Guyana Times - Wednesday, December 13, 2023.pdf

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Issue No. 5582

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

Venezuela border controversy

No wavering from ICJ process – Pres Ali ahead of Maduro meeting …dispatches letter setting record straight on agenda for talks in SVG Page 3

…as Guyana signs advanced defence agreement with USA

Refrain from any “unilateral action” against Guyana – France's Foreign Minister to Venezuela Page 18

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Friendship P16 collision claims 2 more lives

Arson suspected as home of overseas-based Guyanese P17 destroyed by fire

Prison officer charged, remanded for attempt to smuggle drugs into prison P11

2022 Auditor General Report

Govt recovers over $50M in undisputed Guyanese overpayments for 1st time in history man wanted …over $150M in contracts terminated due to poor performance

See story on page 18

GDF deadly helicopter crash Over 20,000 Venezuelan migrants registered 3 officers' bodies Page See in Guyana as of severely burnt, 14 story June/July 2023 on page 7 others died from …Govt boosting capacity to process migrants, legislation imminent

multiple injuries

P17

for attempted murder arrested in Florida Guyana fastest growing offshore oil development in history of the world – Energy P17 expert

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela border controversy

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, Dec 13 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Thursday, Dec 14 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Dec 13 – 16:35h – 18:05h and Thursday, Dec 14 – 05:05h – 06:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

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

Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 16:40h reaching a maximum height of 2.74 metres.

Low Tide: 10:15h and 22:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metre and 0.46 metre.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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No wavering from ICJ process – Pres Ali ahead of Maduro meeting …dispatches letter setting record straight on agenda for talks in SVG …as Guyana signs advanced defence agreement with USA

A

s the December 14 meeting between President Dr Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro draws closer, Guyana’s Head of State has maintained that there will be no wavering from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) process to settle the border controversy.

President Dr Ali and Venezuelan President Maduro, who has in recent months intensified aggression against Guyana, are scheduled to have regionally brokered talks on Thursday. These upcoming talks have since been welcomed by Maduro, as a chance for Venezuela to return to good neighbourliness with Guyana.

In a letter dispatched to St Vicent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, who helped broker the talks, Maduro said that he was looking forward to these talks. According to Maduro, he remains committed to dialogue that would re-establish peace between the two countries.

In the letter, however, Maduro’s expressed desire to discuss the border controversy currently being heard before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), will not find favour with the Guyanese side.

President Ali dispatched a letter of his own addressed to Prime Minister Gonsalves, responding to several of the inaccuracies

President Dr Irfaan Ali

contained in Maduro’s letter. The President made it clear that contrary to the agenda Maduro was expecting, there would be no talk from Guyana’s end regarding the border controversy.

“I too have a mandate from the National Assembly of Guyana, which is unanimous in its resolve that the land boundary is not a matter for bilateral discussions and the settlement of the matter is properly on the International Court of Justice where it must remain until the Court gives its final ruling on the merits of the case which, Guyana has always said and I repeat, will be fully respected

by Guyana,” President Ali wrote.

“Let me assure you dear colleague that I am prepared to speak with President Maduro on any other aspect that may contribute to improving and strengthening amicable relations between our two countries,” he further added.

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves

President Ali further debunked other inaccuracies in Maduro’s letter, including his claim that Guyana was giving out oil concessions in maritime areas that had not been delimited, even though these concessions are well within the 200 nautical miles of Guyana’s coast that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea recognises as a state’s maritime jurisdiction.

Guyana’s right to engage

Additionally, he responded to Maduro’s claims that Guyana was allowing the United States Southern Command to “meddle” in “disputed territory”.

According to President Ali, Guyana reserves the right to engage in any form of cooperation with its bilateral partners, while at the same time not supporting any intervention in the internal affairs of other, sovereign states. He made it clear that

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

there is no military operation aimed at Venezuela taking place in Guyana’s territory and called such claims “misleading and provocative.”

The Guyanese Head of State has previously been clear that the Venezuela border controversy will not be up for discussion. He verbally reinforced this position on Monday, when he was questioned on the sidelines of an event.

“The controversy shall be settled at the ICJ. There’s absolutely no wavering from this position. And I want to make it very clear, that this is not a Guyanese position.

This is a position from the Geneva Agreement. This is a position in which the United Nations Secretary General ascribed the settlement of this case to the ICJ. So, this is a position that all of us must respect.”

TURN TO PAGE 7

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

Views

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

Cultural influences

O

ne of the characteristics of the post-modern world is a quest for “authenticity”: as the young say, “We gotta be real”. The first problem with this much-vaunted “authenticity” is that the very nature of the human self is artificial, and shaped by its surrounding culture. However, by the West’s enlightenment, individualistic premises – to the extent that cultural influences are important – are often seen as sources of alienation, coercion, and manipulation. The “true” self is touted to be that which is not a product of society, that which resists conformity and makes individuals “unique”. As a result, the influencer is obsessed with novelty in all aspects of life – from art to lifestyles – touting the new simply because it is new.

But this romantic conception of the self is simply wrong.

We are not plants or toads, whose development is largely an unfolding of prespecified potential. We are profoundly social animals, with brains wired to absorb and assimilate our surrounding culture, beginning most germanely with language.

A person without culture is an abstraction-like form without content. The well-documented cases of “feral children” – that is, children who grew up with little human contact – are tragic testimonies to the indispensability of social learning. They were literally “non-human”.

Even a person’s most profound beliefs – those about God and the relationship between humans and the cosmos – are inextricably connected to culture. Hence the saliency of our ethnic ties in Guyana. However, we know what it is like to bow to social conventions, and mask our feelings and opinions from others. More poignantly, we know the painful dissonance of dissembling crucial components of our identity, our political beliefs, our sexuality, and so on. Does this not suggest an authentic self that persists behind our everyday social self, impervious to cultural accidents and influences, although it can remain forever hidden? And is it not to this self that we owe our loyalty?

Arguments like this can feel compelling, because they fit in with our daily experience, even though traits and tendencies are different from what most of us would call a “self”. Humans are complicated and complex; capable of sublimating impulses to lying about them. This can be frustrating, debilitating, and, in some societies, tyrannically oppressive. But paradoxically, this is what also makes civilisation possible. Because we are both cooperative and highly competitive, our thoughts and impulses can be prosocial or antisocial. Some of those antisocial thoughts and impulses are relatively benign, though potentially offensive. We cannot give in to unmediated impulses from our id. Some of our thoughts and impulses are coercive, violent, or destructive.

Few people are so virtuous that they have never wanted to humiliate, hit, or even kill another person. Some people are filled with rage and hate, and would happily dominate others if they were in a position to do so. One of the crucial functions of civilisation is to curb these inclinations, so that we can cooperate (and compete) without constant violence.

Democratic politics and the institutions that make it work are one such innovation. Although this might be frustrating on occasion, it leads to wealth, comfort, and cultural achievements that would otherwise be impossible.

The celebration of authenticity is premised, often only half-knowingly, on a quasi-Rousseauist belief that humans are naturally good, and only corrupted by society. But this belief is patently false: humans are not “naturally” good or evil, but created, as Kant phrased it, “out of this crooked timber”. As such, they are flawed, limited, and contradictory creatures, capable of envisioning a peaceful, cooperative society of abundance, but thwarted in achieving it because their efforts are undermined by selfishness and rivalry.

Although we cannot fully achieve our moral goals in a utopia, we can, with the guidance of wise norms and institutions, create a lively and flourishing civilisation. And the function of these wise norms and institutions such as democracy and its institutions is to suppress, discipline, and reshape our natural inclinations. Let us all commit to building a democratic One Guyana.

A skit by students of Queen’s College for the Grade Nine end-of-year concert, “Charming the Wind”, which was done in collaboration with Purple Arts Production (Education Ministry photo)

Response to critics of a US military base in Guyana Dear Editor, Several persons have come out against my proposal (“a shocker”) that Guyana should consider establishing a US military base in our Essequibo, to help protect us against the aggression launched by Venezuela’s Pres Maduro when he de facto annexed our Essequibo: two-thirds of our national territory.

He has already appointed a governor, and announced “development plans”. This is not just a declaration of war against the Guyanese state, but is actual war. My proposal was an answer to the question of what we can do.

One of the KN’s Peeping Tom articles, for instance, (Say no to US military base 12-11-23) argues that “South America remains fiercely anti-imperialist”, and a US military base “not only collides with this anti-imperialist posture, but also challenges the principles of sovereignty, and also carries the ominous shadow of neocolonialism.” We are very sympathetic to this view, but would like to point out that it is quite ahistorical in our circumstances.

In the last sixty years, it has been Venezuela that has deployed imperial-

ist imperatives in seeking to colonise Essequibo in complete violation of the “full and final” Arbitral Award of 1899 which they signed. Some would forget that Venezuela annexed our half of Ankoko Island in 1966, and occupy it to this day; and they blocked the World Bank financing for the development of the Upper Mazaruni.

Now they have de facto annexed Essequibo, and have ordered oil companies we have licensed to leave. What could be more imperialistic than that?

Yet, South America have restrained their “anti-imperialism” to mild reproaches. Have they taken cognizance of the billions of US dollars in military hardware that Maduro has acquired from Russia?

Secondly, he contends, “The US is hostile to Venezuela, and it is not necessarily an ally of Brazil. None of these two countries are likely to look kindly upon any suggestion that a US military base be established on their doorstep. To do so would invite aggression from Venezuela and a rejection from Brazil.”

We have already experienced “aggression” from Venezuela. Pres Lula’s

leftist tendencies have not made him cancel the RDT&E Agreement that facilitates joint development of basic, applied and advanced technology between the U.S. DoD and the Brazilian Ministry of Defence. He accepts that Brazil’s interest in being a strong regional power with global ambitions is facilitated by cooperating with the US. Peeping Tom wants to know whether “the presence of a military base (is) genuinely for mutual defense?” We have made it clear that the US would be acting in its own interests to counter Venezuela, not because they “like” us.

It would be up to us to ensure that the military base also serves our interests beyond the Venezuelan imperative.

According to reports, the US presently has around 78 military bases in the Caribbean and South America, and President Lula has not objected to any. These are divided into three types: the "base of operations", the "small military base" or "Lily Pad", and the most common, “funded base”, which would be best for us.

Unlike the first two, this facility would be owned by

us, but US military personnel would have access to it.

This would be our first line of defence against Venezuela. It would be near our border, and for which we should immediately put together specialized army and air force personnel to staff it. In our 2000 ROAR Blueprint, we had called for such a specialized Border Unit.

In Feb 2022, the Colombian Institute for Development and Peace Studies president noted, “The goal of the Nicolás Maduro regime […] is expansion […]. They want to expand that power to different territories in Latin America, […], something that is very similar to the goal Putin has in Russia, of expanding Russia to neighbouring lands”.

Venezuela has taken cognizance of the seven US bases in Colombia, and has pivoted east towards what Maduro thinks is the low-hanging fruit of the Essequibo. A US base would augment our diplomatic initiatives and assist in persuading him otherwise.

Sincerely, Ravi Dev

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

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

The world is watching, Maduro must do the right thing Dear Editor, Despite the ongoing border controversy, I support the Government’s decision to have a face-to-face discussion with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro tomorrow in Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines, on the need for peace and respect for international law.

I know that the meeting and dialogue, according to President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, will not see any concessions being made with respect to Guyana’s case, which is rightfully and justly before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

It is apt to know that the President will hold fast to the position that the Essequibo belongs to Guyana. He will hold out at the meeting tomorrow that Guyana is standing on the shoulders of the finalised Arbitral Award of 1899, which is in full effect. So, I am hopeful that the meeting takes in a cordial setting, with good sense prevailing between the two nations; because Guyana will not step away from the ICJ, nor is it prepared to give up an inch of territory.

Also, it is hoped that the meeting offers President Ali the opportunity to tell Maduro to his face that he breached

the recent ICJ ruling. Maduro must also be told that his continued threats to annex Guyana’s territory have caught the attention of the Government and the world respectfully.

He must be made to understand, if he does not as yet, that the world will never sit idly by while his political and administrative plan to annex Guyana is being played out.

Political decency and respect for international law demand that Maduro and his government in Caracas tone down and scale back their troops on our borders.

President Ali must also tell

Maduro that the two neighbours can peacefully co-exist, and the other concerns: such as illegal mining, criminal activity and migration, can be amicably dealt with.

He has to remain open-minded and listen to the points Maduro will no doubt be making at the meeting, where officials from CARICOM and Brazil are tentatively slated to be present.

President Ali must be careful and decisive, using his tone and training in diplomacy to make his point that Guyana will uphold, as it has been doing, international law.

President Ali must also know that the entire country and most of the world are behind him. Standing up to a

man like Maduro is never going to be easy, but if one does not stand one’s ground based on truth, freedom, and facts, then one will fall for anything, even a claim as untruthful and spurious as Venezuela’s.

The late former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto said, “Extremism can flourish only in an environment where basic governmental social responsibility for the welfare of the people is neglected. Political dictatorship and social hopelessness create the desperation that fuels… extremism”.

Finally, I hope someone tells Maduro -- aside from the meeting -- that, on his part, this plot that the Essequibo is Venezuela’s

territory is reeking of extremism, imperialism, and political dictatorship clothed as democracy and the will of the Venezuelan people. It is not the will of those people; they only want to be free of the bondage of food shortages, inflation, and tyranny of political rule; but they are forced to be patriotic because of the promise of better days ahead if they can get the Essequibo and its spoils.

The world is watching, Maduro must do the right thing. After this meeting, Guyana should know where it stands.

Dear Editor, This period of national crisis, precipitated by Venezuela’s referendum and subsequent aggressive actions on our western border, has become one of revelations.

Waking up to find Freddie Kissoon agreeing with my point of view was somewhat alarming, but when later that day I found myself nodding in agreement with a social media ‘wild man’, I knew it was not the ‘end of days’, but rather a time for unity.

It is therefore disheartening when prominent people seek to use Venezuela’s rogue actions to snipe at the Irfaan Ali administration; and even worse when they buy and sell the Maduro propaganda to take the shots.

Attorney Nigel Hughes took to Facebook to share views on a U.S. military base in Essequibo, which has not been discussed, much less agreed upon by Guyana and the U.S., but presented by Maduro as a fait accompli.

It is distressing to see baseless Venezuelan propaganda evading the intellectual defenses of the learned attorney, who then posits that the talks in St. Vincent will break down because Guyana would be unable to give an undertaking not to have a foreign military base or presence, therefore not being able to commit to a ‘zone of peace’, which can also lead to a loss of diplomatic support.

Similarly, Chris Ram says, “Guyanese will be hoping that nothing the President does in St. Vincent will yield a single concession to Venezuela or contribute to an escalation of tensions between our countries, or cause Guyana the loss of any diplomatic support”.

Both of these gentlemen are deluded if they believe that Maduro is acting from a position of morality and sensibility. The man has taken a proud nation into poverty and rogue status in one decade. Maduro is acting in defiance of the United Nations and its court, the International Court of Justice. He rules Venezuela by decree (powers granted by his party’s legislature) and is engaged in theater of the ludicrous with his establishment of a ‘State of Guayana Esequiba’.

Guyana has established, and reserves the right to establish, any type of business, base, or other use on its sovereign territory.

There will be neither concession of sovereign rights nor loss of diplomatic support over any such retention of rights.

Opposition and debate form a vital part of good governance, and there are many areas for those who want to score political points to operate within. The border controversy is one area where one must tread lightly, lest one gives aid and comfort to the enemy.

Hughes speaks of ‘Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement’ (BATNA). I can go one better and say many should adopt ‘Best Alternative To Talking Ignorant Egoistic Stuff’ (BATTIES). While Freddie Kissoon has chastised some local organizations for failing to speak up, I differ with him (thankfully), and believe that where ‘ignorance is bliss’ ‘Silence’ really is golden.

President Ali will have to decide how best he will deal with affront from Maduro Selling Maduro’s propaganda to take shots

Dear Editor, President Ali is scheduled to meet Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Moros tomorrow, (Thursday, 14th December, 2023) at the request of the Heads of Government of CARICOM and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

This meeting has largely been brokered by the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, with support from the President of Brazil, Luis Inacio Lula da Silva.

Prime Minister Gonsalves has described the purpose of the meeting as “appropriate” dialogue between the two Presidents in the interest of maintaining “peaceful coexistence”, respect for international law, and the avoidance of the use of threats of force. Gonsalves, of course, is referring to the threat of military invasion of Guyana’s Essequibo region by Venezuela, promoted by the infamous Referendum conducted by Maduro to engender public support for this purpose.

We know from widespread international news reporting that the Referendum failed to be supported by any substantial number of voters, although those who did vote gave Maduro what he wanted -- a public mandate to invade our country.

In agreeing to meet Maduro, our Government set out the framework for such a meeting based on the fact that the CARICOM Heads fully support a resolution of the border controversy by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as directed by the Secretary General of the United Nations, and the fact that the ICJ had directed Venezuela to refrain from acting to undermine the ICJ process. It therefore follows that our Government would not enter into any discussion on the border issue while the matter is before the ICJ. Not surprisingly, Maduro, in accepting the letter from Ralph Gonsalves to attend the meeting, has made it clear that he has every intention of rejecting the ICJ ruling on the matter, and has every inten-

tion of attempting to use the meeting to discuss the border issue directly.

Maduro then indulges in an appalling distortion of the Geneva Agreement; claiming untruthfully that “Venezuela demonstrated that the award issued in 1899 by the Paris Arbitration Court was null and void”, and that a solution to the controversy under the Agreement must “be amicably resolved in a manner that is acceptable to both parties”, while ignoring that such discussions had failed for over 30 years, and that the Geneva Agreement provided for the Secretary General of the United Nations to choose another path for the settlement of the controversy, if not settled by discussion between the two countries.

Maduro also ignores the fact that the Secretary General, in accordance with the Agreement, on January 30, 2018 advised both Venezuela and Guyana that “having carefully analyzed the developments in the good offices process during the course of 2017”, and “significant progress not having been made toward arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy”, he had “chosen the International Court of Justice as the means now to be used for its solution”.

As a consequence, Guyana, on March 29th, 2018, filed its application to the Court.

Maduro, in his letter to Gonsalves, further deliberately ignores the fact that the ICJ has ruled that it can, and will, adjudicate the controversy on the merits of Guyana’s case, in spite of Venezuela’s objection.

That is: the Court will determine the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the related question of the settlement of the land boundary, and the Court’s judgement will be binding on both parties.

Further, completely distorting the facts, Maduro writes that “the imposition of the International Court of Justice, as an instance to seek a solution to the territorial controversy, is violative of the principle of mutual consent already agreed upon between the parties, which makes it one of the factors of greatest incidence and threatens dete-

rioration of the situation”.

Not satisfied with advancing this tissue of lies and misrepresentation of the facts to Gonsalves, Maduro introduces the totally extraneous and irrelevant nonsense of what he describes as “the arrogant and illegal attitude of the American transnational oil company ExxonMobil, which has been the beneficiary of oil concessions in an undelimited maritime area, which flagrantly contravenes International Law”.

Further straying from anything which resembles the truth, but now resorting to sheer fiction, Maduro goes on to tell Gonsalves that he would like the meeting to address “the involvement of the United States Southern Command, which has begun operations in the territory in controversy”.

I am certain that Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and his CARICOM CELAC fellow Prime Ministers have every good intention in encouraging this meeting, but it is difficult to understand how the President of Guyana, given Maduro’s unimaginable letter, can enter into any kind of constructive discussion with the Venezuelan President; and I would expect Prime Minister Gonsalves to be conscious of this difficulty.

It remains now for our President to decide on how best he would deal with this affront from the Venezuelan President.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Yours truly, Michael Younge

Sincerely, Robin Singh

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

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions

By Cleveland W Hamilton

What you’ll need: – Glue – A gem picker/jewel setter.

– Small map of Guyana.

– Flat backed crystals (green) Method Apply glue onto map in small sections, then place crystals onto map. Continue until map is covered, then let dry.

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Guyana, climb the glorious perch To fame, prosperity; Join in the universal search For world- wide comity.

Your people what soe’er their breed Their hue or quality, With one firm never changing creed The nation’s unity.

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NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 20,000 Venezuelan migrants registered in Guyana as of June/July 2023 …Govt boosting capacity to process migrants, legislation imminent

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ver 20,000 Venezuelan migrants were registered in Guyana as of June/July 2023, with the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) parliamentary Opposition continuing its calls for curbing the influx of Venezuelan migrants.

On Monday, Opposition parliamentarian Tabitha Sarabo-Halley posed questions to Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn on

the Venezuelan migrants in Guyana. Specifically, she questioned how many such migrants had been registered as of June and July of this year.

In response, Minister Benn explained that over 20,000 Venezuelan migrants were registered by the authorities during that period. He also gave a breakdown for all the regions except Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

“For Region Nine, it was 1340 persons. For Region One, 10,671 persons for the reference period. For Region Two, 3255 persons. Region Three, 1114 persons. Region Four, 1215 persons. Region Seven, 4099 and Region Eight, 80 persons,” Benn said.

Benn was also asked for details on efforts being made to improve the system for processing migrants. He explained that the Ministry has been digitising records and

No wavering from ICJ...

“We don’t live in a region by ourselves. We have respect for our bilateral partners, our regional partners. We have made our position very clear.

We are a peaceful country.

Our only ambition is to secure and protect what belongs to us.

And we have absolutely no difficulty meeting with any of our neighbours to ensure… this region remains a region of peace.

And our regional partners requested of us to have this conversation,” President Ali explained to the media.

President Ali noted that there are many other things the two Heads of State can discuss, including the migrant crisis and the harmful narratives. Asked what he would say if Maduro himself tried to put the border controversy and the December 3 referendum on the table during discussions, President Ali had this to say: “Very clear. The 1899 Arbitral Award settled where Essequibo belongs. And it be-

longs squarely, firmly in the geographic space of Guyana.

That is the first thing I would say. The second thing is that the Geneva Agreement provided for the UN Secretary General to appoint a place where this controversy should be settled. He has appointed the ICJ and that is where it should be settled.”

“When we get to the talks, there’s a lot still to talk about.

We say we’re part of the same region. If we are both concerned about the development of our countries and people, there are so many things to talk about. You have the migration issue, climate change.

Consequential matters. One of the important things is to ensure this region remains peaceful and stable. And that is talking about the narrative not conducive to peace,” the President said.

Meanwhile, President Ali also revealed that an advanced defence agreement has been

FROM PAGE 3

signed with the United States that will pave the way for “major training exercises and a naval exchange”. Additionally, he spoke of other “pre-planned training” that will be conducted between Guyana and its partners.

Last month, the top brass from the United States Army’s 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) had arrived in Guyana and had engaged in talks with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), as well as conducted joint training exercises for the furtherance of a military alliance.

SFAB is a specialised unit of the US Army that has assisted allies of the US in the past. It is expected that they will conduct several joint training exercises with the GDF to strengthen its capacity and capability at the tactical and operational levels. This is particularly important considering the threat Guyana faces from Venezuela on the border. (G3)

Opposition MP Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

moreover, legislation is likely to be brought to the National Assembly to give effort to a migration policy.

“In respect of the institutional framework in relation to migration, both the immigration department and the immigration services department have been modernised.

Staffing has increased. The work that they’ve been doing are now, particularly for the immigration services department, is being put on electronic platforms for proper recovery of information from the databases.”

“With respect to the legislative framework, since 2020 we have not had a specific instrument or Bill placed in the Parliament itself. But we are working with issues related to the migration policy.

Out of which, I’m sure, a Bill or Bills will be made in this Parliament,” the Home Affairs Minister further explained.

Benn further assured that at the Ministry’s level, they have worked assiduous-

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

ly to ensure migrants arriving in Guyana, are actually migrants. Meanwhile Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, when given a chance to speak, continued the Opposition’s calls for stemming the influx of migrants.

“On the migrant issue, we have to repeat. We need some form of control in Essequibo.

We cannot continue as is. Mr Speaker, we have to curb the influx. Additionally, we have to put the procedures in place to ensure the proper thing happens,” Norton said.

Venezuelans have been entering Guyana’s territory in droves in recent times, fleeing harsh economic conditions in their homeland in search of betterment here. But the increased influx of Venezuelans in Guyana has sparked widespread public concern here especially as it relates to security given the heightened tensions between Guyana and Venezuela over the ongoing border controversy.

Only last month, Police in

Region One (Barima-Waini) intercepted two boatloads of Venezuelan migrants in local waters at Moruca. They were incepted sometime around 18:30h at the Moruca Waterfront area on November 2, 2023, when one of the vessels stopped to buy ration (groceries).

At the time, Police officers intercepted the vessel and upon realising that there were Venezuelan nationals in it, contact was made with the Divisional Headquarters in Mabaruma. The officers were then informed that intelligence was received of two vessels transporting Venezuelans.

Based on that information, the Police officers teamed up with ranks from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and they went out into the Moruca River, where they intercepted the second vessel that was in the water awaiting the return of the other boat.

The two Guyanese boat captains told investigators that they were hired to transport these Venezuelans to Charity. This publication was told that the two captains along with the 19 Venezuelans were transferred to the Mabaruma Police Station, where they were processed and interrogated.

The foreign nationals were slated to be deported. In October, another set of Venezuelan migrants arrived in Essequibo in three buses and made a stop in Anna Regina, where they disembarked and were reportedly processed by the Police. (G3)

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Shooting at journalist

3 spent shells, 1 live 9mm round found at scene …GPA calls for thorough probe

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ours after a lone gunman had reportedly opened fire on Guyanese journalist Travis Chase, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said it has launched an investigation into the incident.

In detailing the terrifying encounter, Chase, a resident of Durban Street Georgetown, said he had parked his white Toyota Premio motorcar, PVV 8453, on the western side of the road, facing south, in front of his residence, and had gone inside to collect a shopping list from his aunt, when he heard several loud explosions, suspected to be gunshots, emanating from the direction of his car.

He said that upon inspecting his vehicle, he discovered three bullet holes on the left rear fender.

Police, in a statement, said investigators discovered three 9mm spent shells and one live 9mm round at the scene.

As the investigation unfolds, several individuals are being questioned. This alarming incident marks the second attempt on

Security…

Y

Chase's life.

In 2020, his black Honda CRV was set ablaze in the compound of the Public Service Ministry.

CCTV footage revealed an intruder scaling the fence before the vehicle erupted in flames.

Chase, in an interview with reporters on Monday evening, said he believes his journalistic style may have provoked animosity.

"This is not the first attempt on my life. The last time they burnt my car, and some years ago, the Police received intelligence that there was a hit on my head,” Chase disclosed.

He strongly believes that his fearless pursuit of truth might be the cause behind such attacks. “…if I am to attribute anything to this execu-

Journalist Travis Chase

tion attempt, it would be my styling of reporting. It can’t be anything else…I stand for the truth, and am not scared and will back down from this,” he said.

Thorough probe

Following this development, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) called for a thorough investigation into this disturbing

incident. In a statement, the GPA has urged authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice, and has emphasised the importance of journalists being allowed to work without threats to their lives and livelihoods.

The GPA said it has also notified regional and international partners of this concerning development. (G9)

…from within

our Eyewitness doesn’t think some citizens are paranoid when they express a fear that among the refugees who’ve been pouring across our borders, there might be fifth columnists who could be activated

by Mad Maduro in his perfidious plan to recolonise our Essequibo. And let’s make no bones about it, budday – what Mad Maduro is doing is right out of the playbook of the old Spanish Conquistadores, who raped, ravaged and plundered their way across the “new world” Columbus had stumbled upon.

Imagine the gall of the madman to insist that they OWNED the borders of the Spanish Province of “Gran Columbia – named after Columbus – EVEN THOUGH THE DOZENS OF TRIBES OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES LIVING THERE had fought them off!! At least those tribes signed treaties with the Dutch – who treated them as “nations”!

And it was those treaties the successor Brits honoured when, at Independence, they included in Annex C that the lands the Indigenous Peoples occupied must be returned to them!! Can the soi-disant, progressive Chavista acolyte, Mad Maduro, say whether any of Venezuela’s Indigenous People have such rights??! Gwan da side, Mad Maduro!!

Now back to those Venezuelan “refugees”. Your Eyewitness placed those scare quotes because he was made aware that not all who leave their country for another and cry “Refugee! Refugee!” is a “refugee”. The dictionary – and international law - is very careful to point out that “Refugees are people who have fled war, violence, conflict or persecution and have crossed an international border to find safety in another country.” Many Guyanese who went to Canada and the US during the Burnhamite dictatorship tried to be accepted by the authorities by claiming they were “refugees”, but they had to undergo a process to show they had “fled war, violence, conflict or persecution”!! Or back to Guyana it was!!

And this brings us to devising a mechanism to weed out feared “fifth columnists” from the hordes who’re already here. And those numbers are quite substantial.

According to Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, there are about 19,000 Venezuelans here - broken down as follows: “In Region Nine, there are 1348 persons; in Region One, 7671 persons; in Region Two, 3255 persons; in Region Three, 1114 registered migrants; in Region Four, 1215; Region Seven, 4099; and in Region Eight: 80.”

So, in Reg 1, where there were 29,000 Guyanese, they’ve now been joined by 7,771 Venezuelans – TWENTY SEVEN PERCENT!! So, in determining whether they are “migrants” who gotta be approved or “refugees”, they all gotta be vetted!! Among them are enough Venezuelans of Guyanese descent who’d be more than willing to finger Maduro’s plants, if any!!

It wouldn’t be snitching; just vetting!! …with big brother?

An interesting debate has exploded among the chattering class: whether Guyana should ask the US to have a military base in our Essequibo – to hold of marauding Mad Maduro. Evidently, that would be violating some commitment we’re supposed to have made towards the Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace”!! Can you believe this??

Here it is that Mad Maduro hasn’t only gone ahead and done what most thought he wouldn’t – tell the World Court to buzz off – but he has gone ahead with his de facto annexation of two-thirds of our national territory!! Didn’t that just blow whatever “Zone of Peace” we had in the Caribbean clear out of the water??

Your Eyewitness sees this as telling a girl who’s been stalked by a lecher for a decade that she mustn’t scream - even as he’s running behind her in a dark alley!!

So, the girl should be worried about waking up the neighbourhood?? Hell!! She SHOULD be waking up the neighbourhood!! And anyone who complains of losing sleep should be walloped!! …for tomorrow The Venezuelans have been holding the legendary sword of Damocles over our heads for 61 years!! While we wait another two for the World Court to remove it, let’s give Mad Maduro a bloody nose.

Send out Ramjattan’s drones with payloads!!

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

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

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NEWS

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Prison officer charged, remanded for attempt to smuggle drugs into prison

A

female prison officer attached to the New Amsterdam Prison was on Tuesday remanded to the same facility after allegedly attempting to smuggle narcotics into the penitentiary.

Angelica Cameron, a 32-year-old prison officer attached to New Amsterdam Prison, has been remanded to prison

by Magistrate Peter Hugh.

She appeared at the New Amsterdam Court on two counts of possession of

narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

It is alleged that on December 9, at the New Amsterdam Prison, she had in her possession 137 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The mother of two is also charged with being in possession of 152 grams of cannabis, also on December 9 at Penitentiary Walk, New Amsterdam, for the purpose of trafficking.

Cameron pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Her attorney, Ryan Crawford, in a bail application said that his client has not been dismissed from work. He told the court that no narcotic was found on her but rather in the lunchroom of the prison.

Crawford said the second charge relates to narcotics allegedly found in her car, but this was found after she had worked the night shift. In his bail application, Crawford argued that during the night, his client had gone out to get

CANU intercepts car with guns, ammo …2 arrested

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anks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Tuesday intercepted on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown a car in which they unearthed two firearms - a Taurus 9mm pistol with a magazine, and a .38 revolver along with matching ammunition.

Following this discovery, the two persons who were in the car were arrested and handed over to the Guyana Police Force.

The illegal guns that were found by CANU ranks

Remanded: Angelica Cameron

dinner and had another prison officer in her car.

The lawyer told the court that it was hours later that the narcotics was found and that others would have had access to the vehicle.

The lawyer, in pleading with the court to grant bail, pointed out that her two children are ages six and three.

He said too that her

husband is in the military and is currently stationed at Guyana’s border, adding that the need to care for her children is a credible ground for reasonable bail.

However, the prosecution told the court that when Cameron returned from dinner, she was searched and nothing illegal was found on her but when the officer was going to search a cup she was carrying at the time, the officer ran into the lunch room where the drug was subsequently discovered.

The prosecution asked the court not to grant bail, saying that when the drug was found in the car, the vehicle was locked and it was only the prison officer who had access to her car.

According to the prosecution, there are at least 13 witnesses. Cameron was remanded and the case will continue on December 27.

When the accused heard

that bail was being refused, she broke down in tears.

Meanwhile, Police in a statement had said that a female officer searched her colleague but nothing was found. The officer then searched the water bottle that she was holding. It is alleged that inside the water bottle was a transparent taped package containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The officer contacted her supervisor after which a further search was carried out, in her presence, on her motor car, PZZ 1197, and on the floor behind the driver’s seat, a black plastic bag containing two transparent parcels wrapped with tape was allegedly found. An examination was carried out on the parcels, and it was observed that a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis was found. (G4)

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana lost heroes not G

…as Night of Reflection gi

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he lives of the late Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Shahoud; Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles and Sergeant Jason Khan, were honoured with a Night of Reflection at the National Stadium on Monday evening.

During the emotional and solemn ceremony, wreaths were laid and tributes through art forms such as dance, poetry, and songs were given.

Many also took to the stage and with teary eyes shared stories of their most precious memory with their brothers, husbands, friends and colleagues, for it is this way the ranks will be remembered.

Among them was Prime Minister Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, who presented his tribute on behalf of himself and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali. In this regard, he noted

that while he lost brothers, and wives lost husbands, Guyana lost heroes who wouldn’t have thought twice to defend and protect the nation.

“I remember fondly at the end of the course we were doing a management phrase at Diamond, there was a management institute at Diamond. And when all of us finish the day was heading back to Timehri, Mike Charles stop the bus and he marched us into his yard his mom is here and she had the hottest curry and roti, tea and coffee for us. That is what we became, we became brothers and as you grieve, families as you grieve, we grieve with you.

We have lost some great men in this tragedy,” PM Phillips shared.

Guyana lost heroes, men of the highest military standards, not Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks, said Prime Minister Mark Phillips as he continued his reflection on the lives the five fallen soldiers.

He noted that “his brothers”

13

GDF ranks – PM Phillips

ives insight into their lives who served in the special forces together were disciplined, displayed bravery and possessed the highest standard of military expertise.

“The late Mike Charles, the late Gary Beaton, the late Michael Shahoud, the late Sean Welcome and our dear Staff Sergeant and now Warrant Officer Khan, their all-black hats. When you wear black hat in the GDF you’re better than anyone else in the GDF, you’re forces. This was the best, the crème de la crème that we lost.

We did the right thing by referring to them as our heroes.”

Sergeant Khan was promoted posthumously to Warrant Officer Class Two The Bell 412 aircraft left GDF Headquarters, Camp Ayanganna at 09:24h on Wednesday and travelled 144 miles to Olive Creek where it arrived at 10:27h.

Immediately after contact was lost with the aircraft, search and rescue teams, alongside Guyana’s Special

Forces, were deployed into the deep jungle between Arau and Eteringbang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

However, bad weather impacted their mission.

The GDF helicopter, commanded by military aviators Lieutenant Colonel (Reserve) Mike Charles and Lieutenant Colonel Andio Michael Crawford, had transmitted an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal at about 11:20h.

It was announced a day later those five ranks perished while two – Corporal Dwayne Jackson and Lieutenant Andio Crawford – survived the devasting crash.

GDF’s Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan told the gathering that the departure of the officers has created a void in the Force.

He, however, pointed out that efforts will be made to support the immediate family members of the officers.

The first of the five ranks, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, will be cremated today.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

GDF deadly helicopter crash

3 officers’ bodies severely burnt, SIMPLE: PRESIDENT IRFAAN ALI OPTS TO TELL MADURO TO HIS others died from multiple injuries FACE, ‘HANDS OFF GUYANA’ W

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ieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton and Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome were severely burnt while Colonel Michael Shahoud and Sergeant Jason Khan died from multiple injuries, the post-mortem examinations have revealed.

According to the Guyana Police Force, the post-mortem examinations were conducted on Monday between 10:00h and 11:45h

by Government pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh.

Pilot of the helicopter, Lt Colonel Michael Charles

was burnt beyond recognition and was identified by his name tag on part of his uniform that was intact.

Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton was also burnt beyond recognition and was identified by his dentures.

Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome died from burn injuries, the post-mortem revealed.

Police said DNA samples were taken from the burnt victims and their relatives and their bodies were handed over to the relatives for burial.

Of the seven servicemen who went missing when

the helicopter crashed in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) on December 6, only two men survived Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson were extracted from the crash site on December 8, after two days and multiple thwarted attempts by the search and rescue team to rescue them.

In the presence of President Irfaan Ali and other senior officials at the Eugene F Correia International Airport on Friday, the caskets carrying Brigadier (Ret’d) Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan, were taken from a GDF Skyvan by

their comrades and transported to awaiting hearses.

Brigadier Beaton was the project engineer; Colonel Shahoud, an attorney-at-law, was Commander of the 1st Infantry Battalion; Lt Col Charles was the pilot; Lieutenant Colonel Welcome was Commanding Officer of the Reserve Battalion; and Staff Sergeant Khan was from the 31 Special Forces Squadron.

At about 11:20h on Wednesday, an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, but because of rough terrain and adverse weather, the search and rescue team was only able to reach the site on Thursday at about 14:30h.

hen President Irfaan Ali meets with President Nicolas Maduro in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) tomorrow, the whole of Guyana will be standing with him unconditionally. His message is that, after 61 years of a spurious claim made by Venezuela to covet our territory, determined more than 124 years ago; and after a series of diplomatic initiatives has failed, Guyana took the Dr Leslie Ramsammy case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Diplomatic talks between the countries led to a stalemate between 1966 and 1970. This was followed by the Port-ofSpain Protocol, which placed the matter in a deep freeze for 12 years.

Between 1982 and 1989, diplomatic talks between the countries, sometimes with the UN involvement, led to further stalemate. In 1989, the UN Secretary-General initiated the Good Officer mechanism.

With no hope of dissuading Venezuela, Guyana decided to take its case to the ICJ on March 29, 2018.

At the meeting in SVG, President Irfaan Ali will meet with President Nicolas Maduro to discuss easing tension and removing any threat of Venezuela recklessly breaching the zone of peace between our two countries and within the Latin America-Caricom (LAC) zone.

The President has made it clear that the border controversy, in which Venezuela seeks to reopen discussions on the 1899 arbitral award, is in the hands of the ICJ, a provision that was made in a 1966 agreement between the countries that is referred to often as the Geneva Agreement.

What are on the table for the SVG Talks are Venezuela’s belligerence and refusal to adhere to conservatory orders from the ICJ, and Venezuela’s actions which caused the tension and the threats that presently exist, which overall threatens the zone of peace in the region.

The talks tomorrow in SVG, under the watchful eyes of Prime Minister Gonsalves and President Lula or his Foreign Affairs Minister, are not in any way or fashion designed to remove the case from the ICJ. The ICJ pathway is non-negotiable. Venezuela, as a member of the UN, is under the authority of the ICJ. Venezuela cannot have it both ways; it cannot run to the UN when it has grievances, but distance itself from the ICJ, a UN body, when that action suits its purpose. Under the circumstances, President Irfaan Ali and his government have made the right call.

The SVG Talks are in the interest of Guyana. Guyana is united in this. The Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, and the entire Opposition stand strong with President Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana. When President Ali meets with Maduro in the presence of PM Gonsalves and the Brazil representative tomorrow, he will know the whole world stands with him.

Prime Minister Gonsalves has reiterated his position of support for Guyana, but also made it clear that CARICOM and CELAC, for which he presently acts as President, support Guyana’s position that the ICJ pathway is the most prudent. They have also strongly asserted that a national referendum is not a legal instrument for the annexation of territory from another country. Every country in the world, outside of Venezuela, has asserted this position.

Hopefully, the SVG Talks will persuade Nicolas Maduro that it is in his and Venezuela’s interest to join Guyana in a speedy resolution of the controversy at the ICJ. The SVG Talks are an opportunity for Maduro’s elders, such as Lula and Gonsalves, to convince him that it is his referendum and his refusal to adhere to the ICJ conservatory orders not to pursue actions that seek to change the status quo that has caused so much tension.

Since removing the controversy from the ICJ purview is not on the table, as made clear by President Ali in his acceptance of the invitation from the CELAC President, the only issues for discussion are the illconceived referendum and the consequential actions Maduro has announced.

Guyana completely rejected before, and has maintained its position, that the referendum was a provocation, and that the provocation was accentuated by the consequential actions. If Maduro does not back away from his ill-advised path, then he would find himself in a difficult situation, distancing himself from close friends and allies such as Lula and Gonsalves. Incidentally, he is alone even in Venezuela, where his opposition is publicly opposed to his actions, and he goes to the meeting in St. Vincent without the united support of the Venezuelan people, almost 90% of whom rejected his referendum by not bothering to vote. He also enters the meeting with none of his international allies siding with him, all calling on him to respect the rule of law. As he continues to face economic and social disasters at home, and with impending elections, he needs allies like Lula and Gonsalves.

He will have to show maturity, which none of his recent actions has demonstrated. He finds himself in the position of a rogue player.

And he will have to disavow his hero Hugo Chavez, who multiple times insisted that the Venezuelan claim was instigated by outsiders, a position that Maduro himself proffered at one time. With CELAC urging him to act maturely, any disregard of CELAC will also be turning his back on Hugo Chavez, who was a founding member of CELAC. Maduro has boxed himself into a corner.

In that sense, President Ali is in a win-win situation. The President consulted with all stakeholders before agreeing to the meeting. He was able to make it clear to the legal advisors that the meeting does not prejudice proceedings at the ICJ. He consulted with the Cabinet and the Opposition, and is therefore going to the meeting with the whole of Guyana behind him. He also goes to the meeting with almost the whole of the world publicly siding with Guyana.

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

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

International Human Rights Day

GCCI’s “Respect Campaign” to promote new culture of inclusive work environment

Members of GCCI with Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton (centre)

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ith the goal of fostering an inclusive work environment, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) launched its inaugural "Respect Campaign" on Tuesday, concentrating on empowering Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).

The "Respect Campaign" was launched in commemoration of International

Human Rights Day, observed on December 10 under the theme: “Freedom, Equality and Justice for All”.

It is a collaborative effort between the GCCI’s Entrepreneurship and Small Business Committee and Membership and Diversity Committee and the Labour Ministry, designed to foster a culture of respect within workplaces by promoting understanding of respectful

practices, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The campaign will highlight the identification of problems in the workplace such as interpersonal conflict, bullying, harassment, and discrimination, with the aim of creating solutions that address these issues.

Chair of the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Committee, Evie Gurchuran shared that

this concept comes with the intention of building a culture of respect in the workplace.

“We also need to build capacity within our membership so that we can not only establish workplace policies, but we can also get a culture of equity of diversity of inclusion. Talk about in smaller companies, talks about within, you know, some of those single person businesses,” she disclosed.

On the other hand, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton called the initiative a useful one, where the country’s robust development is being met with consideration for proper labour relations.

“I have many instances where companies, instead of checking with the Ministry of Labour, they go and they pay a lot of money to lawyer and so-called HR experts,

who advise them badly.

And they end up breaking the law. So, for businesses and business owners and new people and basic business, you want to know everything about your labour laws in Guyana, Ministry of Labour give that free service,” Hamilton added.

One key example is the payment of overtime if a person works over eight hours per day, regardless of the 40hour criteria per week.

“So again, for companies that are coming in business... Many times, when we discuss safety and health, many people think we're just talking about feeling factory. I'm talking about office spaces. Because I've gone to offices where I see ceilings about to fall on people's head.”

Chairperson of the GCCI Membership and Diversity Committee, Kerri

Gravesande-Bart also underscored the importance of respect in the work environment in the development of employees.

“We need to recognise the power of respect as a guiding principle. By promoting a value system rooted in respect, we can foster an environment of equity, where everyone is given fair and equal opportunities to thrive. Let's build a culture that celebrates diversity and ensures that everyone is treated with dignity and fairness,” Gravesande-Bart commented.

Activities which will embody this three-month campaign will include sensitisation of local labour laws, creation of workplace policies, the implementation and monitoring of policies, and motivating businesses and individuals to commit to a culture of respect. (G12)

Friendship collision claims 2 more lives

The bus that was involved in the accident

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wo persons who were injured following a minibus accident along the Friendship Public Road have succumbed to their injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital thus bringing the death toll to four.

On the day of the accident, the minibus driver, Keon Edwards, also known as “Proctor” and “Mad Dog”, and Alvin Jones, 51, of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), died on the spot.

Several other persons were injured and were admitted to the hospital. However, 77-yearold Sydney Ragnauth and Dexter LaRose, both of Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, died on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

Ragnauth was reportedly on his way to church when the accident occurred.

LaRose, who succumbed on his 31st birthday, reportedly suffered from broken legs and internal bleeding.

He reportedly underwent emergency surgery but lost

Dead: Dexter LaRose

Dead: Keon Edwards

his memory as a result of the collision. At the time of the accident, the young construction worker was reportedly heading to work.

It was reported that on the day in question at about 8:30h, a minibus bearing registration number BYY 7440 driven by Edwards was travelling north along the Friendship Public Road at a high speed.

Police stated that the

driver attempted to overtake a line of traffic, resulting in a collision with a motor car driven by Jason Ramnauth.

Subsequent collisions with other vehicles led to the minibus losing control, toppling multiple times before coming to a halt.

Some of the passengers including Jones, Ragnauth and LaRose sustained severe injuries including broken limbs. The other passengers remain in stable condition.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Arson suspected as home of overseasbased Guyanese destroyed by fire

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fire at Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), on Tuesday morning left one person homeless. The homeowner believes that it is an act of arson.

Joe Persaud, an overseas-based Guyanese who lives at Number 70 Village, Corentyne, said he was asleep when the fire started shortly after 01:00. He said that he was awoken by what he described as “a crackling sound” and initially thought that his home was being burglarised but when he peeked outside, he saw the flames and realised that there was a fire.

“So I quickly grabbed my passport and all my documents and phone…everything burnt other than my Canadian passport. When I ran down the inside stair to the back door, I saw a fire on

Joe Persaud

are linked to his phone which was burnt in the fire.

“It was definitely in my mind, arson, and I have suspects and I think they have a motive, means and opportunity,” he added. He said that there is a conflict between himself and some rice farmers, whom he claims have taken up land claims that

ous; you became like a prisoner in your own house; thank God that I could have escaped through that stairway through the smoke. If I didn’t do that I would have been trapped. The bottom of my feet were burnt walking through a little bit of fire by the back door.”

Persaud, who migrated half a century ago and worked as a senior official for primary education in Canada, returned on December 7. However, he is now contemplating an earlier return. He said that he has lost millions as a result of the inferno.

One of his three combines was damaged by the blaze.

There were also two tractors on the premises at the time of the fire.

“I had a lot of spare parts; you can see metal everywhere; upstairs in one was all spare parts and tools and

The aftermath of the fire

new to the job,” the 75-yearold man explained.

Persaud was the former Director of Primary Education Improvement

Program (PEIP) during 1994-1997 Persaud was expected to return to Canada on January 1 but now says he might be

leaving earlier. Both the Fire Department and the Police have launched an investigating. (G4)

Guyana fastest growing offshore oil development in history of the world – energy expert

G

the left side of the car and the stair was already ablaze and it was on the right side of the house and I barely made it out,” the man said as he recalled the ordeal.

Persaud is convinced that it was an act of arson, saying that there were cameras on the building but the cameras

are under his control.

“When I opened the room door and I saw the fire on the ceiling, I just stretched my hand and grabbed a pants; I left my real pants with everything inside because I was confused. You see this iron work that we put to keep thieves off, it is very danger-

downstairs was a lot of parts and tools and bearings,” the 75-year-old man explained.

“The house was an old building and it caught very quickly and the Fire Service was hopeless; they took so much time to fix their hoses and get water pumping.

They acted as if they were

Guyanese man wanted for attempted murder in US arrested in Florida

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Guyanese man, who was wanted in the United States for questioning in relation to a 2021 attempted murder case, has been arrested by authorities after he returned to Florida.

According to Fox 13 News, 59-year-old Harry Sukhraj was arrested in Miami and later transported to the Hernando County Detention Center (HCDC), where he is expected to be charged.

Reports are that in July 2021, HCSO Deputies responded to a home on Luxembourg Court in Spring Hill to find a woman bleeding profusely.

Investigation revealed that Sukhraj had committed the injuries.

An investigation by detectives revealed that the woman’s injuries were inflicted by Harry Sukhraj, who was seen leaving the residence in a 1999 Ford

Arrested: Harry Sukhraj (HCSO photo)

Econoline van.

When all efforts to locate Sukhraj had been unsuccessful, detectives suspected he left the country, fleeing to Guyana.

However, HCSO Detective George Loydgren contacted a representative at the US Department of State in hopes of locating the fugitive there. The

agency was working alongside local law enforcement authorities to nab him.

On November 1, Sukhraj reported to the American Embassy in Guyana in an attempt to get a passport to travel to the United States.

Detectives seized his original passport and other documents early in the investigation.

The detective then received word that Sukhraj purchased an airline ticket and planned to fly to New York but changed his plans at the last minute to travel to Miami.

When he landed in Miami, he was met by US Customs agents at the terminal. An HCSO warrant was served and he is being held without bail. He was additionally charged with fraud, insurance fraud, and perjury on a $5000 bond for a separate incident.

uyana's oil production is booming, and it's growing at an unprecedented pace, according to energy expert Dan Yergin.

"Guyana is very important because it is the fastest offshore oil development in the history of the world," he said in a CNBC interview on Monday.

Exxon Mobil and Chevron have both been expanding their footprints in the region.

Exxon began production at its third project in Payara, Guyana, this year, bringing its total production capacity in the region to approximately 620,000 barrels per day.

And in October, Chevron signed a deal to acquire oil company Hess, with one big trophy of the agreement being a project off the coast of Guyana.

But long-simmering antagonisms between Guyana and its neighbor Venezuela have resurfaced recently, with Venezuela claiming a big chunk of Guyana's land.

"So far it's more bluster," Yergin said. "Nicolás Maduro, the dictator president of Venezuela, had this farcical referendum where maybe 10% of people voted claiming two thirds of Guyana. But what's really piqued his interest is offshore oil."

The flare-up should be taken seriously in the US, Yergin warned, as Maduro remains in a weak position with the country seeing a large refugee crisis.

That's after years of economic collapse have sent millions of Venezuelans fleeing the country, landing mostly in other part of Latin America.

"The risk is that he might do something, he might seize a piece of territory, plant a flag," he said. "And of course, you have to keep in mind that Maduro's close allies are Russia, Cuba, and increasingly, Iran."

For now, hostility between Venezuela and Guyana

Energy expert Dan Yergin

is more words than action, Yergin added.

In terms of geopolitics, the real threat to oil markets is in the Middle East, at the strait of Bab-el-Mandeb, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

That waterway sees about 9 million barrels of oil pass through every day, especially with Russian oil shifting south after Western sanctions were imposed.

Meanwhile, Houthi rebels in Yemen have declared they would target Israel-bound vessels that do not stop in Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid.

"The Houthis seem to feel that they're invincible, that they can attack US naval ships," Yergin said. "That's a thing to watch as a geopolitical factor that could affect [oil markets]." (Business Insider)

18

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

News

2022 Auditor General report

Govt recovers over $50M in undisputed overpayments for 1st time in history …over $150M in contracts terminated due to poor performance

O

verpayments on contracts, which have been a sore issue for years for successive Auditor General reports, appear to have turned a corner, with Auditor General Deodat Sharma reporting in his 2022 report that the Government was able to recover over $50 million in overpayments, without dispute - a first in Guyana’s history.

According to the Auditor General’s report, a total of 466 contracts being undertaken by Ministries and the regions for 2022, were examined. The Auditor General found that as much as $52.8 million in payments were made on measured works for 33 of these contracts.

“Sums totalling $14.146 million were in relation to Ministries of which the entire amount was recovered at the time of reporting, whilst sums totalling $38.681 million was in relation to Regions One, Two, Five, Six, Eight and 10 of which $17.121 million still remained outstanding in respect of projects for Regions One and 10.”

“It should be noted for the year 2022 except for Regions 1 and 10, all over-

payments were recovered.

This is the first time these overpayments were not disputed,” the Auditor General further detailed in his report.

Meanwhile, the Government was also forced to take action on several contracts that had been issued but were not being executed according to the agreement by the contractors involved.

This includes a $87.1 million contract for Lot 30 of a material stockpile and phase two of the rehabilitation of the Mahdia main access road.

The termination of this contract stemmed from earlier this year, when Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar was accompanied by Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai during an outreach to Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro -Siparuni). While there, residents raised with the Minister several issues they have with the roads.

The Minister was accompanied by local leaders and engineers during his inspection.

Meanwhile, another contract on the chopping block was one for the construction of a Timber Wharf and Landing for Fishermen

The road project in Mahdia that was terminated this year

Cooperative Society for $26.420 million. This contract was terminated on August 29, 2023.

It was explained by the Auditor General that this contract was awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and that $3.9 million was paid to the contractor as of December 2022.

“Physical verification was conducted on 06 July 2023 revealed that the works were incomplete and only one excavator and one staff of the Contractor was on site, despite the fact that seven months had already elapsed on a ninety-day duration project. In addition, it was observed that sub-standard timber deck planks with defective fall edges

Refrain from any “unilateral action” against Guyana – France's Foreign Minister to Venezuela

T

he Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Catherine Colonna has urged Venezuela to refrain from any unilateral action, and reiterated France’s commitment to the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes, including recourse to the International Court of Justice.

On Tuesday, President Dr Irfaan Ali spoke with Colonna about recent developments in the border controversy between Venezuela and Guyana.

A post on President Ali’s social media page stated that Colonna spoke of France’s position that Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity be respected in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

President Ali is expected to meet with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Thursday in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

According to Ali, all stakeholders were consulted before the offer to meet with Maduro was accepted, adding that a condition of acceptance was that the border case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) would be non-negotiable.

Esteemed diplomat Sir Shridath Ramphal had made it clear that false expecta-

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Catherine Colonna

tions should not be encouraged ahead of talks between the two leaders.

In a missive on Monday, he reinforced that these talks could go a far way towards preserving regional peace.

Ramphal lauded the role played by Caricom in arranging the talks and noted that once they were approached in good faith by Maduro himself, then regional peace and security would be maintained.

At the same time, Ramphal stressed that false expectations, particularly on the Venezuelan side, must not be encouraged. He noted that there must be no discussions on the Venezuelan controversy over the Essequibo region, which is currently sub judice before the ICJ. Ramphal reminded that

President Ali only agreed to the discussions within the parameters of “appropriate dialogue” with Maduro.

The senior diplomat, who is Guyana’s co-agent in the case before ICJ, further urged Guyanese to support President Ali’s efforts at securing peace.

Over the weekend, a decision to hold talks between the two nations came about following an emergency meeting of Caricom Heads of Government. Presidents Ali and Maduro will meet in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Thursday, but the Guyanese leader related that Guyana’s land boundary was not up for discussion as the border case lay before the World Court.

The Guyanese Head of State gave his approval for the meeting after he was contacted by leaders from the Community of States of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAC); the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the United Nations UnderSecretary General.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves were integral behind this move, as they wrote a letter to Presidents Ali and Maduro.

were installed, while most of the others were found to have cracks along the grain of the timber.”

“Further, it was noted that the Contractor was not executing the works in accordance with the specifications of the Contract, whereby a 320 excavator was being used to drive the piles. This is unacceptable and is not in keeping with Item 1.1 of the Preliminaries bills,” the

Auditor General explained.

According to the report, this states that the contract must include the provision of a barge and other equipment to allow for pile driving on water. Despite this, however, no barge was being used and “it is unclear how the Ministry is confirming that the piles are embedded to the correct and required depth, since the method being used by the Contractor cannot provide any indication of the number of blows per foot of installation.”

Another observation made by the Auditor General was that many of the piles being driven were not vertically positioned as they should be, which the Auditor General noted will affect the bearing capacity of the pile.

“This is a very serious matter and it is unclear

why this situation is being tolerated by the Ministry,” the Auditor General noted.

However, the Ministry in its response said that the contract has since been terminated.

Similarly, a $62.9 million contract for a packing facility to be constructed in Sophia for the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) was also terminated… this time on August 17, 2023. It was explained that up until December 31, 2022, the Contractor received payments totalling $45.9 million.

“Physical verification conducted on 09 August 2023 revealed that the works were substantially completed; however, several defective and poor-quality works were observed on the building,” the report stated. (G3)

Gift of Life Int’l ends paediatric cardiac mission with 9 successful surgeries

T

hrough a remarkable collaboration between the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and Gift of Life International (GOLI), nine young patients have successfully benefitted from life-changing cardiac operations to remedy their complex conditions.

The success of their second Paediatric Cardiac Mission was announced on Tuesday. The initiative would have initially involved 10 young patients ranging from eight months to 16 years undergoing incredibly complex cardiac surgeries, representing some of the most intricate cases the collaborative medical team has ever encountered.

From December 4, a dedicated international medical team demonstrated unparalleled precision and expertise, providing these children with a renewed chance at a healthy and vibrant life.

However, the youngest child suffered complications postsurgery and did not make it.

GPHC shared, “While the challenges were immense, the majority of patients are celebrating successful outcomes. Regrettably, the youngest patient faced complications post-surgery and did not survive. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family during this profoundly difficult time.”

Despite this solemn moment, the overall impact of the mission is undeniably positive, the Hospital added.

The remaining nine patients showcase the resilience and dedication of the

The team performing one of the surgeries at GPHC

collaborative medical teams.

Post-operative care, a crucial component of recovery, was diligently provided by the dedicated teams from GOLI and GPHC, including physicians and nurses.

“In tandem with the medical missions, the commitment to professional development shines through, with 20 GPHC nurses completing the Congenital Heart Disease Training curriculum. These professionals, recognised for their commitment, are now poised to play crucial roles in future missions.”

Currently, seven patients have been successfully discharged, highlighting the success of the mission.

Two other patients are expected to be discharged shortly.

“The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and Gift of Life International remain steadfast in their com-

mitment to advancing paediatric cardiac care, fostering professional development, and providing hope for children in need,” the statement added.

The first mission for 2023 was conducted in March, where several children benefited from open-heart surgeries.

The Government, through the Health Ministry, had expended some $60 million to procure needed equipment, supplies and specialised medications.

At that time, Head of Paediatrics, Dr Tarik Davidson had shared that there were more than 100 persons with congenital heart defects, thereby requiring surgical intervention.

On the other hand, Gift of Life has an impressive record of working in 80 countries and treating over 46,000 children.

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

19

Around The World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS As Israel pounds southern Gaza, Biden warns it is losing support Oil falls more than I

3% on softening demand, oversupply concerns

O

il prices fell more than 3% on Tuesday to their lowest level in six months on concern about oversupply and after US economic data showed an unexpected rise in consumer prices.

Brent crude futures for February settled down US$2.79, or 3.7%, to US$73.24 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures for January slipped US$2.71, or 3.8%, to US$68.61 a barrel.

In the US, the consumer price index unexpectedly rose in November, further bolstering the view the Federal Reserve was unlikely to cut interest rates early next year.

Higher rates for longer could slow economic growth and speaks to a softening oil demand picture, said John Kilduff, partner with Again Capital LLC. Global oil demand growth is expected to slow in 2024 with OPEC and the International Energy Agency split on the extent. OPEC and the IEA both update their forecasts this week.

"Negative sentiment towards the oil complex is still overpowering at the moment," Kpler analyst Matt Smith said.

Weak demand and concerns that the OPEC+ deal to curb supplies will not do enough to balance the market weighed on prices, he added. OPEC+ agreed to limit supplies by 2.2 million barrels per day in the first quarter.

Investors are now awaiting the outcome of today's Federal Reserve meeting. The central bank is widely expected to keep rates on hold.

In the Middle East, Yemen's Houthis said they attacked a Norwegian commercial tanker in their latest protest against Israel's bombardment of Gaza, escalating the risk of supply disruptions in the region.

At the COP28 climate summit, negotiators are awaiting a new draft deal after many countries criticised a previous version as too weak because it did not include an agreement to phase-out fossil fuels.

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) lowered its 2024 price forecast for Brent crude by US$10 a barrel. Brent would average US$83 per barrel, the administration forecast in a monthly report, versus an estimate published last month of US$93 per barrel.

Still, the administration expected supply cuts from the OPEC+ deal would help lift Brent prices in the first half of 2024.

US crude oil production is expected to rise by 1.02 million bpd to 12.93 million bpd in 2023 and by 180,000 bpd to 13.11 million bpd in 2024, the EIA said. US crude output hit a current all-time high of 12.31 million bpd in 2019.

US oil inventory date due today is expected to show a 1.5 million-barrel drop in crude stocks. (Reuters)

sraeli tanks and warplanes bombarded the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, killing dozens of Palestinians, and US President Joe Biden warned Israel it was losing international support because of its "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians in its war against Hamas militants.

In a further sign of world concern over the conduct of the conflict, now in its third month, Australia, Canada and New Zealand said they supported international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire. They expressed alarm at the plight of civilians in Gaza.

At the United Nations, the 193-member UN General Assembly was preparing to vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire.

Diplomats said it was expected to pass. The United States vetoed a similar call

in the 15-member Security Council last week.

Biden said Israel now has support from "most of the world" including the US and European Union.

"But they're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place," he told a campaign fundraising event in Washington.

Israel's assault on Gaza to root out Hamas has killed at least 18,205 Palestinians and wounded nearly 50,000 since Oct 7, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Many more dead are uncounted under the rubble or beyond the reach of ambulances.

Israel launched its onslaught in response to a cross-border raid by Hamas fighters who killed 1200 people and took 240 hostage in southern Israel on Oct 7.

U

krainian President V o l o d y m y r Zelenskiy faced a sceptical reception from key Republicans during a trip to Washington on Tuesday to seek more military support against Russia, but he won a pledge at the White House that the US has his back.

Republicans have been reluctant to sign off on a funding request from Democratic President Joe Biden under which Ukraine would receive US$61.4 billion.

House of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, said after meeting with Zelenskiy that Biden's

J

2022.

“Additionally, we expect to end the year with a total of 1,246,551 cruise passengers, which would represent a 46.1 per cent increase over the tally for 2022,” said Bartlett.

He noted that “This continues the spectacular growth

In Khan Younis, southern Gaza's main city, residents said on Tuesday Israeli tank shelling was now focused on the city centre.

Further south in Rafah, which borders Egypt,

health officials said 22 people including children were killed in an Israeli air strike on houses overnight. Civil emergency workers were searching for more victims under the rubble. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Zelenskiy met by Republican doubts in 11th hour push for US aid to fight Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy

Administration must provide more detail about how the money would be used.

"What the Biden Administration seems to be asking for is billions of additional dollars with no

Jamaica's tourism to close 2023 with record 4.1M visitors, US$4.2B in earnings – Bartlett amaica’s tourism industry will close out 2023 in record-breaking mode, with the country set to welcome 4,122,000 visitors for the January to December period while chalking up earnings of US$4.2 billion.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett provided the update during a statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

He said the numbers signal an increase of 23.7 per cent over the total number of visitors recorded in 2022. Of this number, nearly three million (2,875,549) are expected to be stopover visitors, which would represent an increase of 16 per cent over the number of stopover arrivals recorded in

Displaced Palestinians, who fled their houses due to Israeli strikes, sit in their makeshift shelter at a tent camp as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip

pattern of tourism; both in terms of visitor arrivals as well as for earnings. Indeed, we have gone 10 consecutive quarters since the COVID-19 pandemic showing significant growth”.

“Based on arrival figures to date, all indications are

that we will be having an 11th quarter of substantial growth,” he added.

By way of earnings, Bartlett highlighted that “this influx of visitors is expected to generate a whopping US$4.265 billion for 2023, representing a projected increase of 17.8 per cent over the revenue secured in 2022, and a 17.2 per cent increase in revenue over the pre-pandemic year of 2019”.

“Therefore, if we continue on our impressive growth trajectory, we will be on track to surpass our projections of four million visitors and foreign exchange earnings of US$4.1 billion by year end”.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

appropriate oversight, no clear strategy to win and with none of the answers that I think the American people are owed," he said after meeting with Zelenskiy.

Biden, ahead of a meeting with Zelenskiy in the White House's Oval Office, told him: "We're gonna stay at your side."

Zelenskiy said Ukraine was making progress in becoming more self-sufficient and "less dependent on aid." "We are moving in the right direction," he said.

Heading into winter, with tens of thousands of Ukrainians dead, a yawning budget deficit and Russian advances in the east, Zelenskiy is asking Washington to provide badly needed support.

Some Republicans, particularly those with the closest ties to former President Donald Trump, oppose more Ukraine aid and are asking about the war aims and how US money is being spent. They say any further money must be paired with changes to immigration policy -- an exceptionally divisive issue in US politics. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Antiguan Soca star Ricardo Drue passes

A

ntigua and Barbuda’s renowned international Soca artiste, Ricardo Drue, died at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre after he had been unconscious and unresponsive at midday (local time) on Tuesday.

The cause of death has not been made public.

Drue dominated the Soca Monarch and Road March competitions there and had a large following across the region. He was engaged to Trinidad and Tobago Soca

Ricardo Drue

sensation Patrice Roberts.

Among his hit tunes were “Vagabond” and “Professional”. (CMC)

20

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

Don’t overthink things. Physically making a difference or taking care of business will bring the highest returns.

An emotional situation is best left alone until you clearly understand the problem.

Don’t jump into something prematurely. Take your time, plan your actions and leave nothing to chance.

Preparation will put your mind at ease and encourage the best results.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Note what everyone else is doing and head in a direction that offers the least interference. Focus on getting things done while bypassing trivial matters.

(May 21-June 20) Your intuition will help you navigate the obstacles between you and your goal.

Teaming up with someone who shares your vision will help you get things done faster.

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22) It’s a great time to initiate your yearend preparations. Rethink your plans to match your budget and ability to get things done without wearing yourself out. Maintain balance and integrity.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

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

Simplify your plans this year.

Discuss limitations on how much you spend on festivities, gifts and travel expenses. Look for practical alternatives that please everyone. Romance is on the rise.

Sign up for a challenge that excites you. Reach out to friends and family you rarely see. Don’t make promises you can’t keep; put budget restrictions in place to avoid overspending.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Search for financial opportunities or changes you can implement to make your life more cost-efficient. Upgrades to your home will make a difference. Selfimprovement projects will pay off.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Don’t veer off track. Keep your facts straight, your debt reasonable and your plans doable. Expect pressure from outside parties. Focus on getting things done on time.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Take advantage of opportunities that bring you closer to your loved ones.

Focus on festive events, sharing memories, attending family reunions or calling those who live too far away to visit.

tomorrow

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Listen, observe and size up situations before you agree to anything that may jeopardize your situation. Be wary of engaging in something that can easily get blown out of proportion.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Focus on what you can accomplish instead of trying to achieve the impossible. A financial gain is possible if you change the way you handle your investments or earn your living.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

21

Infrastructure and coach development are part of YBG 2024 plans

I

n pursuit of its main objective, to develop and nurture young basketballers, Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) has faced many challenges in the past. The lack of facilities for schools to train and be adequately ready for tournaments is its principal challenge, but YBG intends to work on infrastructure development during 2024, and the plan is also to work on coach development.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, YBG Co-Director Chris Wayne Bowman expounded on the following: the need for facilities to be built for schools, in order to have them ready for tournaments; the development of coaches; and

the need for many more tournaments.

“It’s challenging at this stage, because of the lack of facilities. Facilities are a challenge, not only centralised facilities in Georgetown, but across the country. This is school basketball, in which very few schools have the opportunity to train or practice year-round; so, we want to continue to push development, and really look at how we can address that area in terms of strengthening the infrastructure,” he explained.

“We want to see coaches, and more persons involved in coaching, at the school level; so, coach development is another major focus. And (we want to) continue to push as

The Youth Basketball Guyana (YGB)

many tournaments as possi-

ble,” he explained.

Youth basketball is being

played in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10, and YBG is expending efforts to have teams from Regions 2 and 9 participate in these school basketball tournaments in 2024.

“Currently, we are playing basketball in six regions, so we are playing in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10. So our current school basketball network (is in those regions), and I think the big push is (to have) Region 2 (get involved).

We have been trying to get Region 2 on board, and also Region 9, where we have St Ignatius (school).

“Those two regions… we are hoping to at least see teams coming out from those areas come 2024,” Bowman declared.

India’s Tour of South Africa 2023: T20I Series, Game 2 of 3…

Hendricks, Markram put South Africa 1-0 up after rain-hit clash R

eeza Hendricks fell one short of an eighth fifty in his last twelve T20I innings, but he played a pivotal role in South Africa's victory in a rain-affected match in Gqeberha (previously named Port Elizabeth). After the first fixture in the series was washed out in Durban two days ago, South Africa's win now means they have an unassailable lead, and India must win on Thursday in Johannesburg for a share of the spoils.

Hendricks, who did not get a game at last year's T20 World Cup, and is South Africa's leading run-scorer in the format this year, underlined his claim to the opener's role with another authoritative knock. While

Quinton de Kock, currently at the Abu Dhabi T20, will come into national contention for next year's tournament, Hendricks's latest efforts must secure him the other opener's spot.

Facing a tough chase of a revised target of 152 in 15 overs, Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke started briskly. They put on 42 in 16 balls before an over-eager Breetzke was runout. Hendricks then combined with captain Aiden Markram to add 54 in five overs, and by the time both were dismissed, South Africa needed 44 off the last six overs. Heinrich Klaasen fell shortly after, and David Miller after that, but Tristan Stubbs and Andile Phehlukwayo secured the win with seven balls

SCOREBOARD India (19.3 ovs maximum) Yashasvi Jaiswal c Miller b Jansen 0 Shubman Gill lbw b Williams 0 Tilak Varma c Jansen b Coetzee 29 Suryakumar Yadav (c) c Jansen b Shamsi 56 Rinku Singh not out 68 Jitesh Sharma † c Stubbs b Markram 1 Ravindra Jadeja lbw b Coetzee 19 Arshdeep Singh c Phehlukwayo b Coetzee 0 Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 5) 7 TOTAL 19.3 Ov (RR: 9.23) 180/7 Did not bat: Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 0.3 ov), 2-6 (Shubman Gill, 1.6 ov), 3-55 (Tilak Varma, 5.5 ov), 4-125 (Suryakumar Yadav, 13.5 ov), 5-142 (Jitesh Sharma, 15.2 ov), 6-180 (Ravindra Jadeja, 19.2 ov), 7-180 (Arshdeep Singh, 19.3 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Marco Jansen 3-0-39-1 Lizaad Williams 3-0-32-1 Gerald Coetzee 3.3-0-32-3 Andile Phehlukwayo 3-0-29-0 Tabraiz Shamsi 4-0-18-1 Aiden Markram 3-0-29-1

South Africa (T: 152 runs from 15 ovs) Reeza Hendricks c Yadav b Kuldeep Yadav 49 Matthew Breetzke run out (Tilak Varma/Jadeja/†Sharma) 16 Aiden Markram (c) c Mohammed Siraj b Mukesh Kumar 30 Heinrich Klaasen † c Jaiswal b Mohammed Siraj 7 David Miller c Mohammed Siraj b Mukesh Kumar 17 Tristan Stubbs not out 14 Andile Phehlukwayo not out 10 Extras (b 4, lb 4, nb 1, w 2) 11 TOTAL 13.5 Ov (RR: 11.13) 154/5 Did not bat: Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Lizaad Williams, Tabraiz Shamsi Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Matthew Breetzke, 2.5 ov), 2-96 (Aiden Markram, 7.5 ov), 3-108 (Reeza Hendricks, 8.6 ov), 4-108 (Heinrich Klaasen, 9.2 ov), 5-139 (David Miller, 12.5 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammed Siraj 3-0-27-1 Arshdeep Singh 2-0-31-0 Ravindra Jadeja 2.5-0-28-0 Mukesh Kumar 3-0-34-2 Kuldeep Yadav 3-0-26-1

to spare.

Both attacks would have been pleased with the way their spinners went, especially South Africa. Tabraiz Shamsi had the most economical figures by any bowler, with a return of 1 for 18 in four overs.

That he bowled a large share of his overs to India's half-centurions - Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh - underlined how impressive his efforts were.

After India were pegged back to 6 for 2, Suryakumar's 36-ball 56 and Rinku's unbeaten, career-best 68 off 39 took them to a competitive total. They would have liked the opportunity to score a few more runs, but rain cut their innings short with three balls to spare, and Gerald Coetzee was on a hat-trick.

A 57-minute delay meant South Africa lost five overs from the chase, but the match was completed without any further interruption.

Marco makes his mark After finishing as the most successful first-powerplay bowler at the recent 50-Over World Cup, Marco Jansen was back at it with the new ball in the shortest format. He found movement into the left-handed Yashasvi Jaiswal, and beat the inside edge before banging in a short ball. Jaiswal could not get on top of the bounce as he tried to cut, and hit it to David Miller at backward point, who took a diving catch to his left.

Two balls later, exactly the same thing happened, but with Tilak Varma attempting the shot. He sent it to Miller's right, and though he went for the ball with both hands, Miller could not hold on. Tilak went on to share in a 49-run third-wicket stand with Suryakumar, and hit four fours and a six before Jansen took the catch that dismissed him for 29.

Aiden Markram smashed 30 off 17 to keep South Africa in the chase

SKY's the limit India lost both openers for ducks for only the second time in T20I history, and first since 2016; and it was up to stand-in captain Suryakumar to rebuild.

He had the luxury of watching for an over as Varma took Jansen apart in an 18-run third over, and then got in on the action with two fours and a six in Coetzee's 14-run fourth, including a signature flick for six over the wicketkeeper's head.

Suryakumar continued on to whip Lizaad Williams over deep midwicket for six, send an Andile Phehlukwayo slower ball over short fine, sweep Tabraiz Shamsi through square, and hit Jansen off his pads and over Heinrich Klaasen. He brought up 50 off 29 balls, put on 70 with Rinku, and was set to bat through; but was deceived by a Shamsi googly, and hit it to long-off to depart in the 14th over.

Rinku breaks through the glass ceiling (sort of) He'd already scored his first T20I fifty off 30 balls, and kept India's run-rate between eight and nine runs an over, but with only two boundaries between the 16th and 18th overs, he wanted to finish with a flourish.

He hit the penultimate ball of Aiden Markam's last over over long-on and into the stands, and then charged down the track to meet the last delivery, which he sent over Markram's head and into the press box window.

The media area at St George's Park is lower than any of South Africa's other venues, so his effort was not so much impressive for height as it was for accuracy and power. The glass has not been broken at that venue too often, but Rinku sent a spiderweb shattering through it to make his case to the Indian selectors.

Put a slip in it Mohammed Siraj started with one slip in place, and im-

mediately found Hendricks's outside edge. The problem was that the chance went in the direction of where a second slip would have been, and then sneaked under Mukesh Kumar at deep third for four.

Hendricks steered the next ball in the same area for a single. The next ball found Matthew Breetzke's edge, but fell short of first slip to get him off strike, and Hendricks then calmed things down with a drive through mid-off.

Suryakumar sensed something was coming and put a second slip in, Siraj bowled it wide, Hendricks flashed and edged again. The problem was that the chance went where third slip would have been, and beat deep third for four more. The over ended with a straighter delivery and a warning. Siraj was hunting the edge, but he had to wait until the 10th over to continue his quest.

India fight back a little too late Hendricks's dismissal was sandwiched between Markram not getting enough on a shot he hoped would carry over deep square leg and Heinrich Klaasen pulling Siraj to wide long-on, as South Africa lost 3 for 12 in nine balls. If there was a time for India to take back some control, that was it. Kuldeep Yadav bowled a boundary-less third over; Siraj found another edge, as a chance off David Miller evaded first slip; and then was at deep backward square to take the catch when Miller hit Mukesh Kumar in that area.

But South Africa were batting deep, and new Test squad member Stubbs and Phehlukwayo saw it through to the delight of a near-full St George's Park crowd.

(ESPNCricinfo)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

KFC International Goodwill Series kicks off …Chase’s Academy bag first win of Series

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ith an eye on pitting some of the best school football teams in the Caribbean against Guyana’s best, the highly anticipated fourth edition of the KFC International Goodwill Series kicked off on Tuesday afternoon.

This year’s expanded competition sees participation from defending champions D.C. Caesar Fox (Waramadong) Secondary and other Guyanese teams: Chase’s Academy, Carmel, Bartica, and St. Ignatius Secondary; while Jamaica’s Clarendon College, Trinidad and Tobago’s St. Benedict’s College, and Suriname’s

KFC’s Marketing Manager Pamella Manasseh (on ball) did the customary kickoff

Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca

VMO 4 are all competing for the US$2500 grand prize.

At the official opening ceremony, held at the Queen’s College Ground

in Georgetown, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde spoke about the impact of corporate sponsorship,

Georgetown Cricket Club unveils new Executive Committee …Committed to club’s success, collaboration

T

he Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) has said it is thrilled to announce the formation of its new Executive Committee, a dynamic team poised to lead the club into a future of continued success and growth.

Comprising dedicated individuals who bring a wealth of experience and passion for sports, the committee is committed to fostering collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the club's prosperity.

Members of this newly appointed Executive Committee are as follows: 1. President: Jonathan Yearwood 2.

Vice President: Graeme Alli 3. Secretary: Andrew Xavier 4. Treasurer: Gavin Ramsoondar 5. Club Captain: Ryan Hemraj 6. Committee Members: Richard Kansinally Jameel Baksh Timothy Bhagwandin The GCC has said each member of the committee brings a unique set of skills and a deep love for all sports, making them well-equipped to steer Georgetown Cricket

A look at the new GCC Executive Committee

Club towards new heights.

President Jonathan Yearwood has expressed enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "I am honoured to lead this talented group of individuals, who share a common goal of ensuring the success and longevity of Georgetown Cricket Club.

We are eager to work collaboratively with our members, supporters, and the broader cricketing and sports communities to create an inclusive and thriving environment for all. Our focus is not only on achieving success on the field, but also on building strong relationships with our stakeholders while pre-

serving the rich history of the club.

“We believe that unity and collaboration are the keys to sustained success in the world of sports."

The Executive Committee has said it is determined to uphold the values of sportsmanship, integrity, and community engagement that have defined Georgetown Cricket Club throughout its storied history. As it embarks on this new chapter, the Committee invites all members, supporters and partners to join hands in building a bright and successful future for the club.

DCB postpones Saturday’s activities in respect for the late Clyde Butts

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he Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) has announced a postponement of all planned cricket activities on Saturday in respect to the late Clyde Butts, whose funeral service will be held on that day.

Mr. Butts died last Friday in a vehicular accident at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Viewing of the body will be held at the Central Assembly of God Church at Church and East Streets, Georgetown from

Clyde Butts

09:00 hours on Saturday, December 16, 2023, and interment will be at Perseverance, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) and Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) are all expected to honour the former Guyana and West Indies off-spinner, Territorial Development Officer at the GCB, and former Chairman of Selectors of the West Indies selection panels in a similar way.

while detailing his vision of a highly competitive tournament.

“What is taking place here today, and what will unfold over the next couple of days, is the result of the power of partnerships.

We have an array of sponsors supporting these activities, and if I can single out one who has stood out from among the crowd over the past couple of years, that is our good friend KFC. There is almost no football activity that is taking place in this country that that brand is not represented, and I believe that is a fundamental statement in their interest in the development of young people,” Forde remarked.

The GFF President

added, “I hope that we will see a highly intense, competitive tournament each and every game. This is an opportunity for us to have a clear measurement as to where we stand, as compared to these boys who are at your own age level.”

Troy Mendonca, CoDirector of the organizing body Petra, gave some encouraging words to the players when he alluded to the tournament’s growth thus far, and its future potential.

“To be standing here and see you players out there, it places a special emphasis on what we want to do and what we want to achieve; and I can say to you (that), hopefully, in the next couple of years, we can look back,

reflect on this tournament, and say that you were a part of history,” he posited.

“Having said that, I just want to urge everyone to put your best foot forward in delivering this, the fourth edition of the KFC Goodwill tournament. We can only do it together,” Mendonca added.

When the first whistle was sounded, Chase’s Academy put on a show in the first game. Bryan Wharton began his campaign for the highest goal scorer’s accolade by netting 4 goals in his team’s 5-2 victory over St. Ignatius Secondary. Omar Sam added the fifth goal for Chase.

The tournament continued with three more games on Tuesday, the details of which will be published in a subsequent issue of Guyana Times Sport. Meanwhile, Round 2 of the group stage will be played on Thursday, December 14.

The teams are vying for a grand prize of Gy$500,000 (US$2500); while those placing second, third and fourth would pocket Gy$300,000 (US$1500); Gy$200,000 (US$1000) and Gy$100,000 (US$500) respectively in a first for the competition.

Kwakwani Secondary, Bishops’ High through to Titan Bowl semifinals Insurance Brokers, National Sports Commission, Keiron Brathwaite (Praetorian Executive Protection), Housty Designs, Pizza Hut Guyana, Ministry of Education; Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; and University of Guyana.

(Omar McKenzie)

The Bishops' High School team

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he Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) commenced the two-inone tournament with The Tertiary Knockout and the 11th edition of the Titan Bowl, showcasing the best of high school basketball.

Action took place at the National Gymnasium on Sunday 10th December with Kwakwani Secondary continuing to demonstrate with their feisty style of play secures them an early lead in games. At the end of the first quarter of their game against New Amsterdam Technical Institute, the scoreline read 18-15 in their favour. The second quarter ended in Kwakwani’s favour with the score reading 44-28.

The second game saw a repeat of the NSBF Georgetown Regional Finals, but with a bit of change; Bishops’ this time gained victory over St. Stanislaus

College. The scoreline read 37-9 at the end of the first quarter; and with such a large lead, Bishops’ did not need much in the second quarter to win the game; they emerged victorious with the scoreline reading 50-22.

The semifinals of the Titan Bowl will be underway today at the same venue.

The eleventh edition of the Titan Bowl will see twelve teams vying for supremacy and bragging rights for a year. Those teams are: St. Stanislaus College, Queen’s College, Marian Academy, St. Roses Secondary, Lower Corentyne Secondary, and New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary.

This tournament is being sponsored by Banks DIH, ENet, Starlight Trading, Thai Express, John Fernandes, Real Value Supermarket, P&P

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

23

Russell stars on comeback as West Indies claim T20I first blood

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ndre Russell marked his return to international cricket with a throwback all-round performance, as West Indies drew first blood in their five-match T20 International (T20I) series against England in Barbados.

Despite a flying start from England in the powerplay, courtesy of Phil Salt's 40 from 20 balls, Russell's canny three-wicket display put the brakes on their attacking intent, before he and Rovman Powell pounded their side past a victory target of 172 with a typically hard-hitting seventh-wicket stand of 49 in 21 balls.

Victory was duly sealed

by Russell's powerful cut for four off Sam Curran at the start of the 19th over, as West Indies romped to the highest run-chase in T20Is in Barbados. Despite the defeat, there were some encouraging signs for England – particularly the successful pairing of Adil Rashid and his heir apparent, Rehan Ahmed, who claimed five wickets between them. And yet, in the wake of last week's One-Day International (ODI) series loss, it was another setback in their bid to re-establish their white-ball aura ahead of next year's T20 World Cup defence.

Windies hit the roof in run-chase Chasing 172, West Indies charged out of the starting blocks, with Brandon King smashing 16 runs off Curran's opening over, including two leg-side pick-ups for six, before Kyle Mayers launched

standing boundary grab from the sure-footed Hetmyer to give Russell a comeback wicket, his 40 from 20 balls had seemingly set the tone for a 200-plus innings.

Phil Salt fell to an excellent boundary catch from Shimron Hetmyer

to set up the chase.

Master and apprentice With his precocious combination of penetration and control, Rehan had been England's outstanding bowler in last week's ODI series, and so his inclusion for this match was entirely on merit, in spite of the presence of the returning Adil Rashid.

Rehan's first over of the night, however, was not an auspicious one. With the ball seemingly tough to grip in the mounting dew, he was spanked for three sixes – two more for Mayers as he twice picked the googly, and a second for Hope, who stepped into a length ball to drill it over long-off.

Enter Rashid, to show immediately how it should be done. Prior to the match, he'd been presented with a spe-

deep midwicket reached high to intercept a flat slog across the line. It was Rashid's 100th T20I wicket, the first England bowler and the 10th overall to reach the mark.

been in scant supply throughout England's dismal 50-over World Cup, when a succession of batters allowed them-

Mid-innings wobbles Jacks at number three ensured there would be no immediate let-up in intent – as the hapless Joseph discovered after a switch of ends resulted in a brace of wild sixes from his next two deliveries, the second of which was topedged over the keeper's head off a front-foot no-ball. But, after holding his nerve for the resulting free hit, Joseph lured Jacks into a skied slog to mid-off, and at 98 for 2 in the ninth over, their bowling effort had a toe-hold.

Buttler brought up the 100 with a cut for four through deep third, but before he could kick into top gear, Hosain lured him into a top-

England tail falls in a heap At 129 for 5 in the 14th over, England's momentum had been ransacked, and they could never entirely recover their poise, notwithstanding a stand of 36 in four overs between Curran and Livingstone, whose backto-back sixes off Holder's final two balls were a timely reminder of the power that lurks in his game.

Pace off the ball was the key for West Indies' seamers, however, and not for the first time, Livingstone's desire to belt the cover off the ball proved his undoing. He wound into an almighty hack at Russell and under-edged into his stumps, via his back leg, for 27 from 19. With him went any hope of the flying finish that these conditions demanded.

Curran, by this stage, had holed out to a leaping Joseph at long-off for 14, and the

Rain can't derail West Indies A half-hour rain delay appeared to have arrived at an opportune moment for West Indies – they led by six runs on DLS at the break, whereupon Hope put a further dent into Rehan's figures with an emphatic sweep for six. But once again, Rehan's response was wise beyond his years. He offered Hope another tempter, but slid his line a fraction wider, and Brook at wide long-on did the rest. In came a slip to greet the new man, and Romario Shepherd duly spooned the biggest legbreak of Rehan's spell straight into his hands.

Rehan Ahmed took two in two balls

Rovman Powell helped ease West Indies home in their chase

two vast hits onto the roof of the stand at deep midwicket – the first off Will Jacks, and the second an astonishing 103-metre dispatching of a Tymal Mills short ball.

Ben Duckett extracted King with a brilliant grab at point to hand Chris Woakes a wicket with his fourth ball, but the in-form Shai Hope continued West Indies' surge by bopping a Woakes slower ball over long-on for the fifth six in as many overs. Their powerplay total of 59 for 1 was not quite a match for England's 77 for 0 – the third-highest of their T20I history – but given how comprehensively that performance had fallen away, it seemed more than enough

cial cap to mark his 100th T20I, and now he struck with his first ball of the night, as Mayers misread the slider out of the front of the hand, and was rushed into a pull to Jacks at long-on.

Quite apart from his talent, however, Rehan's temperament is every bit as much of an asset. His return to the attack was a triumph of character, as Nicholas Pooran lobbed an attempted pull back down the pitch to be sent on his way for 13 as Rehan leapt high to his left to intercept.

He conceded just two runs in the over too, which doubtless helped Rashid to spring the trap on Shimron Hetmyer in his next over, as Duckett at

Russell and Powell, however, were not about to be fazed by an asking-rate pushing 10 an over. Powell took a chunk out of that requirement with back-to-back sixes off Liam Livingstone, before Russell joined the onslaught with a top-edged pull off Mills that sailed over fine leg. Rashid's final over was make-or-break for England, but Russell picked the googly to hoist him high over deep midwicket, and the end came quickly.

Full-frontal as-Salt Carefree brutality had been the order of the day as Phil Salt strode out to face the first over of the match.

It's a commodity that had

selves to be paralysed by the responsibility of living up to their lofty white-ball reputations.

Salt, by contrast, is never afraid to hang the consequences and give it some welly, and England's demeanour was all the better for his bravado. The first of his seven boundaries came from the second of the 20 balls that he faced … via a fat edge past slip as he flung the bat at the left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein. Three balls later, he'd thumped two more fours through square leg and point respectively, and the tone for the powerplay had been set.

His influence soon rubbed off on Buttler, whose form has been so visibly bereft in recent weeks. A brace of thumping drives off Jason Holder and Hosain respectively gave way to a rare sighting of Buttler's trademark ramp for six, albeit it took two goes for him to nail the shot off Russell, who sent the first attempt upstairs in a failed review for caught behind.

But it was Salt who finished the powerplay in style by launching the wayward Alzarri Joseph for 26 runs in a nine-ball first over, including a savage uppercut for six over point, and a comedy five wides as Pooran was nutmegged on the second bounce.

And though he then fell to the very next ball of the innings, courtesy of an out-

edged pull to deep midwicket for 39, whereupon Harry Brook snicked his second legitimate delivery through to the keeper as Holder took the pace off a length ball. And Duckett made it three wickets in 15 balls when, in search of England's first boundary for four overs, he got too funky with his footwork and ramped Shepherd to short third.

tail came meekly – five wickets for six runs in 15 balls all told, with Russell capping his comeback with the outstanding figures of 3 for 19, including three for nine in his final three overs. His day's work was far from done, but after two years on the international sidelines, he'd quickly reaffirmed his mastery of this format. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD England (20 ovs maximum) BATTING R Phil Salt c Hetmyer b Russell 40 Jos Buttler (c)† c Hetmyer b Hosein 39 Will Jacks c King b Joseph 17 Ben Duckett c Hosein b Shepherd 14 Harry Brook c †Pooran b Holder 1 Liam Livingstone b Russell 27 Sam Curran c Joseph b Shepherd 13 Chris Woakes not out 3 Rehan Ahmed c Powell b Russell 1 Adil Rashid b Joseph 0 Tymal Mills c †Pooran b Joseph 0 Extras (lb 1, nb 2, w 13) 16 TOTAL 19.3 Ov (RR: 8.76) 171 Fall of wickets: 1-77 (Phil Salt, 6.1 ov), 2-98 (Will Jacks, 8.3 ov), 3-117 (Jos Buttler, 10.5 ov), 4-120 (Harry Brook, 11.1 ov), 5-129 (Ben Duckett, 13.1 ov), 6-165 (Sam Curran, 17.1 ov), 7-167 (Liam Livingstone, 18.1 ov), 8-169 (Rehan Ahmed, 18.5 ov), 9-170 (Adil Rashid, 19.2 ov), 10-171 (Tymal Mills, 19.3 ov) • BOWLING Akeal Hosein Jason Holder Andre Russell Alzarri Joseph Romario Shepherd

O-M-R-W 4-0-32-1 4-0-43-1 4-0-19-3 3.3-0-54-3 4-0-22- 2

West Indies (T: 172 runs from 20 ovs) BATTING R Brandon King c Duckett b Woakes 22 Kyle Mayers c Brook b Rashid 35 Shai Hope c Brook b Rehan Ahmed 36 Nicholas Pooran † c & b Rehan Ahmed 13 Shimron Hetmyer c Duckett b Rashid 1 Rovman Powell (c) not out 31 Romario Shepherd c Curran b Rehan Ahmed 0 Andre Russell not out 29 Extras (lb 1, w 4) 5 TOTAL 18.1 Ov (RR: 9.46) 172/6 Did not bat: Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph Fall of wickets: 1-32 (Brandon King, 2.4 ov), 2-78 (Kyle Mayers, 7.1 ov), 3-100 (Nicholas Pooran, 10.2 ov), 4-101 (Shimron Hetmyer, 11.3 ov), 5-123 (Shai Hope, 14.3 ov), 6-123 (Romario Shepherd, 14.4 ov) • BOWLING Sam Curran Will Jacks Chris Woakes Tymal Mills Rehan Ahmed Adil Rashid Liam Livingstone

O-M-R-W 2.1-0-23-0 1-0-14-0 2-0-15-1 3-0-34-0 4-0-39-3 4-0-25-2 2-0-21-0

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

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

Pg 23

Pg 22

KFC International Kwakwani Secondary, Goodwill Series Bishops’ High through to kicks off Pg 22

…Chase’s Academy bag first win of Series

Titan Bowl semifinals

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