Guyana Times - Wednesday, April 3, 2024.pdf

– says outages rooted in

funding sought from UK bank to

Fees collected on Easter Monday are to ensure urban areas remain clean, green – PAC

Pres Ali blasts GPL top brass over persistent power failures GFS battling wildfires at

High Court to hear motion today on electoral fraud-accused’s constitutional rights

Kuru Kuru siblings stabbed during Easter Monday brawl

Berbice man released on selfbail after pleading guilty to trafficking 5.994kg ganja

Venezuelan duo busted with US$2.6M in cocaine charged, remanded to prison

Lusignan Prison records significant decrease in chickenpox cases

Pres Ali blasts GPL top brass over persistent power failures

– says outages rooted in 2015-2020 mismanagement – funding sought from UK bank to replace aging transmission system

PGuyana has been enduring a spate of blackouts over the past week, following what GPL has described as engine failures at different locations. On Tuesday, President Ali sat down with the management of GPL, as well as Power Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI) and Wärtsilä, two companies that play integral roles in generating the power.

During the meeting, the first of a series of planned meetings, the Head of State read the riot act to them over the poor performance of the power company. The President, in a statement, acknowledged that his government inherited several problems at GPL in 2020.

According to him, this is owing to a lack of maintenance and investments from the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government. Added to this, according to President Ali, is the growth in energy demand and the lack of redundancy in an aging system.

Meanwhile, the President also revealed that the Government has already approached the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) to explore financing for the aging transmission system. Additionally, President Ali said that GPL has been tasked with considering alternative options to meet the short-term demand for power.

This is especially true since demand is expected to grow by 30 megawatts this year and the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project, which will in-

troduce 300 megawatts of power, does not come onstream until next year.

APNU

Meanwhile, former Public Infrastructure Minister and now AFC Member of Parliament, David Patterson released a missive in which he defended the management of GPL, which fell under his pur-

placed,” Patterson further wrote.

Mention was also made by the former Minister of a US$900 million line of credit from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) that the coalition secured in 2018. According to Patterson, had this loan been operationalised, GPL would have been in a better position today.

Government having to bring in 29.9 megawatts of additional power in the form of generators last year. It is anticipated that once the GtE Project is online next year, Guyanese will benefit from not only cheaper but more reliable power.

As of January, this year, the marine offloading facility has been completed, and 26km of onshore pipelines have been installed. Once completed, the project will allow Guyanese to benefit from 50 per cent reduced electricity costs.

As it is now, electricity demand has been steadily rising. This year alone, the demand is projected to peak at 236 megawatts; however, GPL can generate approximately 180 megawatts of power.

In 2020, demand was around 120 megawatts and this grew to 136 megawatts in 2021; 156 megawatts in 2022; and then peaked at 184 megawatts in 2023.

Last year’s peak was recorded when all industrial customers were on the grid.

Another issue that has

view, during APNU/AFC’s tenure.

While Patterson admitted that GPL had a limited budget and several things had not been addressed at the power company by the time APNU/AFC left office in 2020, he maintained that significant investments and progress were made under his tenure.

“During the coalition’s tenure, 300km of high-voltage transmission lines were repaired or upgraded, 16km of new feeder cables were installed, the express feeders on the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) were completely upgraded.

“A new submarine cable linking Vreed-en-Hoop and Princes Street was installed, 486km of new secondary distribution lines were installed, 19km of secondary distribution lines were upgraded, 87,717 service lines were replaced, 502 new transformers were installed, and 2292 defective transformers were re-

“The first request to utilize these funds was a loan of US$110 million for GPL to construct new substations, a new additional transmission and distribution network, as well as upgrading the existing power infrastructure,” he said.

Woes

GPL has been dealing with power failure woes for some time, with the

severely affected GPL is the theft of electricity, which continues to cost it millions of dollars every year. Thousands of people, mostly in depressed communities and squatting areas, climb utility poles and attach wires to GPL’s network, while many of them tamper with meters to decrease the registering of their actual energy consumption.

President Dr Irfaan Ali during the meeting with GPL management and other power officials

GPL officials, including Executive and Management Committee member Kesh Nandlall, as they listen to the President

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Empowering autistic voices

April is Autism Awareness Month, also referred to by some people as Autism Acceptance Month. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is characterized by challenges with social skills, communication, and repetitive behaviour. World Autism Day is Apil 2 each year. This year’s theme is “Empowering Autistic Voices”. The theme aims at providing more support and power to the individuals with this condition, in order to ensure they lead a meaningful life, and even pursue successful careers.

Joined by the international community, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world light blue in recognition of people living with autism. Autism-friendly events and educational activities take place all month in order to increase understanding and acceptance and foster worldwide support. World Autism Awareness Day can trace its roots back to November 1st, 2007. This is when the UN first requested that a day be established as World Autism Day. This resolution was passed on December 18th of 2007.

According to the United Nations, there has been major progress over the past decade in increasing access to education, especially for persons with autism.

The UN has stated that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused countries to temporarily close schools, more than 90 per cent of students worldwide have been impacted. The disruption, the UN has stated, had caused learning to be reversed, and “years of progress and has exacerbated inequalities in education.”

This has caused students with autism to be hard hit, and studies now show that they have been “disproportionately affected by disruptions to routines, as well as services and supports that they rely on.”

World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) aims to put a spotlight on the hurdles that people with autism – and others living with autism – face every day. As a growing global health issue owing to its increasing exposure in the press and common knowledge, autism is an issue that is only gaining more understanding – and WAAD activities are planned every year to further increase and develop world knowledge of children and adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

As more people become aware of the autism spectrum, more parents reach out for answers. More awareness leads to more knowledge and greater visibility. More people who aren’t living with autism learn to accept, and respect, people who are. At present, there are no official statistics on the number of autistic children and other persons in Guyana; Government officials should therefore be keen to acquire the numbers to better understand the complex disorder that affects communication and behaviour.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological disorder that typically appears during the first years of life, and affects the development of the child in three broad areas: communication skills, social skills, and repetitive or rigid behaviours. As reflected in the name, children with autism spectrum disorder vary greatly in terms of the level and type of impairment in the areas of social, communication, and behaviour, as well as the strengths with which they present within each of these areas. Current statistics suggest that approximately one in 88 children has an autism spectrum disorder.

The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high, and the lack of understanding has a tremendous impact on the individuals, their families and communities.

Further, stigmatisation and discrimination associated with neurological differences remain substantial obstacles to diagnosis and therapies, an issue that must be addressed by both public policy-makers in developing nations as well as donor countries.

While there are several local companies who already make autism causes a part of their charitable giving, there are many who haven’t yet jumped on board. Please consider doing so; autism is real, it affects us all. It needs not only our understanding, but our support. More importantly, those on the spectrum deserve our understanding and support. This disorder affects males and females of all races in all parts of the world.

Let’s not stop the progress

Dear Editor,

There is a block-wide ring fence on the Stabroek Block, and the benefits to Guyana, Guyanese and our economy continue to accrue; yet many persist in calling for ring-fencing within the Stabroek Block, despite the negatives such a provision would impose.

Lallbachan ‘Chris’ Ram called on ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of the Stabroek Block, to inform the nation of how much revenue it has lost due to the lack of a ring-fencing provision. This is the wrong question for the wrong entity. The right question is: ‘How much does Guyana gain from keeping the ring-fencing provision block-wide, instead of individual wells?’ and the people who should answer are the Government.

In the meantime, here are some facts we should consider.

There is a ring-fence around the entire Stabroek Block, which allows for continuous exploration and appraisal. This, in turn, has led to the discovery of over thirty wells with commercial potential. This has led to a lighting move from first discovery in May 2015 to ‘first oil’ production in December 2019. Guyana’s current production level is over 600,000 barrels of oil per DAY! It is expected to grow well past a million BPD and upwards, it is the reason we are the fastest-growing economy in the world.

Make no mistake, Guyana sits in the catbird seat, we are the envy of the entire world. The re-

cent Bluefin discovery is another in a long line of successful wells drilled; and with each well, our pie grows ever larger. Such is the bounty in the Stabroek Block that Guyanese have become inured to discoveries, I can find no fault with the Government’s “drill and produce as much as possible” policies, we are rapidly approaching the limit of absorption capacity of oil revenues, and we have just begun to roll.

Any move to standalone ring-fencing would slow this momentum. This would affect Guyana more than Exxon and partners, for whom it is a matter of zeros on the bottom line. For Guyana, it is the development of our infrastructure (roads, bridges, power stations, schools, hospitals, police stations); jobs/business opportunities for our people; cheaper power, a higher standard of living for all Guyanese; and it can’t come soon enough for all of us.

It is this haste to develop that drives the wrong questions. Some feel that oil revenues automatically translate into socialism, so they preach to all who will listen that the oil money is not being distributed equally; that there should be no blackouts, no potholes, everyone could just stay at home and get a cheque every month. This combination of populism and socialism is a road to ruin. A look at our neighbour to the West is but the most recent in a long line of populist socialism failures. The Government’s policy of infrastructure, education, vocational training, and op-

portunity is far more sensi-

ble; it is sad when those who should know better tout the populist line instead of honest development. Chris Ram is right when he says we should all become ‘oil minded’; where he is wrong is when he thinks we should all be of like mind with his socialist outlook.

To answer the ‘right’ question, Guyana has gained immensely from the discovery of oil, the blockwide ring fence has allowed ease of investment decision that sees more wells being drilled, and our reserves are over 11 billion barrels and rising fast. Exxon and the Stabroek Block partners are moving ahead with produc-

tion capacity, which benefits Guyana and Guyanese. Our underground resource is being converted to finance, and that finance is driving our development, and it can’t happen fast enough for us. A project-by-project ring fence would be an application of brakes in mid-flight, and cause unnecessary turbulence on what has been a smooth supersonic flight to date.

Let’s not stop the progress or conjure negative vibes with the wrong questions. In the words of Bing Cosby “don’t fence me in.”

Sincerely,

Robin Singh

Lies and deceit

Dear Editor, I am very saddened, hurt and depressed by some untrue and defamatory statements made by Mr. Mikhail Rodrigues against the Mohammed family.

During my dark days, when I was struggling to survive in Guyana, Mr. Mohamed (Shell) offered me a job at his stall in the Stabroek Market. As the years passed by, a bond of love, trust and respect developed, and Mr. Mohamed took me in as part of his family. I then had food, shelter, nice clothes and a good salary.

To my great surprise and astonishment, Mr. Mohamed went a step further, and I was able to join my brother in Toronto

Canada. It was a dream come true. I completed my studies at York University in Toronto, and was able to secure a job as a mathematics teacher in a high school.

That would never have been possible without the kindness and generosity of the Mohamed family, so I just cannot sit quietly and allow Mr Rodrigues to tarnish, defame and hurt the Mohamed family with his bag of lies.

I honestly believe that Mr Rodrigues is looking for attention and publicity, or is just jealous of the success and good reputation of the Mohamed family.

Sincerely,

Kadir Bacchus

President Dr Irfaan Ali was on Tuesday presented with a model of the United Airlines’ aircraft during a meeting with executives of that airline. The airline commenced operations between Georgetown and Houston, Texas, USA on Monday. In photo, an official of the airline is presenting a model of the Boeing 737 Max 8 to President Ali in the presence of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond

President Ali and PM Phillips appealed for unity and inclusivity during Phagwah celebrations

Dear Editor,

As we all know, we are in the 21st century, and as Guyanese living at home and abroad, the time has come for us to unite and be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. The truth is: we, especially Indo -and-Afro Guyanese, have been divided for far too long.

This division between the two major ethnic groups began almost seven decades ago, in the 1950s, and continues today despite the fact the we are neighbours, friends and relatives. And even though many are involved in interracial marriages, unity seems to elude the nation.

For Guyana to develop, prosper, and be respected by other nations, we must do everything in our power to end the hatred, intolerance, and discriminatory practices

against one another, and adhere to the national motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”, or President Dr. Ali’s “One Guyana” initiative, which is aimed at promoting unity, non-discrimination, tolerance, and inclusivity of everyone, regardless of race, status or party affiliation.

We must free ourselves from vindictive, acrimony or spiteful behaviour, and the bigotry and partiality that is being practised daily by many of us. That was the message heralded by His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali to all Guyanese in celebrating Phagwah on Monday, March 25, 2024.

The Head of State has said that discrimination, hatred and intolerance have no place in society, and that the colourful and joyful Phagwah festivities should remind us of the

The need for improvement in fire prevention

Dear Editor,

The announced investment in Amerindian communities in the interior is very good news. We must, however, remember that the Fire Service is in urgent need of improvement, and pressurised water lines and sprinkler systems in buildings are still a major shortcoming.

Protecting children at school and in the dorms must remain a top priority for investment in the interior.

deep-rooted love, affection, respect, and fondness that bind us together as a peace-loving people.

President Dr. Ali cheerfully told the nation that the celebration of Phagwah, which was brought to Guyana (formerly British Guiana) nearly two centuries ago on May 5, 1838 by Indian indentured immigrants, signifies the triumph of good over evil. He therefore called on all Guyanese to live in unity, respect and love for one another, and not to judge or discriminate against anyone based on their race, social status, skin colour or religion. He stressed that the spirit of inclusivity must prevail in all of us, and in our blessed society which is endowed with oil, gold, bauxite, and minerals of all sorts, and a rich cultural heritage.

ty, respect and diversity. The president has skillfully pointed out that the enormous significance of Phagwah extends beyond religion and Hinduism, but to all Guyanese of every religion, in that it represents the dissolution of cultural and racial barriers into vibrant images of colour, signifying unity and harmony and the pursuit of happiness for all.

celebrate our collective prosperity and diversity.

Remarks by the Honourable Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on the occasion of Phagwah were similar to those of His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali, which explains why they are a genuine team that the nation is blessed to have.

embraced Holi as a testament to our unity and diversity, and that all Guyanese, regardless of race, class and creed, have been blessed to celebrate together the festivities of every religion. He called on Guyanese at home and abroad to work together to build a “One Guyana”, where everyone can flourish and prosper.

In a jubilant mood, PM Phillips told Guyanese far and wide that as they celebrate the joyous and colourful festival of Holi (Phagwah), they must reflect not only on the colourful images, but on the true meaning of Phagwah, which embodies the spirit of unity, forgiveness, and renewal; and, most importantly, the triumph of good over evil.

Both President Dr Ali and Prime Minister Mark Phillips extend their warmest wishes to the nation’s Hindu brothers and sisters, and to every Guyanese, they extend a fervent appeal to embrace the spirit of Phagwah and work together to foster a society that is inclusive, equal, and respectable as the country advances towards a brighter future.

CRG hopes that additional funds will be allocated for such an initiative for the benefit of our Amerindian communities in the near future. Given the recent surge in fires in other parts of the country, it would also be beneficial to have such an initiative implemented throughout the country.

CRG encourages the Ali Administration to relook at its budget to ensure that such an important initiative is properly funded and given the priority it deserves.

Best regards,

Jamil Changlee

Our nation will never forget the horrors of the tragedy that took the lives of so many children. We must not delay any further in ensuring the improvement of our fire prevention & fire safety programmes.

His Excellency has urged the nation to reaffirm their commitment to end discrimination and hatred, and instead foster goodwill and unity with the ultimate goal of building a united and successful Guyana in which Guyanese of all ethnicities, social backgrounds and cultures can prosper.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has implored the nation not to harbour malice, bias, or vindictiveness, but to embrace inclusivity, equali-

The Head of State has highlighted that Phagwah holds immense significance in that it symbolizes the arrival of Spring, which is a season of renewal and rejuvenation, where nature bursts forth in vivacious colours, thus reflecting the adornment of Phagwah celebrations. According to President Dr. Ali, the festival reminds us that we must share with others the bounty that nature has bequeathed to us, and that we must embrace our shared humanity and reaffirm our commitment to building a united Guyana.

He said Phagwah reminds us that despite our differences, we are all part of a common humanity on earth. As such, the President urged all Guyanese to continue to promote harmonious relations with each other, and create the conditions that would continually yield a bountiful harvest of benefits for everyone to partake in and

As is always the case, Prime Minister Phillips was honest and straightforward when he said we have long

Sincerely,

Dr Asquith Rose

Page Foundation

Polygons

A polygon is any closed 2-dimensional figure that is made up of line segments. Triangles and quadrilaterals are polygons. However, a polygon can have any number of sides greater than two. The number of sides equal the number of angles. Many polygons are named for the number of sides. The following are the main types of quadrilaterals

Exercises:

Identify the polygons

Paper-cut molas

Molas are cloth panels that form part of a blouse for the Kuna women of Panama. They use a quilting technique called reverse appliqué to create the design formalisers of fabric. A mola is a fabric panel with colourful strips sewn in.

How to make paper-cut molas

Start your drawings by drawing the main body or largest shape first onto a piece of 12-inch x 18-inch white paper using a black marker. Use markers or crayons for colouring. It really helps to trace around a

shape and then colour slowly; giving ample time for the ink to flow onto the paper. After the image is coloured, cut it out. Glue coloured pieces onto black construction paper and glue strips of paper along the borders. (Adapted from deepspacesparkle.com)

By Walt Whitman

CONTINUED

9

Sing on there in the swamp, O singer bashful and tender, I hear your notes, I hear your call, I hear, I come presently, I understand you, But a moment I linger, for the lustrous star has detain’d me, The star my departing comrade holds and detains me.

10

O how shall I warble myself for the dead one there I loved?

And how shall I deck my song for the large sweet soul that has gone? And what shall my perfume be for the grave of him I love?

Sea-winds blown from east and west, Blown from the Eastern sea and blown from the Western sea, till there on the prairies meeting, These and with these and the breath of my chant, I’ll perfume the grave of him I love.

TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

SCHRODINGER

PROTON

POTASSIUM PERIODIC TABLE

CHADWICK

POSITIVE

CHLORINE MILLIKAN

FLUORINE DE BROGILE

Penta = 5, hexa = 6, hepta = 7, octa = 8, nona = nine, deca = 10

High Court to hear motion today on electoral fraud-accused’s constitutional rights

– as defence seeks to strike down RoPA clause as unconstitutional

The election fraud court case rumbles on with a constitutional motion from the defence expected to come up before the High Court today and further hearings in the matter scheduled to continue on May 7.

Last month, the Magistrate’s Court referred a request from the defence team for Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) minutes, to the High Court in light of “constitutional considerations”.

Those constitutional considerations were whether parts of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA) clashed with the Constitution. A motion seeking to have

GECOM Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield and his former deputy, Roxanne Myers. In a brief interview with <<<Guyana Times>>>, Hughes explained the essence of what the motion is

is for. One of the consequential orders is that it be declared as unconstitutional and consequentially, should be struck down,” Hughes said.

Meanwhile, Special Prosecutor, King’s Counsel

motion, the court had decided to postpone the April 2 hearing that was set last month. As such, the case will resume on May 7, 2024, at 10:00h in the Magistrate’s Court.

The defendants in the

Section 140 (2) of RoPA struck down as unconstitutional has since been filed in the High Court.

The motion was filed by Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes, on behalf of electoral fraud-accused former

seeking to achieve.

“(The motion seeks) declarations that Section 140 is unconstitutional. That’s the essence of it. And some consequential orders striking it down. That’s essentially what the application

Darshan Ramdhani explained to this publication that the substantive matters before the Magistrate’s Court were expected to continue next month.

He explained that in light of the constitutional

election fraud cases are Lowenfield, Myers, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairperson Volda Lawrence; PNCR activ-

ist Carol Smith-Joseph, and GECOM employees Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller.

They are accused of several offences, including misconduct while holding public office, presenting falsified documentation, and planning to manipulate Guyana’s voters by presenting an inaccurate vote total.

These charges stemmed from attempts to rig the 2020 General and Regional Elections in favour of the then-ruling A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition. These accused persons are all out on cash bail.

Shortly after GECOM had announced the election results on August 2, 2020, charges were brought against the individuals in question. In August 2021, GECOM voted to terminate the employment of Lowenfield, Myers, and

Mingo.

Last year, the prosecution had asked the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards to assign a special court to hear the cases, to expedite them. Concerns regarding the unsatisfactory progress in these cases have been voiced by a number of persons, including Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC.

Meanwhile, the minutes sought by Hughes pertain to those taken before, during and after the tabulation process that followed the 2020 General and Regional Elections at the Ashmins building. The request had been communicated to the prosecution in February and when the hearing was supposed to start, made known to the wider public.

When the matter came up before Magistrate Leron Daly again on March 6, she referred the matter to the High Court to determine whether Section 140 (2) of RoPA clashed with constitutional considerations pertaining to the right to a fair trial and the disclosure of the documents, which are in GECOM’s possession.

Section 140 (2) of RoPA states that “No evidence of any deliberations of the Elections Commission or communications between members of the Commission regarding its business shall be admissible in any court”. (G3)

Special Prosecutor and King’s Counsel, Darshan Ramdhani

Attorney-at-Law

Nigel Hughes

Berbice man released on selfbail after pleading guilty to trafficking 5.994kg ganja – other

gets $200,000 bail for denying charge

Arrested last Saturday with 13lbs of ganja at Fort Ordnance Village

in East Canje Berbice, Shammy Edwards, 23, and Ken Subnar, 49, were on Monday arraigned before New Amsterdam Magistrate Michelle Matthias jointly charged with possession of narcotics.

The charge stated that they had 5.994kgs of cannabis in their possession on March 30, 2024 at Fort Ordnance in East Canje Berbice. Edwards pleaded guilty as charged, and was released on his own recognizance pending a probation report and sentencing, but Sumner has pleaded not guilty and has been placed on $200,000 bail. These two men were arrested following the discovery of a large quantity of cannabis at their residence in Berbice. CANU has said that its officers conducted an operation at a residence, during which several bulky parcels of suspected cannabis were found concealed in a freezer. These two men were present at the premises during the operation, and were thus apprehended. The narcotics tested positive for cannabis, and weighed approximately 5.994 kilograms (almost 13.21lbs) which has a street value of approximately $1.8 million.

Calling…

…carpenters

Your Eyewitness gotta admit that he sometimes gets carried away. Maybe it’s because he’s one of those “seeing the glass half-full” kinda guy, who hopes for the best. Take the house-building boom that we’re presently in the throes of. It’s so massive it has baptised every person who ever held a hammer as a carpenter,_ and even as a “contractor”; and sucked them into a Black Hole, so ordinary mortals like him can’t even get his fence fixed for a year. Even the influx of those 60,000 Venezuelan infiltrators who’re said to be working for peanuts – according to one of the PNC’s Presidential aspirants - hasn’t helped. And with the way his better half is carrying on, your Eyewitness might be forced –horror of horrors!! - to pick up a hammer himself.

So how did he get carried away? Well, two years ago, he showed up at the “International Building Expo 2022 at the National Stadium”, and saw the future of building homes: a 3-D PRINTER that actually printed homes!! Now, he’d read about these printers that went beyond extruding inks of different colours on instructions from a computer – they could now basically extrude plastics and other liquified stuff in 3-D to build parts for machines and such. But houses??

The brochure that he was handed into his sweaty palms informed him: “The 3-D system combines the agility and complexity of traditional home building with the precision and speed of robotic “inkjet” technology, producing complex design-driven homes faster, stronger and smarter. The system, which includes a highly manoeuvrable mobile platform outfitted with a proprietary printer head, “prints” entire houses with hydrophobic, self-binding geopolymer cement, eliminating the need for in-demand subcontracting crews that often contribute to extensive labour costs and delays. The system constructs homes in a matter of days, without the need for specialists such as brick layers, drywall installers, roofers, carpenters, and their colleagues.” How about them apples, eh??

Your Eyewitness was not only intrigued by the futuristic application of “ink jets”, but the part that promised “eliminating the need for in-demand subcontracting crews that often contribute to extensive labour costs and delays”! So, his question is: whatever happened to those 3-D building systems?? The Government has commendably gone beyond handing out house lots, and has sponsored all sorts of housing projects across Mudland. For instance, those “Young Professional” communities on the East Bank and East Coast Demerara. Couldn’t they have arranged for at least one scheme to be built with 3-D printers?? And freed up some craftsmen to fix your Eyewitness’s fence??

Meanwhile, your Eyewitness is brushing up on his Bengalese in case we have to bring in some to fill this manpower gap? The Bengali word for fence is “bera”!!

…Houston

In 1969, the US mission to the moon was controlled from Houston, Texas - and we can all remember where we were when Neil Armstrong sent back this message: “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” Yes, it was one small step for man, but a giant step for mankind!! Well, while the recent news that United Airlines – which coined the slogan “Fly the friendly skies” not long before the moon mission – has landed in Guyana might not have resounded across the world, it’s certainly big news for us.

What it means is the traffic between Houston and Guyana is expected to be quite heavy for quite a bit. And since there ain’t no big Guyanese community there - like, say, New York – but just Exxon with its headquarters, it means they’re digging in their heels here. And in effect telling Mad Maduro – who decreed they should leave! –to go take a hike!!

So, in the meantime, maybe Guyanese should begin checking out Houston as a tourist destination via United??

…Mayday!!

Your Eyewitness is quite disheartened that Norton is “throwin’ talk” at PNC members who’ve thrown their hats in the ring to challenge him for the leadership at Congress. Hadn’t he boasted - when he was electedabout the PNC’s superior “democratic culture”??

Charged, Shammy Edwards and Ken Summer

The cannabis found in possession of the two men

GFS battling wildfires at Perseverance, Sand Hills

The Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Police Force were, up to late Tuesday evening, battling large wildfires in the vicinity of Perseverance / Providence, along the East Bank Demerara, and in communities along the Demerara River below the Sand Hills area. These blazes have led to a considerable amount of smoke enveloping the named communities and those contiguous to them; and in light

of the impact of these wildfires, residents are strongly advised to prioritize their safety and wellbeing by taking precautionary measures against associated health risks stemming from smoke inhalation. To this end, the Home Affairs Ministry is urging persons to stay indoors, and keep all windows and doors shut to minimize exposure to smoke whenever feasible.

In addition, residents are urged to limit their outdoor

activities, and if outdoor ventures are unavoidable, they are strongly urged to wear a mask in order to mitigate the risks of smoke inhalation.

Residents are also urged to adopt these precautionary measures:

Utilise air filtration: Employ air conditioning systems to aid in filtering indoor air quality.

Stay informed: Stay abreast of the latest updates and advisories from the Guyana Fire Service and the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Plan alternative routes: If travel is necessary, consider alternative routes to circumvent smoke-laden areas and thoroughfares.

Exercise caution while driving: Motorists navigating these affected areas should exercise extreme vigilance due to diminished visibility caused by smoke. Use hazard lights or high beams, and be mindful of trucks and pedestrians.

Protect vulnerable groups: Take additional precautions to safeguard vulnerable de-

mographics, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory ailments.

The Home Affairs Ministry is emphasising the importance of exercising extreme caution on the roads. Motorists are implored to reduce speeds and utilize high and low beams, or hazard lights, to ensure safe navigation through affected areas.

A few days ago, the Ministry called upon all contractors, land developers, and farmers to refrain from initiating fires on or near their properties. The MoHA has

said inspections will be conducted by the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Police Force to ascertain the cause and source of these fires, and perpetrators found responsible would be made to face legal consequences.

Furthermore, citizens are implored to abstain from starting fires, adopt preventive measures, and extend assistance in extinguishing any fire, if possible.

Residents are strongly encouraged to dial 912 to promptly report any occurrence of grass or wildfire within their communities.

Thick smoke blanketing the atmosphere in an area affected by a wildfire

Pedestrian killed by speeding minibus at Uitvlugt

Fifty-one-year-old

Nicholas Khelawon of Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD) was in the wee hours of Tuesday killed after he was struck down by a speeding minibus which veered out of control after the driver attempted to avoid colliding with a motor car.

Based on reports received, the accident involved a minibus bearing registration number BZZ 1192 that was at the time being driven by a 29-yearold resident of Kaikan Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

At the time, five other persons were in the minibus— four teenagers and a 20-year-old.

Preliminary investigations revealed that about 03:19h, the minibus was proceeding along the Uitvlugt Public Road at a fast pace when the driver alleged that a motor car made a sudden U-turn in front of him.

The minibus driver said this caused him to swerve right to avoid a collision, and, in the process, the bus collided with the pedestrian who was standing on the grass parapet alongside the

roadway. After the collision, the minibus reportedly ended up crashing into a house. However, the pedestrian fell to the road surface. He was picked up in an unconscious state by public-spirited persons and taken to the

Leonora Cottage Hospital along with the driver and other occupants of the minibus, who also sustained injuries.

Khelawon was pronounced dead on arrival while the driver was treated and sent away. The bus passengers were admitted as patients. The driver was subsequently taken into custody, and was assisting with investigations.

In a video seen by Guyana Times, the owner of the house related that he and his family were asleep when they heard a load crashing sound that caused his house to shake. As he ran outside, he saw the mangled minibus with the driver and occupants inside.

Dead, Nicholas Khelawon

The first thing they managed to do was to pull the persons from the wreckage and it was during that time they realised that Khelawon was lying dead on the roadway. The minibus, the homeowner added, “took away his wall” and a stairway that he used to access the upper flat of his house.

The mangled bus after the accident

Trio charged for stealing from EBD construction firm

Three persons were charged on Tuesday in relation to the simple larceny committed on Anirud Construction Firm between March 24 and March 28, 2024, at Great Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Charged are Dianand Mangroo, 50, a securi-

ty guard from Skeldon, Corentyne, Berbice; Charran Dhunmun, 27, a mechanic from Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), and Thakour Mangal, 33, an operator from Springlands, Corentyne.

Mangroo was arrested on March 28 while Charran and Mangal were arrested one day later.

The trio appeared at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, where the charge was read to them and they pleaded not guilty.

They were granted bail in the sum of $100,000 each and the matter was adjourned to April 29, 2024.

Kuru Kuru siblings stabbed during Easter Monday brawl

Two brothers are currently patients at the Suddie Public Hospital after they were reportedly stabbed during an altercation at Perseverance Beach, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Easter Monday.

The injured men were identified as 24-year-old Leon Thomas and 22-yearold Delroy Thomas, both of Kuru Kuru, LindenSoesdyke Highway.

Based on reports, on the day in question about 20:00h, the two siblings, along with others, were involved in a confrontation with Sherwin Stoll – an

uncle of someone they previously had a brawl with.

It is alleged that the brothers were armed with knives and bottles while Stoll armed himself with a bottle to defend himself.

As Stoll went to the bar, the two brothers attacked and stabbed him in the left hand. Stoll managed to relieve them of their weapons and in turn stabbed them several times about their bodies.

The siblings were later found unconscious and were transported to Suddie Public Hospital. Stoll, who was also injured, was admitted a patient under guard.

One of the injured siblings

The suspect being arrested by Police

Albion Estate to undergo upgrades to facilitate mechanisation of industry

Plans are afoot to upgrade Albion Sugar Factory to facilitate the mechanisation of the industry, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

The Minister further added that the entire system at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is being mechanised. Currently, a packaging plant is being built at the Albion factory.

Mustapha noted that when the People’s Progressive Party took office in 2020, the entire system was rundown.

“Now we are trying to put systems in place, change several parts and make the estates more modern. A lot of money has been expended over the last three years in

this regard.

“Over $20 billion has been spent to fix these factories and get them back in order.”

As it related to the Albion factory, Mustapha said a new punt dumper was required to enhance the capabilities of that factory.

“Albion is one of the factories that we are trying to

mechanise as much as possible so that with the shortage of labour, we can use the machines to cut and load the cane.”

In not giving a timeline, Mustapha said it was a work in progress at all four grinding sugar estates – Uitvlugt, Albion, Blairmont, and Rose Hall.

The upgrades to

GuySuCo will include modifying the way cane is planted so that it will allow for machines to harvest the cane if needed.

Additionally, GuySuCo has stated that it would reduce wastage of land by making broader beds which will also allow for machines to be able to harvest the cane.

Already, several acres of land that had vegetation

were converted and are expected to be utilised for the development. “Several hectares we have already mechanised and that will be a continuous process,” Mustapha noted.

GuySuCo claims that under the new system using machines to plant canes, it can plant 100 times faster. The machines can plant 20 hectares of cane in 12 hours.

The mechanised planting

paves the way for increased production at the Estate. Albion Estate is projecting that by 2026, it will reach its full potential of producing more than 50,000 tonnes of sugar annually.

Meanwhile, in early February, a fire at the Power House at Albion Sugar Factory resulted in several major pieces of electrical infrastructure being destroyed. These included: a four-megawatt generating control panel, 2.5-megawatt generating control panels, a 700-kilowatt low-voltage cap set control panel, a 3.3-kilovolt transformer, a breaker, a section of the low-voltage bus bar, and several major sections of circuitry.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Minister pointed out that Cabinet has approved monies to purchase parts for the Power House at the Albion factory.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

The Albion Sugar Estate

United Airlines kicks off direct flights between Houston & Georgetown

United Airlines inaugurated its nonstop flight from Houston, Texas to Georgetown, Guyana, on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 on Monday.

The airline’s 737 MAX 8 has a capacity of 166 passengers and is equipped with 16 United First seats, 54 Economy Plus seats and 96 United Economy seats. It features United’s NEXT interior with larger overhead bins, seatback entertainment in every seat and the industry’s fastest available Wi-Fi.

The new service, which runs four times a week, will give customers easy and direct access to both destinations. This also enhances the relationship between the two countries and opens up exciting new opportunities for both business and leisure travellers.

United now has the largest and most diversified international route network among US airlines, offering non-stop service to 134 international destinations across 67 countries. United

offers flights to more destinations across the Atlantic and Pacific than all other US carriers combined and continues to expand its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, growing its summer schedule by over 10 per cent throughout the region.

United Airlines Senior Vice President of Global Network and Alliances Patrick Quayle highlighted the company’s commitment to the region.

“We are excited to connect Houston, as well as

the broader United network, with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world,” said Quayle,. “This new route will offer our customers convenient access to the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Guyana, and United is proud to remain the top airline to Latin America and the Caribbean from Houston, offering service to 52 unique destinations in the region – more than all other carriers combined.”

In addition, US Ambassador to Guyana,

Nicole Theriot emphasised the importance of strengthening the US-Guyana partnership with the development of such business ventures.

“United Airlines’ new flight to Guyana is more than just a flight; it represents yet another significant milestone in our bilateral relationship. It’s a clear and exciting message that our commercial linkages are deepening, as we witness the growing number of US companies coming to do business in Guyana. Moreover, this new route will unlock incredible tourism opportunities by inviting even more travellers to experience the many offerings of both of our countries. Simply put, it’s a winwin for our economies, our cultures, and our close people-to-people ties,” she said. Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond is also enthusiastic that this new route would catapult tourism prospects in Guyana and the United States.

“This is a significant

Venezuelan nationals 32-year-old Jose Felix Lindore and 33-year-old Javier Perez who were onboard a vessel carrying US$2.6 million worth of cocaine were on Tuesday remanded to prison. They appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, where they pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on Friday, March 29 at Vergenoegen, West Coast Demerara (WCD), they had 536 kilograms (1181 lbs) of cocaine in their possession.

development for Guyana’s tourism industry. It underscores the increasing interest in travel between Guyana and the United States, a key source market for us. This new service will not only provide our citizens with greater travel options, but also serve as a major catalyst for further enhancing Guyana’s connectivity to the global tourism marketplace.”

She further underscored, “This direct flight will make it easier and more convenient for travellers from the United States to experience Guyana’s unique beauty and diverse offerings. We expect this to lead to a significant increase in visitor arrivals, which will have a positive ripple effect throughout our economy, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the overall growth and development of the tourism sector.”

Further, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill hailed the inaugural flight as a tangible symbol of the Government’s vision for ex -

panded air travel options.

“This is a concrete example of our Government’s vision for increased airlift and positioning Guyana as a significant hub for the Caribbean and beyond. It also serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing infrastructural development taking place within the country, which will further fuel interest and investment in Guyana’s immense potential,” he said. He added, “This venture also demonstrates that the international community has confidence in our nation’s growth and potential. This new connection will not only facilitate travel and trade, but also catalyse further economic development and investment in Guyana. We are committed to fostering a thriving aviation sector that connects Guyana to the world and propels us towards a brighter future.”

Upon arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the inaugural flight was met with a water salute.

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) stated that a joint operation between the Unit and the Guyana Defence Force’s Coast Guard led to the interception of the vessel at Vergenoegen.

It was reported that on the day in question, the two entities conducted a joint operation during which they intercepted a go-fast vessel. At the time, there were two occupants on board. A search of the vessel led to the discovery of a large quantity of narcotics along with a quantity of fuel and other items. The narcotics were tested for cocaine and weighed.

Government officials, US Ambassador Nicole Theriot and crew on Monday evening as United Airlines touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

The United Airlines Boeing

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

GUYANA’S LCDS AT CENTRE OF GLOBAL WARMING FIGHT, EARNING GUYANA GLOBAL PRESTIGE

ess than a month ago,

LDr Leslie Ramsammy

33.7M TREES carbon credits for the period 2016 to 2020. Guyana is the first country ever to be issued certification for the sale of carbon credits. This was the first installment, and Guyana is expected to be certified for more carbon credits for years after 2020. Out of this first installment, Guyana has already sold 30%, for US$750M, to the oil giant Hess. With this first installment, should Guyana sell at the same price it was able to sell to Hess, Guyana could secure a minimum of US$2.5B.

The price per ton of carbon credit is expected to soar, and Guyana could therefore secure far north of US$2.5B for this first certified installment. With Guyana certified for airlines to procure its carbon credits, the competition for Guyana’s carbon credits is likely to soar, leading to higher carbon credit prices.

The LCDS is now a major revenue pillar for Guyana. Having started with President Bharrat Jagdeo in 2010, it is now reaching unprecedented new heights under President Irfaan Ali. Had David Granger not replaced the LCDS with his foolishness called the Green State, in which he wanted every building painted green; everyone wearing green clothes; paint their homes, fences, bridges and vehicles green; Guyana’s LCDS would have reached even higher heights today. Note that Granger’s muchtouted but disgraced Green State Strategy never generated a cent for Guyana. Still want to know why Guyana reaches new heights in economic growth and social welfare of its people when the PPP is in government, and always seems to be in a hurry to reach the economic and poverty abyss when the PNC is in government? The PNC runs the country with slogans like the Green State, and older slogans like Feed, House and Clothe the Nation. The PPP runs the country with vision, plans, with skills. The LCDS versus the Green State is a clear example of the distinction between the PPP and the PNC.

The LCDS, formalised under President Bharrat Jagdeo in 2010, is a visionary strategic development plan, and one that sought to place Guyana firmly at the centre of fighting a global existential problem. Make no mistake, global warming and climate change represent a twin existential crisis. Guyana has made zero contribution to the problem, but Guyana is helping to fight carbon emissions, global warming, and climate change. Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP Government had the vision and saw the opportunity for Guyana to become the earth’s lung. He saw the opportunity to convert our forest into a recurring financial resource, far richer than cutting down our forest. The LCDS, essentially, was a strategy premised on the fact that Guyana’s forest is worth more to us and the world by leaving it alone, rather than cutting it down, like most countries, particularly the rich countries, have done.

Today, President Irfaan Ali has ensured that his government return to a strategy that gained global recognition under Bharrat Jagdeo. Now that the world has gotten a little bit more serious about reducing carbon emissions, President Irfaan Ali is ensuring that Guyana returns to the vision. Other countries are trying to model Guyana’s example.

When first announced, and the plan was released in 2010, the PNC ridiculed the strategy. Indeed, others did the same. Some of those who today are part of the usual suspects (Freddie Kissoon aptly deem them TUS) ridiculed the LCDS, and boldly but wrongly predicted that Guyana would fail to generate any revenue from the LCDS. When Norway stepped up in early 2011 to procure US$250M over five years, TUS wrote Norway to derail the strategy.

In 2015, the PNC-led David Granger-led APNU/AFC Government dumped Guyana’s LCDS. They replaced it with a confusing new strategy called the Green State Strategy (GSS). The GSS downplayed the carbon credit nucleus of the LCDS. It also dumped critical components of the development plan. It terminated the plan for hydroelectricity with Amaila, abandoned the Amerindian Land Titling Exercise, and eliminated the Amerindian Development Plan. It replaced the LCDS with a plan to put together several small solar farm projects, which were a small part of the LCDS. Note that there is not a single one of these farms working today. The Mabaruma Solar Farm was the only one started. It is today overgrown with grass and bush. The GSS also promoted painting buildings and other state properties in green. It started to force public servants to wear green, and promoted a green paint industry. This is the small-mindedness of the crew that is now led by Aubrey Norton.

The naysayers presently are trying their best to somehow find something wrong with the LCDS, claiming the LCDS and the OIL and GAS industry cannot function simultaneously. They want OIL to stop, and they reject the shore-based gas plants which can reduce carbon emissions and cut electricity prices by at least 50% immediately.

Even their most ardent followers reject the naysayers’ argument that the Green State Strategy is superior.

The LCDS has not merely generated new resources for Guyana, it has brought prestige to Guyana, and has established Guyana as a powerhouse in visionary planning and in the fight against climate change.

OSH Month 2024 to raise awareness on heat-related illnesses

Considering the detrimental effects of the El Niño phenomenon on the human body, the Labour Ministry has made a holistic decision to use the observance of Occupational Safety and Health Month to educate employers and employees on how they can better protect themselves from heat related illnesses.

This year’s theme “We are running out of time: Ensuring Safe and Healthy work now in a changing climate”, aims to highlight occupational risks exacerbated by climate change, such as heat stress, Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and air pollution.

This will be done through various mediums including the hosting of seminars, workplace engagements, the OSH annual walk, and inspections at mining, construction and agriculture sites in Regions One, Seven and Nine.

During a social media address, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton disclosed that the theme was approved by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in an effort to avoid fatalities associated with extreme weather, increased vector

borne diseases as well as major industrial accidents.

“The importance of prioritising Occupational Safety and Health in the workplace has never been more important… We have invited our tripartite partners and key stakeholders to develop and implement programmes that are aimed at increasing awareness of Occupation Safety and Health generally and more specifically promoting safety and health at work in the changing climate,” the Labour Minister posited.

Further, the Labour Minister reminded that safety in the workplace is a fundamental right for all employees and as such, employers must take responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

On this point, he emphasised that a safe workplace not only protects workers from accidents and injuries, but it also leads to increased productivity and morale.

“I have been informed that the response to the invitations have been positive. Our programmes of activities will encompass a wide range of initiatives aimed at promoting awareness, building capacity and

foster collaboration”.

“By promoting good workplace safety and health practices we can create healthier and more sustainable workplaces for all the workers in this country of ours. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage us all to be guided by the principle of inclusivity and share responsibility,” Minister Hamilton added.

The El Niño phenomenon which is triggered by the warming of the central eastern Pacific Ocean, usually manifests every two to seven years and last for a period of 9 to 12 months.

During the El Niño phenomenon, the environment will experience meteorological drought (which is a deduction in rainfall), hydrological drought (whereby water level in rivers decrease affecting livestock, and food supply) and ecological drought which dries up the moisture of the soil.

All the droughts mentioned have the potential to cause wild or flash fires, decrease crop production and cause flooding.

The El Niño is expected to last until at least April 2024, since the effects of an El Niño typically play out

the year after it forms.

However, several experts associated with agencies such as the World Health Organisation have hinted that 2024 will be even hotter.

The average global mean temperature between January and October 2023 was the highest on record. It beat the 10-month average for 2016 – the current record holder for the hottest year. Given the existing reality, medical experts have published countless articles warning that heat-related illnesses and deaths will increase. One serious, potentially fatal condition is rhabdomyolysis.

Fees collected on Easter Monday are to ensure urban areas remain clean, green – PAC

The parking fees citizens are expected to pay when utilising the facilities at the National Park and Botanical Gardens are a policy decision aimed at ensuring that the urban parks remain green and clean for use by all patrons.

This was disclosed by the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), following many remarks made about the parking fees paid to the agency during the Easter Monday celebration.

At the Botanical Gardens an environmental fee ranging from $500 to $2000 for motorcycles, motor cars, buses/SUVs and trucks was applied, with no additional fees for adults or children.

All walk-in patrons en-

tered free of charge at the Botanical Gardens, while at the National Park, similar environmental fees apply for motor vehicles and $1000 was applicable to adults. Children entered free of charge.

In a release to the public, PAC explained that the hol-

iday is not a revenue-generating activity; however, all the fees play a vital role in keeping spaces safe and litter free for all patrons to enjoy at all times.

The “policy decision” is supported by Protected Areas Act, which governs the protection and conser-

vation of Guyana’s natural heritage and natural capital; the creation, management and financing of a national system of protected areas and the maintenance of ecosystem services of national and global importance, including climate regulation.

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton

Lusignan Prison records significant decrease in chickenpox cases

– over 300 vaccinated

The Health Ministry is reporting a significant decrease in chickenpox cases at the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD) following a recent outbreak.

Currently, there are 12 active cases owing to the vaccination and treatment efforts spearheaded by the Ministry in collaboration with the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).

About a week ago, there were 25 active cases alongside 28 individuals in recovery. Initially, the outbreak had affected a total of 53 inmates. However, no new cases have been detected.

This was confirmed by Dr Leslie Ramsammy, Advisor to the Minister of Health,

who explained that the situation was being effectively managed.

“It’s been going down significantly and over 300 of the prisoners and staff have been vaccinated against this disease… Among the measures we have taken is to provide antivirals to treat the patients, and also calamine lotion to help relieve the itching,” he explained.

When the initial cases were diagnosed, precautions were swiftly implemented, including the segregation of affected prisoners, assessment of exposed staff members, and provision of vaccination where necessary.

In regard to visitor surveillance, Dr Ramsammy emphasised the importance

of contact tracing, considering the potential for asymptomatic transmission.

“Medical and surveillance teams are diligently tracing contacts to pinpoint the origin of the infection with the aim of containing the spread within the Lusignan Prison. And proactive measures are being extended to other prison facilities, with medical teams conducting surveillance and screening exercises, and staff members being offered vaccinations as a preventive measure.”

Dr Ramsammy further stated it was possible the outbreak originated with a newly-admitted inmate who may have been exposed in their home environment.

GPF records surge in violations by motorcyclists over holiday weekend

The city of Georgetown, famous for its lively Easter celebrations, enjoyed a remarkably tranquil weekend this year, characterized by a welcome absence of fatal accidents. However, the festivities were not devoid of challenges, particularly concerning road safety, as emphasized by the Guyana Police Force.

Sergeant Williams from Division 4A's (Georgetown) Traffic Department, speaking on an episode of "Traffic and You," illuminated the predominant issues encountered during the holiday period. He noted a decrease in fatal accidents within the city but pointed out a surge in violations committed by motorcyclists.

"Many riders were seen disregarding safety protocols by failing to wear helmets and ignoring traffic signals, putting both themselves and others at risk on the roads," he explained.

Consequently, law enforcement intensified their efforts to ensure public safety, resulting in numerous arrests. Several individuals were apprehended for driving under the influence of alcohol, a transgression that poses significant hazards to road users and undermines endeavours to maintain order and security during festive seasons.

Despite these hurdles, law enforcement officials affirmed their unwavering vigilance and commitment to upholding road safety stan-

dards across Georgetown. Through targeted enforcement actions and public awareness initiatives, the Police Force aimed to mitigate risks and cultivate a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.

"We have conducted day and night seminars for these motorcyclists. We even organized a helmet distribution event where officers provided helmets to be worn by these motorcyclists. However, many are opting for bicycle and construction helmets, which are not suitable," remarked Sergeant Williams.

Addressing the evolving challenges on the roadways, Sergeant Williams emphasized the need for motorists to understand that law enforcement's role is not antagonistic.

"We simply want them to realize that adherence to road rules, including wear-

ing helmets, will prevent unnecessary interactions with the police. Our emphasis on helmets stems from the fact that head injuries can be catastrophic," he asserted.

Furthermore, he highlighted the emergence of the Hero’s Highway at the Diamond access road as a hotspot for speeding motorcyclists. However, surveillance cameras along the route enable authorities to issue e-tickets to offenders, enhancing accountability and curbing reckless behaviour.

"We have implemented measures to address speeding," he affirmed.

In light of these efforts, the Guyana Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the community, urging all road users to respect regulations and prioritize safety at all times.

Venezuelan duo busted with...

CANU stated that the street value in Guyana for the haul is estimated at US$2.6 million. However, had the cocaine been transhipped to its intended destination, it would have had an estimated street value of €20 million.

The men are expected to return to court on May 10, 2024.

Just over one week ago, CANU Director James Singh stated that the drug

enforcement unit seized a startling 1.1 tonnes of marijuana and over 75 kilograms of cocaine from various operations across the country.

He noted that a majority of the marijuana is from the Andean region of South America which includes Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.

“We have over 75 kilos of cocaine and close to 1.1 tonnes of marijuana. Of the

marijuana, about 90 per cent is foreign marijuana that came from the Andean region, known as “Creepy”,” Singh informed.

In contrast, CANU had seized approximately 1363.28 kilograms of narcotics throughout 2023, and Cannabis sativa (ganja) accounted for 94 per cent of that total. From 18 operations conducted, 75.17 kilograms of cocaine were seized.

The cocaine that was found in the vessel

Sergeant Williams from Division 4A's (Georgetown) Traffic Department

9 roads rehabilitated in Corriverton for 1st quarter of 2024 – Mayor Amin Rupununi Rodeo significantly contributes to Guyana’s national tourism drive

Corriverton Mayor Imran Amin recently stated that nine roads were rehabilitated during the first quarter of the year in his township.

The Public Works Ministry is about to commence phase two of its road rehabilitation programme in the town of Corriverton which will see another set of roads being upgraded.

The Ministry is currently identifying roads to be included in that phase while

the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry is also set to upgrade several community roads.

“The one at Dukestown running into Scottsburg has been identified. It is a long street; the area is not very populated but it will bene-

fit about 20 families. That is one of the streets that have been identified so I am assuming that it will be in the programme to be done,” Amin told Guyana Times.

According to the Mayor, drainage work is also in the work programme and a concrete drain is currently being built in the vicinity of the market along Juman Road. Currently, the contractor is waiting for the concrete to cure, before he finishes the project.

“We have some drains in the upcoming projects which will be done before mid-year,” he noted.

Meanwhile, additional street lights will shortly be installed in needed areas around the town. The Mayor added that the lights were being procured and soon the contract to have them installed would be awarded.

“We want residents of this town to be comfortable and must have enhanced living standards within the township.”

The Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo is a renowned event that attracts thousands of local and international tourists to Guyana’s Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) every year, making it a major contributor to the country’s tourism drive.

It is a celebration of the unique lifestyle of the ranchers and vaqueros who are an integral part of the region’s thriving livestock industry and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Rupununi and its people.

Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai spoke about the importance of the event on behalf of His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali who along with several government ministers, joined the citizens of Rupununi on Saturday.

During the opening ceremony President Ali, dressed in his classic cowboy attire, made his way through the local area, taking the time to interact with the residents.

“Rupununi Rodeo continues to be one of the huge attractions for visitors and tourists alike. It contributes to the tourism drive of our country. Every year, one

of the largest attractions that we enjoy; is the rodeo,” Minister Sukhai emphasised.

The Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Sonia Parag, also highlighted the rodeo’s impact, which allows locals

At the event’s opening, Minister Sukhai, on behalf

to display their indigenous crafts to the outside world.

“We are proud of the fact that we can have such unique items on display.

Moreover, Region Nine is very important to us and we understand that an event like this is more than just a showing of talent, it is for social development,” Minister Parag underscored.

of her ministry, presented a cheque valued at $1.5 million to the Rupununi Livestock Producers Association (RLPA), an annual support of the event.

With its thrilling events and vibrant atmosphere, the Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the authentic and exciting culture of Guyana. The event is set to return in 2025.

The annual rodeo is supported by various government ministries such as Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and Amerindian Affairs, as well as private-sector sponsors.

MoH unveils new TB treatment

With comprehensive services and treatment in place for persons living with tuberculosis (TB), the Ministry of Health (MoH) is making major strides in reducing TB incidence in the country.

Already, the Ministry has achieved a few of its goals for the TB strategy; one of which is the reduction of TB incidence by 20 per cent, putting the health sector on track to end TB by 2030.

During a recently-televised programme, the Director of the TB Programme, Dr Jeetendra Mohanlall, disclosed that a new plan would soon be in place to treat TB patients.

Currently, patients are

being administered their pills through the Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) strategy.

This strategy is used to ensure that TB patients adhere to and can tolerate the prescribed treatment. Under this protocol, a healthcare worker watches the TB patient swallow each dose of the prescribed drugs for six months.

The new regimen that will soon be introduced consist of the use of rifapentine and moxifloxacin.

Dr Mohanlall elaborated, “And you can achieve the same as the six months of therapy with just treatment for four months. So, we are hoping to introduce

that regimen sometime this year.”

With the use of this new treatment, the co-infection rate with other diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus

(HIV) will also decrease.

It also decreases the burden of having patients monitored on how they take their pills and the period in which they do.

“Over the years, we have

managed to drop the burden of HIV co-infection with a lot of prevention. And we still need to do more as it pertains to prevention,” he noted.

Dr Mohanlall further elaborated on plans to introduce new medications for latent TB infection, which refers to TB germs that are dormant and non-transmissible.

He said the Ministry has acquired a combination pill containing rifapentine and isoniazid, which will soon be incorporated into treatment protocols.

Just like the others, this will also reduce the intake of pills. These pills will be given to the patients

once a week for 12 weeks.

Currently, to treat latent TB infection, patients are using only the isoniazid pill daily.

Upon implementation of these strategies, patients will experience a reduction in pill intake and treatment duration, enabling them to manage their condition more efficiently.

Dr Mohanlall emphasised that similar to existing approaches, this new regimen will streamline pill consumption. Patients will receive a once-weekly dosage of these combination pills over 12 weeks, marking a notable improvement over the current daily administration of isoniazid pills for latent TB infection.

Corriverton Mayor Imran Amin

Two of the roads that were rehabilitated in Corriverton

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag

The dancers performing a routine

A cowboy attempting to lasso a calf (A Path to Travel photo)

Director of the TB Programme, Dr Jeetendra Mohanlall

Regional

Over

50,000 fled Haiti capital in 3 weeks, with politicians in deadlock

More than 53,000 persons fled Haiti’s capital in just three weeks of March as conflict between powerful armed gangs wreaked havoc for civilians, with the State largely absent and a path out of the chaos yet to be established by politicians.

Tens of thousands of people left Port-au-Prince’s metropolitan area between March 8 and March 27, according to United Nations estimates released on Tuesday, with violence again flaring up over the Easter weekend and at the start of April.

The UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said on Tuesday that a scale of human rights abuse was taking place “unprecedented in modern Haitian history”, including killings, kidnappings and sexual violence. The conflict has also blocked off transport of key goods and humanitarian aid into the capital.

According to the UN, many of the displaced are traveling toward the country’s southern peninsula, which is still recovering from a devastating 2021 earthquake. Nearly seven in 10 who left the capital in March had already been displaced by the gang violence, it said.

Mayoral candidate murdered in Mexico amid rising political violence

Aruling party mayoral candidate was shot dead on Monday in central Mexico during an event on the first day of her campaign, despite having requested security protection from authorities and receiving no response.

A City Council candidate was also initially reported as fatally shot in the incident, but the Security Ministry later said the person was missing.

amid factional infighting, threats and resignations.

On Monday evening, Bertha Gisela Gaytan had just presented her security strategy plan before a rally in Celaya, Guanajuato, when gunmen opened fire, killing her instantly.

Alliances of powerful gangs are seeking to take over parts of the capital they do not yet control and have declared “war” on the de-facto Government, whose Prime Minister announced his resignation on March 11 while stranded in the United States.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry was initially expected to be replaced within days of the announcement, with a transitional presidential council formed by representatives of political parties and civil society groups put forward by regional leaders in Jamaica.

But three weeks later, the installation of the council has yet to take place

As nearby countries harden their maritime borders, just four per cent said they wanted to emigrate, mostly to the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. But a wary Dominican Republic Government has boosted border security, ruled out refugee camps on its territory, and deported tens of thousands back across the border.

On Sunday, members of Haiti’s military and over 50 civil associations signed a declaration calling for an alternative transition method that is laid out in the Constitution. That would see a judge from Haiti’s Supreme Court named as provisional president, who would then appoint a Prime Minister to form a Government.

Opponents say the idea is a manoeuvre by Henry’s allies. Most of the court’s Judges were appointed a year ago by Henry, and are seen as corrupt by many Haitians.

On Monday, Haiti’s de-facto Government issued a rare statement saying its leaders were working toward a peaceful transition of power to the presidential council “as fast as possible”.

(Reuters)

Trinidad and Tobago will not provide military assistance to Haiti

The Trinidad and Tobago Government

Tuesday said that it would not be providing any military assistance to ensure security in Haiti, where criminal gangs are seeking to overthrow the Government of Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry.

Last month, Henry travelled to Kenya where he signed an agreement that would allow the African country to lead a United Nations Security Councilsanctioned Multinational Security Mission (MSS) to restore peace and security in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country.

Speaking at a news conference, Trinidad and Tobago Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister, Dr Amery Browne told reporters that the Government had taken a position regarding sending troops to join the MSS.

Trinidad and Tobago Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister, Dr Amery Browne

“Trinidad and Tobago has been in support of action to treat with the Haiti situation. We have provided financial support as well as human resources to Caricom Good Offices efforts, to the Eminent Persons Group and to the other diplomatic foundation that has been laid in preparation for the

Multinational Force,” said Browne, flanked by the Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds.

He said with respect to the “contributions of boots on the ground as it were, the Prime Minister has made it very clear that is the current position of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, that we are not in a position to contribute military forces, Police Officers or boots on the ground at this stage for that particular effort”.

(Excerpt from CMC)

Guanajuato’s state prosecutor said it was investigating the killing. No arrests have been made.

The reasons why Gaytan was targeted were unclear, but Guanajuato state has, in recent years, registered some of the highest numbers of homicides in Mexico and experienced turf wars between criminal groups.

Security analysts say most electoral violence tends to occur at municipal level,

where gangs exert pressure to influence the outcome in the hope of securing more control over drug trafficking and other criminal rackets.

“It is increasingly clear who exercises real power in the territories where there is crime, it does not matter which party is in power,” said Vicente Sanchez, an expert in security and politics at the College of the Northern Border, a think tank. “It is still organised crime groups that decide

who the candidates are.”

Mexican elections have been marred by political violence for years, but figures suggest it is getting worse. Several dozen politicians and candidates were killed in the lead-up to the mid-term elections in 2021.

According to Mexico Citybased research organisation Civic Data, there was a 236 per cent increase in political electoral violence in the country between 2018 and 2023. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Investigation into Peru’s Boluarte widened

Peru’s Attorney General said on Tuesday that an investigation into President Dina Boluarte has been widened to include a US$56,000 Cartier bracelet in her possession and 1.1 million soles (US$298,070.67) in bank deposits of “unknown origin”.

Boluarte is already un-

der investigation over her possession of pricey Rolex watches.

Attorney General Juan Villena, speaking to a congressional commission, said the investigation had been widened on Monday and included looking into an estimated US$500,000 worth of jewellery that Boluarte had been photographed using

during public events. The deposits into Boluarte’s bank accounts date from 2016 to 2022, before she was President. At the time, Boluarte claimed the bank accounts were shared accounts when she was the President of a regional club and denied any corruption.

(Reuters)

Seismic officials eyeing water levels at Dominica’s Boiling Lake

The Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) says the water levels at Dominica’s Boiling Lake, have changed significantly in recent days, saying it is a phenomenon that has occurred several times since 1876.

“The most recent period of instability was observed in December 2023 and in the following months, guides and forestry officials have reported

changes in the lake levels with the latest occurring during the month of March,” the SRC said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.

It said on March 29, the lake was observed to once again experience a significant drop in water levels, when there was little to no water observed in the lake.”

But the SRC said that the observed changes in water levels and activity at the Boiling Lake “are not necessarily re-

Kremlin says visit by Venezuela’s Maduro is in works

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that a visit by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to Russia was being prepared, a sign of continued close ties between the two major oil-producing nations which are both at odds with the United States.

In a call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the visit was at “a high degree of preparation”, and that all that remained was to agree a date. Venezuela has in recent years maintained close relations with Russia, of -

fering Moscow a degree of diplomatic support for its campaign in Ukraine.

Russia has supported Maduro’s Government amid an extended confrontation with the United States and prolonged domestic unrest. (Reuters)

lated to increased volcanic activity in the area”, adding “during these episodes, harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, can be released and small steam explosions may also occur.

“This most recent cessation of geothermal activity at the lake may be indicative of blockages of underlying vents, which feed into the lake and is of concern as clearing of this blockage can occur without warning”.

The SRC said that together with the Office of Disaster Management in Dominica, they will continue to monitor the situation.

The Boiling Lake is a flooded fumarole located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a World Heritage Site. The lake, located 6.5 miles east of Dominica’s capital, Roseau, is filled with bubbling greyish-blue water.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

People take cover from gunfire near the National Palace, in Portau-Prince, Haiti, March 21, 2024 (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol photo)

A forensic technician works at a scene where Celaya’s mayor candidate for the ruling party Morena, Bertha Gisela Gaytan, was killed by unknown assailants during a campaign rally, in San Miguel Octopan, Guanajuato state, Mexico, April 1, 2024 (Reuters/ Juan Moreno photo)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Oil settles up on supply threats, hits 2024 highs during session

Oil prices settled higher on Tuesday after a session in which Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities and escalating conflict in the Middle East pushed the Brent benchmark above US$89 a barrel for the first time since October.

Brent futures for June delivery settled up US$1.50, or 1.7 per cent, at US$88.92 after touching a peak of US$89.08.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for May settled up US$1.44, or about 1.7 per cent, to US$85.15 after touching a peak of US$85.46, also the highest since October.

A Ukrainian drone struck one of Russia's biggest refineries in an attack Russia initially said it repelled.

Russia's Astrakhan gas processing plant, controlled by energy giant Gazprom, also halted production of petroleum products after a repair-related stoppage on March 30, the company said, confirming an earlier report from Reuters.

A Reuters analysis of images showing the impact of the attack suggests it hit the refinery's primary oil refining unit, which accounts for about half of the plant's total annual production capacity of 340,000 barrels per day (bpd). Damage did not appear to be serious.

Gasoline and diesel fuel stocks in Russia remain at a high level, Moscow said.

Russia, among the top three global oil producers and one of the largest exporters of oil products, has been contending with Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries and has also attacked Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

"The likelihood that continued restricted Russian product exports could further tighten US petroleum supplies has suddenly forced re-calculation of US (oil) balances across the rest of this month and possibly beyond," said Jim Ritterbusch, President of Ritterbusch and Associates LLC.

In the Middle East, Iran has vowed to take revenge on Israel for an airstrike that killed two top generals and five military advisers at the Iranian Embassy compound in Damascus.

Israel has been at war against Iran-backed Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza, but direct Iranian involvement could spark a "region-wide conflict with plausible impact on oil supply," said Tamas Varga at oil broker PVM.

"Despite a flurry of diplomatic activity meant to turn down the heat on the situation, there is definitely a chance the Iranians’ response will not be as measured this time," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho.

US crude oil inventories fell by 2.3 million barrels last week, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday. Official Government data will be published today at 10:30h EDT.

Elsewhere, an ecological organisation said a European satellite had spotted an oil spill in the northern Caspian Sea near Kazakhstan's giant Kashagan oilfield.

Markets are also looking ahead to today's ministerial panel meeting of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allied producers (OPEC+). The panel is unlikely to recommend any change in oil output policy, OPEC+ sources told Reuters.

The demand outlook perked up as March data showed an expansion in Chinese manufacturing activity for the first time in six months and in the US for the first time in a year and a half. (Reuters)

Israel says airstrike unintentionally killed aid workers in Gaza, allies demand explanations

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday Israel mistakenly killed seven persons working for the aid charity World Central Kitchen in a Gaza airstrike, and the US and other allies called for explanations amid widespread condemnation.

Israel's military voiced "sincere sorrow" over the incident, which ratcheted up international pressure for steps to ease the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza nearly six months into Israel's siege and invasion of the Palestinian enclave.

The strike on the World Central Kitchen convoy killed citizens of Australia, Britain, and Poland as well as Palestinians and a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.

WCK, which was founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said its staff were travelling in two armoured cars embla-

zoned with the charity's logo and another vehicle, and had coordinated their movements with the Israeli military.

"Unfortunately in the past day ,there was a tragic event in which our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants in the Gaza Strip," Netanyahu said in a video statement.

"This happens in war. We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the Governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence."

The Israeli military pledged an investigation by "an independent, professional and expert body".

At least 196 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza since October, according to the United Nations, and Hamas has previously accused Israel of targeting aid distribution sites.

In a call on Tuesday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Netanyahu that Britain was appalled by the deaths, which included three Britons, and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation, Sunak's office said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he expressed "anger and concern" to Netanyahu in a separate call.

The United States, Israel's closest ally, said that there was no evidence Israel deliberately targeted the aid workers, but that it was outraged by their deaths and Israel had an obligation to ensure aid workers in Gaza were not harmed.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

NATO boss floats 100-billion-euro military aid fund for Ukraine

NATO boss Jens Stoltenberg has proposed a 100-billion-euro (US$107 billion), five-year package of military aid to Ukraine that would give the Western alliance a more direct role in providing support to Kyiv, five diplomats said on Tuesday.

Under the plan, NATO would take over some coordination work from a US-led ad-hoc coalition known as

the Ramstein group – a step designed in part to guard against any cut in US support if Donald Trump returns to the White House, diplomats said.

The proposal is expected to be discussed at a two-day meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers on Wednesday and Thursday, with the aim of finalising a package in time for a NATO summit in Washington in July.

Strong quake rocks Taiwan, tsunami warnings issued for Japan, Philippines

An earthquake offshore

Taiwan with a magnitude of 7.2 rocked the capital Taipei on Wednesday morning, knocking out power in several parts of the city and sparking a tsunami warning for the islands of southern Japan and the Philippines.

Taiwan television stations showed footage of some collapsed buildings in the eastern county of Hualien, near the quake's epicentre, and media reported some people were trapped.

The quake hit at 07:58h (2358 GMT) at a depth of 15.5 kilometres (9.6 miles) just off the eastern coast of Taiwan, according to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration. It was the strongest quake to hit the island in 25 years, state media said.

Japan issued an evacuation advisory for the coastal areas of the southern prefecture of Okinawa. Tsunami

waves of up to 3 metres (10 feet) were expected to reach large areas of Japan's southwestern coast, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, which put the quake magnitude at 7.5.

A 30 cm (1 foot) tsunami reached Yonaguni Island at 9:18 a.m. (0018 GMT), JMA said.

The Philippines Seismology Agency also issued a warning for residents in coastal areas of several provinces, urging them to evacuate to higher ground.

The quake was felt in Shanghai, a Reuters witness said. Chinese State media said it was also felt in Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou and Ningde in China's Fujian province.

The Taipei City Government has not received any reports of damage and the city's MRT was up and running soon after. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Until now, NATO as an organisation has restricted itself to non-lethal aid for Ukraine out of fears that a more direct role could trigger an escalation of tensions with Russia. Most of its members provide weapons to Ukraine on a bilateral basis.

But diplomats said there was a growing view within NATO that the time had come to put military aid to Ukraine on a more sustainable, longterm footing and the Western alliance was best placed to take on much of that role.

Some also said that threats by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would regard various steps taken by NATO allies as escalatory had not led to retaliatory action against them.

As part of the plan, NATO would create a NATO Mission for Ukraine, although it was as yet unclear whether the mission would operate inside the country, diplomats said. Some countries were cautious about even naming the operation as a mission. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Biden and Xi hold 1st discussions since November, talk Taiwan and tech

United States President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping have had their first direct conversation since November, with officials describing their talk as “constructive”.

But details from Tuesday’s phone call hinted at long-running tensions between China and the US, with Xi calling questions of sovereignty in Taiwan a “red line” not to be crossed.

The leaders last spoke on the sidelines of the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in California in November, with both sides hailing progress while remaining at loggerheads over issues like Taiwan and technology development.

Speaking to reporters on background on Tuesday, a

US official said the call was meant to be more of a “checking in” and was not necessarily meant to achieve any policy breakthroughs.

“The two leaders held a candid and constructive discussion on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, including areas of cooperation and areas of difference,” the White House said in a statement following the call.

Xi, meanwhile, told Biden that the two countries should adopt a baseline principle of “no clash, no confrontation” for the year, according to state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV).

“We should prioritise stability, not provoke troubles, not cross lines but maintain the overall stability of ChinaUS relations,” Xi said, according to the broadcaster. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

A person looks at a vehicle where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli airstrike, in Deir Al-Balah, in Gaza, April 2 (Reuters/Ahmed Zakot photo)

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Digest as much information as possible, and don’t put up with anyone’s negativity or pressure tactics. Be good to yourself and be wary of anyone who tries to undermine you.

Put your life in order and your mind at ease. Take care of unfinished business. Clear your schedule to make time for exercise and socializing with people you love. Don’t hide your feelings.

Learn something new. Refuse to let anyone crowd your space or come between you and what you want. Visit places that bring back fond memories, and reconnect with old friends.

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Don’t let the changes others make tempt you. Think for yourself and do what offers the highest return. Control your emotions, and don’t put pressure on yourself or others. When in doubt, sit tight.

Educate yourself and pay attention. Consider trends and how your skills and connections can help you advance. A partnership offer will tempt you, but first consider what others expect of you.

Look at the possibilities, then approach people who can offer insight into something you want to pursue. A social or networking event will open doors to many exciting alternatives. Explore and expand.

Take your time when an opportunity presents itself. Show enthusiasm, make suggestions and change the dynamics of your life. Consider domestic changes that ease stress.

Don’t get involved in something that doesn’t interest you. It’s better to say no than to send the wrong message. Be tactful but direct, offer positive suggestions and go about your business.

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Don’t believe everything you hear. Look for cost-effective ways to get your desired results. Push back if someone tries to pressure you into something questionable. Stick up for yourself.

Set the pace and work hard, and you’ll get the support you need. Trust and believe in yourself; don’t let anyone dampen your spirit. Put your energy where it counts.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

ARCHIE

– to hand RCB their successive defeat at Chinnaswamy Stadium

– Mayank tops 150kph repeatedly after de Kock, Pooran star with the bat

MIt was Quinton de Kock who laid the base for the LSG victory with his second successive half-century. KL Rahul returned to action as their captain, but could only manage 20 off 14 balls. But Nicholas Pooran, who had captained LSG in their last game against Punjab Kings, clicked into a higher gear, smashing an unbeaten 40 off 21 balls to drag his team past 180 on a twopaced pitch.

The back-of-the-hand

slower balls from Reece Topley and Yash Dayal were sticking in the surface, but Mayank doesn't do slow. He repeatedly breached 150kph, and even cranked it up to a season-high 156.7kph to shut down the RCB chase.

Race of Champions...

That success installed Stolen Money as the considered biggest threat to Spankhurst heading into the Easter Cup. And although the roan/grey gelding met with interferences in the race, he still managed to finish in eye catching fashion to share the runner-up slot with Jessica's Pride.

The gelding came from last, because of his troubled run, and finished joint second.

Ronaldo Appadu, the rider of Stolen Money in the Easter Cup meet, claimed he was fouled by Youvin Cheefoon, who rode Beckman James, in coming out of the gates. He added that passing the first turn, he was kept back, and only midway up the backstretch he got his mount in the clear, but the race was over.

Cheefoon admitted that in coming out of the gates, his mount did contact Stolen Money, but he said it was not intentional, while Appadu claimed he was also fouled at the first turn by Cheefoon in passing the finish line.

De Kock had started the last IPL season on the bench, as Kyle Mayers was preferred ahead of him. De Kock was then removed as Durban's Super Giants captain ahead of SA20 2024 which followed. In the SA20, he got only two innings as an opener, but he has now reasserted his authority at the top of this IPL with back-to-back half-centuries.

When Topley, de Kock's team-mate in the SA20, offered him width, he stayed leg side of the ball and crunched him through the covers. Mohammed Siraj didn't offer de Kock as much width, but when he erred on height and bowled at the thigh, de Kock picked him over square leg. De Kock claimed 32 of the 54 runs LSG scored in the powerplay for the loss of Rahul.

FROM PAGE 22

Cheefon explained, "The horses on my outside (were) coming down on me at the corner. I could not do anything other than try and remain on my horse, and Stolen Money got tightened. I suffered a cut on my foot from the rail also."

With this hard luck in running, Stolen Money will also get his chance to avenge that defeat to Spankhurst on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at Rising Sun.

The organisers of the day's event, Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC), have revealed that a seven-race card has been drafted, and is supposed to be advertised very shortly. They have promised to honour their commitment, but are tentatively looking at making the programme an eight-race card.

The feature event of this card will be contested over 1,600 metres for a rich purse of $3.7 million, and purses for all the races would amount to a total of $10 million in local currency.

Reece

Mohammed

Glenn

Mayank

Cameron

Royal

Virat

Siddharth 22

Faf du Plessis (c) run out (Padikkal) 19

De Kock could have been dismissed for 32 in the next over, but Maxwell dropped him. He added 49 to his tally before Topley eventually had him holing out to long-off for 81 off 56 balls.

Maxwell impresses

On a night when RCB's specialist spinner Mayank Dagar bowled just two overs for 23 runs, Maxwell stepped up with 4-0-23-2, including 12 dots. He fronted up to bowl two overs in the powerplay, where he had Rahul caught at extra-cover with a hard-length delivery; then returned after the powerplay to remove another righthander - Marcus Stoinis (24 in 15) - by hiding the ball away from his reach.

Maxwell also won his match-up against de Kock, keeping him to four off eight balls. That Maxwell, with four strikes, is RCB's highest wicket-taker this season after four

Rajat Patidar c Padikkal

b Yadav 29

Glenn Maxwell c Pooran

b Yadav 0

Cameron Green

b Yadav 9

Anuj Rawat †c Padikkal

b Stoinis 11

Mahipal Lomror c Pooran

b Yash Thakur 33

Dinesh Karthik c †Rahul

b Naveen-ul-Haq 4

Mayank Dagar run out (Pooran) 0

Reece Topley not out 3

Mohammed Siraj c Pooran

b Naveen-ul-Haq

games shines the spotlight on the inefficiency of the frontline bowlers.

Pooran tees off Pooran had a slow start. He was on eight off ten balls at one point, before he smote five sixes off the last two overs to silence a capacity crowd at the Chinnaswamy. The pick of this lot of sixes was the shanked six off a 110.4kph slower ball from Topley that landed on the roof of the stadium. The margin for error is wafer-thin against elite power-hitters like Pooran. When Topley missed his wider yorkers marginally, Pooran scythed him for a brace of sixes at point, and put LSG back on top.

Siddharth arrives

M Siddharth, the Tamil Nadu finger spinner, was born in Jakarta in Indonesia, but moved to Chennai, along with his family, to become a professional cricketer. He wanted to become the next Irfan Pathan, but the coaches at his academy noted that he didn't have enough pace to become

a fast bowler. So, Siddharth switched to left-arm spin, but he continues to swing the new ball. That's his calling card in the Tamil Nadu Premier League.

LSG's team management had so much faith in him that they backed him to bowl with the new ball against Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis on the night. After darting inswingers at speeds north of 110kph, Siddharth slowed his pace down and drew a leading edge from Kohli. In the next over, du Plessis was run-out, leaving RCB at 42 for 2 in the sixth over.

Mayank's rockets

Maxwell managed to evade the first bouncer from Mayank, but when Mayank dug one in and got it to climb towards Maxwell's ribs at 151kph, the batter was rushed into flapping a catch to mid-on, to leave for a duck.

Then, in his next over, Mayank nailed the top of Green's off-stump with another scorching delivery. The reading on the speed gun was 145kph, but the belated response from Green suggested that it might have been a lot quicker than that.

Green was bred on the pacy, bouncy tracks in Perth, but an Indian rookie playing in only his 12th T20 game made the international allrounder look like a rookie. Green simply stayed leg side of the ball and wafted at it. Mayank wheeled away in celebration, and there would be no stopping him. He proceeded to bounce out Rajat Patidar for 29 off 21 balls. RCB needed 79 off 34 balls at that point, and though Mahipal Lomror hit 33 off 13 balls, the chase was always beyond RCB's reach.

Mayank didn't get a single game at LSG over the past two seasons, largely because of injuries. He has now become the first player in IPL history to win two Player-of-theMatch awards in his first two matches. (ESPNCricinfo)

Nicholas Pooran hit five sixes in his 40 off 21 balls

Mahipal Lomror's blitz wasn't enough for RCB to chase down 182

Quinton de Kock gave LSG a brisk start

Mayank Yadav leapt in the air after taking a wicket

Barbados Economy boosted by

TCaribbean Premier League (WCPL) generated a total economic impact of US$40,446,754 for Barbados during the 2023 tournament.

2023 was the first time the CPL had returned to Barbados since 2019, and the first time that country had hosted WCPL matches. There were six men’s matches and three women’s matches played in Barbados between 30 August and 3 September, with the games taking place at the world-famous Kensington Oval.

The total event impact is calculated by world-renowned research organisation YouGov Sport, with the final figure being based on a number of key metrics, including organiser and visitor spends on-island media as well as the commercial value generated from the extensive global TV distribution.

One of main contributing elements was the CPL cohort, who was responsible for filling 10,951 hotel room nights in Barbados, made up by CPL’s players, coaches, administrators, TV and media crews, team owner groups, league and franchise

event management teams. Other visitor groups associated with the tournament also made a significant contribution to on-island spending during the tournament.

Barbados also benefited from the tournament being broadcast around the world, with the CPL audience reaching 853.5 million total viewers in 2023. As always, the tournament worked closely with BTMI to create world class content which promoted Barbados as the unique holiday destination we all know it to be. These exclusive features and vignettes were shown during the CPL matches,

16 RHTY&SC youth cricketers benefit from $500,000 worth of gear

Sixteen

Saturday from the receipt of more than $500,000 worth of cricket gear donated under the Feroze Islam Trust Fund.

Each player received an item of cricket gear from the trust fund as the club continues to assist its members to fulfill their potential on the cricket field.

RHTY&SC Secretary Hilbert Foster has said that, last January, Feroze Islam, an overseas-based former resident of Rose Hall Town, contacted him to express his interest in assisting in the development of youth cricketers of the club, and it was agreed that a trust fund would be established, with Islam providing cricket gear that would be donated to promising players in the club’s youth system.

A resident of the USA, Islam fulfilled his commitment, while the club also provided some support for the presentation, which was done at the Area H ground. Gear distributed included 10 cricket bats, batting pads, batting gloves, wicketkeeping pads, wicketkeeping gloves, gear bags and cricket balls.

Cricketers who benefitted from the trust fund were Matthew Pottaya, Ramzan

Kobir, Darwin McKenzie Mario Butcher, Kamaraj Bharat, Dave Seepersad, Kemo Samran, Nicholas Cameron, Kulmalchan Ramnaris, Balraj Narain, Mukesh Rampersaud, Leon Reddy, Tameshwar Deonadan, Raphael McKenzie and Ganpat.

Foster has said that the RHTY&SC is fully committed to making sure that its members are allowed to fulfill their potential despite their financial status at home.

The former Berbice Cricket Board president has said that since its inception, the RHTY&SC has invested heavily in its members on and off the cricket field, and has assisted hundreds of its members to acquire their own personal cricket gear besides uniforms, bicycles, laptop, school equipment and tablets, among other things.

The long serving club secretary has expressed gratitude to Feroze Islam for his timely gesture of assistance, and reassured him that the gear would be used for the purposes intended.

RHTY&SC Cricket Manager Robby Kissoonlall has reminded club members that they have a proud 34-year tradition of success to uphold, and they need to remain dedicated and focused. Since its formation in

The

further promoting the tourism message.

Pete Russell, Republic Bank CPL’s CEO, said: “It was fantastic to be back in Barbados after four years away, and the atmosphere at Kensington Oval was brilliant, highlighting the local and international appetite for CPL cricket. These results are great news for

Barbados, and we are looking forward to making an even bigger impact in 2024.”

Graham Clarke, Director Caribbean for Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, said: “It is great to see the iconic Kensington Ovalthe cricketing Mecca of the Caribbean - hosting CPL matches again, after a brief hiatus during and imme-

diately after the Covid-19 pandemic. Cricket is much more than a game; it is an economy. For every dollar of revenue earned through the purchase of Bajan goods and services by visitors to our island during the week of CPL, there is a direct and multiplier effect on the people and economy of Barbados.” (CPLT20)

Race of Champions set for April 28

…Bossalina, Spankhurst set to battle

1990, the club has produced a total of 122 players for Berbice and Guyana, while 14 have gone on to play for the West Indies and the United States of America. Among the players produced by the club are Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Esaun Crandon, Sean Grant, Neil Williams, Delbert Hicks, Khemraj Mahadeo, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Clinton Pestano, Jonathan Rampersaud, Sylus Tindall, Shamaine Campbell, Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond, Plaffiana Millington and Erva Giddings.

Kissoonlall also said the club has, to date, won 121 cricket tournaments at all levels since winning its fourth title in 1992. The cricket teams have also won three national titles in 2004, 2005 and 2009, and five Guyana Cricket Board “club of the year” awards, while the RHTY&SC has also received a national award (MS).

Feroze Islam has said that, as a former resident of the township, he is happy to assist the youths in a small way. He has urged them to listen to the advice of club management, and to avoid social ills.

National under-13 player Tameshwar Deonadan expressed gratitude to Islam on behalf of himself and others.

Spankhurst is set to return to the Rising Sun ‘fortress’ on April 28

The score is one each, and the return 'bout' of the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee’s Race of Champions will be the 'Rumble at the Sun.' This exciting one-day horse race meeting would take centre stage at the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC) on the West Coast of Berbice on Sunday April 28, 2024. It will be the revenge showdown between heroine Bossalina, who will represent Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, and Spankhurst from Armadale in West Berbice.

Bossalina has inflicted the lone defeat on 2023 Horse of the Year, Spankhurst, in the feature event of the New Year's Day meet at Rising Sun. Spankhurst bounced back in beating her in the rematch at Rising Sun one month later. Thus, the score-

line has been levelled. However, Deleep Esreepersaud owner/trainer of Bossalina, revealed that, prior to that clash, his Canadian-bred mare had a setback and was not supposed to race. He admitted he had made a mistake in racing her on that occasion, and says he has made amends by purposely missing the Easter Cup at Port Mourant on Sunday. He says the time out has given him the time to prepare Bossalina for her return clash with Spankhurst, on Sunday April 28 at Rising Sun.

Owned by the Jumbo Jet Racing Stables, Spankhurst produced an unchallenged performance in winning his race in gate-to-wire fashion in the Easter Cup at Port Mourant, defeating Jessica’s Pride and Stolen Money, both of whom produced a deadheat performance for the run-

ner-up slot.

On the other hand, Stolen Money, a recent Canadianbred import owned by Simply Royal Racing Stables, built his confidence in recording his first career success at the Port Mourant Turf Club last month.

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The young cricketers posed with RHTY&SC executives Robby Kissoonlall and Tyrone Pottaya after the ceremony

Indoor Hockey Masters World Cup 2024…

Guyana creates history in securing silver

Team Guyana created history on April 1st, 2024 when they secured the silver medal in the Men’s Over-45 division of the 2024 Indoor Hockey Masters World Cup.

After an incredible unbeaten run in both the pool and semifinal rounds, the Guyanese fell just shy of securing gold when they lost, for the very first time in the tournament, by one goal in a rematch against hosts England.

The previously unknown South Americans, who were making their debut at the Masters World Cup, had defeated Canada, England, Wales and France to secure their well-deserved spot in the final. And eight minutes into that high-paced final, striker Devin Hooper stunned the English crowd by slamming home the opening goal of the match for Guyana.

The speedy Hooper received the ball on the left, dribbled it across the English circle to outpace his marker, then finished with a swift shot into the English net.

The second quarter turned out to be an all-England affair, as striker Andy Langlands managed to catapult England ahead with a pair of identical penalty corners in the 14th and 19th minutes.

After having two penalty corners denied by the advancing Guyanese goalkeeper Gregory Garraway, the English resorted to making two swift passes around the left to get around Garraway to score their very next goal. This exact routine was repeated just before the half, to give England a 2-1 halftime lead.

Determined not to fade,

the Guyanese pressed on through a hard-fought third quarter, which remained scoreless, leaving just one final quarter of ten minutes to make up the one-goal deficit. That final quarter became a shooting match between Guyanese Dwayne Scott and Englishman Langlands, as the two became the only players to score for the remainder of the match.

The score was at 2-1 in favour of England, but Scott evened the score at 2-2 through a well-placed penalty stroke one minute into the final quarter. And Scott returned four minutes later to drive Guyana ahead when he latched onto the end of a clinical Jerazeno Bell pass to redirect the ball into the English goal.

With four minutes remaining in the match, Guyana earned a critical penalty corner which provided them an opportunity to extend their lead. As the English focused primarily on Guyanese prolific penalty corner striker Jerazeno

CWI U15 Rising Stars…

Bell, the Guyanese opted to redirect the ball to Scott, who slammed home a rocket of a shot to give Guyana a comfortable two-goal cushion at 4-2. What followed were perhaps the most exciting four minutes of the entire tournament, especially for the English fans. England showed their experience and character by clawing back into the match when their backs were against the wall and time was heavily against them. Andy Langlands repeated his feat of scoring in the 37th minute from a penalty corner, which was the third goal of the match completed in exactly the same manner. The Guyanese failed to make the necessary adjustments, being concerned by the layoff shooter, leaving the goal exposed for the second England pass to the left.

The hero for England, Langlands, made his mark again just one minute later when a defence error allowed a free pass to him

Pereira, Ramdehol, Hetmyer guide Guyana to victory

Off-spinner Ravaldo Pereira, Richard Ramdehol, and Captain Adrian Hetmyer with a half-century, led Guyana to a 91-run victory over the Windward Islands in the fourth round of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Under-15 Championships in Antigua on Monday. With the match being played at the Bethesda Sports Ground in Antigua and Barbuda, Windward Islands Under-15s won the toss and elected to field first, and the Guyanese batters took full advantage of this development.

stumps on two occasions for 2-49 from 10 overs, and Jeshaun Joseph took one wicket.

The Guyanese bowlers, prolific in their endeavours, bowled out the Windwards batters for 160 within 39.3 overs, although Captain Earsinho Fontaine resisted with 35 runs off 65 balls.

across the Guyanese scoring circle. The in-form Langlands slammed how an equalizer to bring the almost entirely British crowd to their feet.

With the clock running down, and mere seconds remaining in the match, midfielder Devin Munroe received a yellow card which relegated him to the sin bin for 3 minutes. As a stunned Munroe left the floor, the wily English made a quick restart, catching the Guyanese off-guard. The quick penetrating pass by the British into the scoring circle to Langlands seemed to slow time as the bewildered Guyanese found themselves too late in recovering and watched Langlands’ shot excite the goal net and the British crowd as the

clock ticked down the last few seconds of the game.

The final 5-4 score for England ended a wildly entertaining and very competitive final with jubilation for England and bitter disappointment for the stunned Guyanese.

Sport can be as bitter as it can be sweet, and there can never be one without the other. The Guyanese gave their best, but succumbed to a quality and experienced team, which was better in the last four minutes of the match, which counted the most.

President of the Guyana Hockey Board, Philip Fernandes, commented that he was very proud of what the team was able to achieve. Fernandes indicated that the primary objec-

tive of the Guyanese team was to make the semifinal, and while the gold medal is always the ultimate goal, the Guyanese dared not carry that expectation coming into a world-class event for the very first time.

“Guyana has made a name for itself in the international hockey community,” Fernandes has said. “So many teams approached us after the finals, asking about hockey in Guyana and inviting us to participate all over the world. Everyone wanted a piece of memorabilia from Guyana.”

The Masters Indoor World Cup takes place every two years, and so the Guyanese now have a clear target, and will regroup to make plans for the gold next time around.

Milo Schools’ U18 Football Tournament

2024…

Waramuri Top, West Ruimveldt, Chase stay perfect after Round 2

The 10th edition of the Milo Schools’ U18 Football Tournament continued last Saturday with the second round of the Group stage being played at the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Queen’s College grounds.

The two-day action over the weekend saw the like of Waramuri Top Primary, West Ruimveldt Secondary,

Chase’s Academic Foundation and Queen’s College securing big wins.

It all began with a 2-all draw between Carmel and New Amsterdam Secondary on Saturday. Samuel Ferguson and Isaiah Barlow netted for Carmel in the 13th and 30th minutes respectively, while Feaad Hussein and Teon Williams drew level for New Amsterdam in the respective 42nd and 51st minutes.

consolation in the 40th minute.

On Sunday, Manassah Anderson (4th), Omar Sam (9th), Justin Alcindor (15th) and Darius Chester (29th) combined for a 4-0 win for Chase’s Academic Foundation over Abram Zuil Secondary.

Meanwhile, Santa Rosa’s Daurius Williams netted that team’s lone goal in the 18th. The Queen’s College ground was also action packed as the home team drubbed Yarrowkabra Secondary 4-2. Owen Hooper registered a hat trick for QC in the 5th, 11th and 65th, while Ravi Rayman added to their tally in the 26th. On the other hand, Christian Medina netted a brace for Yarrowkabra in the 3rd and 53rd.

Khush Seegobin, who opened the batting, spanked the ball for a brisk 35 runs from 39 balls, while Captain Hetmyer contributed 52 runs from 58 deliveries, and Shamar Apple scored 43 runs from 46 balls, to get Guyana to 251-6 in their 50 overs.

Pereira (3-35-6 overs) and Ramdehol (3-7- 4 overs) led the bowling attack for the Guyanese Team in taking three wickets apiece, while Gilbert Griffith and Emmanuel Lewis did not miss out on the action, each obstructing the wickets once respectively.

Aravinda Bishop was phenomenal with his line and length, as he led the Windwards’ bowling attack in claiming 3-35 from 10 overs, while Khavaughn Bartholomew disturbed the

The Guyana U15s will look to continue their dominance in the CWI Rising Stars Under-15 Championship today at Liberta Sports Club when they come against the Leeward Islands.

One goal each from Malcolm Hendricks (48th) and Jahiem Kendall (55th) resulted in a 1-1 draw between Charlestown and East Ruimveldt Secondary.

Mikkel Mills and Jarrel Smith, after finding the back of the net in the respective 30th and 41st minutes, were later responsible for a 2-0 win for North Ruimveldt over Bush Lot Secondary; while Jason Sandiford (29th) and Jamol Williams (44th) netted in a 2-1 victory for Dolphin Secondary over Leonora Secondary. D’Lessandro Valenzuela scored Leonora’s

Another high-scoring match followed, as Donovan Welcome’s hat trick steered West Ruimveldt Secondary to a 7-1 victory against New Central High. Welcome found the back of the net in the 28th, 35th and 62nd minutes, while his teammates Jerimiah Griffith (65th, 70th) and Isaiah Peters (69th) and an own goal pitched in for West Ruimveldt’s 7. Central’s Peter Khan mustered his team’s only reply in the 34th minute.

Ann’s Grove Secondary later stunned defending champions Santa Rosa Secondary with a close 2-1 win. Deshawn DeJohn and Kennard Halley were the strikers for Ann’s Grove, with respective back-to-back goals in the 15th and 16th minutes.

The scoreline was the same when L’Aventure overcame Marian Academy at the same venue. This time, Shakiel Sealey (25th, 40th) and Shawn Griffith (69th, 63rd) shared the spoils for L’Aventure, both netting braces. Nicholas Jones was the lone campaigner for Marian, finding favour in the 26th and 45th minutes.

On the back of two hat tricks off the boots of Zundel Abrams (9th, 48th, 60th) and Chetram Thomas (45th, 53rd, 54th), Waramuri

Top Primary mauled Hope Secondary 7-0. Odel Holmes had previously opened the scoring for Waramuri in just the 7th minute of the game.

The Milo Schools’ U18 Football action will resume this weekend at the same venues on Carifesta Avenue and Thomas Lands Georgetown.

Guyana’s O45 Men’s team finished with a silver medal in the Masters World Cup

Ravaldo Pereira

Scenes from the Milo Football Tournament over the weekend