centre of the trial.

“I’m worth billions of dollars more than the financial statements,” Trump said, before describing the valuations as “very conservative.”

He said the property values were bolstered by his personal brand, something he said was never factored into financial statements.

“I can look at buildings and tell you what they’re worth,” he said in another testy exchange.

The lawsuit was brought

by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who accuses Trump, along with his sons Eric and Donald Jr and other Trump Organization executives, of inflating company assets for years. All deny wrongdoing.

James, who was in the courtroom and stared directly at Trump during his testimony, later told reporters: “He rambled. He hurled insults. But we expected that.”

“The numbers don’t lie,” she said. “Justice will prevail.”

The former president’s time on the stand was marked by heated exchanges and lengthy, sometimes meandering, responses.

These prompted several rebukes from Judge Arthur Engoron who at times appeared exasperated.

“Please just answer the questions, no speeches,” the judge said.

After another lengthy answer, Judge Engoron said to one of Trump’s lawyers: “Can you control your client? This is not a political rally, this is a courtroom.”

“I beseech you to control him,” he added. “If you can’t, I will.”

Judge Engoron will ultimately decide the outcome of the trial and, as well as a multi-million dollar fine, could strip the defendants of the ability to do business in New York.

“I’m sure the judge will rule against me because he always rules against me,” Trump said at one point in court.

Judge Engoron fired back: “You can attack me in whichever way you want, but please answer the questions.” He later referred to Trump as a “broken record”.

Like his two sons in their testimony last week, the former president said it was the Trump Organization ac-

countants who bore responsibility for the financial reports.

“All I did was authorise and give people whatever was necessary for the accountants to do the statement,” Trump said.

As he left court, he again referred to the case as a “fraud” and said he believed his testimony “went very well”.

Some legal and political analysts have suggested Trump’s combative approach on the stand was a considered strategy, while others have said he used the much anticipated moment as an opportunity to campaign.

Renato Mariotti, a former federal prosecutor, told the BBC that Trump’s responses indicate his legal team believes “they’ve already lost”.

“They’re trying to spin or add some colour to a very bad result,” Mariotti said.

“I think he is trying to goad the judge into doing something [Trump] can argue on appeal that shows prejudice on his part,” Kevin McMunigal, another former federal prosecutor, said.

“Maybe he makes a comment they can use to support a bias case later.”

The judge has already fined Trump US$15,000 for comments made outside of court last month.Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, is expected to give evidence on Wednesday.

The civil case in New York is one of several legal battles in which Trump is embroiled.

He also faces four criminal indictments - two relating to his alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, one on his handling of classified documents and another alleging false accounting involving hush money. (BBC)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023

27

Regional

Cuba seeks foreign Peru’s Foreign Minister resigns following US visit controversy investment P C uba hosted a business fair with over 800 companies from more than 60 countries on Monday as it lobbied for new investments, thumbing its nose at US sanctions that have long spooked foreign companies from engaging with the communist-run island.

Cuba blames the Cold War-era US trade embargo

and fundamental liberties in Cuba," a policy which has barely budged in decades.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel told attendees "massive" participation at the fair this year was proof of business confidence in Cuba.

"This is the largest fair with the most participation, in terms of business-

shipping and logistics company, said emphasis on private business marked a major shift.

"This year has been very different due to changes in the Cuban Government's policy, depending much more on medium and small businesses and a little less on State entities," he told Reuters in an interview.

But financing for such

Havana's skyline at dusk, November 23, 2011 (Reuters/Desmond Boylan)

and the COVID pandemic for crippling tourism and domestic industry, wiping out the cash it needs to import basic goods and making foreign investment ever more important.

"Today we work ...to minimise the negative impact of the economic, financial and commercial blockade," said Cuban Foreign Trade Minister Ricardo Cabrisas at the forum's opening event.

The US has long said its trade embargo is aimed at promoting "human rights

men and countries, that we have had in the last five years," said Diaz-Canel. "It means that there is support from the international business community."

The trade fair includes promotional stands from countries ranging from Spain to Russia, Iran and China. Increasingly, it also includes small privately-held Cuban businesses that re-emerged just two years ago after being effectively banned for decades.

Jay Brickman, a vice president at the Crowley

businesses is still largely hobbled by Washington's sanctions. Foreign companies also complain that local regulations, bureaucracy and problems with the peso currency and payments also bog down business in Cuba.

In September, the Biden administration hinted it would unveil new regulatory measures in support of Cuba`s fledgling private business, but those rules have yet to materialise.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

eru's Foreign Minister Ana Cecilia Gervasi resigned on Monday after less than a year, amid questions over how she handled President Dina Boluarte's visit last week to the United States.

Gervasi made no reference to Boluarte's US trip in her resignation letter, which was seen by Reuters and other media. However, local news outlets reported that she was under pressure after failing to arrange a formal meeting between Boluarte and President Joe Biden.

Her resignation was confirmed by Prime Minister Alberto Otarola at a press conference, though he made no explicit reference to the US trip.

He said Gervasi's replacement could be announced today.

Peru's Ambassador to the US, Gustavo Meza Cuadra, also quit on Monday. In his resignation letter, he cited Boluarte's trip, stating he had been "responsible for preparing" it.

Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Ana Cecilia Gervasi (Reuters/ Sebastian Castaneda photo)

Instead of a bilateral meeting, Boluarte and Biden had a private conversation on the fringes of the Alliance for Economic Prosperity in the Americas summit in Washington, the Foreign Ministry has said.

Congress has summoned Gervasi to a hearing over why the formal itinerary for Boluarte's trip had alluded to a bilateral meeting that did not take place.

"It's regrettable that the Government of Boluarte didn't

tell the truth," opposition politician Jose Cueto said on social media platform X. Gervasi said on X over the weekend that all the information submitted to Congress ahead of the trip had been truthful.

In her letter, Gervasi said she had completed the mandate assigned to her in December 2022 following the arrest of former President Pedro Castillo after he attempted to dissolve Congress.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ecuador's incoming President picks new finance chief

E

cuadorean Presidentelect Daniel Noboa selected Sariha Moya to be his new Economy and Finance Minister on Monday, as the new Government prepares to take office next month after the center-right leader won a close election victory in October.

Noboa, 35, has pledged to rebuild the South American country's ailing economy, create jobs and work to quell rising crime and violence largely blamed on organised crime.

Since 2017, Moya, one of six Ministers announced to date, has been a senior official with the Interior Ministry,

most recently as the coordinator for planning and strategic management, with a focus on investment projects.

The announcement came as Noboa, the heir to a family banana business and a former one-term congressman, is visiting the United States, meeting with officials, business leaders and investors, according to a statement from his press office.

Moya will serve in a Cabinet that the incoming President has pledged will feature an equal number of women and men.

Noboa faces the challenge of a local economy that has

struggled since the coronavirus pandemic, pushing thousands of Ecuadoreans to migrate.

Since he was elected in a special election after former President Guillermo Lasso dissolved Congress in order to avoid a vote to remove him from office, Noboa will have just 17 months to govern, serving a shortened term that will run through May 2025.

In October's run-off election, Noboa won about 52 per cent of the vote, besting leftist adversary Luisa Gonzalez's 48 per cent support. (Reuters)

Hundreds of thousands still Jealous Jamaican man allegedly without power days after kills ex-girlfriend in Canada storm hits Brazil's largest city A

H

alf a million residents of São Paulo remained without electricity on Monday three days after a storm knocked down power cables, leaving much of Brazil's largest city in the dark.

The storm snapped branches and knocked down hundreds of trees that fell on overhead power lines in many streets of the city, initially cutting off 2.1 million customers in Metropolitan São Paulo, energy distribution company ENEL said.

"The storm was terrible. I had no electricity, no cellphone and no fuel on Friday," said carpen-

ter Denilson Laurindo, who faulted the city for not pruning trees in the streets. He said ENEL promised to restore power supplies by today.

Thiago Gonzalez, an electrical engineer, had to rent a room in a nearby neighbourhood so he and his wife could get a hot shower and sleep with air conditioning.

"I saw the tree fall and hit the transformer post.

There was an explosion and then the lights went out," he said. He complained the couple had lost food and could not refrigerate medicine in the blackout.

School classes were

canceled on Monday in the worst-hit neighbourhoods of the city, such as Morumbi where Gonzalez lives.

ENEL said it had restored its service to 76 per cent of its customers but 500,000 were still without electricity on Monday.

The company, which is the second largest energy distributor in Brazil and owned by Italy's energy group ENEL , said the gale-force winds that hit São Paulo on Friday were the strongest in recent years and caused severe damage to the power grid due to falling trees and branches. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaican man living in Canada has been charged with the murder of his ex-girlfriend just days before her birthday.

Troy Moulton, 33, of Whitby, Ontario, is believed to have killed Latonya Anderson on Saturday in a jealous rage. Anderson, who was also a native of Jamaica, would have celebrated her 35th birthday on Wednesday.

According to the Durham Regional Police, approximately 9:00 pm on Saturday, Moulton arrived at its Central West Division headquarters in Whitby to report an incident. The conversation prompted cops to visit a home in Kressman Court where Anderson was found “not breathing”.

According to the police, life saving measures were performed but Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cops did not reveal how Anderson had been harmed.

However, Moulton was subsequently charged with second degree murder.

In posts to his social media accounts, Moulton purportedly accuses Anderson of cheating on him and kicking him out of the home where he had resided with the now deceased and her mother.

“To see how Latonya running me and tell me to move out...I couldn’t believe I would live to see her treat me like that,” the post stated.

“I am the husband of her and am in the house with her and to see Latonya making plan with a next man for her birthday… it’s killing me inside and I was acting mad because of she going out with a next man and provoking me about it,” the post continued, adding “... am sorry for killing her. I love her and I

can’t imagine her with a next man.”

The post went on to state "I(t) wasn't easy to walk away plus I have nowhere to go and I tried to find a room to live but it didn't work out and I have to stay in that devil house and take all the stress and headache.

"For the pass 3 weeks I dont eat I dont sleep I was going crazy... am sorry not even Jesus could help me to walk away," the post continued.

An Observer Online source said both Moulton and Anderson grew up in the same community in Spanish Town, St Catherine, and then they later migrated to Canada.

Anderson leaves behind a 12-year-old son, according to GoFundMe account launched to assist her family with funeral expenses.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

28

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Gaza death toll tops 10,000; UN OILNEWS OIL NEWS calls it a children’s graveyard G Oil rises as

Saudi Arabia and Russia stick to supply cuts

O

il prices edged higher on Monday after top exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to extra voluntary oil supply cuts until the end of the year.

Brent crude futures settled 29 cents, or 0.34%, higher at US$85.18 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was up 31 cents, or 0.4%, at US$80.82.

Saudi Arabia confirmed on Sunday it would continue its additional voluntary cut of 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in December to keep output around 9 million bpd, a Ministry of energy source said.

Russia also announced it would continue its additional voluntary cut of 300,000 bpd from its crude oil and petroleum product exports until the end of December.

“The announcement shows that Saudi has its shoulder to the wheel as it looks to tighten markets and increases prices,” John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York.

The cuts could be extended into the first quarter of 2024 because of “seasonally weaker oil demand at the start of every year, ongoing economic growth concerns and the aim of producers and OPEC+ to support the oil market’s stability and balance”, said UBS strategist Giovanni Staunovo.

Oil prices rebounded after both benchmarks lost about 6% in the week to Nov 3, as supply concerns driven by Middle East tensions eased.

UN agency leaders demanded a humanitarian ceasefire on Monday, a month into the war in Gaza, as health authorities in the enclave said the death toll from Israeli strikes now exceeded 10,000.

A weaker dollar also helped oil prices. The dollar index fell as low as 104.84, the weakest since Sept 20.

A weaker dollar boosts demand for crude purchases by holders of foreign currency.

However, an easing of crude throughput at Chinese and US refineries hurt prices.

Refinery runs are easing at Chinese refineries from record levels in the third quarter because of eroding profit margins and a scarcity of export quotas to the end of the year, traders and industry consultants told Reuters.

Meanwhile, US crude oil refiners this quarter will pull back from red-hot summer run rates as weak gasoline margins and plant overhauls cool operating goals, according to company statements and oil analysts.

Investors will be watching for further economic data from China on Tuesday following weak October factory data last week.

Macroeconomic concerns persist in Europe, where Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data showed the downturn in euro zone business activity accelerated in October as demand weakened further.

The Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill said it might wait until the middle of next year before cutting interest rates from their current 15-year high. Lower borrowing cost is likely to boost spending and demand for crude oil. (Reuters)

aza is becoming a “graveyard for children”, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Monday, amplifying demands for a ceasefire in the enclave, where Palestinian health authorities said the death toll from Israeli strikes had exceeded 10,000.

Both Israel and the Hamas militants who control Gaza have rebuffed mounting international pressure for a ceasefire. Israel says hostages taken by Hamas during its rampage in southern Israel on Oct 7 should be released first; Hamas says it will not free them or stop fighting while Gaza is under assault.

“Ground operations by the Israel Defence Forces and continued bombardment are hitting civilians, hospitals, refugee camps, mosques, churches and UN facilities – including shelters. No one is safe,”

Guterres told reporters.

“At the same time, Hamas and other militants use civilians as human shields and continue to launch rockets indiscriminately towards Israel,” he said, calling for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Israel said 31 soldiers had been killed since it began expanded ground operations in Gaza on Oct 27 and reiterated that Hamas was hiding with civilians and at hospitals. Hamas said the idea that Hamas was based in hospitals was a “false narrative that the UN should verify.

A Reuters journalist in Gaza said Israel’s overnight bombardment by air, ground and sea was one of its most intense since the Oct 7 attack in which Hamas killed 1400 people in Israel and seized more than 240 hostages.

The Health Ministry in

An Israeli military unit fires from an undisclosed location near the Gaza Strip border, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Israel, November 6, 2023

the Hamas-controlled enclave said at least 10,022 people in Gaza have since been killed, including 4104 children.

“Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children. Hundreds of girls and boys are reportedly being killed or injured every

day,” Guterres said.

International organisations have said hospitals cannot cope with the wounded and food and clean water are running out with aid deliveries nowhere near enough.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Russia’s Putin to stay in power past 2024, sources say

V

ladimir Putin has decided to run in the March presidential election, a move that will keep him in power until least 2030, as the Kremlin chief feels he must steer Russia through the most perilous period in decades, six sources told Reuters.

After defusing an armed

mutiny by the leader of the Wagner mercenary group in June, Putin has moved to shore up support among his core base in the security forces, the armed forces and with regional voters outside Moscow, while Wagner has been brought firmly to heel.

Russian defence, weapons

and overall budget spending has soared while Putin has made numerous public appearances, including the regions, over recent months.

“The decision has been made - he will run,” said one of the sources who has knowledge of the planning.

Another source, also acquainted with the Kremlin’s thinking, confirmed that a decision has been made and that Putin’s advisers were preparing for his participation. Three other sources said the decision to run in the March 2024 presidential election had been tak-

en.

The sources spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of Kremlin politics.

One of them said a choreographed hint was due to come within a few weeks, confirming a Kommersant newspaper report last month.

While many diplomats, spies and officials have said they expect Putin to stay in power for life, there has until now been now been no specific confirmation of Putin’s plans to stand for re-election.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Canada investigates fatal embassy explosion in Nigeria, issues travel alert Biden, Netanyahu

C

anada is investigating an explosion at its embassy in Nigeria that killed two people, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on Monday, as Ottawa joined Washington and London in issuing a warning against nonessential travel to the West African nation.

“We can confirm there was an explosion at our High Commission in Nigeria. The fire is out and we are working to shed light on what caused this situation,” Joly said on X. “I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the 2 people killed in this tragedy,” she said.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson said that there were deaths and injuries in a fire on Monday at the High Commission of Canada but did not give any figures.

“President Tinubu prays for the repose of the departed souls and wishes all injured persons a rapid and full recovery,” the statement said.

Canada’s High Commission in Nigeria, without commenting on the explosion, said on social media that

it had “temporarily suspended operations until further notice.”

The embassy issued a travel advisory, warning against non-essential travel to Nigeria, including capital Abuja, “due to the unpredictable security situation throughout the country and the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings.”

Tinubu, preoccupied with fixing the economy, has yet to outline how he plans to tackle widespread insecurity across the country, including a long-running insurgency in the northeast and kidnappings for ransom in the northwest.

The United States and Britain had said on Friday there was an “elevated threat to major hotels in Nigeria’s larger cities” and warned against travelling to Africa’s most populous nation.

Western countries routinely issue warning about travelling to Nigeria, which the Abuja government often dismisses as lacking merit.

(Reuters)

discussed potential ‘tactical pauses’ in Gaza fighting

U

.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the potential for “tactical pauses” in fighting in Gaza for humanitarian reasons and possible hostage releases in talks on Monday, according to a spokesperson.

White House spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. and Israeli governments would continue to be in touch on such potential temporary pauses and that Biden and Netanyahu agreed to continue talks in the coming days.

“You can expect that we’re going to continue to advocate for temporary and localized pauses in the fighting,” Kirby told reporters.

“We consider ourselves at the beginning of this conver-

sation, not at the end of it.”

Those conversations came as more Americans are expected to exit Gaza on Monday and as more aid enters the territory, Kirby said. Biden and Netanyahu also discussed the situation in the West Bank.

“We know - gotta get more trucks in. It’s still just a trickle,” Kirby said. “Gotta get more people out. Still just a trickle.”

The White House said that fewer than 30 aid trucks entered Gaza in the last 24 hours.

The White House, which maintains that a general ceasefire would not be an appropriate step, has been pushing for shorter pauses in strikes to accomplish specific humanitarian goals.

(Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023

29

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

Don't lock yourself into something you cannot finish. Keep an open mind and heart; you'll figure out what's best for you. Rid yourself of the notion that someone else can do things better than you can.

Take part in activities and something good will evolve. Share your thoughts, and you'll spark interest in your vision.

Step outside your comfort zone, and you'll make a good impression.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Consider your objective and think about the feasibility of your plans. Don't rely on someone feeding you what you want to hear. Ask an expert and verify information before you make a big move.

(May 21-June 20) Network, share information, travel and make positive changes. The world awaits, and your insight will lead to opportunity. Don't hesitate to try something new.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Time is on your side, so don't rush into anything that puts you in an awkward or vulnerable position. Keep your plans to yourself until you have everything in place.

(July 23-Aug. 22) You've got what it takes to make things happen. Don't second-guess yourself or think someone can do a better job than you. Focus on what's essential, and you'll do just fine.

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

Take your time and don't rely on others to get your house in order.

Implement a plan you can manage independently. Don't share financial information that leaves you vulnerable.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

It's up to you to bring about change.

Look at the possibilities, and you'll devise a way to make your dream a reality.

Embrace the future and seek out people who are heading down a similar path.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) A healthy attitude will help you build opportunities. Don't expect others to do the legwork for you. Take control and make today one to remember. Let go of the past and live in the moment.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Changing your living arrangements will help you save money. Listen to your heart and follow through with your plans. Dedication will prove valuable when dealing with professional matters.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Don't engage in something that doesn't appeal to you. Walk away from arguments and no-win situations. Your time is valuable, so do what's best and healthiest for you.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Push for what you want and enjoy it when you get it. Dedication and loyalty will leave a lasting impression on someone important. Embrace partnerships that stimulate your mind. Romance is favored.

30

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fitness Expo concludes with a bang T

he seventh edition of the Fitness Expo concluded with a bang on Sunday, November 5 at the National Gymnasium which saw fitness enthusiasts and scaled athletes showcasing their strength and determination.

Each scaled athlete was given a cash prize and an additional prize for each event won.

Rowlley Chandler captured first prize with his strength and endurance, forcing Emmanuel Abassa to settle for second and Romario Weithers did not miss out on the podium as she bagged third place.

In the scaled women category, spectators witnessed a very intense competition as the final scores of the event were separated by one point

with Shanika Estwick clinching first place and Shawna Williams second followed by Alexis Williams in third position.

In the men’s team category, a phenomenal teamwork promenade from Omisi Williams and Kellon Reid saw them becoming threetime champions with the pairs of Masimba Williams and Timothy McAndrew and Michael Washington and Micaiah Washington placing second and third respectively.

Semonica Duke and Tonnica Dey did not let the pressure get to them as they managed to become two-time champions of the women’s team category with their endurance and determination,

forcing the dangerous duo of Delice Adonis and Pateiqua Cooper into second, followed by Kim Pinas and Lieke Verwoerd in third place.

The formidable duo of Carlos Peterson and Keisha Abrigo with their strength and power copped first place in the strong women and strong men team event followed by Donovan Dongo and Gabrielle Pique and Wilson Bilansi and Sybiel Windzak in second and third place respectively.

This event was made possible with sponsorship from NEW GPC INC; MVP Sports; HJ94.1 FM; Windsor Estates; Guyoil; KFC; IMERCH; the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; Mighty Malt; Lucozade and many more.

Event Coordinator Noshavyah King (centre) along with participants

Bangladesh trump Sri Lanka amid high drama in Delhi Y et another chapter was written into the story of subcontinental cricket’s most engrossing rivalry, in which Bangladesh came away deserved winners against Sri Lanka, winning by three wickets and, crucially, 53 deliveries in Delhi. The margin of victory means Bangladesh have leapfrogged Sri Lanka on the points table on net run rate, while Bangladesh, Netherlands and Sri Lanka are all on four points and all three – and England – are still vying for the two remaining spots at the 2025 Champions Trophy.

This, though, was a game where a solitary incident overshadowed all else. The now customary controversy associated with the “Naagin

will be out, Timed out.”

An incensed Mathews was sent back, and Sri Lanka played the rest of the game with a chip on their shoulder. But to focus solely on that would take away from a solid all-round effort from Bangladesh, and from Shakib.

On a belter of a batting surface, Bangladesh had sent Sri Lanka in to bat and then limited them to a sub-par 279.

The pacy young Tanzim Hasan went for 80 in his 10 overs, largely because of Charith Asalanka – whose 105-ball 108 would go in vain – taking the attack to him, but he picked up three wickets, including the key wickets of Pathum Nissanka and Asalanka himself.

T h e rest of

Charith Asalanka brought up his second ODI century

Derby” was this time a historic first, as Angelo Mathews was dismissed timed out – the first instance of the rare dismissal in international cricket.

The incident took place midway through Sri Lanka’s innings after Mathews’ faulty helmet strap meant that it had been over two minutes since the fall of the previous wicket without the new batter being ready to take strike. Shakib Al Hasan appealed. Mathews was out.

According to the tournament playing conditions: “After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball, or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 2 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter

the bowlers, though, ensured Sri Lanka were not allowed to cut loose, and aided by some loose batting, they kept their opponents well in check.

Then a 169-run third-wicket stand between Shakib and Najmul Hossain Shanto underpinned their chase, even as Sri Lanka became the first side this World Cup to truly struggle with the evening dew.

The bowlers struggled with control, while some dropped catches did not help their cause either.

When the partnership was eventually broken, the requirement was just 70, but Sri Lanka kept picking up wickets to make for a nervy finish. Bangladesh, however, bat deep and they kept their cool to secure a hard-fought win.

After yet another early exit for Kusal Perera – caught acrobatically behind the stumps

Shakib Al Hasan celebrates his half-century

by Mushfiqur Rahim – a 61run stand between Nissanka and Kusal Mendis settled the Sri Lanka innings. An aggressive Nissanka accounted for 40 runs in that stand, frequently finding boundaries to relieve the pressure being built at the other end, while an out-of-sorts Mendis searched for form.

It took 14 balls for Mendis to get off the mark, and despite finding two boundaries – a four and a six – in his 30-ball stay, he looked a pale shadow of the man that had taken the early part of the tournament by storm. A loft down the ground lacking in power brought about his eventual demise.

Nissanka followed soon, chopping Tanzim on, before another solid stand threatened to pull Sri Lanka clear. It was here that Asalanka entered the fray alongside Sadeera Samarawickrama, himself new at the crease. Their leftright pairing served to make life particularly difficult for the Bangladesh bowlers, while their run-scoring was largely risk-free.

This is what made Samarawickrama’s dismissal all the more jarring, as he found deep square-leg with an aerial flick, having been unflustered up until then. It was this wicket that preceded the flashpoint in the innings – and the game – as Mathews strode out, not knowing the fate that was to befall him.

Up until that point, Sri Lanka’s batters could perhaps even have been accused of complacency in terms of the way they had lost wickets. But, just like that, the perceived injustice of Mathews’ dismissal instilled resolve that might have served them a lot better earlier in the tournament.

Having barely strung to-

gether any partnerships of significance lower down the order all tournament, Sri Lanka suddenly found two of genuine quality. The first between Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva brought 78 – Sri Lanka’s best stand for the sixth wicket since their opening fixture against South Africa. After Dhananjaya fell, stumped off Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Asalanka stitched another stand of 45 with Maheesh Theekshana – this one easily

Sri Lanka’s best seventh-wicket stand of the tournament.

Asalanka scrounged together another 20 with Dushmantha Chameera, before himself holing out at deep point. It brought an end to a marvellous innings that was replete with smart strike rotation and calculated risks.

However, it would be a bittersweet day for him as he was the one to drop a sharp chance off Shakib when he was on seven. Mathews was the bowler.

That wicket might have been karmic retribution for Sri Lanka, but Shakib would have the last laugh. While Mathews eventually got his man – giving Shakib a send-off as well, tapping his wrist, signalling that it was “time” to go – it was not before Shakib had scored 75 more runs.

Mathews was not done yet, though, removing Shanto shortly after as Sri Lanka were offered a whiff of an unlikely chance. Theekshana then picked up a couple and Dilshan Madushanka added another, to go with his

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka (50 ovs maximum) Pathum Nissanka b Tanzim Hasan Sakib 41 Kusal Perera c †Mushfiqur Rahim b Shoriful Islam 4 Kusal Mendis (c)† c Shoriful Islam b Shakib Al Hasan 19 Sadeera Samarawickrama c Mahmudullah b Shakib Al Hasan 41 Charith Asalanka c Litton Das b Tanzim Hasan Sakib 108 Angelo Mathews timed out 0 Dhananjaya de Silva st †Mushfiqur Rahim b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 34 Maheesh Theekshana c sub (Nasum Ahmed) b Shoriful Islam 21 Dushmantha Chameera run out (†Mushfiqur Rahim) 4 Kasun Rajitha c Litton Das b Tanzim Hasan Sakib 0 Dilshan Madushanka not out 0 Extras (lb 3, w 4) 7 TOTAL 49.3 Ov (RR: 5.63) 279 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Kusal Perera, 0.6 ov), 2-66 (Kusal Mendis, 11.3 ov), 3-72 (Pathum Nissanka, 12.4 ov), 4-135 (Sadeera Samarawickrama, 24.2 ov), 5-135 (Angelo Mathews, 24.2 ov), 6-213 (Dhananjaya de Silva, 37.6 ov), 7-258 (Maheesh Theekshana, 45.6 ov), 8-278 (Charith Asalanka, 48.4 ov), 9-278 (Kasun Rajitha, 48.6 ov), 10-279 (Dushmantha Chameera, 49.3 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W Shoriful Islam 9.3-0-51-2 Taskin Ahmed 10-1-39-0 Tanzim Hasan Sakib 10-0-80-3 Shakib Al Hasan 10-0-57-2 Mehidy Hasan Miraz 10-0-49-1

Bangladesh (T: 280 runs from 50 ovs) Tanzid Hasan c Nissanka b Madushanka 9 Litton Das lbw b Madushanka 23 Najmul Hossain Shanto b Mathews 90 Shakib Al Hasan (c)c Asalanka b Mathews 82 Mahmudullah b Theekshana 22 Mushfiqur Rahim † b Madushanka 10 Towhid Hridoy not out 15 Mehidy Hasan Miraz c Asalanka b Theekshana 3 Tanzim Hasan Sakib not out 5 Extras (lb 13, w 10) 23 TOTAL 41.1 Ov (RR: 6.85) 282/7 Did not bat: Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Tanzid Hasan, 2.1 ov), 2-41 (Litton Das, 6.2 ov), 3-210 (Shakib Al Hasan, 31.1 ov), 4-211 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 33.2 ov), 5-249 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 37.4 ov), 6-255 (Mahmudullah, 38.3 ov), 7-269 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 40.1 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W Dilshan Madushanka 10-1-69-3 Maheesh Theekshana 9-0-44-2 Kasun Rajitha 4-0-47-0 Dushmantha Chameera 8-0-54-0 Angelo Mathews 7.1-1-35-2 Dhananjaya de Silva 3-0-20-0

two scalps at the start of the chase, to take his World Cup tally to 21. But, in the end, it was a case of too little, too late as some lusty blows brought the game to a swift close.

(ESPNcricinfo)

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TO RENT Business Opportunity: Restaurant for Rent – West Bank Demerara (at Aracari Resort, Versailles – between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop).

Turn key Business. Furnished and equipped. Phone 264-2946, 626-5290.

ACCOMMODATIONS Aracari Hotel, West Bank Demerara (Versailles – between Harbor Bridge and Vreeden-Hoop) – Air Conditioned Comfort. Amenities include TV, Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool, Gym. Free parking, Free WIFI. Spend 7 nights and get 1 Free.

Breakfast included. Long term rates available. Packages and getaways available. Phone: 2642946-9. www.aracariresort.com.

ENTERTAINMENT Swimming Pool Family Fun & Buffet – Crystal Clear Pool. Kids and Adult Sections. Very Safe. All you can eat Buffet Sunday Adults $3,000, Kids $1,000 11 AM – 3 PM over 12 options to choose from. Aracari Resort: West Bank Demerara (Versailles, Vreeden-Hoop)- Every Weekend. DJ Music. Groups and Excursions welcome – Phone 264-2946-9.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

31

Limacol Schools Football League…

Chase, Carmel, Bartica continue winning ways T he likes of Bartica Secondary, Chase’s Academy and Carmel Secondary continued their winning ways on Sunday, while Santa Rosa joined in on the party when the

Limacol Schools Football League resumed.

At the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue, two closecall encounters highlight-

ed the display of the best of Guyana’s schools’ football talent; while the three points came much easier for others.

The first game of the day saw Bartica Secondary get-

ting past Mackenzie High 2-1, to maintain their perfect record.

Billy Smith opened the scoring for Bartica in just the third minute

of the game, while Dison Stephen made it a 2-0 affair in the seventh. However, Mackenzie’s Azizi Grant would bring some excitement to the encounter with a strike in the 69th minute;

but it was a little too late for the Linden outfit.

Next, Chase’s Academy whipped Ann’s Grove Secondary 7-0. After Tyrel Walcott opened the scoring

in the 10th minute, Omar Sam brought Chase’s tally to 3-0 with a double strike in the 16th and 17th minutes. Bryan Wharton would later add another two goals in the 21st and 28th minutes, while Neeiaz Baksh would cap off the game with a brace of his own in the 29th and 68th minutes.

Another close encounter saw Carmel Secondary coming from one goal down to defeat Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS). CWSS took the lead by way of a Lyndon Gray goal in the 15th min-

ute. It was only in the 24th minute that Carmel found a reply off the boots of Ian Daniels. The scores remained locked well into the second segment, but Amar Husbands broke the ice in the 69th minute to hand Carmel the 2-1 victory.

Santa Rosa Secondary, after being held to a draw in Round One, bounced back to close the day’s proceedings with a comfortable 3-0 win over East Ruimveldt Secondary.

Keshon Campbell netted Santa Rosa’s first goal in the 17th minute, and it was

not until the 47th that the next goal was witnessed, compliments of Darius Williams. Shemmol Chan’s 64th minute goal brought up the third for Santa Rosa.

The NEW GPC INCsponsored Limacol Schools Football League is set to continue at the same venue next Sunday, with another four exciting match-ups.

Thus far, Bartica Secondary, Carmel Secondary and Chase’s Academy have each won two games, while Santa Rosa have one win to their name.

EBFA/Ralph Green/NSC U11 League set for kick-off on Saturday GFF Women’s Division 1 League… … gear handed over to the 16 teams

T

he fifth edition of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA)/ Ralph Green Under-11 League, with the marquee sponsor being the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS)through the National Sports Commission (NSC), is set to kick off this Saturday at the Agricola Ground, Greater Georgetown.

The League was scheduled to be played in 2022, but owing to some challenges including ground availability, it was not. However, the teams are all set and ready to take on each other as they not only hone their skills but also get the opportunity to meet new friends and learn from each other.

At the handing-over of the branded gear to the teams on Saturday at the Agricola Ground, former EBFA President Franklin Wilson, under whose watch the League, commenced told the players that they were all winners despite one team being crowned champions.

EBFA President Orien Angoy extended thanks on behalf of his Association to all who made the competition a reality, especially the MCYS, NSC, Messrs Green and Wilson, and the contesting teams.

Wilson expressed gratitude to all the clubs; schools; Regional Member Associations (RMAs); Guyana Football Federation (GFF); MCYS; NSC and the EBFA, which will be coordinating the League, for their support in making the tournament a reality for the youths to grow and play the game they love.

Fruta Conquerors, GDF, Police entertain over the weekend

F

East Bank Football Association President Orien Angoy (left) receives equipment on behalf of Diamond United FC from his predecessor, Franklin Wilson

Chairman of the Central Management Committee for the Agricola Ground, Timothy Blair was also thanked for allowing the use of the ground for the duration of the League.

Each team, including the goalkeeper, was presented with a set of numbered tops and two balls while the respective Coaches also received a jersey to be worn at all matches.

The players of the winning team as well as the runner-up will receive trophies while the third and fourthplaced teams will all receive medals.

Plaques will be awarded for the Best Team Sportsmanship, Best Coach, Most Promising Player, Most Valuable Player, Most Disciplined Player, Best Goal

Keeper, and Highest Goal Scorer.

The sixteen teams will be placed into four groups of four to play each other, with the top two advancing to the quarter-finals, the start of the knock-out stage. Each team is guaranteed at least three matches.

Those contesting teams are Herstelling Raiders; Timehri Panthers; Diamond United; Swan; Friendship AllStars; Den Amstel Primary; Friendship Primary Jaguars (East Coast); Samatta Point/ Kaneville; St Cuthbert Mission; Pouderoyen; Eagles FC (Stewartville); Agricola Red Triangle; Santos, Riddim Squad; Vengy and Fruta Conquerors.

Matches will be 30 minutes long, with two halves of 15 minutes each.

ruta Conquerors, Guyana Defence Force, and Guyana Police Force Football Clubs delivered thrilling performances as they clinched victories on Saturday in both Georgetown and Bartica in the Women's League Division One. Fruta Conquerors emerged victorious with a final score of 5-2 against Pakuri on November 4 at the Georgetown Football Club Ground on North Road.

The audience witnessed Kristina Daniels of Pakuri netting the first goal in the 16th minute, but Fruta Conquerors responded swiftly, equalising with a spectacular goal courtesy of Amanda McKenzie in the 25th minute, followed by her teammate Sandra Johnson's strike in the 29th minute.

This gave Fruta Conquerors a 2-1 lead at the halftime whistle.

The second half featured two more goals from Johnson in the 49th and 67th minutes, as well as another by McKenzie in the 59th minute. Avina Adrian of Pakuri added another goal for her team in the 66th minute.

In the second match of the afternoon, the Guyana Defence Force Football Club delivered a remarkable performance, securing a convincing 7-0 victory over Santos Football Club.

Anastacia Horsham led the charge with a hat-trick, netting goals in the 20th, 32nd, and 37th minutes.

A look at the Women’s Division One League in full swing

Sasha Greaves contributed with two more goals in the 8th and 57th minutes respectively, while Abiece Haywood and Glengie Lewis found the back of the net in the 15th and 22nd minutes, respectively.

Santos Football Club faced a formidable task trying to breach the defence of the Guyana Defence Force Football Club.

At the Bartica Community Centre, the Guyana Police Force achieved a 3-0 triumph against Potaro Strikers, thanks to goals scored by Sinsy Adams, Tiandi Smith, and Ashanti Aaron in the 30th, 49th minute and 53rd minutes of the game respectively.

The Women's League Division One serves as a platform for the top-tier female clubs chosen from

the nine Regional Member Associations within the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

Seven football clubs with a roster of both current and former national players are battling for the inaugural Division One title.

Participating clubs include Santos, Potaro Strikers, Fruta Conquerors, Guyana Defence Force, Pakuri Jaguars and Guyana Police Force.

The league champions will be awarded a cash prize of $300,000, with the second-, third-, fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-placed clubs being presented with cash prizes of $200,000, $100,000, $75,000, $50,000, and $25,000, respectively.

The Women's League Division One is slated to conclude on November 11.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023

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

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Limacol Schools Football league…

GFF Women’s Division 1 League…

Fruta Conquerors, GDF, Police entertain continue winning ways over the weekend Pg 31

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