Guyana Times - Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Peanuts being harvested by farmers of Moco Moco settlement, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) (President Dr Irfaan Ali's social media page photos)

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, Oct 10 – 01:30h –03:00h and Wednesday, Oct 11 –02:30h – 04:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Oct 10 – 14:15h –15:45h and Wednesday, Oct 11 – 14:50h – 16:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 14:11h reaching a maximum height of 2.21 metres.

Low Tide: 07:39h and 20:02h reaching a minimum height of 1.0 metre respectfully.

Caricom condemns Israel-Palestine conflict, calls for ceasefire

violence of actual combatants

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has called for ceasefire in the ongoing Israel/Palestine conflict, in which fresh fighting has broken out, that has claimed over 1000 lives on both sides of the border.

In a statement on Monday, Caricom condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel, as well as Israel’s counter attacks on Palestinian territory in Gaza. The attacks and counter attacks were described by Caricom as “the antithesis of civilised life

conditions under which the Palestinians live in veritable colonialism and Israel’s sense of insecurity will con-

LOTTERY NUMBERS

and living.”

“Innocent lives are being lost amidst the fervour and violence of the actual combatants. Caricom thus joins the responsible members of the international community in calling for an immediate ceasefire and end of hostilities by all parties,” Caricom said.

“The recent round of hostilities reflects the pain and suffering of ancient quarrels. The ongoing harsh

tribute to a cycle of violence until those realities are definitively addressed.”

Further, Caricom threw its support behind the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 242. Resolution 242 was adopted in 1967 and it calls for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the occupied territories.

Additionally, it acknowledges the claim of sovereignty, territorial integrity

and political independence of every state in the region, while calling on the UN Secretary General to appoint an envoy to facilitate an acceptable solution to the conflict.

“Accordingly, Caricom continues to support the United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 and the ongoing efforts of the United Nations towards a two-state solution as the best way to achieve comprehensive peace, security and tranquillity between Israel and Palestine,” Caricom said in their statement.

Reuters reported that Israeli military said on Monday it had called up an unprecedented 300,000 reservists and was imposing a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, in a sign it may be planning a ground assault in response to the devastating weekend attack by Hamas gunmen.

After hours of intense bombardment by Israeli jets, Hamas, the Islamist movement that controls Gaza, said it would execute an Israeli captive for every Israeli bombing of a civilian house without warning.

According to Reuters inside Israel, Palestinian fighters were still holed up

in several locations, two days after they killed hundreds of Israelis and seized dozens of hostages in a raid that shattered Israel's reputation of invincibility.

Reuters also reported that Israeli TV channels said the death toll from the Hamas attack had climbed to 900, with at least 2600 injured. Gaza's Health Ministry said at least 687 Palestinians had been killed and 3726 wounded in Israeli air strikes on the blockaded enclave since Saturday.

The dead, Reuters stated, included citizens of Italy, Ukraine and the United States, where President Joe Biden announced on Monday that at least 11 Americans had been killed.

Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida said the group had been acting in accordance with Islam by keeping the Israeli captives safe but issued the threat to kill civilians and broadcast it, the Reuters report stated.

According to Reuters, echoing Hamas, the Islamic Jihad armed wing, which said it was holding more than 30 Israelis, asked Israel to refrain from hitting civilians if it cared about the fate of Israelis in its custody.

The violence between Israel and Palestine this year flared up in January, when Gaza militants fired rockets after an Israeli raid in the West Bank. Israel responded with air strikes. A ceasefire that took effect in May ended and in September, and Israel attacked Hamas in a series of drone strikes after their troops were fired on.

…says innocent lives being lost amid fervour,

Palestinians inspect the damage in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, following a Hamas surprise attack, at Beach refugee camp, in Gaza City, October 9, 2023 (Reuters/Mohammed Salem)

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

World Mental Health Day

Today, October 10 is World Mental Health Day, which is being observed globally under the theme “Mental health is a universal human right”.

World Mental Health Day, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), is an “opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme “Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.”

This newspaper has had several editorials where it was pointed out that much discussion has been had locally about the mental health of citizens. While in many instances the topic was categorised as ‘taboo’ in many cultures, it came to fore as the COVID-19 pandemic took centre stage all around the world. It is well-known that the pandemic has taken a severe toll on the mental well-being of persons all over the world.

For example, the initial challenges of dealing with the lockdown measures, the fear of being infected with the virus or having to deal with the death of a loved one caused tremendous stress and anxiety on many. All of this was added to the economic pressures that were brought on due to persons not being able to go out and work to support themselves and families.

Due to the lack of resources, many countries are unable to mount the kind of response that is needed to address the mental health challenges of their populations or many are forced to scale back the level of response needed due to other areas competing for scarce resources.

As Hamlet had stated in his writings, “I have of late – but wherefore I know not – lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercise; and, indeed, it goes so heavily with my disposition that this goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory…”

Depression is part of the human condition and Hamlet’s description of its symptoms matches those in a modern medical textbook. The categorisation has become more precise, the treatments more advanced, but the illness is still badly understood and its consequences often hidden. Depression remains if not a source of shame, then at least bewilderment to those who suffer from it and those around them. Yet, it is on the increase: neurotic disorders affecting one in six adults at some point in their lives. Society, and medical science, needs a better response.

Back in 2010, UK Journalist and the Guardian’s head of special projects, who led a team of Journalists investigating international trends and issues, Mark Rice-Oxley wrote powerfully of his “decline from unremarkable working dad of three to stranded depressive sitting on the floor doing simple jigsaws”.

His shock was not just at the crushing effect of a condition that seemed to come from nowhere, but the confusion about how to overcome it.

The truth is medical advances have controlled many diseases, but depression in its different forms is either becoming more common or being detected more often – and perhaps both. Pharmaceutical treatments, while restricted in their effectiveness, are being used much more widely.

However, part of the challenge is defining what is it to be depressed. The term has such a wide common meaning that it can be used to cover anything from passing grief to longterm illness. The Royal College of Psychiatrists lists typical symptoms: feeling utterly tired; feeling useless, inadequate and hopeless; and feeling unhappy most of the time among them. But there can be no medical exactitude to an illness experienced in different degrees and different ways by different people – only that you know it when it comes.

The human mind is the most extraordinary and least understood part of the body, the source of joy and creativity. It can also, as Hamlet knew, create the horror of depression: “This brave o’erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire, why, it appears no other thing to me than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours.”

revenge

By Orly NOy

It is still impossible to digest these darker-than-dark days, that began with sirens jolting us awake on Saturday morning, a day that seems endless and probably won’t end for many days to come. The thought of the abductees in the Gaza Strip is crumpling me down with pain. Every thought of them leaves a layer of terror on the skin. The images and reports of bodies strewn in every corner, of families held hostage for hours as human shields in their own homes by Hamas militants, still haunt the mind, freezing the heart.

The absolute shock caused by Hamas’s attack on southern towns has taken various forms as the hours pass: fear, helplessness, anger, and above all, a deep sense of chaos. The colossal failures of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and the security apparatus are converging into a sense of total breakdown. The intelligence system, which surveils every aspect of Palestinians’ lives in Gaza and the West Bank, had no prior knowledge of the attack; civilians were left defenceless for many hours against Hamas militants, who trapped them in their homes and slaughtered them without military intervention – the same military tasked with protecting every settler in the West Bank at any given moment.

We are shocked at the lack of reliable information throughout the long hours when people desperately searched for missing family members and friends, flooding social networks with pictures of loved ones who had disappeared. And now we see an absence of sufficient supplies and food for the hastily drafted reserve forces sent to the frontlines against Hamas, leaving the job of organising the items they need to civilians in each city and town.

On Sunday, Netanyahu formally declared war and now, in this moment, all of Israel is in a state of war. The missiles that landed in the heart

of Tel Aviv and the shelling of northern towns have turned the entire country into a battleground, at least in the public perception.

Here in Jerusalem, we are trying to hold on to the hope that Hamas won’t launch missiles towards the city due to its proximity to al-Aqsa mosque, but the general anxiety still lingers. Schools have been closed, as have all businesses, and very few people are on the streets. Those who don’t have to, do not leave their homes. On Saturday night, after hours of anxious staring at the television and social media, my daughter was panicked by the fear that Hamas militants, armed and still inside Israeli territory, might make their way to Jerusalem and attack us in our home. Only after a thorough tour of the public shelters in the neighbourhood did she calm down slightly and manage to fall asleep.

Amid this absolute chaos, Netanyahu addressed citizens late on Saturday: a hollow statement with slogans such as “we will win”, “we will strike them”, “we will annihilate terrorism”. He is a man of many slogans. He promises Israel will “take mighty vengeance” and that “the enemy will pay an unprecedented price”, suffering “return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known”.

That language is deliberate. For while a traumatised Israeli public is not yet ready to seek the deep political and moral reckoning this catastrophe demands, the anger already directed towards Netanyahu is palpable. A prime minister entangled in legal proceedings appointed, to suit his own political needs, people who were not only extremely hawkish but also highly unprofessional – and put them in charge of our security. Rightfully he is now seen as personally responsible. He seeks to save his own political skin, once again, by urging the Knesset to establish a national emergency government, much like the one he formed three years ago with the leader of the National Unity party,

Benny Gantz, under the pretext of a coronavirus response. But even without that national emergency government being formed, , the Jewish opposition in the Knesset fully supports the government’s deadly attack on Gaza. And they are not alone: many Israelis want to see the entire Gaza Strip pay an unprecedented price.

The public desire for revenge is both understandable and terrifying, but the erasure of any moral red line is always a frightening thing.

It is important not to minimise or condone the heinous crimes committed by Hamas. But it is also important to remind ourselves that everything it is inflicting on us now, we have been inflicting on the Palestinians for years. Indiscriminate firing, including at children and older people; intrusion into their homes; burning down their houses; taking hostages – not just fighters but civilians, children and older people. I keep reminding myself that ignoring this context is giving up a piece of my own humanity. Because violence devoid of any context leads to only one possible response: revenge. And I don’t want revenge from anyone. Because revenge is the opposite of security, it is the opposite of peace, it is also the opposite of justice. It is nothing but more violence.

I maintain that there are crimes of abundance and there are crimes of hunger, and we have not only brought Gaza to the brink of starvation, we have brought it to a state of collapse. Always in the name of security. How much security did we get? Where will another round of revenge take us?

Terrible crimes were committed against Israelis this Saturday, crimes that the mind cannot fathom – and in this time of dark grief, I cling to the one thing I have left to hold on to: my humanity. The absolute belief that this hell is not predestined. Not for us, nor for them. (The Guardian) (Orly Noy is a journalist and editor at the Hebrew-language news magazine Local Call)

We feel fear, anger and helplessness: all of Israel is in a state of war. But

is not the answer

Indians in traditional attire practise the Garba, a traditional dance of Gujarat state, ahead of Navratri festival in Ahmedabad (VOA)

October 5 is a day to remember as we look forward to more economic wealth, development

Dear Editor, I was a toddler when Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, and the group of PPP/C politicians were victorious in wrestling our country from what seemed like the iron fists of the PNC. All I could recall was that things were about to change.

I read later on in my life that democracy and freedom were restored in Guyana.

After years of struggling and terrible stories of the hardships Guyanese endured at the hands of the late Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, the late President Desmond Hoyte and general PNC rule, they would now be emancipated.

On October 5, 1992, the PNC albatross was cut from the neck of every right-thinking and objective Guyanese who wanted a different life with different circumstances than those they had endured during the '60s, '70s, '80s and

early '90s for their generations to come. They wanted the ‘new Guyana’ that was promised by the Jagans and PPP/C which is Guyana free from cronyism, racism, racial discrimination, dictatorship and all the inequalities that existed in the pre-1992 era.

So, this day carries both historical and national importance. It was a day when all Guyanese were looking forward to seeing the years of the Jagan presidency but it was cut short when he died in 1994.

Jagan died but the things he stood for, and believed in did not go to his grave. The vision and policies, as championed by him, would serve as a motivator for leaders like his wife, Sam Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar. These Heads of State fought and toiled for Guyana through difficult times and many challenges to bring their versions of development to the poorest

of the poor.

Indeed, Jagdeo more than any other President has had an indelible mark on the history of this country as far as development is concerned. He led its modernisation, transformation and development through the years when it was very ‘fragile’. Added to this, he moulded the young minds to stand up, like Jagan, did to politicians who would turn back the progress and development of Guyana to suit their private political interests, economic interests and social interests.

Even now, Jagdeo is still managing to hold the PPP together while President Dr Irfaan Ali is doing the job of managing the affairs of the country in such a way that it leads Guyana into its ‘golden years.’ Dr Ali has the mammoth task of leading Guyana further towards real economic transformation and prosperity by using the oil and gas

resources wisely while ensuring the stable and sustainable growth of the non-oil economy in agriculture, housing, education and health among others.

Ali has the making of a great leader but the APNU/ AFC Opposition and other parties from the past would seek to hold back that progress through lies and deception with their use of PR gimmicks and misuse of information to toil with the minds of Guyanese.

The war to protect Guyana and its gains made since 1992 is not being fought at home only but internationally. The only period, I would never give a positive account of, is the period when they snatched the Government from the PPP/C and wreaked havoc upon the citizenry, through half-baked policies and taxes. This is the period related to former President David Granger and the APNU/AFC Opposition. This is the first time since

1992, I was not sure where Guyana was going but I know we were going down the path of dictatorship, a lack of democracy and anarchy.

Widespread poverty, mass hunger, double-digit unemployment and haplessness characterised Guyana regardless of what the Government MPs and other politicians would say during the years of 2015 to November 2020.

Now, I am certainly optimistic about the future and destiny of Guyana under the leadership of President Ali and the PPP/C. Real economic growth and development are happening all around us in Guyana, just look at the gas to shore project, the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan Airport, the new Harbour Bridge river crossing, the 12 hospitals, and the other major socio-economic projects to name a few.

Under this Administration, I feel secure and I am calmly awaiting more development,

more growth, more prosperity and more progress to take hold of Guyana. The saying is getting more, and expect greater but, that is not to say we should forget and become complacent.

We must always remember the brave policemen and women, soldiers, State officials and politicians who fought so that we can enjoy and celebrate these freedoms, and the democracy we have today.

It was threatened already by the APNU/AFC, and PNC in the 2020 March elections, it could be threatened again so we must at all times stand ready, and mobilised to fight for this cause.

October 1992 is testimony that despite the weight of PNC atrocities inflicted, we can still overcome and look to the future as ‘One Guyana’.

Yours truly, Michael

Younge

What does CPSO push mean for the Guyanese beverages industry?

Dear Editor,

The Caricom Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) is aggressively lobbying Caricom to apply a Caribbean Community Common External Tariff (CET) on glass bottles imported into the Region from extra-regional sources. This move is essentially to protect a regional producer of glass bottles, namely Carib Glassworks Limited, a subsidiary of the Ansa McAL Group of Companies out of Trinidad & Tobago.

According to industry players in Guyana, Carib Glassworks has been a poor supplier of the product in terms of quality and quantity. As such, there are concerns that if the CPSO succeeds in its efforts to have Caricom impose a CET on extra-regional imports of the product, this will adversely affect the local industry.

There are other credible concerns of major conflicts of interests as well on the part of the CPSO. To this end, Caricom has initiated a feasibility study in collaboration with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), which has subcontracted Ernst & Young to conduct a feasibility study for a glass bottle factory in Guyana. However, Ernst & Young is the auditor of the Trinidadian conglomerate, Ansa McAL.

It is interesting to note that the CPSO failed to consult with the industry players in a meaningful way. Moreover, the CPSO is well aware that the local beverages industry had already engaged the IDB to conduct a feasibility study for a glass factory, which would be an

The Glass Bottles Market: Guyana and Caricom

(Source: Guyana Bureau of Statistics)

indigenous entity, rather than an extension of a regional counterpart that has been unable to adequately satisfy the quantity demanded and specified quality.

Guyana’s import of glass bottles which is primarily driven by the beverages industry, stood at US$10.667 million in 2020, US$11.332 million in 2021, and US$0.651 million in 2022. The 2022 out-turn corresponds to a decline in production of pharmaceutical liquids of 37% or a 12% decline in demand.

Countries of Origin

Guyana Import of Glass Bottles: United Kingdom; United States; Canada; China; Egypt; France; Germany; India; Netherlands; Pakistan; Panama; Trinidad & Tobago

The regional import of glass bottles in 2019 stood at US$84.3 million in 2019, US$85.3 million in 2020, which increased to US$91.5 million in 2021, reflecting an increase of US$7.2 million from 2019 to 2021 or by 8.5%. Notably, Guyana’s import of glass bottles accounts for 13% of the regional imports in 2020 and in 2021.

An examination of the production data for alcohol-

ic, non-alcoholic and pharmaceutical liquids for the period 2012-2021 indicate the following:

Alcoholic beverages produced in 2012 were 19,391 litres which reached a high of 29,252 litres in 2019, which fell to 16,946 litres in 2021. These out-turn were on account of fluctuations in domestic demand during these periods.

The non-alcoholic beverage experienced a similar pattern where total production in 2012 was record-

ed at 19,391 litres which reached a high of 58,921 litres in 2020―before it declined 28,642 in 2021.

Production of Malta in 763 litres in 2012 which reached declined to 283 litres by 2021. Unlike the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that fluctuated in demand over the years, production of Malta has been on a steady decline through 2021 by 480 litres or 63%.

Production of pharmaceutical liquids moved from 489 litres in 2012 to a high of 760 litres in 2020 and down to 501 litres by 2021.

In view of the development trajectory that Guyana is embarking upon over the next decade coupled with the emerging oil and gas sector, and of course projects such as the gas-to-energy project― there is a strong case to support the establishment of an indigenous glass bottles factory.

More so, since there is only one producer in the

Region of glass bottles and the regional glass bottles market is worth over US$100 million, the objective of another locally owned factory in Guyana is welcomed.

Caricom should not facilitate the CPSO’s push for a CET on imported glass bottles from extra-regional sources. If Carib Glassworks wishes to set up a factory in Guyana, then it needs to do so within the current framework and take on the risks. In other words, it has to compete on price and quality versus preferential treatment

for a poor-quality product. The concerns of conflicts of interests on the part of CPSO, Ernst & Young and Ansa McAL needs to also be addressed.

Finally, if there is a local consortium that is prepared to invest in a glass bottle factory in Guyana, then such an investment should be pursued and given preferential treatment in terms of facilitation by the Government of Guyana.

Sincerely,

Joel Bhagwandin

Foundation

Test Questions

by HL MitcHeLL

A tropic day, And the sea-shore stretching glow-like brown With the sand sparkling diamonds in the sun Down to the water’s surging edge. A shady nook, With a soothing breeze zesting itself, fleeting And whistling between the leaves; the trees swaying Rhythmic to the beat of a heart in delight? The courida and the coconut palm With the emerald foliage of the sprightly shrubs Dancing daintily in colourful changing scenes As the wanton wind directs them, Clasping and unclasping each other In fanciful romance.

The water rippling, So brown and beautiful, so slothfully full Of white-crested waves of little cascades coursing

In this fun and easy colour science experiment for kids, we’re going to make a slime that changes colours.

Materials:

White school glue

Water

Thermochromic powder

Food colouring

Liquid starch

Instructions:

Mix four ounces of glue with 1/3 cup of warm water.

Add 2 tsp of thermochromic powder. Add about six drops of food colouring. Add ½ cup of liquid starch. Mix until slime forms.

Touch cool or warm objects to your slime to observe it changing colours.

How it works:

Thermochromic powder is designed to temporarily change colours when exposed to different temperatures. These types of colour changing

powders contain a molecular structure that changes at a specific temperature. The molecular changes alter the wavelengths of light it reflects at those specific temperatures which causes the colour changing effect.

Make this a science project: Try different colours of thermochromic powders. Try different slime activators like Borax and saline solution. Try exposing the thermochromic powder to long durations of cold by leaving the colour changing slime in the freezer. (sciencefun.org)

Over one another in happy leaps Of amorous sport, glinting themselves In crystalline lines of russet-silver. The mind of a man, On a tropic day, In a shady nook, With the water rippling And the tropic scenes before him, and after And around him, and the birds sweetly singing, Flying and kissing the water in sudden swoops. (Kyl-Over-Al)

WORD SEARCH

Drastic measures needed to rein in reckless road users – AG

By Jarryl Bryan

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, has signalled that the Government is reviewing its existing laws and considering drastic measures, in order to rein in reckless road users who break the laws, whether through speeding, playing loud music among other offences.

During the recent edition of Issues in the News, Attorney General Anil Nandlall spoke of the high instances of accidents in Guyana. He pointed out that per capita, Guyana has an unusually high number of accidents that likely exceeds other countries in the hemisphere.

the negligence generally exhibited by road users in our country. We cannot continue with the carnage and the wanton destruction.”

“The open carelessness which takes place on the

We’re still a very small population. And we must have, statistically, per capita, the highest incidence of road accidents and road fatalities.”

There are also the driv-

real-life dangers that innocent drivers face on the road, through no fault of their own.

“Have you ever heard, anywhere else in the world, the vehicle horn used in the way it is used in Guyana? Have you ever heard, anywhere else in the world, the level of decibels coming out of music systems in vehicles, as you hear in Guyana? I don’t hear them. Something is seriously wrong and we have to address them. And drastic situations require drastic measures.”

“You may be driving very carefully on the road, sober as a judge. But there is a man whose vehicle is coming at you, like a lethal weapon, because of his carelessness… and for no reason at all, you can become paralysed. You can lose a limb. You can suffer serious injuries. Worse yet, you can die,” he said.

the lack of coverage is a sore issue for many drivers who are forced to fix their own vehicles out of pocket.

“As I’ve said, we have passed laws. We are reviewing policies. And we are implementing measures, as we continue to fight against the reckless use of our roadways. It’s a work in progress… as a considerate Government, we have deliberately kept the insurance at a particular level, because of the impact it will have on persons being able to afford insurance.”

“And that is why we have kept it, because once that law is changed and the insurance coverage increases, then minibus fares will increase. Taxi fares will increase. And it will have a ricochet effect on cost of living. But a lot of people are complaining against it. And Government may have to take a second look at the situation.”

(DUI). Comparatively, the previous day saw a total of 383 recorded cases. Out of these, 72 were related to speeding and five involved DUIs.

Efforts to curb these violations have been bolstered by sustained education programmes. These initiatives encompass lectures delivered in schools, and for drivers, bar owners, and individuals frequenting entertainment venues throughout the country.

Just two days prior, the GPF announced that 494 traffic cases were recorded across all regional Police Divisions in Guyana in a single day. Among those cases, 120 were for speeding violations, and 10 drivers were apprehended for DUI.

“We have to find ways and means of curbing the negligent driving taking place on our roadways. And

roadways of our country, resulting in injuries and deaths over and above what we can afford as a country.

Berbice double murder

ers who play loud music on the roadways, also against the law. The Attorney General also pointed to the

Rose Hall man charged for breaking into dead woman’s house

Police have charged a man, previously questioned following the murder of Melissa Arokium, 31, and her eight-year-old son, Anthony Arokium, for break and enter and larceny.

Quincy Hooper of Rose Hall Town appeared at the Albion Magistrate’s Court on Friday to answer a charge of break and enter.

Hooper is accused of breaking into the Rose Hall, Berbice home in which Melissa Arokium, 31, and her son, Anthony Arokium, 8, were found dead on August 23, 2023.

Hooper was rearrested after family members of the now-dead woman reported that at least one person was threatened after they tried to get Hooper out of the building.

The court was told that Hooper broke into the Lot 189 Mangrove Street, Rose Hall Town home and allegedly started living there.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $15,000 bail. The case will continue on October 18.

The bodies of the 31-yearold self-employed woman and her eight-year-old son,

a student of Port Mourant Primary School, were discovered by a close relative of the now-dead woman.

Her body lying in a pool of blood on the floor while the child was on his bed, also in a pool of blood, with what appeared to be at least one stab wound to the back of his neck while his mother was seen with what appeared to be chop wounds to the neck, shoulder and chest.

Police are yet to find the person or persons who are responsible for the deaths. The investigation is still ongoing.

(G4)

He explained that the measures being looked at are a work in progress, including the possibility of mandating increased insurance coverage. While this may result in increased premiums and increased fares,

Only last week, the Traffic Department saw a staggering total of 346 cases in one day… almost 100 of which were for speeding offences, with an additional incident involving driving under the influence

The Police Force has also announced that it has implemented suggestion boxes, and collaboration with members of the Regional Road Safety Councils and other partners is ongoing. These initiatives are all aimed at fostering a positive shift in the mindset of motorists and enhancing public safety on the roadways.

“We cannot continue with the carnage and the wanton destruction. The open carelessness which takes place on the roadways of our country, resulting in injuries and deaths over and above what we can afford as a country. We’re still a very small population. And we must have, statistically, per capita, the highest incidence of road accidents and road fatalities” – Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Traffic ranks conducting a traffic enforcement exercise

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Nabaclis woman slapped with several charges

An unemployed woman appeared before

Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate's Court on Monday. She is charged with multiple crimes.

Latoya Hughes of Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was charged with the following offences: assault with intent to prevent lawful apprehension; assault with intent to resist lawful apprehension; obstructing peace officer; disorderly behaviour; using indecent language and indecent exposure.

All the charges are contrary to the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act.

In relation to the last three charges, she pleaded guilty and was fined

Buxton resident gets 6 months on simple larceny charge

Twenty-one-year-old Timothy Valmaalson of Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Monday sentenced to six months’ imprisonment on a simple larceny charge.

He appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate's Court where the charge was read to him.

As such, he pleaded guilty to the charge and was given the penalty by the Magistrate.

War in…

…Ukraine

In the more than a year we’ve been following the Ukraine-Russia war have you noticed, Dear Reader, how you’ve lost interest in rushing to the foreign news section to know what went down the day before?? Imagine that!! A showdown between European nations that has the potential to blow mankind to smithereens and we now first check out the sports pages in the morning as we munch on our cassava bread?? But yet – as with these kinda matters – there are lessons for us even without dramatic headlines.

$5000 on each count, totalling $15,000 with an alternative of imprisonment for a month.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the other charges and was granted bail in the sum of $25,000.

The woman was arrested by the Police on October 6. (G1)

The first thing your Eyewitness has learnt (relearnt?) is that war is good for business. That WWII pulled the world out of the Great Depression in the 30s is replicated in Russia’s economy picking up even as it is throwing everything – even the kitchen sink – at the West-backed Ukrainians. The Western sanctions have just made them more self-sufficient – with Russians stepping up to the crease to fill the slack and growing their economy. It’s also good for business in America and the other nations that are supplying Ukraine with arms!! Remember US President Eisenhower’s description of the “military industrial complex” that runs America?? And as the General who finished off WWII for the West, he oughta know!!

A corollary to this observation is that with all the stress on precision guided smart missiles – which can be fired from hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away – the war has boiled down to a good, old-fashioned slugfest!! And in a slugfest, you need space to manoeuvre, a constant replenishment of arms and bodies to throw into the fray as your front lines get mowed down!! Not much different from when Sparta and Athens faced off in the Peloponnesian War back in the 5th century BC, eh??

Did you wonder why the US had to plead with nations even in South America to send weapons and munitions to Ukraine?? They just can’t keep up with an all-out war for even a year – and they haven’t sent that many bodies over!! But they’re willing to fight to the last Ukrainian, aren’t they? Especially since Zelenskiy’s very happy to go along!! And about those bodies. The West will now be reconsidering all their strategies in a war against China –or should. THEY have 1.3 billion bodies to throw into any fray – and the discipline and national mindset to do so!! Remember those kamikaze Jap pilots back in WWII??

Now you might be wondering about all those nuclear warheads in the West’s arsenals. Thing is, the Ruskies have those too!! So we’re back to testing the Cold War’s MAD – Mutually Assured Destruction – Strategy!! Those fingers might be poised above those red buttons – but who dares press them?? War is hell!!

…Israel

But even though you’ve kinda lost interest in the Ukraine-Russia War, suddenly you’re following the Palestinian-Israel War with bated breath, ain’t you? Gotcha!! Why do you think that Israel’s been the largest recipient of American aid for decades?? War’s big business, remember?? Once Israel can be counted on to keep the cauldron boiling – and the oil-rich Mid-East on edge – with their superior arms and defensive innovations like their vaunted “Iron Dome” keep on coming, money’s being made.

But now that Hamas has destroyed the invincibility of Israel’s Iron Dome, the vaunted intelligence-gathering capacity of Mossad and the prowess of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) in one fell swoop, all bets are off. Some Arab States gonna have to stand up and be counted because the Al Asqa Mosque was a triggering point. Iran has already signalled their readiness and even Israel-friendly Qatar had to condemn Israel.

With no space for a conventional war, Israel can only win if they wipe out all Palestinians. A Palestinian Holocaust!! The irony!!

…Essequibo

We can’t ignore the warnings that Venezuela might be creating a Fifth Column in Essequibo with all those “refugees” streaming across our Border. It’s an article of faith of ALL Venezuelans that they wuz robbed of Essequibo. Be warned!!

Latoya Hughes

Timothy Valmaalson

Civil forfeiture, cryptocurrency in financial sector discussed at asset recovery workshop

One of the most important aspects of the battle against corruption, money laundering, and even crime in general is asset recovery.

The Guyanese Government has recognised the significance of putting effective asset recovery and confiscation measures into place as a critical component of setting up a strong anti-money laundering/anti-corruption regime in the nation.

In this perspective, the Judiciary and Magistracy, the Guyana Police Force, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Financial Intelligence Unit, the Bank of Guyana, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, the Guyana Revenue Authority, among other important organisations, are currently engaged in a Financial Investigation and Asset Recovery Workshop which has a specific emphasis on civil forfeiture and on areas such as cryptocurrency and those issues now emerging in the financial sector as part of financial investigations.

The workshop, which will run from October 9-13 at Duke Lodge, Kingston Georgetown, is a collaboration between the Government of Guyana and the Asset Recovery Unit of the Regional Security System (RSS).

Modern challenges

While delivering brief remarks at the opening ceremony on Monday, Attorney

extension, the financial sector.

“So, it's a very holistic approach to training and preparing ourselves to meet the modern challenges and to meet the modern obligations which Guyana as a nation-state has to discharge at the international and regional level,” he added.

Highlighting that the workshop has a deep emphasis on civil forfeiture and on areas such as cryptocurrency and those issues now emerging in the financial sector as part of financial investigations, Nandlall said, “We have, I suppose, at a philosophical and policy level, never really focused on civil forfeiture. Persons charged with criminal offences go through the court and the focus has always been to convict for the offences charged and not necessarily pursue available remedies in terms of going after the assets that may have been acquired from proceeds of crime or that particular offence be-

ture provisions.

With this, he pointed out, “So, we [Guyana] now have perhaps in the Caribbean, I would say one of the most modern expressions of civil forfeiture legislation in with a bias towards AMLCFT type offences. We now have to orient ourselves and orient ourselves from a policy perspective, and then we have to do the training to ensure that we know how to approach this.”

Yield huge benefits

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards expressed that this workshop will yield huge benefits.

“The mutual assistance and cooperation will provide a vital necessity for our regional integration, sharing of ideas, combating crime and providing security.”

She implored Judges and Magistrates to use this opportunity to deepen their understanding and enhance their capacity in the areas of

Ricardo Shurland told the gathering that the organisation is committed to tackling crime in the Region.

He added that asset recovery is a critical step in legal actions intended to seize assets obtained through criminal means, and that judicial personnel are essential to this process.

“The Regional Security System is dedicated to sending a consistent message to criminal elements that crime does not pay and

that we will utilise every tool legally available to deprive them of their gains,” Shurland went on to say.

The workshop will focus on the following areas: Digital Evidence;

Investigative Orders: Procedural Requirements and Appropriateness;

Disclosure Orders: Procedural Considerations; Restraint Orders: Procedural Considerations, Cash Seizure, Reseizure and Detention;

Investigative Orders: Application, Evidential Burden and Procedure and Civil Recovery: Building a Civil Recovery Case.

This workshop will seek to strategically address some of the identified deficiencies in Guyana’s legal and AML/CFT/PF architecture and the Government is committed to addressing these deficiencies swiftly, a statement from the Attorney General’s Chambers noted. (G1)

General Anil Nandlall, SC, said that this training engagement is once again demonstrating the Government’s commitment to the rule of law and more particularly, to ensuring that Guyana has a robust financial system along with the capabilities to tackle the new challenges that certainly will emerge from the country’s growing and expanding economy and by

fore the courts.”

The Attorney General acknowledged that prior to 2023, Guyana lacked the necessary legal framework to address this issue, but that is no longer the case, thanks to the recently passed Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Act of 2023, which includes a very thorough regime of civil forfei-

asset recovery for the overall benefit of the Judiciary and Guyana.

She said that due to Guyana's swift economic transition, there is a greater need for regional partners to work together to advance knowledge and apply the law throughout the entire nation.

For his part, the Executive Director of RSS, Commodore Errington

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, engaging with Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards; Chief Justice Roxane George, SC; and Justice Navindra Singh

Members of the Judiciary and Magistracy, Judicial Research Assistants and other stakeholders at Monday’s workshop

Driver in Albouystown fatal accident remanded

In relation to a fatal collision that happened at Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, Georgetown, last month and resulted in the death of a biker and the hospitalisation of the pillion rider, Shawn Tappin, 30, was remanded to prison on Monday.

The indictable charge against Tappin, a construction worker, stated that on September 25, he drove a car carelessly, which led to 27-year-old Ackeem

Fletcher's death. Tappin, who appeared before Magistrate Rhondell

Man busted with gun in crotch by Police

A27-year-old vendor from South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was on Sunday arrested following the discovery of a firearm in his possession.

Weever at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, was not required to plead to the charge.

He was remanded until November 10 after bail was denied.

As per reports, when the motorcycle and a car crashed on Independence Boulevard in Albouystown, Georgetown, Fletcher and his pillion rider fell onto the roadway and received injuries. The pillion rider is still hospitalised in an unconscious state. (G1)

Police stated that at about 18:13h on the day in question, Police acting on information received went to the corner of Princes and Hardina Streets, Werk-enRust, where contact was made with the suspect.

A search was conducted on his person during which one black Taurus .380 Millennium Pro Pistol was found in the crotch of his pants. The firearm also had one magazine but did not have any bullets.

He was asked if he was the holder of a firearm licence, and he replied “No”.

The vendor was then told of the offence committed, arrested, and taken to the Brickdam Police Station pending charges.

24-year-old killed in Essequibo Coast hit and run

he went back on the road but never returned.

She added that on Sunday she attended church services in the morning, and after it ended, she received the devastating news that her nephew was lying motionlessly in a drain.

“When I went, I see deh deh suh lying motionless. I didn’t get to see when he went home nor when he left this is the last how I see my nephew,” the grieving aunt said.

Twenty-four-yearold Andrew Murray of Jibb, Essequibo Coast, was reportedly killed in a hit-and-run accident along the Walton Hall Public Road in the wee hours of Sunday.

The accident involved a motor car bearing registration number PGG 8477, owned and driven by a 23-year-old farmer of Siriki, Pomeroon River, and Murray, a pedestrian.

Based on reports received, members of the public made a report of an unidentified male lying motionlessly in a trench at Walton Hall. As such, Police visited the scene where they observed several pieces of a number plate on the ground.

However, at about 16:00h on Sunday, ranks were on duty along the

La Union Public Road, Essequibo Coast, where they spotted the getaway car in a yard.

Upon questioning, the driver told investigators that he was proceeding along the public road, when he felt an impact to the left side front portion of his motor car, after which he came to a halt. He further said that he then exited his motor car and made checks but did not see anything.

He then re-entered his motor car and drove home. He was subsequently arrested and is assisting with investigations.

Sharon Chattergoon, an aunt of the dead man, recalled him returning home on Saturday evening and informed them that he was involved in a fight. The aunt noted that sometime after,

Meanwhile, Yonnette Blake, Murray's mother, is pleading for justice for her son. She related that it was a hit-and-run accident and expressed her anguish that the driver did not stop to help and take Murray to the hospital.

Murray was the breadwinner for the family.

“He hit my son down and didn’t take him to the hospital, he left him right there to die... my son does work hard to support me and my children… I mine him without a father and he is the only breadwinner for the family… he works hard to provide for me and my kids and I need justice… if he had picked up my son and take him to the hospital, I would have been in the piece but he left him in the drain to die and I need justice,” the saddened mother said.

Blake described her son as a very kind and hardworking individual, always ready to lend a helping hand to others.

Dead: Akeem Fletcher

The gun that was found in the suspect’s crotch

Dead: Andrew Murray

The car that was involved in the accident

Students, parents testify about lead-up, aftermath of deadly fire

ed that as per the Terms of Reference (ToR), the students relayed their accounts of the circumstances leading up to the fire.

The ToR also mandates the Commission to inquire into the responses after the fire and offer recommendations to prevent the incident’s recurrence.

“We had some parents who were there in regards to those who were injured so [the Commission] talked to them about the relief and support they would’ve gotten,” Shadick said.

Joseph Singh, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Derrick John, and Attorney-at-law Dr Kim Kyte-Thomas as members of the CoI to conduct an investigation into the matter.

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the fatal Mahdia dormitory fire continued its hearings on Monday, hearing the testimonies of five students and seven parents who were affected by the tragic May 21, 2023 incident.

Secretary of the Commission, Javed Shadick made this disclosure during a phone interview with this publication. While the CoI is in the

public’s interest, all hearings involving minors and relatives of the deceased and injured are being held in-camera, given the age and of the children and the

sensitivity of the information being revealed.

As such, Monday’s hearings were not open to the media and public.

However, Shadick not-

Just over four months ago, the Mahdia Secondary School’s female dormitory went up in flames, claiming the lives of 19 female students and the son of the dorm’s caretakers.

In August, President Dr Irfaan Ali had sworn in Major General (Ret’d)

Public hearings commenced on September 15, with the Commission speaking to a number of persons involved, including the dorm’s mother and father, Head of the Burn Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Dr Shilindra Rajkumar, and Officer-in-Charge at the Mahdia Fire Station, Ryan Scott.

While the Commission’s investigation is set to run for two months, the President had previously stated that an extension would be granted, if necessary. (G13)

Mahdia Commission of Inquiry

(CoI) Secretary Javed Shadick

Victims of the Mahdia fire

Exotic animals to enhance zoo being considered

(GWCMC) [and] we're doing an assessment of what is possible. We don't want to bring in exotic animals that we can't necessarily care for,” Fraser said.

In an earlier statement by the PAC, the organisation had noted that it does not seek out or acquire animals for captive breeding or ex-situ conservation.

In ongoing efforts to improve the country’s urban parks, the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) is seeking to include exotic animals in the Guyana Zoo to enhance the experience of its thousands of daily visitors.

PAC Commissioner Jason Fraser made this disclosure on Monday, during

a signing of two memorandums between the PAC and the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) as well as the Tourism and Hospitality Authority of Guyana (THAG).

“We are working with the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission

“Rather, the animals currently in the zoo have been rescued from various abandoned, illegal or abusive conditions, and brought to us for rehabilitation and release. Those who can no longer survive in the wild are rehabilitated and provided a safe space in our zoo to live out the remainder of their lives,” the PAC had stated.

While the GWCMC conducts their assessment, Fraser explained that the PAC is continuously working to rehabilitate the facilities, with a number of plans currently on the agenda.

“So, we're looking at some key things that we want to

start off with – first raising the walkway, so that regardless of the season, people are going to have access [and] looking at the safety aspect of it as well, so making sure all the guardrails and enclosures are up to standards,” Fraser said.

“So, that's the first step and we're thinking within six months, we can get that work done. It's a lot of work. But we do have the support from both the Board and from the Government to get that done,” Fraser added.

He added that the PAC is also looking to rehabilitate the Nature School, which hasn’t been running for some time now.

National Park and Botanical Gardens

Furthermore, the PAC Commissioner explained that plans are already underway to develop more outdoor recreation spots at the National Park in the coming months.

“Gyms are expensive so, what we want to do is to set up – probably on track by November – two outdoor gym areas. So, apart from just coming and getting your cardio in and running, you'll be able to also have a full gym to use free of cost,” Fraser said.

“And there's just one of that many things that we're planning to introduce in the next six months in our urban spaces,” Fraser said.

Just last month, pet own-

ers saw the commissioning of the Woofington Pet Park within the National Park, which seeks to provide a safe space, particularly for dogs.

“We're working with Georgetown kennels and some other organisations that really look out for the pets in society to help us develop this space a little bit more. We want to provide a space where pet owners and pet lovers can come out and have that space,” Fraser said.

At the Botanical Gardens, the Commission is continuing to maintain the extensive green space, and is looking to develop further public-private partnerships to keep the area pristine. (G13)

Botanical Gardens

Commissioner of Protected Areas Commission, Jason Fraser

Guyana must capitalise on upcoming chairmanship of Caricom – Pres Ali

…will push for development of regionwide sports tourism products

With Guyana expected to assume the chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) next year, President Dr Irfaan Ali has identified developing a regional sports and entertainment tourism product as one of the challenges that must be tackled head on.

During a recent event by the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, President Dr Irfaan Ali reminded that this Region is the mecca of sports and

entertainment. He also reminded that Guyana takes over chairmanship of Caricom next year and assured that this issue will

be one of their priorities to push.

“We done talking. We’re going to do it and we’re going to position our tourism product second to none. We assume chairmanship of Caricom from February. And if we sit back, what we’re known for in this Region will be taken from us. Look at Saudi Arabia,” President Ali said.

“They’re now the talk of the town, golf, PGA. Formula One. Football. Going after cricket, entertainment. This Region

is the mecca of sports and entertainment. We have to reposition ourselves as the mecca of sports and entertainment, if we’re to survive in this vastly changing world.”

According to President Ali, it is important that the Region builds tourism, sports and entertainment products island by island, that will adequately position the bloc as a destination for sports tourists.

“We have to build products, island by island, that position the Region

in the strongest and most competitive environment. That is why this chamber is so critical. Because we have to fast forward.”

“We have to take the rawness of what we have today, apply the technology and innovation that exists in Canada and work together on developing that tourism product,” the Head of State explained.

When it comes to Guyana, the Head of State noted that Guyana will be positioned to be one of the best eco-tourism products.

which resulted in an influx of sports tourists. For the occasion, the Government had built 30 eco-lodges with 100 per cent local wood, the first-of-itskind urban eco-lodges that would be complemented by a pool, a 100 per cent local restaurant, and parking among other facilities. It had been announced that upon the completion of the CPL, the units would be available to anyone interested.

inks MoUs with THAG, GMCS to advance conservation efforts, capacity building

PAC

“It is not an economy or a country that will be driven by oil and gas. It is a country and economy that will be supported by oil and gas. Where every other sector will be built out based on this revenue stream. It is a country that will offer to the world the best eco-tourism product.”

“None will be able to compete and put the infrastructure in place. We’re going to train our people and invest in their education. We’re going to invest in facilities and services. We’re going to change our attitude, culture and own behaviour.”

Last year, high on the success of Cricket Carnival initiative and coupled with the drive to diversify Guyana’s sporting sector beyond cricket, President Ali had announced that his Government plans to push sport as a major tourism product in the country.

The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) on Monday signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Tourism and Hospitality Authority of Guyana (THAG) and the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) as part of their continued plans to boost capacity building, monitor conservation and build sustainable centres of economic growth.

PAC Commissioner Jason Fraser signed the MoUs alongside THAG’s President, Dee George, and GMCS Chairman, Dr Marie Correia at Botanical Gardens Bandstand, Georgetown.

The MoU signed with GMCS, Fraser noted, is a continuation of work the two organisations already engage in—turtle management at the Shell Beach Protected Area, conservation and sustainable use of resources, and community engagement.

“The MoU between PAC and GMCS is essentially just formalising that arrangement and highlighting areas that we would like to work with the GMCS on, especially now that we are developing our new management plan for that space,” Fraser said.

“[This] would include continued support in areas of turtle management…we have erosion on our beaches so monitoring exactly what’s going on there, but also working with them in

the Barima-Mora Passage, to be more specific, on community engagement and community development projects,” Fraser said.

GMCS’s Dr Correia reiterated the Society’s support towards the PAC in the implementation of their strategic plan and livelihood initiatives.

She also clarified the Society’s efforts to maintain the Barima-Mora Passage, the country’s most intact mangrove ecosystem found in Region One (Barima-Waini).

“The GMCS has been working arduously over the past few years within the Barima Mora Passage to conserve this amazing ecosystem. We do this by utilising a multifaceted approach which provides both skills training and employment opportunities to local communities in the area,” Correia said.

“This allows for sustainable development and sustainable use of our natural resources for this ecosystem,” she added.

Improving lives

On the other hand, the MoU between PAC and THAG looks at the “improving lives” aspect of their work, according to Fraser.

“We’re looking at building centres of economic development, without forego

ing but actually leveraging our natural beauty and resources to develop tourism products and improve hospitality – maybe even provide some capacity building for communities that would like to use their space for eco-tourism, and that’s in the protected areas,” Fraser said.

“In the urban space, it’s to improve coastal tourism through our green urban spaces, so more specifically – at least, for now – the National Park and the Botanical Gardens,” Fraser said.

Fraser added this involves developing tourism products to enhance the natural ambiance of what he referred to as Old Georgetown, located beyond the roundabout within the Gardens and towards Sheriff Street.

“[The Botanical Gardens] is a very unique space. It’s 87 acres in the middle of Georgetown and so we want to make the best out of this space. And the same goes for the National Park,” Fraser said.

THAG’s George extended appreciation towards the PAC for their partnership and noted THAG’s intention to maintain and enhance the western onethird of the Botanical Gardens. (G13)

Guyana recently hosted the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finals,

During the Cricket Carnival Regatta in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), the Guyanese Head of State had shared their plans of using all aspects of Guyana, and more importantly, sporting events, to the best of their advantage. In turn, he had expressed that building a holistic and robust portfolio from the different sporting events can create a significant tourism package. (G3)

Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, Jason Fraser

The Protected Areas Commission signed Memorandums of Understanding with the Tourism and Hospitality Authority of Guyana (THAG) and the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS)

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Fake social media profile of First Lady Arya Ali surfaces

The Office of the First Lady on Monday said that it has been brought to its attention that fake social media accounts are still impersonating and attempting to transact business on behalf of First Lady Arya Ali, with unsuspecting citizens.

In a statement, the Office of the First Lady said that it wishes to reiterate that at no time will the First Lady or any of her staff facilitate any online transaction for Government service(s).

“We take this time to remind citizens to be vigilant, not to engage any of these fake accounts, and most of all not to provide any payment or confidential information to these impostures. The official Facebook page of the First Lady bears the name ‘Arya Ali – First Lady of Guyana’ and all social media accounts bear the us-

World Post Day 2023

ername: @aryaaligy,” the statement read. This is not the first time that a bogus profile has surfaced in the name of the First Lady.

Previously, the Office of the President had urged the public to be aware of a bogus page on social media platform Facebook, purporting to be the official account of the First Lady of Guyana. That had been created under the name “H.E Arya Ali” but was not affiliated with the First Lady, her office or the Office of the President in any way.

In another instance, the Office of the President had advised the public to be aware of a fake account on social media platform Twitter, purporting to be the official account of His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

The phoney account @

DrMohamedirfaa1 was seeking to solicit funds from unsuspecting citizens for a fake United Nations fund.

Only on Sunday, the Education Ministry alerted residents of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) to be aware of scammers who are operating a fraudulent ‘small business’ grant under the guise of the Ministry.

In a notice posted to its Facebook page, the Education Ministry on Sunday especially warned residents of Jawalla that there is no small business initiative being started by the Ministry or by Education Minister Priya Manickchand.

“The provision of Small Business Grants is NOT an activity of the Ministry of Education. To be clear, the Ministry of Education has no programme to issue small business grants

of $250,000 to anyone,” the notice detailed.

It went on to urge residents, especially business owners, to exercise all caution in dealing with customers.

“Business owners and shop proprietors should not grant phone credit, goods, or services to anyone alleging that they are ‘from the Ministry of Education to share business grants’,” the missive stated.

The notice further added, “The Ministry of Education wishes to make it clear that it will not ask any business owner or resident for credit nor to advance monies under any circumstances.”

The Education Ministry cautioned that it will not be responsible for any losses incurred by anyone who entertains the scammers.

$33M Buxton Post Office commissioned

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips emphasised the importance of the postal service in global communication and connection, while highlighting the need to ensure that it is not left behind in today's digital world.

During the official commissioning ceremony of the newly constructed Buxton Post Office on Monday, as part of the Guyana Post Office Corporation’s World Post Day commemorative activities, the Prime Minister cited Universal Postal Union (UPU) Director General Masahiko Metoki, who revealed that nearly 100,000 out of 650,000 worldwide post offices lack adequate internet infrastructure.

sion services.

He said that in Guyana, the Government recognises the “digital divide” and is working to bridge this gap by connecting remote and hinterland communities.

He outlined its comprehensive ICT strategy, focused on connecting commu-

ing. “Our Government has been arduously working to eliminate the digital divide through a robust ICT mandate where we seek to connect communities all across Guyana – especially hinterland and remote communities – with ICT services, pro-

also underscored the necessity of ICT in service delivery by ensuring access to digital postal services, regardless of geographical location. To address this issue, he announced plans to equip local post offices with internet connectivity.

Furthermore, he touched on the significance of safeguarding privacy and protecting personal data in digital postal services. He mentioned the recent passage of Guyana's Data Protection Bill in August as evidence of their commitment.

plement the physical infrastructure.

“A digital single postal territory is crucial for enhancing efficiency, extending the reach of our postal services, and cultivating trust in this digital era. In a time characterised by swift technological advancements, we acknowledge the paramount importance of preserving the integrity of postal communications and ensuring the security of personal data.”

national and international levels, we can create a safer, more connected, and more trusted future for postal services in the digital age. It is through these collective efforts that we can ensure the postal sector continues to play a pivotal role in connecting people and nations, fostering economic growth, and upholding the values of trust and reliability."

This limitation, he noted, hinders the scope of digital, financial, and social inclu-

nities across the nation and promoting computer literacy through ICT-related train-

vide ICT-related training to promote computer literacy.”

Prime Minister Phillips

Speaking to the importance of implementing standard protocols which would enable seamless cross-border connections in postal service, he highlighted the need for collaboration among stakeholders, while pointing to the UPU's vision for a digital postal network to com-

Emphasising collaboration and innovation in digital postal services, Prime Minister Phillips acknowledged the need for strict cybersecurity measures to secure sensitive data and maintain digital service integrity. He highlighted the role of national and international collaboration in ensuring a safer future for digital postal services.

"By collaborating at the

He added that the commissioning of the Buxton Post Office is an example of the Guyana Post Office Corporation's dedication to serving all citizens, and demonstrates Government’s efforts to modernise post office facilities and services for the benefit of all Guyanese.

Post Master General Karen Browne and officials from the Guyana Post Office Corporation also attended the commissioning ceremony.

The fake profile attempting to impersonate First Lady Arya Ali's account

The new $33M post office at Buxton

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips and Postmaster General Karen Browne touring the new building

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips and staff of the post office

FITUG calls for public wages increases, strengthened labour laws

…also urges more support for sugar sector in Budget 2024

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has made a number of intercessions to the Government during its 2024 budget consultations, including for performance-based incremental increases in public wages and strengthened labour laws.

A few days ago, FITUG met with the Government, whose delegation included Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, Public Service Minister Sonia Parag, and officials from the Labour, Agriculture, and Finance Ministries.

FITUG’s team was led by its President, Carvil Duncan. It included Vice President Sherwood Clarke, General Secretary Dawchan Nagasar, Treasurer Seepaul Narine, and Executive Committee members Aslim Singh, Porandatt Narine, Taramattie

Dyal, and Gordon Thomas.

During the meeting, FITUG proposed a number of measures for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to consider for Budget 2024. For instance, the Union suggested changes to the income tax

threshold and the rate of taxation, as well as a system of tax credits for taxpayers with dependents.

“FITUG also highlighted that the adjustments in the income tax regime would not necessarily benefit all workers. Therefore, it reiterated its

CoA reserves ruling on convict’s appeal against life sentences for child rape

ings, which were held in-camera, the court had heard the testimony of Abrams inserting his finger into the six-year-old girl’s vagina, and also sodomising her.

Judge Morris-Ramlall had admonished Abrams for his wrongdoings, telling him, “You say you are a devoted Catholic, I hope you pray to God and ask forgiveness.”

previous call for the national minimum wage and public sector minimum wage to be equated as a starting point towards reaching a living wage.”

“The Federation shared that its proposals in this respect were in line with the recent statements made by President Irfaan Ali, who expressed the Government’s inclination to make adjustments to the income tax regime and the national minimum wage to benefit the working class,” FITUG said.

In addition to recommending improvements in old age pension and public assistance, another suggestion was for the Government to adjust pensions paid by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which has remained unchanged for some time, as a matter of urgency. Additionally, it was recommended that incremental pay increases be implemented for public servants and for labour legislation to be strengthened.

“The Federation has suggested that the budget consider the introduction of pay

increments within the public service to ensure that workers who perform credibly are appropriately recognised. Such measures could encourage greater work performance and enhance such workers’ pay levels. The Federation recommends that these measures be realised through discussions with the relevant bargaining agents across the public service,” FITUG said.

“The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has highlighted the urgent need to strengthen labour legislation in the country. It acknowledged that the current situation is fast-evolving. Therefore, appropriate interventions are necessary to establish a robust legal framework that would protect workers’ rights and ensure that they are upheld at work.”

According to FITUG, it is important that the Government look into labour productivity and that the capacity of the Ministry of Labour be strengthened, so that the necessary protection

can be given to workers.

“FITUG called for the Government to look into the question of labour productivity, as it feels that workers are sometimes overworked, which could lead to disenchantment and hinder the adoption of appropriate technologies to improve productivity.”

“Labour productivity is paramount, and as the country progresses economically, it becomes even more critical to ensure that people and the country prosper equally,” FITUG explained.

FITUG recommended that the Government take appropriate measures to invest in community infrastructure. Another call was also made for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to provide support for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

“It recognised that there had been improvements, but there was still more work to be done. In this regard, it called on the Government to continue to assist in improving the capacity and capability of the sugar industry,” the Federation said.

FITUG also called on the Government to take necessary actions to address reckless driving on the roadways, urging the use of technology. Another recommendation was for more attention to be paid to occupational safety and health (OSH).

Meanwhile, FITUG said the Government delegation welcomed these suggestions and that the meeting was a productive one that saw the Government committing to consider them. (G3)

Having completed hearing all arguments, the Court of Appeal is now set to rule in the matter brought by Michael Abrams against his convictions and two life sentences for child rape.

Following the completion of the arguments on Monday morning, acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards announced that the court would now take some time to consider the appeal and that notices would be sent out announcing the date on which it would issue its decision.

The convict was represented by Attorney-atLaw Glenn Hanoman while Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Natasha Backer presented the State’s case.

Michael Abrams, aged in his 60s, was found unanimously guilty on two counts following a trial before Justice Simone MorrisRamlall and a jury at the

Demerara High Court in 2017.

The first count of rape, for which Abrams was found guilty, occurred between January 1 and 18, 2016, and the second incident was committed on January 19, 2016.

He was sentenced to life in prison on both counts; the sentences will run concurrently, and he becomes eligible for parole after serving 35 years.

Abrams, who had previously described himself as a “devoted Catholic”, in his appeal, is contending that the verdicts are unreasonable and the prison terms are manifestly excessive.

He argues, inter alia, that the trial Judge failed to adequately put his defence to the jury, and this has amounted to a grave miscarriage of justice. In the circumstances, he is asking the Court of Appeal to set aside both his sentences and convictions.

During trial proceed-

Following the guilty verdicts, Abrams had said that even though the jury “in their wisdom” had found him guilty, he is maintaining his innocence.

“This situation makes me feel sad. I felt like the accused [Abrams] would try to hurt me,” the rape survivor had expressed in a victim impact statement.

For her part, the State prosecutor had urged the court to impose the maximum sentence on Abrams, and, in so doing, had pointed out that the rape convict had abused his position of trust, and had violated the child in the worst possible way, shattering her innocence.

From the evidence, Justice Morris-Ramlall had said, it was evident that the young girl had loved Abrams. The Judge had said that Abrams “pretended” to love her, and treated her “like a beast.”

In sentencing the child rapist, the Judge took into consideration the aggravating and mitigating factors, as well as the circumstances surrounding the case.

(G1)

Convicted child rapist Michael Abrams

Union leaders and Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Public Service Minister Sonia Parag following the meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

340 procedures performed at specialist medical outreach in Bartica

They Guyana Cancer Society on Sunday partnered with GTT, the Health Ministry, the US Embassy and several cancer support organisations to execute a specialist medical outreach at the Bartica Regional Hospital in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

A contingent of 15 specialist doctors including two gynaecologists, one paediatrician, one urologist, five dentists, four ophthalmology specialists, and two Internal Medicine Specialists were aided by more than 30 medical practitioners for the exercise.

A statement on Monday

Guyana Cancer Society, Sharir Chan spearheaded the exercise. Chan, who is also the Chief Operations

very successful because the exercise brought many persons to us seeking treatment and/or diagnostics regarding different aspects of their health. Our largest line was with those seeking breast examinations.”

Chan added that the

fact that the team primarily consisted of medical partitioners from outside of Bartica, aided in reducing patient concerns about confidentiality.

“In small towns like Bartica, patients are often hesitant to visit the doctor

said that together, the team performed over 340 procedures out of a long list of medical services offered. The services included breast examinations, pap smears, VIA screening, oncology, obstetrics and gynaecology.

President of the

Officer of Guyana Medical Relief (GMR) - a Californiabased NGO, said that the activity was highly effective.

“Cancer does not occur in a vacuum and that is why we wanted to offer a comprehensive medical examination package. We believe our approach was

for some health issues out of confidentiality concerns since the doctor may be a community member they are familiar with. So, this activity was very necessary and from the turnout, we consider it to also be highly effective.”

According to Public Relations Manager of GTT, Jasmin Harris, a similar

activity is scheduled for Berbice on October 15 at the Skeldon Hospital. She said the company is currently encouraging members of the public to contribute to GTT’s goal of raising 30 million dollars in donations. To donate you can text “donate” to 592-620-4848 to contribute $500 with each message.

CAL pilots resigning as State moves to decertify union

Caribbean Airlines

(CAL) pilots are reportedly resigning in droves as the stateowned carrier has filed an industrial relations offence against the T&T Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA) which a source says will decertify the union if successful.

The source said the pilots are frustrated over the lawsuit filed on August 20 following a sickout that left thousands of CAL passengers stranded from August 20 to August 21. The Industrial Court granted the airline an injunction on August 21 to force pilots to return to work.

A source at TTALPA, who provided a list of names on the condition of anonymity, said 15 pilots had resigned in the last year and 25 others quit over the last three years due to the strained relationship between CAL’s management and the union. The situation, the official said, will likely get worse.

“CAL and the government need to cancel the industrial relations offence that they have against the

pilots’ union. They need to cancel that because how could you want to work with the pilots if you’re trying to decertify the union? That means the pilots will have no rights, no workers rights as represented by a union, for the first time in 60 years.”

There are concerns that at least 60 more pilots are set to resign from CAL after renewing their United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licences which permits them to fly in the US.

As a result, TTALPA’s council is deliberating on whether the union should activate its employment agency clause to assist them in finding alternative employment.

“The starting salary of

an American Airlines captain now is US$40,000 a month. The starting salary of a first-year captain in Caribbean Airlines is TT$56,000. So, let’s say that’s about US$8,000. There’s a lot of benefits. People who never thought about leaving actually putting things in place to go,” the source said.

According to the Industrial Relations Act, under section 66 subsection (2), an employer or a worker carrying on or engaged in an essential service shall not take industrial action in connection with said service. If found guilty, the parties involved are liable on summary conviction to a fine of $40,000 and to imprisonment for three years.

A worker who contra-

venes subsection (2) is liable to a $1,000 fine on summary conviction and to imprisonment for six months. Moreover, a trade union or other organisation that causes industrial action in an essential service or persuades any worker to do so faces a $20,000 fine. The Industrial Relations Board may also cancel the certificate of recognition.

The union’s management can be fined $10,000 and be jailed for a year if found guilty. They can

also be disqualified from holding office in any trade union or other organisation for a period of five years after conviction. A non-office holder can be fined $2,000 and be imprisoned for two years.

TTALPA officials have denied taking strike action as it is illegal for pilots to do so. They are reportedly upset with CAL over its failure to bring the collective agreement, which expired about nine years ago, up to date.

There have been calls for CAL’s CEO Garvin Medera and Human Resource Manager Roger Berkley to resign.

Contacted for comment, CAL’s Corporate Communications Manager Dionne Ligour said information about resignations would be provided by today.

Efforts to contact Finance Minister Colm Imbert and Minister in the Ministry of Finance Brian Manning were unsuccessful. (T&T Guardian)

Fierce Israeli bombing rocks Gaza through the night, death toll rises

Israel says its aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip is one of the largest it has conducted on the besieged territory.

Hamas’s Qassam Brigades threatens to execute one Israeli captive for every further unannounced Israeli attack on civilians in Gaza.

Netanyahu labels Hamas “savages”, says Israel “will win this war”

Israel’s Prime Minister has called Hamas “savages” in a video posted on X and said his country will “win this war” against the Palestinian

on all sides are polarised and entrenched,” he told Al Jazeera from New York.

“It’s been a total green light, no trying to limit what Israel is trying to do, despite clearly committing war crimes right now on the ground, dropping bombs indiscriminately, blowing up schools, hospitals, mosques and civilian infrastructure –places that people are sheltering in. And [officials] openly calling for the committing of war crimes, using of white phosphorus, dehumanising Palestinians, calling them human animals and declaring openly what they are

armed group.

Hamas has made a “mistake of historic proportions” by “slaughtering families in their homes, massacring hundreds of young people at an outdoor festival, kidnapping scores of women, children and elderly, even Holocaust survivors”, Netanyahu said.

planning on doing here,” he said.

“So, there’s been no even pushing for restraint, no pushing for mediation, and that is very unfortunate.”

More than 900 persons killed in Israel – medical services

More than 900 persons

Here is what we know so far about foreign nationals in the region:

Thailand: 12 dead, 11 hostages

US: 11 dead, others missing

Nepal: 10 dead

Argentina: 7 dead, 15 missing

Ukraine: 2 dead

France: 2 dead, 14 missing

Russia: 1 dead, 4 missing

UK: 1 dead, 1 missing

Canada: 1 dead, 3 missing

Cambodia: 1 dead

Germany: several hostages

Brazil: 3 missing

Chile: 2 missing

Italy: 2 missing

Paraguay: 2 missing

Sydney Opera House and the Brandenburg Gate likewise lit up in the colours of the Israeli flag.

“I’m urging the Biden Administration to cloak the White House tonight in the Israeli flag,” Graham told the TV programme.

He drew a comparison with the rainbow colours projected onto the White House for Pride Month, the annual LGBTQ celebration.

“You did it for Pride

Month. I want to see the Israeli flag over the White House,” he said. “Small things go a long way.”

Saudi Arabia “continues to stand by” Palestinians – MBS

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, has spoken on the phone with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

During the call, MBS said Saudi Arabia “is making ev-

ery possible effort to engage with all international and regional parties to halt the ongoing escalation”, according to a statement issued by his office.

It added that the kingdom “continues to stand by the Palestinian people in their pursuit of their legitimate rights, striving for a dignified life, realising their hopes and aspirations, and achieving a just and lasting peace”.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Israel will “exact a price” on Hamas “that will be remembered by them and Israel’s other enemies for decades to come”, he added.

The Israeli leader also thanked Biden and the US Congress for their “unequivocal support”.

US, EU powers ‘green-lighting Israeli war crimes’ – analyst

Omar Rahman, a fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, says the joint statement from the US and four European powers backing Israel amounted to a green-lighting of Israeli war crimes in Palestine.

“I think the space for mediation is unfortunately very slim at the moment. Opinions

have been killed in Israel since the Hamas attack on southern Israel began on Saturday, according to Israeli medical services.

This includes more than 100 bodies found in Beeri after a hostage standoff between Hamas fighters and Israeli forces.

Foreigners killed, abducted in Hamas attack

Dozens of foreigners have been killed, wounded or taken hostage during the surprise attack on Israel by the Palestinian group Hamas that has left more than 900 people dead, mostly Israelis.

Some of the foreigners have dual Israeli citizenship.

Peru: 2 missing

Tanzania: 2 missing

Mexico: 2 hostages

Colombia: 2 hostages

Philippines: 1 hostage, 6 missing

Panama: 1 missing

Ireland: 1 missing

White House to light up in colours of Israeli flag

The White House has agreed to light its facade in blue and white in solidarity with Israel, following calls from a Republican Senator.

In an appearance on the Fox News TV show “America Reports”, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina pushed President Joe Biden’s administration to take the symbolic action after the

Palestinians remove a dead body from the rubble of a building after an Israeli air raid in Jabalia refugee camp [Ramez Mahmoud/AP photo]

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman speaks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the China-Arab summit in Riyadh in December 2022 [Saudi Press Agency/Handout via Reuters]

Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes on the centre of Gaza City, Gaza on October 9

Regional Dominican Republic intensifies Haiti border shutdown over canal row

The Dominican Republic announced new measures to strengthen control at its border with Haiti, including an indefinite extension of the border shutdown it enacted last month plus boosting military forces as well as a new exports ban.

The Dominican Republic sealed its border with Haiti last month after it deemed construction work on a canal diverting water from the Massacre River a treaty violation, since it was launched unilaterally by Haitians without Government support.

Haiti's Government responded to Monday's measures by saying it backed the rights of its citizens to equitable use of binational waters and continued to favour dialogue with Santo Domingo.

"The Government considers hostile and unacceptable any attempt to divert the waters in order to deprive Haitians of it, in violation of the 1929 treaty," it said in a statement.

Last week, Dominican President Luis Abinader, who is seeking re-election next year, said a decommissioned canal on the Dominican side was ready to restart and that planning continued for construction of

two dams off the shared river.

The Organisation of American States has called for a resumption of dialogue and affirmed both countries have equal rights to the shared water resources.

Under the new measures announced by Dominican security officials on Monday, exports of electronics, cement and other building materials will be banned to prevent construction of structures that threaten the river or other related natural resources.

Authorities will also in-

Indigenous Minister calls on Lula to kill farm lobby's land bill

Brazil's first Indigenous Cabinet Minister is urging President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to veto a bill pushed through Congress by the farm lobby that she and Indigenous leaders warn would undermine ancestral land rights and threaten their way of life.

The bill, which passed in the Senate late last month and now awaits Lula's signature to become law, would restrict Indigenous reservations to land they lived on in 1988, a deadline that the Supreme Court has ruled unconstitutional.

Lula has until October 20 to veto the legislation, which would pit him against the powerful agribusiness lobby in the world's top exporter of soy, corn and other farm goods.

dia urging Lula to veto the whole bill.

Amazon region.

definitely extend suspension of visa issuances to Haitian citizens, and create a fund to finance an agricultural programme to reduce hiring of undocumented immigrant workers.

The new measures will take effect on Wednesday.

The Dominican Republic has deported tens of thousands of Haitian migrants who have fled escalating gang warfare in their own country, drawing criticisms from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US, Venezuela in talks for fresh oil sanction exemptions – sources

Venezuela and the United States have progressed in talks that could provide sanctions relief to Caracas by allowing at least one additional foreign oil firm to take Venezuelan crude oil for debt repayment if President Nicolás Maduro resumes negotiations with the Opposition in Mexico, five sources said.

Envoys from Caracas and Washington have held several meetings in Doha since last year in a renewed effort to solve a long-running political and economic crisis in Venezuela, including discussions on a presidential election.

Separate talks between Maduro's envoys and the Venezuelan Opposition are expected to follow in Mexico in the coming weeks, according to sources.

Washington has been trying to encourage negotiations between Maduro and the political Opposition over elections in Venezuela and other demands. Sanctions were imposed following Maduro's 2018 re-election,

which many Western nations considered a sham.

Among the companies that could get a US comfort letter to take Venezuelan oil as debt repayment this time is one of State-run PDVSA's joint venture partners Maurel & Prom, two of the sources said.

A Maurel & Prom spokesperson confirmed the French company "made a request to this effect to US authorities", but declined to elaborate.

The US State Department, Venezuela's and Qatar's Foreign Affairs Ministries and State company PDVSA did not re-

spond to requests for comment.

Reuters could not immediately verify whether further sanctions-easing by the US could directly follow a return to the Mexico negotiations.

"Should Venezuela take concrete actions toward restoring democracy, leading to free and fair elections, we are prepared to provide corresponding sanctions relief," a White House spokesperson said last week. "At this time, Venezuela has not taken the necessary steps, and our sanctions remain in effect." (Excerpt from Reuters)

Indigenous Affairs Minister Sonia Guajajara told Reuters she is pushing the President not to sign the bill. The largest umbrella organisation of Brazil's Indigenous People (APIB) is campaigning on social me-

"We still do not know whether he will veto the whole bill or just parts of it, but there will be some form of veto," Guajajara said in an interview.

Farmers have said the bill will ensure greater legal security of their land ownership, curtailing land conflicts as Brazil's agricultural frontier advances into the

Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro, from the centrist Social Democratic Party in Lula's minority government coalition, is hoping for a negotiated solution.

"The Supreme Court and the Senate are playing their part. We have to reach a much-needed balance," he told Reuters.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Guatemala's Arevalo says Govt using violence to counter protests, warns of possible state of siege

Guatemalan President-elect Bernardo Arevalo said on Monday the Government is using violence to counter protests and create tension, which could be used as an excuse for declaring a state of siege.

Ongoing protests entered their eighth straight day on Monday, with Guatemalans taking to

the streets to demand the resignation of authorities from the attorney general's office, which has faced international accusations of trying to undermine Arevalo's landslide electoral victory in August.

The attorney general's office has conducted raids on the buildings of electoral authorities and Arevalo's Semilla party headquarters and has

moved to suspend the party.

Classes were suspended in the capital on Monday in the midst of protests.

The head of the Organisation of American States (OAS) said last week he accepted an invitation to mediate between Guatemalan officials and street protesters seeking an orderly transfer of power to Arevalo. (Reuters)

Tyre shop owner killed in Trinidad

The 30-year-old brother of a man who survived a shooting last month at the family’s business place in Cunupia was killed on Monday afternoon.

Ryan Mansar, the brother of 21-year-old businessman Shiam Balla, both of S&R Tyre Shop of Bridal Road, was shot dead at around 14:35h.

The Police said PCs Daniel and Karmody responded to a report of a shooting on the roadside near the shop. They were also told Mansar was hit several times.

He was taken to the Chaguanas Health Facility and later declared dead.

The Police found several 9mm spent shells as well as a live round of 9mm ammunition at the scene.

Central Division and Homicide Bureau of Investigations (Region III)

Police spoke to several people and gathered evidence.

On September 3, Mansar’s brother was shot several times in front of the business.

That shooting was captured on CCTV. The footage shows a man getting out of the back seat of a white Toyota Axio and walking up to Balla as he was speaking on a cell phone.

The man fired several shots at Balla, standing by the passenger seat of a Hyundai H10 van.

It is believed that the gun jammed several times, but the shooter managed to offload more rounds at Balla, who fell to the ground.

The suspect returned to the car, which drove off. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Haitians carry personal belongings, as they cross the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, after Dominican President Luis Abinader announced an imminent total border shutdown amid a conflict over the construction of a water channel from a shared river, in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, September 14, 2023 (Reuters/Octavio photo)

Indigenous Peoples Minister Sonia Guajajara attends a ritual dance during the third March of Indigenous Women, in defence of women's rights, local Indigenous people and the environment in Brasilia, Brazil, September 13, 2023 (Reuters/Adriano Machado photo)

Around The World OIL NEWS

Oil prices surge on fears of Mideast conflict adding to supply tightness

RFK Jr declares independent 2024 presidential run, raises millions more

Robert F Kennedy Jr, an environmental lawyer, anti-vaccine activist and son of the former senator, announced on Monday in Philadelphia that he is dropping his Democratic Party bid for President and will run as an independent.

Kennedy sought to cast himself as a unifier and a voice for voters who are fed up with the United States' partisan divides and vitriol, calling them a hurdle for improving the country.

Oil prices surged 4% on Monday, recouping some of last week's steep losses, as military clashes between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas ignited fears that a wider conflict could hit oil supply from the Middle East.

Brent crude settled US$3.57, or 4.2%, higher at US$88.15 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude closed at US$86.38 a barrel, up US$3.59 or 4.3%. At their session highs, both benchmarks spiked by more than US$4, or over 5%.

Last week, Brent fell about 11% and WTI retreated more than 8%, the biggest weekly decline since March, as a darkening macroeconomic outlook intensified concerns about global demand.

On Saturday, Hamas launched the largest military assault on Israel in decades. Israel retaliated with a wave of air strikes on Gaza.

"The most serious outcome for crude is that the conflict escalates into a more devastating proxy war which could affect crude supply," said Rebecca Babin, senior energy trader at CIBC Private Wealth US.

Israel's port of Ashkelon and its oil terminal have been shut in the wake of the conflict, sources said.

The eruption of violence threatens to derail US efforts to broker a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, in which the kingdom would normalise ties with Israel in return for a defence deal between Washington and Riyadh.

Saudi officials reportedly on Friday told the White House they were willing to raise output next year as part of the proposed Israel deal.

Goldman Sachs said the conflict reduced the likelihood of normalisation of Israel's relations with Saudi Arabia, and the associated boost to Saudi production over time. It does not see any immediate major effect on near-term oil inventories from the attacks.

Riyadh and Moscow have agreed to a combined 1.3 million barrel per day (bpd) voluntary cut until the end of 2023. New disruptions would exacerbate an expected supply tightness for the rest of the year.

Analysts suggested the implications of the conflict could include a potential slowdown in Iranian exports, which have grown significantly this year, despite US sanctions.

"If the US were to judge that Iran is involved in Hamas' attack, this could lead it to 'turn the screws' on Iran's oil exports by enforcing sanctions more strictly," said Caroline Bain, chief commodities economist at Capital Economics.

Iran's production has risen by close to 600,000 barrels per day during the past year while crude stored on and offshore has been sold into market, mitigating some of the tightness being orchestrated by Saudi Arabia and Russia, said Saxo Bank's Ole Hansen.

Meanwhile, Venezuela and the US have progressed in talks that could provide sanctions relief to Caracas by allowing at least one additional foreign oil firm to take Venezuelan crude oil for debt repayment if President Nicolas Maduro resumes negotiations with the opposition in Mexico, sources said.

The conflict is likely to lead to higher volatility and speculation in oil markets, the CEO of Brazil's Petrobras said.

On the demand side, major international air carriers have suspended or scaled back flights to or from Tel Aviv after the attack. High oil price due to the conflict could bolster inflation, analysts said, forcing rate hikes that could dampen demand. (Reuters)

"People stop me everywhere, in airports and hotels and on the street. And they remind me that this country is ready for a history making change ... I'm here today I'm here to declare myself an independent candidate," Kennedy told a crowd

of several hundred gathered in front of the National Constitution Center.

American Values 2024, a super-PAC supporting the candidate, has raised US$17 million, co-founder Tony Lyons told Reuters at the event, an increase from about US$10 million reported in July. He expects US$10 million more after the announcement, he said.

Kennedy's announcement complicates a 2024 race heading toward a rematch between President Joe Biden, a Democrat, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner in opinion polls. Both remain unpopular with a large sections of the American public.

Kennedy's siblings - Kerry Kennedy, Rory Kennedy

and Joseph Kennedy II - on Monday denounced their brother's candidacy in a statement: "Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment.

Today's announcement is

deeply saddening for us."

Kennedy's combination of deep-pocketed backers, famous name and lack of enthusiasm for Trump or Biden, could give his campaign heft, political strategists said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

UK's Rwanda migrant plan under scrutiny at highest court

Britain's plan to deport migrants to Rwanda reached the UK's top court on Monday, as the Government argued there was a need to deter Channel crossings while asylum seekers and the United Nations' refugee agency said Rwanda was unsafe.

Government lawyers asked the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling by a lower court in June that the scheme to send thousands of asylum seekers more than 4000 miles (6400 km) to

East Africa was unlawful, as Rwanda was not a safe third country.

Under recent legislation, the vast majority of those who arrive in Britain by small boat across the Channel from France would have their asylum claims made inadmissible and be subject to deportation.

London's Court of Appeal had ruled those sent to Rwanda would be at risk of being sent home where they could face persecution, making the policy unlawful under Britain's Human Rights Act,

which made the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) part of British law.

That decision dealt a massive blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's pledge to stop thousands of migrants from arriving in small boats on the English south coast.

On Monday, the Government's lawyer James Eadie told the UK's top court there was "a serious and pressing need to take effective steps that will act as a deterrent to those undertaking the perilous and sometimes

life-threatening journey" across the Channel.

Raza Husain, a lawyer representing eight of the asylum seekers involved in the case, countered that people sent to Rwanda were at risk of being returned to their home countries in breach of international law.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) has intervened in the appeal to argue it is not safe to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China near 'breakthroughs' with nucleararmed submarines, report says

Asubmarine arms race is intensifying as China embarks on production of a new generation of nuclear-armed submarines that for the first time are expected to pose a challenge to growing US and allied efforts to track them.

Analysts and regional defence attaches say evidence is mounting that China is on track to have its Type 096 ballistic missile submarine operational before the end of the decade, with breakthroughs in its quietness aided in part by Russian technology.

Research discussed at a conference in May at the US Naval War College and published in August by the college's China Maritime Studies Institute predicts the new vessels will be far harder to keep tabs on. That conclusion is credible, ac-

cording to seven analysts and three Asia-based military attaches.

"The Type 096s are going to be a nightmare," said retired submariner and naval technical intelligence analyst Christopher Carlson, one of the researchers. "They are going to be very, very hard to detect."

The discreet effort to track China's nuclear-powered and -armed ballistic missile submarines, known as SSBNs, is one of the core drivers of increased deployments and contingency planning by the US Navy and other militaries across the Indo-Pacific region. That drive is expected to intensify when Type 096s enter service.

The Chinese navy is routinely staging fully armed nuclear deterrence patrols with its older Type 094

boats out of Hainan Island in the South China Sea, the Pentagon said in November, much like patrols operated for years by the United States, Britain, Russia and France.

The paper notes that the Type 096 submarine

will compare to state-ofthe-art Russian submarines in terms of stealth, sensors and weapons. It said that jump in capabilities would have "profound" implications for the US and its Indo-Pacific allies. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr delivers his political speech at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, US, August 12, 2023

Chinese Navy's nuclear-powered submarine Long March 11 takes part in a naval parade off the eastern port city of Qingdao, to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, China, April 23, 2019

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Listen, assess and get moving. Don’t waste time on someone or something that has no future. Look for solid opportunities and pay attention to the fine print. When opportunity knocks, open the door.

PICKLES

(March 21-April 19)

Don’t share too much information. Mull over what you hear, verify facts and use what you learn to your advantage. Follow your heart and take advantage of an opportunity.

(April 20-May 20)

Acting based on your emotions will leave you confused. Think before you put more energy into restructuring your lifestyle. Networking functions will reveal what’s available.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS

SUDOKU

(June 21-July 22)

Stick to what you know and do best. An unexpected offer will put you at ease and help you make a lifestyle decision. A change will offer security and prompt you to spend less time with unreliable people.

Take a close look at the details before making a big decision. Get your facts straight and find out if any updated information can help you communicate and get along with others.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Take a look at your current situation and consider the changes that will fix whatever isn’t working for you. Find a unique way to use your money and skills to make a difference.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Put on your adult pants and take a stand. How you use your skills and connections to make your community better will have a stabilizing effect. You can attract attention and inspire people.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Revisit your options, pick the best one and get moving. Express your desires, and don’t back down under pressure. Change is necessary, but it must align with your long-term plans.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Take the path that offers you freedom to follow your heart’s desire. Refuse to let anyone interfere with your plans. Don’t let personal issues get in the way of financial stability.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Take inventory before trying something new. Don’t fall for someone’s dodgy investment plan. Stick to what you know and do your own thing. Make changes at home conducive to your needs.

Reach for the stars. Believe in yourself and work on a plan to improve your financial situation. Don’t let someone make you do anything that’s not in your best interest.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Your discipline will pay off. Look for an opportunity to team up with someone who can complement your abilities. Put everything in writing to avoid setbacks.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Courts Optical Pee Wee Tournament… Kowlessar, DeCosta, Milton, Larose shine

A Dane Vancooten brace handed West Ruimveldt Primary a comfortable 2-0 win over Potaro Primary. Vancooten netted in the 17th and 25th minutes.

Meanwhile, Ann’s Grove Primary enjoyed a massive 5-0 win over One Mile Primary.

Isaiah Pellew led the charge for Ann’s Grove, with goals in the 8th and 34th minutes, while his teammates Rafee Berkshire and Levi Baynes added to their tally in the 16th and 37th minutes respectively. An own goal in the 26th minute brought up the fifth goal.

Tucville Primary. Wayshawn Forde netted twice in the 2nd and 3rd minutes, while Shaden Cornelius added their third. In the reply, Antwone Vaughn and Ronaldo scored in the 7th and 13th respectively for Tucville.

A nail- biter resulted in St Pius and Rosignol Primary Schools sharing points after a 1-1 draw. Aaron Vasconcellos scored the first goal of the game in the 27th minute and a late goal off the boots of Jon Collins in the 39th tied things up.

Redeemer, Den Amstel and defending champions Enterprise Primary were the rulers on Day 3, when the Courts Optical Under-11 Pee Wee football tournament continued on Saturday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.

Defending champions Enterprise Primary sent a strong message once again, as Dontay Kowlessar netted five goals to set up a 6-1 victory over St Aloysius Primary. Kowlessar found the back of the net in the 10th, 13th, 16th, 18th and

22nd minute, while Solomon Leitch scored in the 36th for Enterprise’s sixth. Dorwin Williams netted St Aloysius’ consolation goal in the 14th minute.

Redeemer Primary had the biggest win of the day, defeating Leonora Primary 8-1. After Shirray Persaud’s opening goal in the first minute of the game, David DeCosta led the way for Redeemer with a hat-trick (7th, 13th, and 19th). Adiel Hamilton netted a brace in the 23rd and 28th, while Donald Choo-SheNam’s 20th minute strike completed the eight. Leonora’s lone

goal came off the boots of Bisram in the 11th minute.

Also enjoying a big win were Den Amstel Primary after facing Winfer Gardens Primary. The team effort on Den Amstel’s part saw Akroy DeSantos netting a brace in the 29th and 34th minutes, while Andrew Robin (9th); Kestor Jacobs (23rd); Kaden Trotman (30th) and Christian Mendonca (32nd) netted one goal each.

Malachi Ellis was the lone marksman for Winfer Gardens in the fifth minute.

In a close game, St Stephen’s

Primary got past Tapakuma 3-2. Kareem Milton netted a hattrick for St Stephens in the 24th, 26th and 36th minutes, while Andron Fredericks scored a double for Tapakuma in the 2nd and 39th.

Another close encounter saw St John the Baptist edging Soesdyke Primary 2-1. Kareem Welcome and Neymar Edwards were the ones responsible for St John the Baptist Primary’s goals in the 11th and 20th minutes respectively, while a late goal came off the boots of Dashawn Jhalu in the 36th, for Soesdyke.

Another one-man show saw Vandell Edinboro leading North Georgetown to victory against Belladrum Primary. Edinboro found the back of the net in the 27th and 35th minutes for the 2-0 win.

On the back of a Cristiano LaRose hat-trick in the 12th, 23rd and 36th minutes, Marian Academy pulled off a narrow 3-2 victory against All Saints Primary. Adrical Samuels scored twice for All Saints in the 11th and 20th.

By the same 3-2 margin, Westfield Prep overcame

Another 1-1 result came from the encounter between Colaaco and Annandale Primary. Malachi Haynes opened the scoring for Colaaco in the second minute, while Kareem King levelled the scores in the 17th. Meanwhile, FE Pollard and Friendship Primary Schools played to a stalemate.

To close the day’s action, a Cavon Peters strike in the 17th gifted St Gabriel’s Primary a 1-0 victory when they came up against Smith’s Memorial Primary.

The Courts Optical Pee Wee action will continue next Saturday at the same Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown venue.

5-star Santner and batters make it 2 in 2 for New Zealand

New Zealand's innings started with three maidens in a row, but ended with them bashing 50 off the last three overs, courtesy of Tom Latham, Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry, which propelled them to 322. Netherlands started the chase slowly and never shifted gears as they folded for 223, as New Zealand further consolidated their position at the top of the points table after making it two in two.

Player-of-the-Match

Santner, who clubbed an unbeaten 36 from 17 balls with the bat, then grabbed 5 for 59 with the ball, and in the process became the first New Zealand spinner to claim a five-for in a men's Oneday International (ODI) World Cup. He varied his pace consis tently on a spin-friendly pitch – exactly the trait which makes him threatening – and the high light of all his wickets was that of Scott Edwards'.

Santner slowed it down considerably and went with a wide line outside off to tempt Edwards off the fifth ball of the 35th over. The Netherlands Captain had cracked 12 off the three previous deliveries – in cluding a six and a four – and with the required rate mount ing, went slogging across the line, only for the ball to balloon back towards Santner. Thus, at 174 for 6, all of Netherlands' lit tle-remaining hopes of causing an upset vanished.

However, they had New Zealand in a tricky position with the ball at one stage. New Zealand lost 3 for 16 in the death overs – 238 for 3 in the 41st be-

came 254 for 6 in the 45th –but Latham kept defying the Netherlands bowlers at one end. From being 1 off 5 balls after 34 overs, he smashed 53 from 46 despite the slow and gripping nature of the pitch, which proved challenging for all incoming batters barring Latham.

Aryan Dutt had removed Mark Chapman to start the 45th over to leave Latham as New Zealand's only specialist batter, but Netherlands let it slip despite standing a chance of restricting New Zealand to under 300. Before that, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra

than massive ones. Either side of that partnership, Devon Conway and Young had begun with 67 from 73 balls before Conway fell heaving at Roelof van der Merwe, while Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell added 41 at better than a run a ball. Ravindra, who followed up a career-best 123* against England with 51 against Netherlands, struck at a strike rate of 100. His stay ended only when an agile Edwards moved to his right to gobble a tickle off van der Merwe in the

Mitchell ended up hitting 48, including five fours and two sixes. One of those maximums went over long-on, his 22nd six in the region between midon and mid-off out of his 24 in ODIs. But it is the runs from Young that would be a positive for New Zealand. He had fallen for 12 in the warm-up against South Africa just before the World Cup started, before strangling himself for a golden duck in the tournament opener against England.

took the toe end of the bat, but his innings had laid a solid foundation for New Zealand's total.

With a huge total to chase, the only time Netherlands' innings seemed to be tickling along steadily was when Ackermann and Teja Nidamanuru added 50 for the fourth wicket, before

a late decision by Ackermann to send Nidamanuru back after an attempted second run resulted in the latter's run-out. Other than Ackermann, who hit a composed 69, every other top-seven batter for Netherlands scored at least 12, but couldn't push beyond Edwards' 30. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

New Zealand (50 ovs maximum)

Devon Conway c de Leede

b van der Merwe 32

Will Young c de Leede

b van Meekeren 70

Rachin Ravindra c †Edwards

b van der Merwe 51

Daryl Mitchell

b van Meekeren 48

Tom Latham (c)†st †Edwards

b Dutt 53

Glenn Phillips c †Edwards

b de Leede 4

Mark Chapman c van der Merwe

b Dutt 5

Mitchell Santner not out 36

Matt Henry not out 10

Extras (lb 3, nb 2, w 8) 13

TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 6.44) 322/7

Did not bat: Lockie

Vikramjit Singh

b Henry 12

Max O'Dowd lbw

b Santner 16

Colin Ackermann c Henry

b Santner 69

Bas de Leede c Boult

b Ravindra 18

Teja Nidamanuru run out

(Ferguson/†Latham)21 26

Scott Edwards (c)†c & b Santner 30

Sybrand Engelbrecht c Conway

b Henry 29

Roelof van der Merwe c Henry

b Santner 1

Ryan Klein lbw b Santner 8

Aryan Dutt

b Henry 11

Paul van Meekeren not out 4

Eventually, New Zealand's innings would be defined by such stands at a steady rate rather

The highlight of Ravindra's innings, though, was him squeezing a low and dipping full toss just outside off for four between point and short third. Just one over earlier, Ravindra had a stroke of luck going his way when the umpire turned down Netherlands' appeal for lbw after a yorker from Ryan Klein trapped him in front, only for replays to show umpire's call on leg stump. While he got a life on 44, Mitchell was dropped on 22 by debutant Sybrand Engelbrecht two balls later.

Young had faced one maiden out of three which started New Zealand's innings, but raced away to 27 from 23 deliveries to make up for lost time in the powerplay. That run included five fours and a six, as he went about driving, clipping, slicing and lofting at balls. Young slowed down a bit as Netherlands used plenty of spin, but after getting to his fifty in the 20th over, he clobbered Colin Ackermann for a six over the bowler's head, with a follow-through that would please camerapersons. He fell for 70 off 80 balls when an attempted pull

Ferguson, Trent Boult

Fall of wickets: 1-67 (Devon

Conway, 12.1 ov), 2-144 (Will

Young, 26.1 ov), 3-185 (Rachin

Ravindra, 32.2 ov), 4-238 (Daryl

Mitchell, 40.1 ov), 5-247 (Glenn

Phillips, 41.4 ov), 6-254 (Mark

Chapman, 44.1 ov), 7-293 (Tom Latham, 48.4 ov) •

DRS

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Aryan Dutt 10-2-62-2

Ryan Klein 7-1-41-0

Paul van Meekeren 9-0-59-2

Roelof van der Merwe 9-0-56-2

Colin Ackermann 4-0-28-0

Bas de Leede 10-0-64-1

Vikramjit Singh 1-0-9-0

Netherlands (T: 323 runs from 50 ovs)

Extras (lb 1, nb 1,

8-198 (Ryan Klein, 41.1 ov), 9-218 (Sybrand Engelbrecht, 44.6 ov), 10-223 (Aryan Dutt, 46.3 ov) • DRS

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Trent Boult 8-0-34-0

Matt Henry 8.3-0-40-3

Mitchell Santner 10-0-59-5

Lockie Ferguson 8-0-32-0

Rachin Ravindra 10-0-46-1

Glenn Phillips 2-0-11-0

Scenes from the Under-11 tournament over the weekend

Will Young made a steady fifty in 59 balls Colin Ackermann finished with 69 off 73 balls

Former players, Club Coaches successfully complete coaching workshop

…new grassroots programme Access to be rolled out

Agroup of former players with experience in club coaching in Georgetown has transitioned into the role of Grassroots Coaches after completing an intensive workshop organised by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for the rollout of Access, a new national grassroots initiative.

The Coaching Department conducted the two-day comprehensive theoretical and practical training programme, on October 3 at the GFF Headquarters and on October 6 on the NIS Ground, both located in Georgetown.

The football stalwarts Gordon Braithwaite, Dennis Hunte, Vibert Butts, Colin Tasher, Lloyd Smith and Troy Wright were immersed in the Federation's national youth coaching philosophy and provided with thorough instruction and guidance on the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective coaches and mentors for the GFF Access Grassroots Programme.

GFF President Wayne Forde explained that the Access Grassroots Programme was an additional component integrated into the existing youth development initiatives to foster greater participation of boys

and girls between the ages of five and twelve in football, with particular focus on inner city communities.

The GFF’s current grassroots initiatives are funded through the Members Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP) and encompass a range of programmes, including the nine regional Academy Training Centres (ATCs), Regional Associations’ year-round Grassroot Programmes and football clubs, which are now being trained and resourced to integrate grassroots activities into their youth development programmes.

“Grassroots football is where the dream begins for every child. The first time

they experience the game of football, the quality of that experience usually influences whether they will remain as a lifelong player or fan. Grassroots is where we usually identify talent in its earliest form, but this is more than talent identification, this is really about growing participation by granting children more access to football,”” President Forde shared.

“Our long-term goal is to have weekly grassroots activities being organised within our ATC programme, by our regional football associations and by our football clubs. If we’re able to get complete buy-in, we will rapidly multiply the number of young boys

and girls involvement in football. The Access grassroots initiative is an additional tier of the grassroots ecosystem we are building in order to widen the catchment area for young children, who, because of various challenges, may not be part of the established football structure.”

The coaching workshop was held by GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph, Coach

Joseph added that the Federation would roll out the initiative as a pilot programme and will employ a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation component to guide the na tional rollout in the coming months.

“The programme is off to a great start. We’ve had a theoretical session where we have

bile, travelling from one venue to another, in order to train young individuals in the fundamental skills of the sport. The GFF will furnish each coach with an adequate supply of grassroots equipment to be able to execute the programme wherever they chose to.

“The whole programme is going to be based on these coaches being mobile, not being at one particular ground but moving from venue to venue to conduct sessions,” Joseph said.

Education Officer Lyndon France and Coach Mentor Linsworth Gilbert. Various aspects of coaching were covered, including child safeguarding, grassroots structure, technical development, the grassroots player and coach, and the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

gone through with these stalwarts what are the expectations of the programme, what we expect from them and the overall objectives of what we’re trying to achieve. We’ve been able to spend some time discussing child safeguarding, the structure and also ways how they can connect with individual communi-

Coach Braithwaite said he was happy to “be a part of this and I hope by the next six months we can hope to see a great improvement in football at this level.”

The GFF is committed to empowering aspiring young footballers through its grassroots initiatives by providing them with access to knowledgeable coaches, a safe learning environment and adequate football resources so that they can excel in the sport.

LGC President Persaud takes the crown in 2nd Flight

The action on the final day of the Suriname Open did not disappoint.

The Guyanese team brought their 'A' game and posed a formidable challenge to the Surinamese team. In the end it was Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) President Patanjilee Persaud who stood out, after claiming first place in the second flight. Avinash Persaud and Shanella London bagged second overall best gross for males and females respectively. While Sabi Dhori took second place in her flight and

Eureka Giddings took the longest drive prize.

The Guyanese contingent played with great fervor and persistence as the tournament reached its final stages.

Speaking at the end of the tournament was LGC President Persaud, who said, "You know, I would say golf

has become so competitive. As for my performance I thought it was excellent. I put a lot into it. But I feel, I really feel that the challenge of the greens was much more. I'm sorry we didn't retain the championship trophy for Flights A and C. However, I am still grateful that we were able to claim second place for those categories."

Persaud also mentioned that it was sad to see the ladies not excelling to the point of catching the number one trophy. However, he noted that it was still a great tournament for both the men and the ladies.

"The tournament was lots of fun and we saw a lot of Guyanese coming out and we just want to thank

Surinamese for being so hospitable," Persaud shared.

The two days of action were nothing short of miraculous, as the Guyana contingent put their heart and soul into every stroke on the course.

As expected, golfers from all over, including Suriname, will participate in the GTT Guyana Open tournament at the LGC at the end of October.

They will be competing against the locals, who will also be vying for glory.

The results of the tournament are as follows:

Flight A: Mike Mangal –4th; Avinash Persaud – 5th; Vishal Dhani – 11th; Rakesh

Harry – 20th; Miguel Yunes –22nd and Andre Cummings –23rd

Flight B: Patanjilee

Persaud – 1st; Pope Emanuel London – 4th; Brian Hackett – 5th; Rohan Albert – 6th; Lakeram Ramsundar – 9th and Roy Dhori – 10th

Flight C: Carlos Adams –3rd

Flight D: Shanella London – 3rd

Flight E: Sabi Dhori –2nd; Eureka Giddings – 3rd

Senior

A look at the Coaches who have completed the workshop, alongside GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph

A glimpse of the Coaches workshop in action

The Guyanese team pose with their prizes

Avinash Persaud got the second best Overall Gross for males

LGC President Patanjilee Persaud claimed first place in the B Flight

Invitational Golf billed for October 28-29

The GTT Business Solutions Invitational Golf Tournament for 2023 officially commenced with a cheque handover ceremony held at GTT’s corporate headquarters, Pegasus, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

GTT's Sales Director, Hilton Wong presented a sponsorship cheque valued at $4,500,000 to Patanjilee Persaud, President of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC).

The Tournament, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the LGC, will begin with a welcome and cocktail ceremony on Friday, October 27 along with a practice session during the day, and is expected to draw over 70 participants from Guyana, the USA, Canada, Suriname, and Barbados, competing in both male and female categories.

Orson Ferguson, Chief Operations Officer of Business Solutions at GTT, stated that the company prides itself on serving as the title sponsor for the Tournament. In line with the vision echoed during GTT's recent partnership with Fortinet Guyana and the LGC to host the inaugural Golf Carnival, he expressed, “We want corporate Guyana to have a

space where they can come together to share ideas and network.”

He further highlighted that GTT's commitment to building partnerships and fostering relationships within the business community remains steadfast. He pointed out, “We want businesses to know that GTT Business Solutions is committed to supporting events like these that give them an opportunity to gain contacts, and establish strategic partnerships of their own – from a simple game of golf.”

LGC President Persaud emphasised the role of golf in facilitating connections among businessmen and women. He expressed, “A golf tournament is indeed the perfect forum to bring

Kares “October Showdown” goes down this Sunday

The Kares Crossfit Group has put a twist on the traditional Crossfit games, as they introduce the “October Showdown” next Sunday, October 15, 2023.

The brand-new competition is tailored for Crossfit teams (scaled and elite) and novice only, while the strongmen will also get the opportunity to flex their muscles.

During the launch on Saturday last at the Kares Gym, Irving Street,

ment of people in the whole, now a step away from the traditional games is a good initiative and we are so proud to be on the platform to sponsor and support you guys,” Lucozade Brand Representative Krissoff Stoll shared.

businessmen and women together. Golf is definitely not just any sport, it provides a huge opportunity for business and networking.”

He also noted that golf as a sport imparts valuable life lessons. Persaud added, “We want persons to become more interested in the sport and so we are happy to partner with GTT on this upcoming tournament.”

The tournament is limited to 72 players and registration closes on October 25. The format of the game is expected to be medal play by flights (ladies and men), with prizes being won for each flight. Persons who are desirous of entering the competition can contact the club’s office on 220-5660.

Georgetown, it was revealed that competitors from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Suriname are expected to come up against Guyana’s best athletes.

With a slew of sponsors on board, major entities such as ANSA McAL and Digicel Guyana have voiced their support.

Digicel’s Public Relations Manager, Gabriella Chapman shared, “Our company is committed to connecting people and what better way to showcase the power of connectivity, than through the Crossfit community, where you athletes from around

the world, you come together to push your limits and inspire others, just as you inspire each and every one of us.

“However, we’re so excited to be part of this experience and I’m excited to witness the championships competition next Sunday. Our company, we’re very much thrilled to be part of this event.”

“Just want you to know that Lucozade is committed to this competition and to give you the energy. And also, the other brands that we have in this competition as well; we’re here to support you in whatever way we can. At ANSA, we are dedicated to the develop-

While renowned Crossfit athlete Dillon Mahadeo is expected to be at Sunday’s event, he will be present for the purpose of mentoring other athletes throughout the games.

The competition will be split in two parts with swimming at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal from 06:00h and later, the other events will take place at the National Park, Georgetown, beginning at 11:00h.

General tickets are on sale for $1000 with VIP tickets going for $5000. Other sponsors include Assuria Insurance, Farm Supply Ltd, Mix 90.1FM, Builders Lumber Yard, Yellow Mines Hydraulics, GUYTRAC, Lotus Hardware, Fitness Express, Babe Cave, International SOS (Medical Partners) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Hikers Women, GBTI GCC, Saints, Bounty GCC bag wins

…As First-Division Hockey tournament opens with pomp and splendour

Hockey came to the spotlight on Sunday evening, as the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) commenced its annual Farfan & Mendes and Woodpecker Products Men’s and Women’s FirstDivision Leagues at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The games will start at 16:00h with the game day set for every Sunday, featuring six teams with defending men’s and women’s champions GBTI and Bounty GCC, Woodpecker Hikers, Saints, Pepsi Hikers, and YMCA Old Fort.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, at the launch ceremony, urged the participants to carry the sport nationally throughout the entire country with indoor facilities being constructed.

“I am confident that hockey has the potential, but it cannot move forward in the space that it is right now to become a real na-

tional sport with just being based here and just the numbers you have here, so how Governments function and how we have to respond it’s a numbers game. The numbers if you have a really large constituency, we have no choice but to respond and that is why I'm putting out a challenge to all of the teams that you have here and to the federation and I know there are many people who have been in this sport for a long time, but I know you guys have been connected to the sport for a very long time and a sport you have given everything as part of your passion towards the development of the sport, now you have a very special and golden opportunity and I'm going to encourage all of the senior players to start to work with the federation so that you can develop clubs outside of the clubs that you have right now,” Ramson shared.

The Sport Minister added, “I am giving you also the commitment to also the pur-

chasing of hockey gear that you can use towards the distribution into other communities once I know that the clubs that we have here have taken on a role and responsibility to see that those clubs are sustained and develop trajectory because the investment that we’re making and that you’re making must give its return and the returns, is that you need to take your sport national.”

In the night's first match,

the Woodpecker Hikers Women performed to secure their first win against YMCA Old Fort with a scoreline reading 4-0.

Hikers’ Trinity Greaves was phenomenal in the field, breaking the momentum of the Fort to score the first goal in the 23’ followed by her teammate Jasmine Assanah striking the puck at the back of the 34’.

The second match of the

night saw the GBTI GCC starting off their campaign on high to secure a win against Saints Women with the scoreline at the end of the game 2-1.

The game started off with both teams sharing the attempts on goal; the goalkeepers were phenomenal, but Paige Fernandes managed to put the GCC outfit up as she scored in the 19’ followed by a strike in the final quarter of the game in the 55’.

Tekiesha Deleon with a strike in the 58’ managed to give their team hope of a comeback, but was eventually the lone goal scorer for the Saints Women.

The Saints Men with an exhilarating performance bagged their first win against the pulsating Pepsi Hikers, with one goal being the decider with the score 2-1.

The Hikers showed the young and exhilarating Saints the power of experience as they managed to

pass the ball through their defences as Shane Samuels scored in the 3’.

Under the leadership of National Coach Robert Fernandes, the Saints outfit kept their composure and pierced the Hikers’ defence on two occasions with Baraka Garnett in the 36’ and Javid Hussain in the 43’.

The night's final match saw the Bounty GCC starting off their campaign on high to secure a win against YMCA Old Fort Men with the scoreline at the end of the game 2-1.

The game started off with both teams sharing the attempts on goal; the goalkeepers were phenomenal, but Warren Williams managed to put the YMCA outfit up as she scored in the 30’.

Meshach Sargeant for GCC replied with a strike in the final quarter of the game in the 44’ and another goal from Dwayne Scott for the GCC secured the win in the 63’.(Omar McKenzie)

From left: GTT's Sales Director, Hilton Wong and Lusignan Golf Club President Patanjilee Persaud

National Sports Commission Chairman Kashif Muhammad graced the “October Showdown” launch

The “October Showdown” was launched over the weekend

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr at the launch ceremony

Experienced left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul has been named captain of the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) team for this year’s CG Insurance Regional Super50 Tournament scheduled to commence on October 17 in Trinidad and Tobago.

WicketkeeperTevin Imlach as Permaul’s The squad in cludes West Indies play ers Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, and Kevin Sinclair.

The 14-man squad will play two practice matches against a ‘Rest Team’ today, Tuesday, October 10 at GCC and Thursday, October 12 at the Guyana National Stadium, after which the reserves players will be selected. The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) also revealed that Keemo Paul has not recovered from the injury he sustained during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) hence his exclusion from the squad.

The GCB has requested players to be at GCC for 07:30h today. Matches start at 09:00h.

The GHE squad reads:

(1) Tagenarine Chanderpaul

(2) Kemol Savory

(3) Tevin Imlach (vice-Captain)

(4) Veerasammy Permaul (Captain)

(5)Kevlon Anderson

(6) Shimron Hetmyer

(7) Sherfane Rutherford

(8) Kevin Sinclair

(9) Gudakesh Motie

(10) Ronsford Beaton

(11) Nial Smith

(12) Quentin Samson

(13) Chandrapaul Hemraj

(14) Romario Shepherd

Head Coach – Ryan Hercules

Manager – Albert Clements

Assistant Coach – Garvin Nedd

Physiotherapist –Angelica Holder

GCB ‘Rest Team’

1. Junior Sinclair

2 .Anthony Adams

3 .Shamar Joseph

4 .Raymond Perez

5 .Mavenda Dindyal

6 .Malcom Hubbard

7 .Neiland Cadogan

8 .Richie Looknauth

9 .Neiland Cadogan

10. Steven Sankar

11. Ronaldo Ali Mohamed

12 .Carlos La Rose

13 .Nigel Deodat

14 .Rampertab Ramnauth

15 .Joshua Persaud

16 .Akshaya Persaud

17. Christopher Barnwell

18 .Isiah Thorne

Veerasammy Permaul will lead the side for the Regional Super50

Sherfane Rutherford

Kevin Sinclair

Vice Captain Tevin Imlach

Shimron Hetmyer