Guyana Times - Tuesday, October 24, 2023

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Issue No. 5532

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023

Venezuela’s national referendum questions on Essequibo region amount to annexation of Guyana’s territory – Govt ...country calls attention of international community as Venezuela's actions can incite violence; threaten peace, security of Guyana

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P12 Water catchments created as dry season affects supply

Husband P15 remanded for wife’s murder

Page 3

“Challenges of NIS have to be resolved P14 now” – Chairman

Omai discovers multiple gold zones at Wenot P14 mine

New US Ambassador to Guyana accredited

…studies for economic assessment of finds underway

New United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole D Theriot presented her Letters of Credence to President Dr Irfaan Ali, at the Office of the President on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown on Monday. Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Elisabeth Harper, were also at the ceremony (Office of the President photo)

Govt launches investigation into illegal gold trade …miners warned of dire consequences Page 7

Page 2

Engineer on $500,000 bail for attempted murder of fiancée

"Kaieteur Block has a lot of P9 potential" – ExxonMobil even after decision to leave

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Engineer on $500,000 bail for attempted murder of fiancée A

n engineer attached to the Regional Democratic Council of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) was on Monday charged with the attempted murder of his fiancée.

Neil Madramootoo, 29, of Shoe Lane, New Amsterdam appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Peter Hugh via Zoom, where he was not required to plea to the indictable charge.

It is alleged that on October 1, at Williamsburg, Corentyne, he shot Ashmin Mahadeo in an attempt to

Injured: Ashmin Mahadeo

kill her.

The court was told that the 32-year-old woman is Madramootoo’s fiancée.

Police Prosecutor Lance Corporal Vedesh Jattan told the court that detectives were able to get a statement from Mahadeo, from her hospital bed, in which she claimed it was Madramootoo who shot her.

The court was told that the firearm was discovered at the crime scene.

According to the prosecutor, the injured woman is still in a critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Hospital.

He asked the court not to allow the accused pre-trial liberty.

However, Attorney-atLaw Tejnarine Ramoop, who is defending the accused, in mitigating for the accused to be granted bail, argued that the incident occurred since October 1.

He told the court that it was the accused that took the victim to the hospital.

The Magistrate, before granting bail, asked the prosecutor who a statement was taken from if the woman is still critical.

Charged: Neil Madramootoo

The prosecution assured the court that a video recording of the statement is available and that it was obtained last Friday.

Ramroop in his petition for the court to grant bail, also highlighted that the accused is an engineer working with the Agriculture Ministry for Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Bail was set at $500,000 on the conditions that Madramootoo lodges his

passport with the court and that he reports to the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam every other week.

The matter will come up again on November 8 at the Albion Magistrate’s Court.

Following the shooting, it had been reported that Mahadeo was discovered with a gunshot wound to her neck at her home at Williamsburg, Corentyne, and was rushed to a hos-

pital in Berbice an unconscious state. Reports are that the bullet entered from the back of the neck and exited through the jaw. She was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she remains.

Police have since gathered evidence in relation to an illegal firearm that was found in the house where the shooting incident took place. Ballistics tests were also done.

At the time of the shooting, the couple was packing items in Madramootoo’s company vehicle to be taken to a location in Port Mourant where the couple’s bridal shower was expected to take place.

According to Police, the fiancé initially told her relatives that he did not know what transpired and allegedly suggested that it might have been a robbery.

He had claimed that he did not know where Mahadeo’s cell phone was.

He also claimed that his cell phone was missing.

However, both phones were subsequently discovered in a vehicle. The couple was slated to get married later this month. (G4)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, Oct 24 – 00:30h – 02:00h and Wednesday, Oct 25 – 01:30h – 03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, Oct 24 – 12:50h – 14:20h and Wednesday, Oct 25 – 13:50h – 15:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

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

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

Winds: East North-Easterly to South SouthEasterly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 13:10h reaching a maximum height of 2.31 metres.

Low Tide: 06:33h and 07:05h reaching minimum heights of 0.88 metre and 0.91 metre.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023

LOTTERY NUMBERS F

04

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2023 DAILY MILLIONS

14 18 26

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955

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Crude Oil

$90.52/barrel

+0.77

Rough Rice London Sugar

$295.56/ton $743.70/ton

-0.36 +2.37

Live Spot Gold Bid/Ask Low/High Change

Change %

USD Per Ounce $1972.80 $1969.70 +0.50

$1973.80 $1983.40 +0.03

Venezuela’s national referendum questions on Essequibo region amount to annexation of Guyana’s territory

...country calls attention of international community as Venezuela's actions can incite violence; threaten peace, security of Guyana

T

he Government of Guyana on Monday evening, said that it has taken careful note of the issuance by the National Electoral Council of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela of five questions to be asked in the national referendum scheduled for December 3, 2023.

In a statement issued, the Government said that among other questions, all of which are intended to further Venezuela’s unlawful and unfounded claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s national territory, “question five is the most pernicious: it brazenly seeks the approval of the Venezuelan people of the creation of a new Venezuelan State consisting of Guyana’s Essequibo region, which would be incorporated into the national territory of Venezuela, and the granting of Venezuelan citizenship to the population.”

This, the Guyana Government said, amounts to nothing less than “the annexation of Guyana’s territory, in blatant violation of the most fundamental rules of the UN Charter, the OAS Charter and general international law. Such a seizure of Guyana’s territory would constitute the international crime of aggression.”

“The Government of Guyana categorically rejects any attempt to undermine the territorial integrity of the sovereign State of Guyana. The Government finds abhorrent that the Essequibo re-

President Dr Irfaan Ali

gion which forms part of the territory of Guyana in accordance with the 1899 Arbitral Award that demarcated the boundaries of the States of Venezuela and then British Guiana, should be ‘created’ into a State within Venezuela,” the Government of Guyana’s statement read.

Further, it states that the Government rejects the internationally unlawful act to put forward the ‘granting of citizenship and Venezuelan identity cards in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and international law’. “It is by way of the Geneva Agreement and the principles of international law that the question of the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899 has been put before the International Court of Justice. That Court has ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear this case.

Guyana has repeatedly encouraged Venezuela to participate in the case.”

“The people of Guyana remain resolute against any threats to the sovereign-

ty and territorial integrity of their country. Neither the Government or the people of one country have the right in international law to seize, annexe or take the territory of another country.

International law emphatically prohibits this,” the statement read.

The Government of Guyana on Monday evening called the attention of the international community to the actions being carried out by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, “which have the potential to incite violence and to threaten the peace and security of the State of Guyana and by extension the Caribbean Region.”

Increased presence at border

Only on Thursday last, the reports on social media of increased Venezuelan military activity at Guyana’s borders, that were being attributed by Venezuela to their efforts to curb illegal mining, was reported by Guyana to its international and regional partners.

In a statement, it was explained by the Government that it has been taking careful note of the various reports of increased Venezuelan military activity close to Guyana’s borders.

The reports had suggested that Venezuelan military has been conducting exercises at Eteringbang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and has been on the move with pieces of their equipment.

Reaffirming that every

Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro

report is taken seriously and that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has been reviewing these reports, the Government had explained that they reached out to the Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Amador Pérez Silva, to demand an explanation.

“To this end, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation requested today an explanation of the Venezuelan Ambassador who claimed that the mobilisation of troops was geared towards curbing illegal mining operations,” the Government said in its statement on October 18.

Notwithstanding Venezuela’s explanation, however, the Government made it clear that Venezuela’s increased military activities close to the border, has been reported to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government and other international partners.

TURN TO PAGE 8

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023

Views

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

Critical thinking E

ducation should not be based solely on the amount of book knowledge stored in the brain, called banking, or by rote learning, but on critical thinking, the ability to create knowledge within the domain of practice, praxis. By extension, metacognitive and metalinguistic reasoning skills are part of this critical thinking. Within this framework, multiculturally-designed curricula (the Australian model is exemplary) should define the instructional objectives, standards, and goals of each unit, with teachers having a significant input, especially at the school level, to bolster grasp and ownership.

Besides direct subject content built into curriculum planning, skill sets and standards that foster intelligence, analysis, and synthesis have to be taught and modelled continuously, especially given that they are neither static nor immutable. The pedagogy of Pablo Freire is a good starting point in this respect.

For some time now the Education Ministry has sought to strengthen instructional leadership and promote equitable learning via culturally responsive and effective instructional output and accountability. Within this context, the Ministry must enable methodologies that inculcate all of the above and cater to various learning styles, pace, and intelligence types of all students. The Workshop Model, for example, is a methodology that pushes students to be creative and responsible for their own learning. It enables students to take charge of their own learning, become active and engaged in their work and development of understanding. It also is a language-inclusive approach that fosters language learning regardless of the subject content. And it can be supplemented by various other approaches that may include: Alternative Teaching: a co-teaching model in which one teacher works with a small group of students as the other teacher instructs the large group.

Peer Instruction: students work in pairs or small groups engaged in active learning from, and teaching to, their partners or the rest of the group. According to physicist and educator Eric Mazur of Harvard University, students are able to explain it in terms that other students can easily understand.

Small Group Work: gives students the opportunity to engage in process skills that are critical for processing information, solving problems, and evaluating management skills and self-responsibility through the use of roles within groups; assessment skills involved in assessing options to make decisions about their group’s final answers and presentation skills, as each group must present to the whole class.

Flipped Classroom: the teacher acts as a facilitator, monitoring students’ progress on assigned work, and stepping in to help when they get stuck.

Project-Based Learning: students engage in projects, and are responsible for doing their own research and solving problems for themselves, with minimum guidance. Class time is devoted to group collaboration and class presentation of completed projects and what students have learned along the way.

Similarly, multiple evaluation yardsticks should be applied: standardised tests, often the only one used; project-based assessments; performance assessments; group work assessments; portfolios; game-based assessments; conferencing assessments, and peer and self-assessments that include use of checklists and rubrics.

In keeping with the physical and psychological needs of students, each teacher and school should be equipped with the necessary tools and mechanisms to promote inclusive learning, especially in depressed regions of the country. In addition to those mentioned above, other inclusive learning strategies include cooperative learning, independent practice, tiered lessons, and differentiated instructions; while fostering mechanisms include self-contained special education classes, homework help centres, resource rooms, push-in and pullout services, and Individualised Education Plans (IEPs).

Finally, whole personality development via a pedagogical approach (emotional intelligence and fitness; character building, especially values and ethics; coping skills, including mental toughness, self-esteem, self-confidence, handling challenges and dealing with peer pressure; social fitness, including social responsibility, affirming norms, anti-violence, civic-mindedness, problem solving and decision-making skills) in the education process can reduce cognitive impoverishment and social and emotional under-skilling, thereby enabling both egalitarianism and equity in the education process.

This should thus not be outsourced to take place in a piecemeal, occasional manner, but be built into the instructional structure and possibly as a component to the curricula.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, along with Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, on Sunday evening joined worshippers at the Alexander Village Mandir for a Navaratri Satsang (Office of the President photo)

United action towards a greener, secure future

By Didier Trebucq and Vincent Sweeny

I

n the heart of the Latin American and Caribbean region where the vibrant cultures and rich biodiversity intersect, the United Nations Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week (LACCW) has been convened, from October 23 to 27, 2023 hosted by the Government of Panama.

Leaders, activists, policymakers and experts from across the region will assemble to take stock on the critical challenges of climate change ahead of COP28 in Dubai. LACCW is a call to regional action on four priority areas: i) energy systems and industry; ii) cities, urban and rural settlements, infrastructure and transport; iii) land, ocean, food and water; and iv) societies, health, livelihoods and economies.

The consequences of climate change are felt acutely in the 29 Caribbean Small-Island Developing States (SIDS) that have experienced record high temperatures, with consequent impacts from rising sea levels, devastating hurricanes, longer dry seasons and droughts, which affect economies, populations and livelihoods. Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean SIDS are among the smallest and most vulnerable,

with small, open economies that have been beset by recent external shocks such as the 2008 global financial and 2020 COVID-19 crises. Caribbean SIDS also grapple with decades of unsustainable practices in development, production and infrastructure that have, over decades, spewed solid waste and effluent pollution into sensitive terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Combined with climate effects, these threaten the resilience of ecosystems which provide frontline protection in coastal areas.

In a 2023 Caribbean survey on SIDS challenges conducted by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the highest category of reported concerns cited were “adverse effects of climate change” (15%), followed by “loss of biodiversity” (11%), and “natural disasters” (8.7%). Climate change disproportionately affects the poorest, most marginalised, and vulnerable communities. Women and children often lack access to resources and assets to cope with disasters.

Poverty levels in Eastern Caribbean SIDS average 24.6 per cent[1], while women tend to be unemployed at higher rates and paid at lower levels than men, which increases their vulnerability. Most of the poor are employed in tour-

ism and agriculture – sectors that are particularly vulnerable to external events. Small-scale landholders and producers are also increasingly vulnerable due to high levels of income dependence on degraded agriculture lands and fishing stocks. It is essential to protect and empower these communities to become more resilient by involving them in coordinated disaster preparedness and response, early warning systems, and investing in climate-resilient livelihoods and social safety nets. This also means investing in education and public awareness, ensuring that everyone knows the role they can play in turning the tide against global warming and reducing the severity of future climate impacts.

The theme of this year’s LACCW is "Building a Resilient and Inclusive Future in Latin America and the Caribbean." The theme is more apt than ever for reinvigorating the battle against climate change and leveraging the power of the collective to build a resilient and inclusive future. The 2023 LACCW will bring together multiple institutions and national stakeholders to gather the sentiments and core messages for action that the region will take to COP28 as well as the upcoming

Fourth International SIDS Conference in 2024.

Caribbean communities are already experiencing the effects of climate change, and quick action must be taken to learn, adapt and prepare for these changes.

Infrastructure must be strengthened to withstand extreme weather events, sustainable agriculture practices adopted, and cities reinforced to be more climate resilient.

Mitigation is also key to combating climate change.

Although the region is not among those that have historically emitted the most greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, we must take proactive steps to reduce our carbon emissions. This involves transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources, such as wind, geothermal and solar power, and promoting sustainable options across all sectors.

Consequently, access to climate finance, especially for adaptation, is essential to build resilience, but unfortunately the Caribbean SIDS do not have sufficient financing to support their investment needs.

This should be addressed with utmost priority and both the Bridgetown initiative promoted by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and the UN Secretary General’s SDG Stimulus plan provide most needed financing solutions.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023

5

News

Chevron to buy Hess for US$53B C

hevron has agreed to buy US oil and gas producer Hess in a $53bn all-stock deal, doubling down on its bet that demand for fossil fuels will remain robust for decades to come. The deal — the biggest in Chevron’s history — gives Hess an enterprise value, including debt, of $60bn and delivers the supermajor a foothold in Guyana, home to the biggest oil discovery of the past decade. It comes as a rush of merger and acquisition activity begins to sweep through the US energy sector as companies look to deploy the bumper profits created by the energy crisis. Chevron’s rival ExxonMobil agreed to acquire Texas shale producer Pioneer Natural Resources earlier this month for an enterprise value of $64bn.

Mike Wirth, Chevron chief executive, said the oil industry was entering a consolidation phase and the Hess deal offered the company a “unique and compelling opportunity” to bulk up its offshore presence through the Guyana assets while also entering the Bakken shale formation of North Dakota, a prolific though declining basin. “Ours is an industry, especially as you get into the shale patch, that was due for some consolidation,” he said on Monday.

“We’ve got too many CEOs per BOE [barrels of oil equivalent] when you look

across the whole spectrum.” Shares of Chevron, the second most valuable western oil producer, with a market capitalisation on Friday of $318bn, fell 3 per cent. Shares in Hess, whose market capitalisation was $50bn, rose 0.3 per cent. The proposed sale price represents a 10 per cent premium over the average of Hess’s shares over the previous 20 days, but only a 5 per cent premium over its close on Friday.

The oil and gas industry is facing an uncertain future as developed countries attempt to sharply reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. But Chevron and ExxonMobil, the US energy majors, have bet heavily on what they argue will be the long-term resilience of oil and gas demand. The stance is in contrast to some European energy majors, such as BP and TotalEnergies,

which are increasing investments in renewable energy at a faster pace than their US peers. The Hess acquisition will increase Chevron’s oil and gas output by more than 10 per cent. Chevron produced almost 3mn barrels of oil equivalent a day in the second quarter, while Hess produced 387,000 boepd — up from 344,000 in 2022 as production has increased in Guyana. Alex Beeker, analyst at Wood Mackenzie, said Chevron’s purchase of Hess helped to diversify Chevron’s portfolio of oil assets, which until now have been very concentrated in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico. “Chevron, when compared to Exxon and the European majors, is underweight deepwater assets and they have been looking for a while to spread out this con-

centration risk,” he said.

In an interview with the Financial Times that took place last month, Wirth defended the company’s plans to continue growing its output of oil and gas, arguing that Chevron was “not selling a product that is evil. We’re selling a product that’s good.” He criticised forecasts from the International Energy Agency, the developed world’s energy watchdog, showing fossil fuel demand peaking before the end of this decade. “I don’t think they’re remotely right,” Wirth told the Financial Times. “You can build scenarios, but we live in the real world, and have to allocate capital to meet real-world demands.” Hess’s assets include a 30 per cent stake in a 6.6mnacre, 11bn-barrel offshore oil exploration scheme in Guyana — where ExxonMobil is the lead operator — and the 465,000acre Bakken shale project. Hess’s chief executive John Hess, who is expected to join Chevron’s board, said the merger would create a “premier integrated energy company”. The relatively small premium for Hess partly reflects the fact its shares were close to an all-time high, according to analysts. John Hess’s change of heart regarding a sale may be another reason. “Hess has been touted as a potential target for

the supermajors for some time,” said Mark Kelly at MKP Advisors. “It had been mainly the stance of John Hess as a non-seller that was perceived as the reason why this has not happened before. Entering his 70th year, it seems he has got to the point where he sees [the] transition [of] Hess to a new ownership structure is appropriate.”

Analysts said they did not expect significant antitrust issues with the deal, given the limited overlap between the companies’ assets.

Guyana’s production has soared from nothing before 2019 to an average of 260,000 barrels a day last year, according to the US Energy Information Administration, and is expected to approach 480,000 b/d next year.

Wood Mackenzie forecasts peak production of 1.5mn b/d of production by 2033 — more than that of many Opec countries.

As part of the deal, which is expected to close in the first half of next year, Chevron said it would issue about 317mn shares.

The companies estimated cost savings of about $1bn within a year of closing, while Chevron said it expected to increase asset sales and raise proceeds of between $10bn and $15bn by the end of 2028, before tax.

The combined company’s capital expenditures would be between $19bn and $22bn.

Prior to the announcement, Wirth had told the FT that big deals were “more difficult today”, noting companies were better run than they were when Chevron bought Texaco for $36bn in 2000.

“Could it happen? I think it probably could,” he said, but he highlighted the regulatory and integration challenges associated with big deals.

(Financial Times)

United action towards...

FROM PAGE 4

The UN Eastern Caribbean Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) 2022-2026 provides a robust framework for UN assistance in the sub-region. For example, the promotion of sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, and identifying suitable policy frameworks for sustainable transportation and energy-efficient buildings.

The UN is also working to improve the resilience of communities through strengthening early warning systems, disaster preparedness and responsive social protection mechanisms. Despite this valuable work, efforts must be scaled up so the sub-region can build a resilient and inclusive future.

This may seem like a huge task, however, progress can be accelerated by taking small steps to accelerate the transition to clean energy, leverage natural resources for sustainable solutions and protect and

empower vulnerable communities.

To combat climate change effectively, we must come together as a region.

Climate change does not respect class, race, borders, or boundaries. It is a global problem that requires a collective response.

As we observe LACCW, let us be reminded of the tremendous benefits to be gleaned from collaborating as countries and communities to promote public awareness, share knowledge, pool resources ,and work towards common goals. By strengthening our collective response, we can find innovative solutions to address the biggest threat to mankind – as we endeavour to preserve people and planet.

(Didier Trebucq is UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean; Vincent Sweeny is Head, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Caribbean Sub-Regional Office)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:30 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:05 13:35 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 00:00

(Sign on) Anthony's Navratri Special Cartoons Evening News (RB) Stay Woke Guy's Grocery Games BBC Travel Show Stop Suffering Paternity Court Divorce Court Movie - Monster Family (2017) Movie Wheel of Fortune Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir S4 E24 The Tom and Jerry Show S1 E25 Indian Soaps Sydney to the Max S1 E1 Austin & Ally S2 E11 The Young & The Restless CNN Teaching the Truth in Love The Evening News Stop Suffering Stand-up Comedy Dynasty S4 E3 Blacklist S8 E4 The Vampire Diaries S8 E12 Sign off

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions

by Charles Guigna

Pigs are playful Pigs are pink Pigs are smarter than you think.

Pigs are slippery Pigs are stout Pigs have noses Called a snout.

Pigs are pudgy Pigs are plump Pigs can run But never jump.

Materials

Soft rock medium grade sandpaper white sheet of paper

Procedure

1) Over a white sheet of paper, briskly rub the surface of a soft rock

with a piece of medium grade sandpaper.

2) Observe how much of the rock rubs off onto the paper.

What is happening: This experiment illustrates the influence of sandy winds on rock. It is one way rocks can be eroded. Wind erosion

is also a problem in farmland. The greatest historical example is the Dust Bowl of the 1930s that literally blew away the soil of Midwestern farms.

Example: On some coasts, sandy winds erode and reshape sandstone cliffs. (oregonaitc.org)

Pigs are loyal Pigs are true.

Pigs don’t care for Barbecue.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt launches investigation into illegal gold trade …miners warned of dire consequences

I

n light of dropping gold declarations that are at odds with the investments being made in the sector, the Natural Resources Ministry has announced that an investigation will be launched into whether gold smuggling/illegal trade is responsible for this disparity.

This was announced in a statement on Monday, in which the Ministry reminded miners that they are required to sell all the gold they find to licensed gold dealers/traders or to the Guyana Gold Board.

The Ministry further reminded them that it is illegal to purchase gold without the requisite licence. According to the Ministry, the relevant agencies are tasked with ensuring the laws surrounding the selling of gold are upheld and further, an investigation has been launched into the disparity in gold declarations and investments.

“Emanating from a recent analysis and assessment, the Government of Guyana has noted the significant difference between the production of gold and the declaration/sale of gold to licensed gold dealers, traders, and/or the Guyana Gold Board,” the Ministry said.

“This is evident from the reduction in gold declaration to date when compared to current mining activities and concomitant investment within the sector. In this regard, an investigation has been launched aimed at having those involved in such action face the full force of the law.”

According to the Ministry, persons found to be in breach will face the full force of the law. This, according to the Ministry, can even lead to miners with existing claims losing their holdings in addition to being prosecuted.

“Persons in breach of this legal requirement will be prosecuted, and in the case of miners with existing property tenures within the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), they may be in jeopardy of losing such tenures. Miners culpable of selling gold to unlicensed dealers/traders, in addition to being prosecuted, may be restricted from the mining sector,” the Ministry’s strongly worded statement read.

In July, there had been reports that Brazilian federal authorities had launched an investigation into a Guyanese businessman suspected of laundering millions worth of illegally mined gold into that country.

The probe was initiated after authorities discovered the involvement of an alleged Guyanese businessman, who has ties to the gold mining in-

Enforcement officer charged for discharging firearm

A

n enforcement officer was on Monday charged with discharging a firearm in a public way, and appeared at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Court.

Leonardo Sookram is accused of discharging a firearm within 100 yards of a public way, on October 10 at Kuru Kururu, SoesdykeLinden Highway.

Reports are that the

Charged: Leonardo Sookram

33-year-old enforcement officer of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was arrested on October 20 by Police ranks from Timehri Police Station.

While Police did not release any details of the incident, Sookram was released on $80,000 bail by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

The case will continue on November 20.

dustry in Guyana and conducts business in Brazil under suspicious circumstances.

Reports are that Federal Police agents suspect that the Guyanese businessman has a Brazilian partner who aided in the movement of funds through the companies.

At the time, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had warned of tough measures and consequences for any miner found engaged in such illegal activities. In fact, Jagdeo had admitted that Government has been monitoring the decline in gold declarations, with at least one foreign company on its radar for declaring lower than usual figures.

“It’s absolutely true that we’ve noticed, especially in the last couple of years, a significant deviation [in gold declarations] and with the story coming out from Brazil, now we realise that it [gold] may be diverting,” the

Vice President told a news conference on Thursday last.

“We had, at one stage, thought that Venezuela gold was coming into Guyana to bypass the sanctions and go out…now we’re realising that it’s actually our gold going into Brazil and obviously to bypass the five per cent royalty and the two per cent final tax.”

The Bank of Guyana (BoG), in its first quarter statistical report on the performance of the economy for the year, had said gold declarations decreased by 5.3 per cent when compared to the same period last year.

“…gold declarations were lower by 5.3 per cent, as local and licensed dealers’ declarations contracted by 23.9 per cent,” the report noted. However, it added that “the declarations from Aurora Gold Mine Inc (AGM), Zijin Mining’s subsidiary in Guyana, the sole operating foreign company, increased by 65.4 per cent, when compared to the same period one year prior.”

For 2022, the declaration was 486,415 ounces; in 2021 it was 499,054 ounces; 2020 recorded 584,291 ounces and 2019 some 634,905 ounces.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bail denied again for City Constable accused of shooting colleague, her friend …Magistrate cites VC’s safety

M

agistrate Rhondell Weever again rejected a bail application on behalf of Lindon Isaacs, the City Constable who is accused of shooting his colleague and her companion, on Monday.

The court cited the Virtual Complainant's (VC) safety as being of utmost concern.

When he appeared before Magistrate Weever at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts last month, Isaacs, a 50-year-old who works for the City Constabulary of the Mayor and City Councillors of Georgetown was charged with two counts of discharging a loaded gun with intent.

He is accused of firing a loaded gun at overseas-based Guyanese Miguel Wilson and his colleague, City Lance Corporal Jammanie Saul on September 19 at the City Constabulary Outpost in Bourda, Georgetown, to maim, disable, or cause them bodily injury.

He is further accused of assaulting Saul so as to cause her bodily harm.

During the court proceedings on Monday, the defence attorney requested reasonable bail, citing the prosecutor's protracted delay in handing over trial-related materials, including witness statements, photographs, and video recordings.

Although the prosecution did not object to the defendant being given his pre-trial liberty, she requested that a requirement that he report to the Police on a regular basis be included.

At Isaacs’s initial court appearance, the prosecution had opposed bail on the grounds that Isaacs fled the scene after committing the crime but later surrendered to the Police.

Additionally, the prosecution had requested that he be kept on remand for Saul’s safety.

The other VC is currently not in Guyana.

But since Isaacs had threatened to kill Saul in the past, Magistrate Weever on Monday noted that there was a chance that he may hurt her, and denied him

bail.

Saul attended Monday’s court hearing.

These matters have been adjourned until November 17 for statements and fixture of a trial date.

Saul, a 48-yearold attached to the City Constabulary, received one gunshot wound to her left hand, and Wilson, a 50-year-old overseas-based Guyanese of Section C Enterprise, East Coast Demerara (ECD), received a gunshot wound to his left thigh.

The shooting took place at about 19:15h on the day in question.

Information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) disclosed that Saul and Isaacs are co-workers, and were both on duty at the Bourda City Constabulary Outpost.

Overseas-based Wilson visited Saul at her workplace, and the two then sat next to each other chatting, much to the annoyance of the City Constable.

Isaacs, who was armed

Knowing…

A

Remanded: Lindon Isaacs

with the service weapon – a .38 revolver with six live rounds – reportedly became furious at seeing the duo together, and so pointed his firearm in the direction of both victims and fired three shots.

Saul and Wilson fell to the ground, while Isaacs fled the scene with the firearm.

The two injured persons were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by public-spirited citizens, and were admitted as patients at the medical facility. (G1)

Venezuela’s national referendum...

For its part, the parliamentary Opposition through shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs Amanza Walton Desir has issued a call on Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, to convene an urgent meeting of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Foreign Relations, so that members could be briefed on the development.

Threatened Guyana

Last month, Venezuela had issued a communique that threatened Guyana and protested against Guyana’s efforts to auction its oil blocks, even though all the blocks are in Guyana’s sovereign territory.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had issued a stern response in a video broadcast, also announcing that he has since updated not only the Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir, but also Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, on the Guyana v Venezuela controversy, as well as the support Guyana has gotten from the international community.

In a social media post,

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had responded to President Ali and accused Guyana of jeopardising peace in the Region, despite the Spanish speaking country initiating the controversy.

The Venezuelan President had also proposed to President Ali that the two sides meet, with Caricom as a mediator, to return to the Geneva Agreement of 1966 that affirmed the 1899 Arbitral Award.

However, Guyana currently has a case against Venezuela before the International Court of Justice (ICJ)… a case the Spanish-speaking country has been seeking to block, including by using spurious arguments such as claiming that the 1899 Arbitral Award is void.

The ICJ has already ruled, however, that it has the jurisdiction to hear the case.

Guyana’s legal team is headed by Co-Agent and Counsel, Sir Shridath Ramphal, and includes a member of the Bars of the United States Supreme Court and the District of Columbia,

Paul S Reichler; and Professor Emeritus of the University Paris Nanterre, former Chairman of the International Law Commission and member of the Institute de Droit International, Alain Pellet.

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, in January 2018, decided that the case should be settled by the ICJ, after exercising the powers vested in him to decide how the controversy should be settled by the 1966 Geneva Agreement between Guyana, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom.

He resorted to judicial settlement after the good offices process between Guyana and Venezuela failed. Within the framework of the 1966 Geneva Agreement between the two countries, the Secretary General conducted good offices from 1990 to 2017 to find a solution to the border controversy.

Among other things, Guyana is asking the ICJ to adjudge and declare that the 1899 Award is

FROM PAGE 3

valid and binding upon Guyana and Venezuela, that Venezuela is internationally responsible for violations of Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, and for all injuries suffered by Guyana as a consequence.

Guyana has meanwhile received consistent support from the international community, against Venezuela’s intimidation tactics. Support has come from the United States (US), Caricom, the Organisation of American States (OAS), and the Commonwealth.

After the Venezuelan National Assembly decided last month to hold a referendum on the border controversy, the OAS had harsh words for the planned Venezuelan resolution. The OAS had noted that the referendum would be illegal under the terms of the 1966 Geneva Agreement, affirming the 1899 Arbitral Award confirming Essequibo as part of Guyana. Caricom had also expressed grave concern at the recent development in the Venezuelan National Assembly.

…a good (oil) thing

very important event occurred at the end of last week that validated everything the PPP Government’s been saying about our budding oil industry – that we better take what we can get – as quick as we can get it – while the going’s good!! And it came in the dry pages of the financial news which announced that Chevron – the US oil giant second to Exxon – was buying out the Hess Corp – which owns 35 per cent of our Stabroek Block!!

Now what does this mean?? Exactly what your Eyewitness has been telling you since 2015 – that oil’s gonna be with us longer than the woke crowd’s been telling us. And the turmoil in the international order’s making it more valuable than ever while it lasts!! OK…OK… we know that energy-generating renewables are getting cheaper and they’re being installed all over the place. But what about the facilities in place?? That which is driving production for eight billion people?? It’s all oil, gas and coal, baby – and they’re not gonna be decommissioned for quite a while – if ever!!

Remember when nuclear power was gonna take care of all our energy needs??And our Stabroek Block got two out of three energy supplies that the world craves!!

And that’s why Chevron’s plunking US$53 billion to Hess to take it over. Well, actually it’s plunking down the equivalent worth of its stocks – meaning that Hess will now be a part owner of Chevron. These oil companies got hundreds of experts working around the clock to project where the energy industry’s going. And they’re saying that oil won’t spoil!! Just to put things in perspective, Hess’ annual revenues are around US$11 billion annually compared to US$235 billion for Chevron!! And the big enchilada Exxon rakes in US$376 billion annually and will obviously still retain its number 1 American rating!! For what it’s worth – the Chinese CNOOC owning 25% of Stabroek generates annual revenues of US$62 billion. It’s no slouch!!

For Hess, this buyout makes sense since as a smaller player that was started in the 1930s by a 19-year-old fella named Hess from New Jersey, buying a single truck to distribute oil – there’s safety under a larger umbrella!!

Especially when that umbrella’s held by a company which was just given a renewed licence to drill for and ship oil from Venezuela that had been embargoed up to now. While Chevron wants in on the bird in the hand presented by Hess in Stabroek, the latter will still get its share of that – while it looks on to see how far the bird in the (Venezuelan) bush will take it!!

For us, the move might be a bit of insurance since Maduro’s gonna think twice about ruffling Chevron’s feathers – again!! …who the Venezies are There’s a healthy debate going on about who’re all these Venezies pouring across our Essequibo border. PNC’s Gary Bess – ex-GDF head who should appreciate these matters after all his training we paid for! – raised the matter a while back. He pointed out that these refugees may harbour fifth columnists or Manchurian candidates planted by the Maduro and company for that day when they’ll make a move on us.

That’s a very valid concern and we’re happy that the PPP Government and the Opposition are taking the matter seriously. From where your Eyewitness sits – he KNOWS from experience that all Venezuelans have imbibed the notion that Essequibo is theirs. And if they’re shown they’ll become number one if Essequibo’s annexed, then most of them will support Maduro’s gambit. Right now, they’re accepting every and all low-paying jobs because they can’t do better – but…!

The only ones we might trust are those of Guyanese parentage. They were number two there – and now are number one here!! …Exxon’s “expenses” Imagine the Exxon HQ, their campus, SUVs, US$4000 tickets to Houston, housing – including that complete floor at the Marriott! – and furnishings for their employees, etc, etc are all expensed from their Stabroek revenues!! Isn’t that rubbing it in??

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

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

NEWS

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"Kaieteur Block has a lot of potential" – ExxonMobil even after decision to leave …company says it was faced with “drill or drop” decision I

n a surprise decision last month, ExxonMobil had signed over its share of the Kaieteur Block to its partners and left the block.

According to the company, however, the block still has much potential and leaving it is not a reflection of its value.

At the time Exxon had announced that it had left the Kaieteur Block offshore Guyana, it had handed over its interest to Israeli oil company Ratio. Explaining that decision during a recent press conference, Exxon Guyana President Alistair Routledge said that the company was faced with a drill or drop decision.

“Our decision there was that we were faced with a drill or drop decision on the farm in we had with the other owners in the block.

And as we looked at that decision and the timing in which we would have had to make the commitment, it did not compete with the other decisions at a corporate level, that we could see,” Routledge explained.

Routledge made it clear, however, that the block still has a lot of potential for Ratio and its partners to pursue. And while they are walking away from it, he said that the block has been sufficiently de-risked by their work in it.

“So, it’s really a question of global portfolio management. It’s not that we dislike the block. We

Exxon Guyana President Alistair Routledge

put a great deal of investment into it. Obviously, we’re walking away from that. We also feel that we’ve opened it up enough to the current owners and potentially others they may bring, to move forward with the exploration that right now we can’t support.”

Exxon was previously the operator of Kaieteur Block with a 35 per cent working interest while Hess held 20 per cent, Cataleya 20 per cent and Ratio 25 per cent. With both Exxon and Hess withdrawing from the licence, Ratio and Cataleya are expected to retain a 50 per cent participating interest each.

At the beginning of 2021, the partnership had announced the Tanager-1 discovery in the Kaieteur Block offshore Guyana, with proven reserves of 65

million barrels of oil. In addition to Tanager-1, it was previously reported that there was the prospect of additional oil mapped across a 5750 sq km 3D seismic survey. It is located in the southern part of the Kaieteur Block, where the joint venture partners are grading the next potential targets for drilling.

The Kaieteur Petroleum Agreement is currently in the first extension period, which began on February 2, 2021, and lasts for three years. It was revealed a couple months ago that former President David Granger had granted a one-year extension to ExxonMobil on its 2016 prospecting licence – a move which has shifted the oil major’s relinquishment timeline.

In the letter, dated July 24, 2020, the then Head of State approved extensions

Map showing the Kaieteur, Stabroek and Canje Blocks

for Exxon’s holdings in the Stabroek, Canje, and Kaieteur Blocks. Based on provisions in that 2016 agreement, when the second renewal period comes up, the licence holder would have to relinquish 20 per cent of the block.

Guyana, with

ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the oil-rich Stabroek Block, which is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL),

holds 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

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Water catchments created as dry season affects supply

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rolonged dry weather conditions are creating water supply issues for farmers across some communities, prompting intervention from the Agriculture Ministry to alleviate these woes.

The extended dry season has significantly affected the water supply in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), prompting intervention from Government.

On Monday, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha responded to this issue during a press conference, where he outlined that catchments are being used to ensure that farmers are supplied adequately with water.

“We have been working with farmers to help them

Officials inspected the water supply at Mahdia last week

to build capacity in those areas. We are going water catchment and we are trying to link water to those catchment areas that we have built so that farmers can get it directly. The catchments have these pond type structures that we have built in those areas,” he divulged.

Over in Mahdia, while water is being supplied to lower elevations such as the airstrip and the bottom flat of Danjou Hill, most of the areas at high elevation are not receiving supply, which is around 40 per cent of the municipality.

The Mahdia water system typically provides water to the residents via three sources: Salbora Spring, 7-Miles Well and Admin Well, with

the Salbora source providing water to two-thirds of the population while 7-Miles Well caters for the other third.

Last Thursday, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai reassured residents of Mahdia that immediate interventions would be made to address their concerns.

Following months of extremely dry weather conditions, Guyana is expected to experience increased rainfall next month, according to forecasts from the local Hydromet Office.

Earlier this month, President Dr Irfaan Ali issued a call for citizens to conserve water, in light of the El Nino conditions.

“What we have seen as a result of the prolonged dry season, the extremely dry season, is that a lot of persons are also going to pipe water for gardens, for farming, for agriculture. They are going to

pipe water also for construction purposes…so, I wanted to ask communities, members of the population to be careful with the consumption of water,” the President had expressed.

Region One (BarimaWaini) was experiencing reduced water flow from springs, leading to scheduled sectional water deliveries to residents in areas such as Mabaruma, Mathews Ridge, Port Kaituma, Arakaka and Manawarin.

In Regions Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), static levels of wells have declined significantly, especially in the Kamarang and Jawalla areas, while there was a depletion in surface water sources in areas such as El Paso and Kurukabaru.

The Head of State also outlined plans for emergency responses, including drilling new wells and rationing measures in critically affected areas, to mitigate the impact of water scarcity on agriculture, livestock, and daily life.

In April of this year, the Hydromet Office had announced that Guyana is expected to see an average level of rainfall during the MayJune rainy season but below normal rainfall in July that may likely result in a drought from thereon.

El Nino and La Nina are climate patterns in the Pacific Ocean that can affect weather worldwide, with El Niño being characterised by warmer temperatures and less rainfall and La Niña denoted by cooler temperatures and heavier rainfall. (G12)

2nd firearm stolen during robbery recovered near ‘ball field’

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second firearm was on Sunday recovered at Crane on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) during a Policeled operation, suspected to have been stolen during a recent robbery.

The firearm was suspected to have been stolen during the robbery committed on Yvonne Singh on October 18, 2023, and was recovered one day after a shotgun was recovered in connection to this incident.

At about 13:45h, a team of Police ranks were carrying out mobile patrol duties near the 'ball field' at Crane, West Coast Demerara, when they ob-

The revolver found during the operation at Crane

served two men sitting on a pile of concrete bricks and appeared to be smoking.

Upon seeing the Police, the men acted suspiciously, then got up and ran. The ranks gave chase, but they

managed to escape in a northern direction through thick vegetation on foot.

However, after returning to the area where the men were seen, a search was conducted during which a bulky black plastic bag was found tucked under an old gas stove on the western side of the road.

The bag was opened, examined, and observed to be a .32 Magnum Taurus revolver, with no ammunition in its barrel.

It was carefully handled and escorted to the Leonora Police Station, where it was photographed and processed by a crime scene rank for latent fingerprints.

It was previously reported that at around 20:30h on Saturday, Police ranks acted on information received and went to Crane (Centre Road) and conducted a search. The law enforcement officers stumbled upon a black shotgun casing, which was in a clump of bushes on the western side of the street.

The casing was opened and inside was a firearm allegedly stolen during the said robbery. The shotgun was carefully handled and escorted to the Leonora Police Station, where it was photographed and processed.

Investigations are ongoing.

NEWS

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Jamaican, Guyanese companies ink partnership at Agri Expo …Guyana can learn from Jamaica’s agri expertise – NAREI CEO

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he final day of the AgriInvestments Forum and Expo saw the signing of an agreement between a Guyanese and Jamaican company, with the Guyana Government noting the value of agricultural experience that Jamaica brings to the table.

The signing was done between Hardware and Lumber (H&L) Agro, a Jamaican company, and Agricultural and Public Health Solutions (APSOL), a Guyanese company. As part of the agreement, the two companies are expected to exchange technical knowledge and experience.

During the ceremony on Sunday, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Agriculture Research and

Officials of the two companies present at the signing ceremony. From 2nd left; Deputy CEO of H&L Agro, Olive Downer Walsh and Managing Director of APSOL, Alvin Parag

Extension Institute (NAREI) Jagnarine Singh, spoke of the storied history of collaboration in agriculture between Guyana and Jamaica.

“This afternoon’s signing of the agreement between

a company in Jamaica and Guyana, is a very significant one… two companies coming together, signing a partnership where we can share some experience… Jamaica is very strong in agriculture

Smart classroom for all schools countrywide – Manickchand …commissions facility at Stewartville Secondary

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mbracing the digital age where technology is gradually introduced in teaching, the Education Ministry is endeavouring to have one smart classroom in every school.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Monday commissioned the newest smart classroom at Stewartville Secondary in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), an investment which infuses technology into learning.

Through devices and software, it also allows teachers from different schools to enter the classroom and offer their expertise from afar.

“The smart classroom is very, very versatile in what it can do. It is recommended across the world for teaching and learning. The dream is that every school must have at least one smart classroom in their facility. And of course, the real idealistic position would be that every classroom is smart at some point very soon. That’s the aim. That’s what we want to do,” the Minister disclosed.

Minister Manickchand shed light on the massive developments currently ongoing on an infrastructural level, and the intention that the country’s children are not left behind.

“We want to make sure every single Guyanese participate in that thriving Guyana and so it's very important that we are able to make you into the best version of yourself…What we really talking about is the development of each of you, each of you to make you better than you currently are and to give you more opportunities than your parents ever had; to give you a life of plenty, to give you a life

Education Minister Priya Manickchand joins a Spanish lesson in the new smart classroom

where struggle is not something you know. That’s what we want to build out.”

She charged students to take control of their performance and efforts to make sure their future is brighter.

According to her, students have a responsibility to ensure that they take advantage of opportunities.

The Minister told the student population, “You have a responsibility to make sure you can thrive in this Guyana or else what you will find is that people who are taking up your opportunities, people who are using those opportunities are going up and you're just there.”

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Inshan Ayube lauded Government’s investment in advancing education so that the country can compete with global advancements.

“We are going to use this classroom to enhance our students so that they can be better equipped to function in an advanced world.

A country can have resources. A country can have all that it takes to promote education. But if you do not have a Government with a vision and a Minister with a determination then we will be achieving so much less,”

Ayube contended.

He called for the facilities to be used in an accountable manner where no child is left behind.

“It is the responsibilities of the head of this school in conjunction with all the teachers to ensure that when we have these resources placed at our disposal, that we must be very accountable for the manner in how we use them and how we care. And we have to ensure that our students have access to these facilities without too much red herrings. Many times, we create our own problems administratively within these environments.”

In 2014, the first smart classroom was introduced at North Ruimveldt Secondary.

When Government returned to office in 2020, it subsequently added several others across the country.

Presently, Smart classrooms exist in Berbice, Essequibo, Georgetown and several other areas.

There are several interactive boards in classrooms for the Grade Seven level, where students can have notes transferred digitally as opposed to physical note taking. Over 100 tablets are also being loaned to students. (G12)

too. And Guyana too.”

“I hope this partnership goes from strength to strength… the Pesticides and Toxic Chemical Board will ensure that you stay in line, you keep a straight path. And we’re here to support you and wish you all the best,” Singh said.

Deputy CEO of H&L Agro, Olive Downer Walsh in her presentation laid out some of the services persons can expect from her company.

According to her, the work they do is important in terms of ensuring the needs of farmers can be met.

“We do an entire range of pesticides… we do livestock items, an entire range that supports it. We have a technically competent team on

board. And that drives the reliance… the extension worker cannot reach every farmer. So together, we achieve more in terms of how we are able to collaborate and get out there,” Walsh said.

And in an interview with the media following the ceremony, Managing Director of APSOL, Alvin Parag, explained the areas in which the company is looking to expand and grow through the partnership.

“We’re looking at vegetable seeds. Agri chemicals in general, but like insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, bio stimulants, liquid nutrition, general crop nutrition. We’re even thinking along the lines of climate resilient products, like shade house materials, innovative irrigation systems and equipment as well.

Farming equipment. APSOL has a range of products already. It’s just really to complement and grow our range as well.”

It was only this year that the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) had facilitated a visiting delegation from Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) led

by Senator and Industry, Investment, & Commerce Minister Aubyn Hill. This delegation meeting was one of

the largest Caribbean Private Sector Delegation Missions to Guyana.

Meetings were held in collaboration with key stakeholders of the Government and private sector agencies, with over sixty-nine (69) companies with backgrounds ranging from construction, mining, ICT & cyber security, water management, education, agriculture, financial services and labour, to name a few, being part of this mission.

During the meeting, GOInvest facilitated meetings with a number of Government offices, along with companies such as the Technical, Vocational, Education and Training, National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Guyana Shore Base Inc (GYSBI), Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), National Insurance Scheme, Bureau of Statistics, Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil), to name a few.

The Jamaica-based GraceKennedy Limited has also been playing a key role in Guyana’s efforts alongside other Caricom countries, to establish a regional agricultural insurance mechanism, along with the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF). (G3)

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Omai discovers multiple gold zones at Wenot mine …studies for economic assessment of finds underway

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anadian gold company Omai Gold Mines Corporation, has announced the discovery of multiple gold zones at its Wenot mine in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), where 16 drill holes have been completed for the year that total 6,131 meters.

This was announced in a statement, in which the company announced the findings from a diamond drill hole in West Wenot.

It was explained that this drill encountered multiple gold zones, including a 70-meter-wide intercept with gold grades “well above the current Wenot resource estimate grade.”

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Omai, Elaine Ellingham, described the results as a further demonstration of the extent of wide gold zones that exist in the western portion of the Wenot deposit… in particular zones with good gold grades.

“This area, west of the

past-producing Wenot pit, is particularly attractive as a potential area for initial mining. We are pleased with the results to date from this recently completed drill campaign, that exceeded our expectations,” Ellingham said in the statement.

“They are not only expected to have a positive impact on the upcoming update to the Mineral Resource Estimate, but also have highlighted a high potential area for further expansion of the Wenot deposit. It is important to note that the Wenot shear corridor, which is up to 500m wide in the central portion, hosts 4 to 5 main gold-bearing zones.

According to the executive, most of these zones can be identified along the full 2.5 km strike length of the Wenot deposit. At present, additional studies are underway on the findings, which will contribute to the preparation of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA).

“With this phase of drilling completed, we await assay results for the remaining five holes, which are expected shortly. Once received we can proceed with an updated Mineral Resource Estimate that will form the basis of a PEA to commence thereafter. Certain baseline studies that will be part of the PEA are complete and oth-

ers are underway,” the executive said.

Meanwhile, the company noted that “historical mining and deposit models did not adequately pursue the sediment hosted gold zones lying on the southern flank of the main Wenot gold-mineralized shear.”

Back in February 2022, Omai had announced that it would continue drilling at its Region Seven location since it believes that even more deposits of gold are available at the Wenot deposit. Prior to that, the company had filed a technical report with SEDAR, which supports the 16.7 million tonnes of indicated gold and 19.5 million tonnes of inferred gold it had announced the Wenot deposit held back in January.

In this technical report, consultant P&E Mining explained that extending the Wenot deposit is expected to cost US$2.65 million and be completed in the next 12

Image showing the West Wenot location in the top right

months. According to the report, it was explained that exploring these targets could provide opportunities for open-pit mining.

In January 2022, Omai Gold Mines had announced the discovery of significant gold values during initial trenching and drilling on the Broccoli Hill target at its Region Seven holdings.

The company had disclosed that trenching exposed a quartz-rich shear zone with samples assaying 29.3 g/t Au, 7.8 g/t Au, 5.0 g/t Au and 2.2 g/t Au along a 40-metre strike.

Additionally, the first round of drilling on Broccoli Hill, totalling 690 metres, intersected gold mineralisation with four of the six holes returning assays greater than 1 g/t Au and as high as 4.04 g/t Au over 0.9 m and 0.91 g/t over 6.8 m.

Omai Gold Mines, which returned to the Wenot and Fennell pits in 2020 after leaving Guyana in 2015, had announced in December 2020 that it would be pressing forward with a 5000-metre drilling programme.

“Challenges of NIS have to be resolved now” – Chairman …says Scheme does not have luxury of time to resolve challenges

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he National Insurance Scheme (NIS) was on Monday reminded of the need to continue innovating by its Chairman, Ramesh Persaud, who emphasised that the organisation does not have the luxury of time to improve their services.

The NIS held its staff assembly and bursary awards, as part of its 54th anniversary, at its Sports Complex Ground on Carifesta Avenue. The Chairman was on hand to remind the Scheme of the importance of innovating.

years to resolve the challenges of NIS.” “The challenges of NIS have to be resolved now, when a pensioner sits in front of you. Because that pensioner sits in front of you today, but may not sit in front of you tomorrow.

That’s the reality of life,” the Chairman said.

At the same time, Persaud also made an appeal for the public to be more understanding of the confines the NIS currently works within. He noted that there are rules and regulations the Scheme has to follow and decisions

NIS head office

“Society is significantly transformed and so will require the NIS to transform over time. Now, time is of the essence when it comes to doing things. Now we don’t have a decade or 15

are made based on those rules, not personalities.

“Now I know there are many individuals listening somewhere across the country, who might be of the view that we contrib-

ute, but they’re still not giving us our benefits.

At this juncture I wish to highlight that you the employees, the management, even the Board, our powers are very limited. We make decisions based on the legislation, the regulations, the rules that have to be consistently applied.”

“Many times, we get beat up for not making decisions. But I’d like to tell you, some of those decisions we’d like to make but we can’t make them in the absence of certain facts and information, evidence and so forth, there’s a lot of persons out there who believe we have wide-ranging discretionary powers.

That we could look at you, like you and give you your benefits. It doesn’t work like that,” he further said.

The anniversary celebration, which saw the subsequent attendance of Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, involved a number of awards being presented to staff and the children of staff. In the latter case, bursary awards were presented for those children who performed well at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exams (CAPE). Mention

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh (centre) flanked by NIS Chairman Ramesh Persaud (on his immediate right) and NIS General Manager Holly Greaves, pose with the bursary awardees and their parents

was also made of the need for NIS to get updates on the lives of previous bursary awardees.

Earlier this month, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced that a special secretariat will be created to handle the backlog of almost 10,000 tribunal matters at the National Insurance Scheme by the end of the year.

At the time he made the announcement during a live broadcast, there were approximately 10,000 open files at the NIS dealing with issues ranging from appeals, claims, queries, investigations, and other tribunal matters. In order to resolve these pending cases, President Ali had said that he has instructed

that a proactive approach be taken to have this done over the coming months.

“We’re gonna develop a Special Secretariat and a projectised format to bring to an end or to bring to closure, these 10,000 files before the end of the year.

So, we will be back in real-time. So, the NIS will be working from now to the end of the year to close these files,” he had said.

On the other hand, the Guyanese leader outlined that some of these pending NIS cases are for persons in the Guyanese diaspora and so steps will also be taken to address those at outreaches to be held in the United States and Canada next month.

Since taking office in

August 2020, the PPP/C Administration has successfully closed more than 4000 historical cases, both nationally and in the diaspora. During the presentation of Budget 2023, it was revealed the Insurance Scheme had disposed of nearly half of its backlog in some two years.

Senior Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had reported that as of August 2020, the backlog of claims outstanding and on query was 20,106.

However, by December 2022, this backlog was reduced to 10,902. Further, of the 1,362,734 suspended and invalid numbers existing in the database, the Scheme was able to resolve 1,103,835 in 2022. (G3)

NEWS

15

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Husband remanded for wife’s murder T

he 41-year-old man accused of murdering his wife at their Princeville Backdam, Potaro, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) camp, has been remanded to prison.

The accused, Cornel Henry, was arraigned before a Magistrate on Monday and a charge for the indictable offence of murder, to which he was not required to plea, was read to him.

Dead is 42-year-old cook, Christina Holder.

Police stated that the now dead woman and Henry had been in a common-law relationship for the past 12 years. On Sunday, October 15 at about 23:00h, the couple was imbibing ‘High Wine’ with coke and water at their camp while playing a game of cards.

However, at about 02:00h, a worker from a nearby camp

ately reported to the Mahdia Police Station.

When Police detectives arrived at the scene, the woman was found motionless with multiple stab wounds to her body, face, and arms.

As such, he was arrested and escorted to the Mahdia Police Station along with the alleged murder weapon. The case will continue on January 15, 2024. (G1)

Gold miner slapped with robbery charge remanded

Murder accused: Cornel Henry

Dead: Christina Holder

was awakened by a noise emanating from the couple’s camp which is about 100 feet away.

The worker said he heard the couple arguing followed by a crashing sound after which Holder was heard screaming for help.

The worker said he im-

mediately ran to the couple’s camp and saw the now dead woman with several stab wounds to her body, including her face and arms.

At the time, she was naked. She subsequently collapsed to the ground, and her husband was also there with blood on his body.

The matter was immedi-

IDB pilots innovative data-sharing platform for Caribbean water utilities

T

he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has launched a pilot version of an innovative data-sharing platform within a virtual community for Caribbean water utilities. On Monday, the IDB said through the platform, utilities can exchange real-time data on parts and materials, expediting mutual aid and ultimately cutting costs.

According to a release from IDB, through Source of Innovation, the IDB has partnered with H2bid Inc to provide a one-year pilot version of this groundbreaking platform, which is powered by AURSI. The H2bid/AURSI platform, it stated, is a unique virtual community with a network effect that connects utilities across various sectors, including water, wastewater, gas, and electricity.

It aims to help Caribbean water utilities by providing access to replacement parts; encouraging discovery of new technologies; helping share technical information, such as specifications; promoting an exchange of best practices, policies, and procedures and reducing waste by making surplus items available to other Caribbean utilities.

This innovative pilot platform, it noted, will streamline collaboration among Caribbean water utilities, enabling them to recover from climate-related disasters caused by increasingly frequent and severe storms. Additionally, it addresses current supply chain challenges by expediting mutual aid during emergencies to restore service quickly.

Meanwhile, Henry was contacted by Police and told of the allegation levelled against him, to which he reportedly responded: “She accused me of f*#*king a Spanish girl.”

According to IDB’s statement, seven utilities are participating in the data-sharing platform, these are Water & Sewerage Corporation (WSC), The Bahamas; Barbados Water Authority (BWA), Barbados; Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL), Belize; Guyana Water Inc (GWI), Guyana; National Water Commission (NWC), Jamaica; N.V. Surinaamsche Waterleiding Maatschappij (SWM), Suriname and Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Trinidad and Tobago.

Users at utilities will have the opportunity to connect with their peers from other participating utilities through the virtual community. During the pilot phase, the IDB and participating utilities will explore the feasibility of expanding the pilot version to include a pooled procurement programme, a proven method for saving costs through bulk purchases.

"The effects of climate change make it imperative to strengthen the resilience, and efficiency of public utilities,” said Chief of the IDB’s Water and Sanitation Division, Sergio Campos.

“In order to enhance public utilities to implement fast and effective re-

sponses to the effects of climate change, the Bank has supported the creation of a platform for resources sharing. By launching this pilot platform, we are creating a network ecosystem where utilities work together to improve climate resilience, save money, and make smarter decisions.”

“The H2bid/AURSI team is excited to partner with IDB to introduce this new concept of a virtual, data-sharing community to water utilities in the Caribbean region,” said H2bid CEO, Glenn Oliver.

“We are already seeing interest from more organisations and water utilities in the Caribbean region, which is great because the virtual community has a network effect—meaning the benefits for participating utilities will only increase as more utilities join.”

Representatives from the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association, the Caribbean Water & Sewerage Association, and the Caribbean Development Bank actively participated in the pilot platform launch event and expressed their organisations’ support for the virtual community and their strong desire to see it expand to include more Caribbean water utilities.

F

ollowing his appearance before a city Magistrate on a charge of robbing a woman of $1 million, a father of five was sent to prison on remand on Monday.

Kirth Smith, 45, a gold miner, entered a not guilty plea before Magistrate Rhondell Weever.

The Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD) man, who also listed a second address as D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, is accused of robbing Onessa Thorne on October 16, 2023, at Water Street, Georgetown, of a black purse worth $10,000 and $1 million.

Smith's attorney informed the court during a bail application that his client is the only provider for his family and has no past criminal history.

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

The Police prosecutor,

Magistrate Rhondell Weever

Robbery accused: Kirth Smith

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

The prosecutor disclosed that Smith bought goods with the stolen money, some of which were found at the Crane address that he listed.

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

found him at the Crane address.

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

Smith was remanded to prison after bail was denied.

November 20 is his next court date. (G1)

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$75 million dormitory commissioned at Leonora

Caria, Lanaballi, Upper and Lower Bonasika, Santa Mission, Sand Hills and Hogg Island.

sleeping quarters.

Delivering the feature address, Manickchand stated that the aim is to ensure

sure they are up to standard.

In brief remarks, Region Three Regional Chairman

E

ducation Minister Priya Manickchand on Monday afternoon commissioned a brand-new dormitory at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).

With the establishment of the $75 million facility, students in riverine communities will no longer have to travel far distances daily to receive a secondary education.

Beneficiaries of the dorms at Leonora include students from Saxacalli, Aliki, Caria

The new dormitory at Leonora, West Coast Demerara

The dormitory which presently houses 23 students, is located in the compound of the Leonora Secondary School. It consists of living quarters for boys and girls, a kitchen, a dining area, a sick bay, washroom facilities and

that every child is comfortably accommodated while being able to learn. She further added that the dormitory was constructed in keeping with recommendations made in a report conducted on dormitories across the country to en-

Sheik Ayube noted that a number of factors were taken before a decision was made to construct the dormitory at Leonora. He said it was strategically placed so parents can visit their children any time.

NEWS

17

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 50 Christianburg Secondary students benefit from cybersecurity training

NDMA Assistant ICT Engineer within the Cybersecurity Division, Melissa Vandeyar interacting with students at Christianburg Secondary School

T

he National Data M a n a g e m e n t Authority (NDMA) conducted cybersecurity training at the Christianburg Secondary School on Monday in an effort to integrate cybersecu-

rity awareness into the education system.

Over 50 students were engaged in the training session that saw them benefitting from basic online security content including cyberbullying, phishing,

online grooming, oversharing, creating strong passwords, and software updates, among others.

The training sessions, a DPI report stated, were focussed on equipping Government employ-

ees and students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the increasingly complex digital landscape, while safeguarding sensitive information in observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

The training was held under the theme “Secure Our World.” At the end of the stimulating session,

the students received tokens that will equip them with the fundamental knowledge and resources needed to stay safe online.

According to the DPI report, secondary schools still to benefit from training sessions are Richard Ishmael, Cotton Field, Anna Regina Multilateral, Hope, Fort Wellington, Skeldon Line Path, New

Amsterdam Multilateral, Soesdyke, Leonora, and Vreed-En-Hoop.

Similar sessions were recently conducted at the Tucville Secondary School, which saw some 20 students benefitting.

The initiative is part of an ongoing commitment by NDMA to bolster cybersecurity awareness and preparedness.

T&T water & sewage worker buried alive in trench

Dead: Kern Etienne

T

ragedy struck in San Fernando yesterday, after a worker from the Water and Sewerage Authority died after being buried alive inside a trench about a mile from his home.

Father of two Kern Etienne, 39, of Embacadere, San Fernando, died after a mound of dirt collapsed on top of him as he was standing inside a 12-feet trench near the San Fernando Licensing Authority at Cipero Road, near the Cross Crossing Overpass.

Eight of Etienne’s colleagues frantically clawed through the dirt to try and save him, but by the time he was pulled out he was bleeding from his eyes, ears, nose and mouth.

Speaking at the fam-

ily’s home yesterday, his twin brother Kerdelle said Etienne was part of a team that was doing emergency repair works connecting a sewer line from the Licensing Office to a main at Cipero Road, San Fernando.

“I spoke to one of the co-workers, who said Kern was like his real brother.

That co-worker was the one who told Kern that the mud was caving but then all the mud ended up on top of him.

The co-worker went down and tried to dig him out.

About eight of them started to dig him out and they raised his head. Then the backhoe came,” Kerdelle said.

He said the information obtained by the family was that proper safety measures were not in place.

“They didn’t put things in place for them to work there.

Blood running through his ears and nose, plenty blood. He was not talking, he was dead in the hole. When they carried him to the hospital, they covered back up the hole.

Why?” Kerdelle asked.

Etienne’s mother, Joyce Grant-Roberts, said he was supposed to have started working on the project since last week but had arrived late for the job and was told

to return to the site yesterday.

“They had sent him home. I told him when things happen, trust God. I told him to be careful and go with God. He told me to send food for him,” she recalled.

Grant-Roberts said she was at home when she got a call that Etienne had an accident at work.

“They said to come to the hospital. When I went up there with my son and daughter the doctor came out and took us in a room.

He told us Kern wasn’t responding and they had tried all they could try to save him but couldn’t,” she recalled.

She said WASA officials visited the family and offered condolences.

Etienne was married and had two children.

Robert-Grant said although they got back his clothes, his wallet was still missing.

In a statement late yesterday, WASA confirmed that Etienne was part of a crew carrying out emergency repair works on a sewer pipeline in the area when the accident occurred, trapping him in the trench.

WASA said he was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital for treat-

ment, where he succumbed to his injuries.

WASA extended sincere condolences to Etienne’s

family, friends and co-workers and promised to provide all the required support.

WASA said a full-scale

investigation will be conducted by the authority and the relevant agencies. (T&T Guardian)

18

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Ancient Amazon River rock Rio gangsters torch at least 35 buses after carvings exposed by drought Brazil crime boss killed H

C

riminal groups set at least 35 buses on fire in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro on Monday, according to the industry group that represents bus companies, after Police killed a crime boss in an operation.

The attacks on buses were concentrated in the west of the city, where rival criminal groups are fighting for territorial control. They came after a Police operation that killed the nephew of the leader of the state's largest militia, according to the Police.

Rio's so-called militias, often composed of current and former Police Officers, have become one of the region's largest security threats. Originally set up as self-defence forces for poor neighbourhoods blighted by drug gangs, they have now metastasised into criminal outfits operating in multiple different rackets.

An aerial view shows buses on fire in the middle of roads, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October 23, 2023, in this screen grab obtained from a video (TV GLOBO/via Reuters)

Industry group Rio Onibus said 20 of the vehicles were city buses, five were part of the city's rapid transit fleet and the remainder were chartered or tourism buses.

Rio de Janeiro state Governor Claudio Castro said the operation was a "heavy blow" to the militia.

"In addition to being related to the criminal (head of the militia), he acted as the

paramilitary group's 'man of war', being the main person responsible for the turf wars that terrorise residents in Rio," Castro said in a social media post.

The attacks disrupted the city's bus rapid transit system, hindering the commute home for residents and workers in the region.

Classes in public schools in the area were also cancelled.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

uman faces sculpted into stone up to 2000 years ago have appeared on a rocky outcropping along the Amazon River since water levels dropped to record lows in the region's worst drought in more than a century.

Some rock carvings had been sighted before, but now there is a greater variety that will help researchers establish their origins, archaeologist Jaime de Santana Oliveira said on Monday.

One area shows smooth grooves in the rock thought to be where Indigenous inhabitants once sharpened their arrows and spears long before Europeans arrived.

"The engravings are prehistoric, or precolonial. We cannot date them exactly, but based on evidence of human occupation of the area, we believe they are about 1000 to 2000 years old," Oliveira said in an inter-

Ancient stone carvings on a rocky point of the Amazon River that were exposed after water levels dropped to record lows during a drought in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, October 23, 2023 (Reuters/Suamy Beydoun photo)

view.

The rocky point is called Ponto das Lajes on the north shore of the Amazon near where the Rio Negro and Solimoes rivers join.

Oliveira said the carvings were first seen there in 2010, but this year's drought has been more severe, with the Rio Negro dropping 15 metres (49.2 feet) since July, exposing vast expans-

es of rocks and sand where there had been no beaches.

"This time we found not just more carvings, but the sculpture of a human face cut into the rock," said Oliveira, who works for the National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) that oversees the preservation of historic sites.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Argentina's Peronists soar in election Son held after US mother to seal run-off with radical Milei stabbed to death in St Andrew

A

rgentina's ruling Peronist coalition smashed expectations to lead the country's general election on Sunday, setting the stage for a polarised run-off vote next month between Economy Minister Sergio Massa and far-right libertarian radical Javier Milei.

Massa had 36.6 per cent of the vote, ahead of Milei on just over 30 per cent, while conservative Patricia Bullrich was behind on 23.8 per cent with near 98 per cent of the vote counted, a result that defied pre-election polls that had predicted a libertarian win.

The surprise strength

of the Peronists, despite overseeing inflation hitting triple digits for the first time since 1991, sets up an intriguing second round on November 19 between two polar-opposite economic models for the embattled country.

The result eases concerns about a radical shift in policies in the event of a decisive win for Milei, who has proposed dollarising the economy and shutting the central bank, but it still leaves the country with few answers to its worst economic crisis in two decades.

Argentines had flocked to the polls on Sunday amid the economic woes

and rising anger with the traditional elite.

"I know that many of those who voted for us are the ones who are suffering the most," Massa said after the results. "Our country is experiencing a complex, difficult situation, full of challenges to face... I am not going to fail them."

Many blamed the Peronists, but Massa – a moderate – had shot back that the Government's social safety nets and subsidies were key for many hard-up Argentines, including a recent stunt showing how train and bus fares could rise sharply if he lost. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Sunday contest showed she had won by a similar margin.

Meanwhile, the Venezuela Creditors Committee said on Monday it was confident an orderly debt restructuring could occur, following an electoral agreement reached between the Government and the Opposition that led the United States to ease some sanctions in the oil sector.

The Biden Administration last week eased sanctions on Venezuela's oil and finan-

cial sectors by issuing new six-month rules which lift bans on secondary trading of Venezuelan bonds and allow State-run oil company PDVSA to sell and export to its chosen markets.

The easing came in response to an agreement signed between the Government and the Opposition last week in Barbados that allows international observers, among other things, for the presidential election scheduled for the second half of 2024.

(Excerpts from Reuters)

A

55-year-old US resident was stabbed to death and her 35-year-old son taken into Police custody following an incident on Wavell Avenue, St Andrew on Monday morning.

The dead woman has been identified as Marvel Johnson from North West 30th Street in Lauder Lake, Florida.

Observer Online understands that a knife believed to be the murder weapon has

been seized by the authorities. The suspect is said to be a mason from Red Hills Road.

It was reported that around 07:20h, Johnson, who returned to the island recently from the United States, went to Wavell Avenue to look for relatives and treat her son.

While the now-deceased woman was inside one of the bedrooms, it is alleged that she was attacked with

a knife and stabbed multiple times all over her body.

Relatives who reportedly heard her crying for help, went to her assistance and pulled the suspect away before calling the Police.

Johnson was assisted to the Kingston Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead while undergoing treatment.

The son was detained following the incident.

(Jamaica Observer)

Persad-Bissessar, UNC debunk illness rumours

O Machado holds huge lead in Venezuela presidential primary vote

V

e n e z u e l a n Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado held an overwhelming lead in the vote count on Monday evening for the South American country's Opposition presidential primary with 92.56 per cent support, according to Opposition officials.

Nearly 65 per cent of ballot boxes have been counted, they added.

Machado declared victory overnight after an initial count of about a fourth of the ballots cast in the

pposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar and other senior United National Congress (UNC) officials on Monday dismissed social media reports which alleged that she suffered a major illness.

Persad-Bissessar, who is also UNC political leader, dismissed the rumours by posting a photo of herself interacting with a vendor.

She was casually dressed in a shirt, jeans and slippers.

The photo was accompanied by a post which read, "Happy to be back in Trinidad and Tobago."

UNC deputy leader and Oropouche East Member of Parliament (MP), Dr Roodal

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar with a vendor on her return from overseas on Monday (Kamla Persad-Bissessar Facebook page photo)

Moonilal had one comment to make on the rumours of Persad-Bissessar's illness: "Fake news."

Other UNC officials described the reports as "pro-

paganda".

One official said PersadBissessar went overseas last week and returned home on Saturday.

(Trinidad Newsday)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023

19

Around The World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Israel carries out limited raids

in Gaza, Hamas launches drones

Oil drops over 2% as I diplomatic moves in Gaza war ease supply concerns

O

il prices fell over 2% on Monday as diplomatic efforts in the Middle East intensified in an attempt to contain the conflict between Israel and Hamas, easing investor concerns about potential supply disruptions.

Brent crude futures settled down US$2.33, or 2.5%, at US$89.83 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down US$2.59, or 2.9%, at US$85.49 a barrel.

The session's losses were the most both benchmarks have dropped in a day since early October.

European Union leaders will call for a "humanitarian pause" in the conflict this week so that aid can reach Palestinians in Gaza, with the leaders of France and the Netherlands set to visit Israel this week.

Aid convoys started to arrive in the Gaza Strip from Egypt over the weekend.

"The imminent risk to supply seems to have gone down," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group. "People are paring back positions until they see how this plays out."

The armed wing of the Palestinian Hamas militant group said on Monday it had released two female civilian captives in response to Egyptian-Qatari mediation efforts, and a source told Reuters they were elderly Israelis.

Israel continued its bombardment of Gaza on Monday after launching air strikes over southern Lebanon overnight.

Both oil benchmarks notched week-on-week gains for the last two weeks, on the possibility of supply disruption in the Middle East — the world's biggest oil-supplying region — if the conflict were to spread.

"Escalating wrath in the region will strengthen economic headwinds, potentially rising oil prices will push global inflation higher, monetary tightening could resume, and global oil demand growth will be dented," said PVM analyst Tamas Varga.

Elsewhere, US President Joe Biden last week announced the suspension of sanctions on OPEC member Venezuela, after a Venezuelan Government deal with the Opposition.

That could bring exports back to the market, but the extent to which this could mitigate the impact of supply risks in the Middle East is unclear.

"The move is expected to add 200-300,000 barrels per day of Venezuelan crude to the global export market, which isn't necessarily a market-moving event on its own, nor are those barrels expected imminently," RBC analyst Michael Tran said in a note. (Reuters)

srael conducted limited overnight raids against Palestinian militants in Gaza and launched airstrikes on Monday on fighters who it said were assembling to repulse any wider Israeli invasion.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas said its fighters had hit back by engaging an armoured Israeli force in southern Gaza on Sunday, and launched two attack drones at military posts on Monday which Israel said were thwarted.

One Israeli soldier was killed during a raid on Sunday, the Israeli military said, but it did not acknowledge an assertion by Hamas that its fighters had destroyed Israeli military equipment during skirmishes.

Israel's military has

massed forces near Gaza's border and vowed to wipe out Hamas since the group killed 1400 people and took more than 200 hostages in cross-border raids on Oct 7.

It has already launched intensive airstrikes on Gaza, where at least 4600 people have been killed.

Israel said its armed forces' incursions overnight were partly intended to gather intelligence and had helped improve its military readiness, but it is not clear when the Middle East's most powerful army might launch a full-scale invasion.

It is also not clear how such an invasion might unfold. Hamas has built up a powerful arsenal with Iran's help, and Israeli forces would risk be drawn into fighting

Palestinians inspect the remains of a mosque destroyed in Israeli strikes, as the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas continues, in the northern Gaza Strip October 22, 2023

in a crowded urban setting against a group that has built a vast tunnel network referred to by Israeli troops as the "Gaza Metro".

Israel has said its military campaign will exceed any pre-

vious moves against Hamas, but the Palestinian group has proved capable of surprising Israel in the past and will be fighting in a dense urban setting with powerful weapons.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

At least 17 killed in Bangladesh train collision

A

t least 17 people have been killed and more than 100 others wounded after two trains collided in northeastern Bangladesh, Police and officials said.

The crash in the city of Bhairab saw a cargo train smash into a passenger train from the rear, derailing two passenger carriages, officials said on Monday.

“We have recovered 17 bodies. More than 100 people were injured,” said

Sadiqur Rahman, a government administrator in Bhairab, which lies around 80km (50 miles) northeast of the capital Dhaka.

Local Police Chief Rasel Sheikh confirmed the death toll, citing rescuers at the scene, and said more than 50 wounded people were sent to different hospitals.

Rahman said the death toll was expected to rise, the AFP news agency reported, with rescuers reporting they could see bodies

crushed and trapped under overturned coaches.

It was not immediately clear how many people were trapped.

The collision happened at 3:30pm local time (09:30 GMT), when the cargo train heading to Chattogram struck the rear two cars of the Dhaka-bound Egarosindhur Godhuli Express passenger train, Azizul Haque Rajon, a senior fire official, told the Associated Press news agency.

Television footage showed hundreds of people gathered at the scene where rescuers were cutting part of a carriage to recover injured people from inside it.

One of the carriages was seen shattered and overturned.

Railway services were suspended throughout the region following the accident, officials said.

It was not immediately clear what caused the crash.

(Al Jazeera)

Biggest cervical Death on duty: State cancer drug advance negligence leads to exodus of Nigerian doctors Off-duty pilot Joseph in 20 years hailed Emerson accused S A of trying to crash Alaska Airlines flight

A

n off-duty pilot has been charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, after he allegedly tried to crash a passenger jet during a flight on Sunday night.

The suspect was sitting in the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines flight behind the captain and the first-officer, according to an airline statement.

A Police booking document named the suspect as Joseph David Emerson, 44.

The flight was on its way from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California, with 80 passengers aboard.

It was diverted to Portland, Oregon, and the suspect was subdued without incident, officials said.

In a statement, Alaska Airlines said the off-duty pilot was travelling in the flight deck jump seat, when he "unsuccessfully attempted to dis-

rupt the operation of the engines."

Crew members on Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 reported the incident to air traffic control.

In a recording of air traffic control communication, one of the pilots was heard saying: "We've got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit, and he doesn't sound like he's causing any issue in the back right now."

"I think he's subdued," the pilot added. He requested Police presence "as soon as we get on the ground and parked".

In addition to the attempted murder charges, Emerson also faces 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft.

He was lodged at Multnomah County Detention Center while the investigation continues. (Excerpt from BBC News)

cientists say they may have made the biggest breakthrough in treating cervical cancer in 20 years, using a course of existing, cheap drugs ahead of usual radiotherapy treatment.

Trial findings, revealed at the ESMO medical conference, show the approach cut the risk of women dying from the disease or the cancer returning by 35%.

Cancer Research UK, which funded the work, called the results "remarkable".

It hopes clinics will soon start doing the same for patients.

Cervical cancer affects thousands of women each year in the UK, many in their early 30s. Despite improvements in radiotherapy care, cancer returns in up to a third of cases, meaning new approaches are very much needed.

Dr Iain Foulkes, from Cancer Research UK, said: "Timing is everything when you're treating cancer.

"A growing body of evidence is showing the value of additional rounds of chemotherapy before other treatments like surgery and ra-

diotherapy in several other cancers. Not only can it reduce the chances of cancer coming back, it can be delivered quickly using drugs already available worldwide.

"We're excited for the improvements this trial could bring to cervical cancer treatment and hope short courses of induction chemotherapy will be rapidly adopted in the clinic."

In the study, 250 women with cervical cancer received the new treatment - an intensive six-week course of carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy, followed by the "usual" treatment of radiotherapy plus weekly cisplatin and brachytherapy, known as chemoradiation.

Another 250 women - the control group - received only the usual chemoradiation.

Five years later, 80% of those who had received the new treatment were alive and 73% had not seen their cancer return or spread.

In comparison in the "usual" treatment group, 72% were alive and 64% had not seen their cancer return or spread.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

t about 7pm on August 1, when Vwaere Daiso exited her room on the ninth floor of the 10-storey residence for doctors at the Lagos hospital where she worked to retrieve a parcel from the ground floor, she had no idea it was the last time she would do so.

Moments later, she crashed to the floor together with the lift which had become unhinged.

No help came until after 40 minutes of frantic calls for a rescue team by the facility manager and Daiso’s roommate, who sprinted several flights of stairs to call him. The machines in the emergency section were not working either when she was taken there, so she was pronounced dead just as resuscitation began at about 8:59pm.

The struggles of Nigeria’s healthcare system are well-documented and have affected the quality and number of doctors available locally, for decades.

According to the World Health Organization

(WHO), at least 2,000 Nigerian doctors emigrate yearly to hotspots like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Since 2019, Nigerian newspapers have been reporting about recruitment exercises conducted by Saudi officials in Lagos and Abuja.

The average salary for a Nigerian doctor in the employ of the federal government, is 240,000 naira (US$312.92) monthly, a fraction of the 2448 (US$2,967.20) average remuneration for their peers in the UK. Those employed by the state governments earn even less.

And that has been a key factor in their migration.

But doctors say fleeing Nigeria is also a matter of life and death even for them due to deplorable working conditions and poor equipment as they work round the clock.

On September 17, a doctor at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital died after working nonstop for 72 hours. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Focus on what's important to you.

Do your own thing and stay out of sight.

You'll gain ground if you maintain focus and follow your heart. Refuse to let anyone bully you.

(March 21-April 19) Don't hesitate; take the initiative and reach for the stars. You've got what it takes to make a difference and to sink your teeth into something that brings you joy.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Don't give away your secrets or allow others to interfere with your plans.

Work undercover, and you'll find it easier to reach your objective quickly. Stay ahead of the game.

(May 21-June 20) Juggle your schedule to suit your needs. Talk to experts, consider your options and align yourself with people who can help you reach your goal. Alter your home and lifestyle as needed.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Stay calm, avoid chaos and live within your means. Refuse to let others dictate what's best for you. Keep your life simple, under control and heading in a positive direction.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

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

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Short trips, conversations and a change for the better are within reach if you broaden your horizons and network with like-minded people in your community. Don't procrastinate if action is necessary.

Listen, and you'll keep the peace.

Changing how you allocate money will encourage a lifestyle that puts your mind at ease and enables you to follow what makes you happy. Use your imagination.

Make home improvements, network and implement the changes necessary to reach your objective. A joint effort will lead to unexpected opportunities. Make worthwhile connections.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Keep an open mind, listen to others and contemplate what's best for you. Set boundaries and expectations if someone is being too aggressive or not pulling their weight.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Find out how to cut your overhead.

Sell items you no longer need and declutter your space to make room to accommodate things that are meaningful to you. Romance is favored.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Keep your eye on the ball and take notes. Don't expect anyone to give you something for nothing. A hyped-up deal will disappoint, but investing more time in your own interests will pay off.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Establish what you want and what it will cost, and start saving money. A change may seem unattainable, but you will reach your target with ingenuity and discipline.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023

21

Gurbaz, Ibrahim, Rahmat boss 283 chase in Afghanistan's first ODI win over Pakistan While Rahmat with five fours and a six remained unbeaten on 77, Shahidi scored a 45-ball 48*. It was the captain who hit the winning runs, a pull/flick off Afridi to spark emotional scenes in the dugout.

The first innings was one of three chunks: Pakistan dominated the first 15 overs; Afghanistan spinners had a stranglehold on the proceedings for the next 25; Pakistan pumped 91 runs in the last ten. And that seemed to have given them the momentum heading into the break.

The pitch in Chennai was the s a m e one used for India's o p e n i n g game against

overs with Naveen-ul-Haq and Mujeeb Ur Rahman both leaking runs. At this stage, Shahidi turned to Mohammad Nabi and the veteran, through his effective variations of pace and length, put a hold on the run-scoring.

Azmatullah Omarzai benefited from this at the other end when Imam-ul-Haq miscued a pull to short midwicket.

Babar and Shafique took the innings forward with Shafique soon reaching his second successive fifty, off 60 balls. However, once the ball got a bit older, and the surface a tad tired, it started playing a few more tricks. Between the 16th and the 31st overs, Pakistan could only manage two fours

Hashimatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah took Afghanistan home with an unbeaten 96-run stand

8

-0 or 7-1? Nah, we are not talking about that one. Coming into their fifth game of the 2023 World Cup, Afghanistan had not beaten Pakistan in a One-Day International (ODI) in seven attempts.

They had run them close on at least two occasions, but had to suffer one heartbreak after another. But on probably the biggest stage of them all, Afghanistan finally managed to break the hoodoo. And they did it, in Chennai, by eight wickets chasing down 283 with six

balls to spare, crafting their highest successful chase in ODIs in the process. A 'W' against Pakistan finally, and 1-7, too. It was also the highest successful chase against Pakistan in a World Cup game.

Should it count as an upset? Maybe not after what Afghanistan did to England, not after the clinical manner in which they chased down the target on Monday to move to sixth position on the table.

Batting first on a surface that didn't have a

SCOREBOARD Pakistan (50 ovs maximum) Abdullah Shafique lbw b Noor Ahmad 58 Imam-ul-Haq c Naveen-ul-Haq b Azmatullah Omarzai 17 Babar Azam (c) c Mohammad Nabi b Noor Ahmad 74 Mohammad Rizwan † c Mujeeb Ur Rahman b Noor Ahmad 8 Saud Shakeel c Rashid Khan b Mohammad Nabi 25 Shadab Khan c Mohammad Nabi b Naveen-ul-Haq 40 Iftikhar Ahmed c Azmatullah Omarzai b Naveen-ul-Haq 40 Shaheen Shah Afridi not out 3 Extras (lb 4, nb 1, w 12) 17 TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 5.64) 282/7 Did not bat: Usama Mir, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf Fall of wickets: 1-56 (Imam-ulHaq, 10.1 ov), 2-110 (Abdullah Shafique, 22.3 ov), 3-120 (Mohammad Rizwan, 24.4 ov), 4-163 (Saud Shakeel, 33.6 ov), 5-206 (Babar Azam, 41.5 ov), 6-279 (Iftikhar Ahmed, 49.2 ov), 7-282 (Shadab Khan, 49.6 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W Naveen-ul-Haq 7-0-52-2

Mujeeb Ur Rahman Mohammad Nabi Azmatullah Omarzai Rashid Khan Noor Ahmad

8-0-55-0 10-0-31-1 5-0-50-1 10-0-41-0 10-0-49-3

Afghanistan (T: 283 runs from 50 ovs) Rahmanullah Gurbaz c Usama Mir b Shaheen Shah Afridi 65 Ibrahim Zadran c †Mohammad Rizwan b Hasan Ali 87 Rahmat Shah not out 77 Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) not out 48 Extras (nb 1, w 8) 9 TOTAL 49 Ov (RR: 5.83) 286/2 Did not bat: Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil †,Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan,Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq,Noor Ahmad Fall of wickets: 1-130 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 21.1 ov), 2-190 (Ibrahim Zadran, 33.3 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W Shaheen Shah Afridi 10-0-58-1 Hasan Ali 10-1-44-1 Haris Rauf 8-1-53-0 Usama Mir 8-0-55-0 Shadab Khan 8-0-49-0 Iftikhar Ahmed 5-0-27-0

blade of grass, Babar Azam had no hesitation in batting first. Babar and Abdullah Shafique's fifties backed up by excellent cameos from Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan helped Pakistan post a formidable 282 for 7.

In reply, Afghanistan were switched on like men on a mission. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran posted a 130-run stand for the opening wicket, with both batters scoring fifties.

Once they exited, it was the turn for Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi to shepherd the chase and close it in 49 overs.

Afghanistan's chase started on a perfect note with Gurbaz picking Shaheen Shah Afridi to the fine-leg boundary and Ibrahim driving Afridi through the covers three balls later.

While Ibrahim took Hasan Ali to the cleaners, Gurbaz targeted Haris Rauf, smashing him for four fours in his opening over as Afghanistan raced to 60 after nine.

While the boundary scoring was impeccable, their running between the wickets was even better.

They were also helped by Pakistan's sloppy fielding – they were all over the

place.

It took Afghanistan just 15.3 overs to breach the 100-run mark. By that time, both Ibrahim and Gurbaz had brought up their fifties. Pakistan's first wicket only came in the 22nd over, when Afridi induced a top edge off Gurbaz's blade that was snapped up by deep third.

No panic stations, though. Rahmat came in, and immediately got to work in his usual industrious style. Whenever there were a string of dot balls, Ibrahim or Rahmat broke the shackles with a boundary. They added 60 off 74 for the second wicket before Ibrahim, struggling with cramps, edged Hasan behind for 87.

Any thoughts of a collapse, or even a couple of quick wickets, were quickly shut down by Shahidi and Rahmat. They added 96 unbeaten runs for the third wicket, not once giving Pakistan a sniff. The calmness with which they went about their work was probably the most striking feature of the chase.

And Pakistan looked toothless for most of the chase, the bowlers hardly getting anything out of the surface.

Rahmat Shah celebrates his fifty

Australia, so Afghanistan brought in Noor Ahmad for Fazalhaq Farooqi to make it four spinners in their XI. The move, at least for the first 15 overs, seemed to have backfired.

Pakistan moved to 56 for no loss in the first 10 overs, the best powerplay they have had in 10 innings at the World Cup. There was another first – and second – that took place in these 10 overs: Abdullah Shafique hit two sixes. The first was Pakistan's first after 1169 balls in powerplays this year.

Pakistan had actually raced to their 50 in 7.4

and a six and scored 61 runs while losing two key wickets. Noor struck both the telling blows.

He first took out Shafique lbw with a wrong'un and then removed Mohammad Rizwan. Babar took 69 balls to reach his fifty before falling to Noor for 74.

At 206 for 5 at the end of 42 overs, Pakistan seemed to be falling short of a par score. But Iftikhar and Shadab changed the script.

The two added 73 off just 45 balls, taking apart what was a poor show at the death by the Afghanistan bowlers. (ESPNcricinfo)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023

Janet Jagan Birth Anniversary Schoolgirls Wind-ball Cricket Championship launched I

n honour of Guyana’s first female President, Janet Jagan, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, along with the National Sports Commission, launched the Janet Jagan Birth Anniversary Schoolgirls Wind-ball Cricket Championship at the National Gymnasium on October 23, 2023, marking 31 years since the inaugural tournament.

The competition will see 16 teams battling for supremacy – including Essequibo Islands Secondary, Good Hope Secondary, Stewartville Secondary, Diamond

The President’s College team

Primary Top, President’s College, Bladen Hall Secondary, Westminster

Secondary, Lancaster Secondary, West Demerara Secondary, New Williams

Secondary, Friendship Secondary, and Zeeburg Secondary.

At the launching ceremony, the Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Charles Ramson Jr emphasised the importance of teamwork to win matches and thus the games.

“Over the next few weeks, you’re gonna be able to play against each other, but at the same time, you have to learn how to play with each other. Team sports – cricket or whatever team sports you’re playing – is really about how you learn to work with each other and at the same time,

learn to win and the teams that are most united and cohesive altogether are the ones that are best able to win and, so at our ministry, we focus a lot on building a strong team, and it(teamwork) also teaches you how to lead, because girls can be very good leaders as well,” he said.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle went on to expound on the development we are likely to see in the next year due to the dedication of the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

“We can see that every year that this competi-

tion is being held, we are seeing development, so when we look back in 2024 at what has happened in 2023. I'm giving you my word that we will see much more improvements with the help of the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. You have committed and dedicated people, which are two important things, if you are to see development,” he said.

The two finalists of the tournament will get a trip to Fort Zealandia in addition to trophies and prizes, compliments of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

65 aspiring footballers participate Banks awaiting necessary in GFF’s newly-introduced Access permission for Guinness Grassroots Programme restart

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Access Grassroots Programme successfully conducted its inaugural on-field session on Sunday with an impressive turnout of 65 enthusiastic young footballers at the St Pius Ground in Georgetown.

The young participants from West La Penitence communities on October 22 engaged in a fun and interactive session that focused on teaching the fundamental aspects of football under the guidance of Coaches Gordon Braithwaite, Dennis Hunte, Vibert Butts, Colin Tasher, Lloyd Smith and Troy Wright.

The Access Grassroots Programme is a new addition to the current national youth development initiatives, aimed at encouraging greater participation in football among boys and girls aged five to twelve, with special emphasis on inner-city communities to ensure maximum participation.

GFF President Wayne Forde expressed satisfaction with both the turnout and the way in which the new grassroots coaches managed the eager group of children.

“We had a massive turnout of children from the age of five all the way up to 15 years old. We had all the coaches working in their groups and I believe it was a really good afternoon for the young boys and girls who came out today.

I would have to say it’s probably the best day one could have expected for this programme.”

The top GFF official highlighted that the initiative is being piloted in Georgetown, but would subsequently be introduced nationwide, with grassroots coaches receiving training in accordance with the guidelines established by the GFF Technical Department.

“The Georgetown leg will be the pilot; we are going to be monitoring it, evaluating it and really measuring the

F

Some participants and Coaches in the Access Grassroots Programme

impact, but I know we have to roll this out as quickly as possible to other parts of the country,” he disclosed.

On Friday, October 20, the five new Access Grassroots Programme Coaches officially signed their appointment letters and received essential equipment, including bibs, balls and cones, through the Member-Assistance Financial Programme (M-FAP).

In early October, the five football stalwarts successfully completed an intensive workshop organised by the GFF Coaching Department, which focused on national youth coaching philosophy and provided comprehensive instruction and guidance to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective coaches and mentors for the Access Grassroots Programme.

The training session was led by GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph, Coaches’ Education Officer Lyndon France and Coach Mentor Linsworth Gilbert. They covered several crucial topics, including child safeguarding, grassroots structure, technical development, the roles of grassroots players and coaches, and the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

On Sunday, during the first on-field session Coaches had the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they

had acquired over the last few weeks.

Coach Dennis Hunte said the afternoon “was a success” and that he was looking forward to seeing more children “coming out (and) getting to understand the game so we can prepare for the future”.

Vibert Butts, who trained the eight to ten-year-old group, added that the youngsters had an enjoyable experience, and “as the (programme) progresses, then you employ systems”.

An important feature of the Access Grassroots Programme is the mobility of coaches who will travel between different venues to provide training in the essential skills to future football stars.

The current grassroots initiatives of the GFF are funded through M-FAP and consist of a diverse range of programmes, including the establishment of nine regional Academy Training Centres (ATCs), the implementation of year-round grassroots programmes by Regional Associations, and support for various football clubs.

Under President Forde's leadership, the administration remains committed to investing in the development of the grassroots ecosystem.

This investment aims to provide young boys and girls with accessible opportunities to engage with the fundamental structure of football.

ollowing the COVID-19 pandemic, the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” football competition had been hosted sporadically across singular locales, like the East Coast of Demerara and Linden.

However, there is an intention to restart the tournament in its entirety, including zonal competitions and the national showdown.

And, fans would not have to wait too long since it is set to make a long- awaited return in November.

This revelation was made

by Brand Manager attached to Banks DIH Limited, Lee Baptiste, who revealed that they are awaiting venue permissions for Georgetown before kick-off.

“We have some correspondence in with the Ministry of Sports and Culture; to date we’ve not received any feedback, but we hope to do so in another few weeks. So, once those dates and venues are confirmed by the Ministry, then we will so roll out our plan for November,” the Brand Manager disclosed.

“But at this point in time, we’re looking to start in November with the Georgetown leg,” Baptiste further revealed.

In disclosing the timeframe in which the tournament is expected to run, Baptiste went on to reveal the new location in which the tournament will be played.

He told sport media operatives, “We’re looking to run for at least four to six months of Guinness street football. We have to confirm the dates. This year, we’ll be going for the first time into Essequibo and once we do that, we would’ve touched all the regions, all the main regions countrywide.”

Banks DIH’s Lee Baptiste

Baptiste then shared why organisers felt compelled to take the “Greatest of the Streets” competition to Essequibo.

“It was a decision long in coming. I mean, Essequibians have been asking us for the event, but be-

cause of the logistical reasons, that was making it difficult on our part. But this year, we’ve ironed out the issues and we couldn’t have them waiting any longer.

Hence, our reason for going into Essequibo,” Baptiste related.

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023

23

Pan American Games 2023…

Allicock misses out on medal round …swimmers also in action on Monday

W

A glimpse of the bout between Keevin Allicock and Jahmal Harvey

ith a boisterous smattering of Guyanese supporters in the stands, Keevin Allicock on Monday afternoon sought to book passage to the medal round of the men’s 66kg division at the 2023 Pan American Games; however, it was not to be as the Guyanese pugilist went down fighting to his American opponent.

Allicock, fighting out of the blue corner, came up against Jahmal Harvey of the USA in the quarterfinal round, the winner of which would move on to the semi-final and be guaranteed at least a bronze medal.

the better boxer on all the judges’ scorecards but one.

Though Allicock also fought valiantly in the third round, he would go on to lose the bout by way of a unanimous decision.

The judges scored: 30-27, 29-28, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27.

Following the bout, Allicock expressed his thoughts on how he executed the three rounds.

“I gave it my best, I saw that the guy was a good fighter, fighting backwards, you know. We stick to the plan that me and my coach work with, which is attacking him; you know, fighting against the US is like fighting against

A section of the Guyanese contingent out in support of Keevin Allicock, including Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) President Godfrey Munroe

Persaud stopped the clock at 1:00.96s for second place.

The record, set by Persaud, stands at 1:00.67s.

The heat was won by Grenada’s Tilly Collymore in 59.87s while Paraguay’s Stefania Piccardo was third in 1:01.31s.

A few races later, Raekwon Noel placed third in the men’s 800m freestyle B final.

Noel clocked 8:34.68s for third place, while Cuba’s Rodolfo Mojarrieta was first in 8:19.66s and Puerto Rico’s Christian Bayo second in 8:20.52s.

The Pan American Games action will continue today, with Aleka Persaud in the pool once again.

Raekwon Noel dives in

Young gets his half-century, but rain has final say

A

Aleka Persaud in action

Harvey was the immediate aggressor from the get-go, firing shots almost instantaneously from the sound of the first bell. The Guyanese would then adjust to his opponent’s feisty tactics, making for an entertaining first round.

However, the scores would not reflect such as all five of the judges scored 10-9 in the American’s favour.

Allicock approached the second round with much more intensity, landing many more power punches than in the previous round, but again his opponent was

the judge even though the judge decision is final. But like I said, I put my best foot forward and I tried pressing hard to get this victory this afternoon, but it didn’t go to plan,” Allicock shared.

Following probes, the pugilist went on to reveal that an injury has hampered his performance during the competition.

He divulged, “Who know me, know me. I don’t make excuses but I’ve been working with the therapist, I had injury in my shoulder, currently have an in-

jury right now whereby I’m not getting to work the rotated cuff and like I said, that’s no excuse, but that was one of the things that was playing with me, even in the first fight; I tried to stop the opponent as fast as I can.”

Meanwhile, earlier on Monday, both local swimmers had their time in the pool.

Aleka Persaud first came within split seconds of rewriting yet another national swimming record, this time in the women’s 100m freestyle event.

Racing in Heat 1,

maiden List A half-century from West Indies Academy skipper Nyeem Young came to an end owing to rain and so did the contest against Barbados Pride on Monday in the CG United Regional Super50.

At the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground, only 38.1 overs were possible and with Academy asked to bat, they were 141 for six when the rains came.

Pride seamers Jair McAllister and Dominic Drakes ripped through the Academy’s top order for a series of single-figure scores.

Kimani Melius was the first to fall, driving straight to cover off of Drakes for nine in the sixth over while in his following over, he removed Leonardo Julien who was caught behind fishing outside the off-stump.

Matthew Nandu did not spend too much time at the crease and departed attempting to pull only to find the square leg fielder as WI Academy slipped to 22-3. McAllister struck once again and took the prized

WI Academy skipper Nyeem Young made 67 not out (CWI Media photo)

wicket of in-form Teddy Bishop, who was caught at cover.

Roshan Primus then removed Ackeem Auguste for three to see WI Academy go into the drinks break on 31 for five. But that brought Young to the crease, who joined Kevin Wickham to salvage the innings with a

93-run partnership.

Young’s unfinished innings saw him hit four sixes and two fours during his 87-ball 67 while Wickham stroked two boundaries in his 61-ball 43 before being caught at deep backward square. Drakes returned 2-10 while McAllister had 2-15.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023

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

A

maiden List A ton from Sherfane Rutherford steered Guyana Harpy Eagles to a four-wicket win over Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Queen’s Park Oval in the CG United Regional Super50.

On Monday, Hurricanes won the toss and opted to take first strike but were contained to 244 for six in their 50 overs. Eagles then soared to 248 for six with 15 balls to spare.

Arriving at the crease with his side 108 for five and still 137 runs away, Rutherford went on to blast 105 not out in just 71 balls, His brutal innings featured eight sixes, the most in a single innings this season, and seven fours.

Rutherford rocketed to his half-century in just 34

Sherfane Rutherford scored his maiden List A ton to give Guyana Harpy Eagles victory (CWI Media photo)

Pg 22

balls after cutting Justin Greaves to the square boundary. During his innings, he shared in a sixth-wicket stand of 67 with Kevlon Anderson who made 32 from 60 balls. Anderson was caught behind attempting to paddle Kofi James (3-30) to fine leg.

Rutherford was then joined by Romario Shepherd to see his side over the line with an unbroken partnership worth 73 runs. With five runs needed in the last three overs, Rutherford brought up his century with a four down fine leg off of Greaves and two balls later, another boundary down deep extra cover to seal the win. Shepherd was unbeaten on 18 from 25 balls.

Tevin Imlach chipped in with 32 while Kemol Savory, in his first match of the season, made 26 from 46 balls. Kevin Sinclair also made 12

before he was stumped off of Hayden Walsh (1-33).

When Hurricanes batted earlier, Jahmar Hamilton top-scored with 54 not out from 52 balls, hitting a six and three fours along the way.

Karima Gore also made 54 from 72 balls before a sharp return catch to Gudakesh Motie brought his innings to an end.

Walsh continued to show his batting prowess with 49 from 56 balls with his innings featuring seven boundaries. Veerasammy P e r m a u l and Shepherd took two wickets each while Motie and Ronsford Beaton picked up a wicket each.

VS

Pan American Games 2023…

Pg 23

participate in GFF’s misses out on medal newly-introduced Access round Grassroots Programme …swimmers also in action on Monday GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.