Guyana Times - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, Dec 21 – 03:00h – 04:30h and Thursday, Dec 22 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Dec 21 – 14:40h – 16:10h and Thursday, Dec 22 – 15:25h – 16:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 14:53h reaching a maximum height of 2.69 metres.

Low

122 murders recorded in 2022 – Crime Chief

…294kg cocaine, 789kg ganja, 78 illegal firearms seized

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has reported that for the year thus far, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded a total of 122 murders, with 80 per cent of them being solved.

He made this revelation at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) annual Christmas luncheon and award ceremony at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, on Tuesday.

Blanhum in his presentation stated that for the year, there was a total of 1521 reports of serious crimes when compared to 2002 in 2021 – a difference of 481, which represent a 19 per cent decline.

“We have recorded in the year 2022, 122 murders and this is the third lowest number of murders recorded over a 10-year period. More importantly, our detection and clear-up rate of murder are at an all-time high –that is 80.3 per cent.”

On this note, he stated that only recently he was in Trinidad on official business and was shocked to have learnt that the country has recorded 524 murders with only 14 per cent of them solved.

“This indicates that we are doing well in the Caribbean,” Blanhum added.

However, he stated that the year 2022 accounts for the lowest frequency in break and enter and larceny with a total of 457. The highest was recorded in the year 2013 with 1692.

The CID Head further stated that for the past five years, the highest cocaine and ganja seizures were made this year – a whopping 294 kilograms of cocaine and 789 kilograms of ganja. With respect to gun seizures, he noted that a total of 78 illegal firearms were taken out of circulation.

“We did well this year and we will go forward into the new year to achieve greater results.”

Priorities for 2023

With respect to the focus for 2023, the Crime Chief explained that greater emphasis will be placed on technology, training, recruitment, and partnership.

“The CID intends to exploit technology and data and identify and disrupt criminal groups. We intend to work with and collaborate with ranks at the Command Centre and have them deliver to us valuable and real-time information.”

He also noted that the CID’s team of forensic video analysts will be exposed to further advanced training to enhance their investigative skills. In addition, 60 ranks will be targeted for training before they are inducted into the Criminal Investigation Department.

CID, he related, will continue to produce high-quality investigations and strengthen its cooperation and partnership with all the relevant stakeholders.

“The CID intends to recruit and train more competent and highly qualified individuals with legal backgrounds to join our team of prosecutors…”

He reiterated that the CID will continue to make earnest efforts to prevent and detect crime, thereby protecting society and vulnerable communities. He expressed gratitude to all officers and ranks within the CID as well as the stakeholders, civil society and the public for their overwhelming support during the year.

Maximising limited resources

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken during his address to the gathering related that the Guyana Police Force will never have an adequate number of resourc-

es, but what is important is that they are maximising the limited resources at their disposal.

He noted that the Force has already commenced the decentralisation of the Command Centre in its quest to make Guyana a SMART country.

“This will aid our crime-fighting posture in an intelligence-led manner, so we are going to have real-time information without causing inconvenience to members of the public who are not concerned with persons who have been committing crimes. It is important to note that for us to maintain our posture in terms of professionalism, it is necessary that we develop capacity with the most important resource – that is human resource.”

He also praised the CID for its successes over the year by working hard and tirelessly whether by day or night which led to the ranks detecting criminal activities. He pointed out that despite concerns, the CID does not work in isolation.

“While it is centralised at the headquarters level, it is decentralised across the 12 Police regions and so they too are part of the strategic pillar that speaks to partnerships and so while they are investigating crimes, they are still interacting with members of the public.”

He added that the suc-

cess in solving crimes relied heavily on cooperation from members of the public and stakeholders.

Awards

The main objective of the Christmas luncheon is to reward ranks for their outstanding performance throughout the year. On Tuesday, several ranks from various departments were recognised for their dedication and hard work.

These ranks were drawn from the Crime Lab; Registry; Firearm Investigation Unit; Interpol; Returnee Unit; Fraud Unit; Forensic Video Analysis Unit; Cybercrime Unit; Statistics Unit; Narcotics Branch; Criminal Records Office and Supreme/Appeal Court.

The award for Best Cop was given to Sergeant Kester Cosbert from the Major Crimes Investigation Unit with Woman Sergeant Marlyn Rodney from the Trafficking in Persons Unit as the runner-up. In addition, Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh was also awarded for his exemplary support of the Department.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar AliHack, was also recognised for her more than 30 years in the legal profession.

The GPF’s legal advisors, Mandel Moore and Delon Fraser were also recipients of awards. (G10)

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Firecrackers’ sale

Some years ago, Government introduced legislation which prohibited the importation and use of squibs and explosives on the local market. This was after years of advocacy, especially from animal rights activists.

However, as the holidays are upon us, these items are being openly sold on the pavements and in the markets.

Every year, communities and villages are inundated with persons throwing firecrackers during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

The sale and/or purchase of such explosives is illegal under the Customs Act, amended by Act No 1 of 2005, and the Criminal Offences Act, Cap 8:02.

As a matter of fact, the sale and/or purchase of firecrackers commences since Diwali celebrations. Each year, it is hoped that the situation changes, and the law enforcement agencies would make an example of the importers, sellers and buyers.

These little devices are no different from bombs. Our Pet Care Columnist Dr. Steve Surujbally, in one of his columns explaining the dangers these devices pose to animals, said, “…whether it is a firecracker or a squib, or any noise-making explosive, it hurts animals. Dogs and cats have sensitive ears. The noise from the explosions disorients and traumatises them. They don’t know what to do. They run indoors and try to hide in secluded places where they think there is security (bathrooms, under beds, in cupboards, etc). They hurt themselves. They run away from home. They jump off the verandah, break their legs or, worse, their necks, or damage their spinal cords, causing paralysis for life.”

In the past, persons have paid the price for failing to heed warnings to desist from playing with these explosives. Persons were left maimed, blind, and without limbs, among other irreparable harm caused when the firecrackers exploded in their faces. Sadly, even toddlers and children have suffered severe burns from either playing with firecrackers or coming into contact with those that were lit by other persons. Yet, despite these many disasters, and in the face of repeated warnings, Guyanese still play with these explosives.

A ban was imposed on all fireworks, and persons caught selling the device could face fines and jail time, as could persons caught playing with the items. But if this year has been anything to go by, the Police have been incredibly weak in clamping down on this practice and in preventing the banned products from entering into the country.

Only a few months ago, the Diwali celebrations were greeted by an overwhelming number of dangerous firecrackers popping around the country. The excessive noise suggests that very little – if anything at all – has been done to ensure that the banned products are kept off the market. Too many citizens had banned firecrackers in their possession.

In some areas, young people assembled on the road, lit these explosives, and tossed them, being unconcerned about the dangers in which they were placing innocent people, and the damage they could have done. Motorists are often aggravated about this.

The wide use of firecrackers suggests that the products were easily available on the market, and the Police did not make it their duty to crack down on their illegal importation and sale.

The Police could say that tracking down illegal products and finding every seller of banned firecrackers in every nook and cranny in the country is difficult, perhaps impossible to do; but that is not what we had in mind. Our contention is that, when it comes to smuggling, law enforcers are still not on top of the situation.

In previous years, when the Police targeted sellers of firecrackers in the lead-up to Diwali and Christmas celebrations, there was a major difference.

Playing with firecrackers is no longer fun. One of the major concerns about the practice is that citizens cannot distinguish between the sound of a firecracker popping and a gun being fired. With the proliferation of firecrackers during these holidays, gun-toting bandits would have an easy time escaping after committing their acts. So, if the Police want to prevent more serious crimes from happening, they might want to start paying attention to issues of seemingly lesser consequence, but which in truth hold many dangers.

Enhancing the lives of every Guyanese in every community

Dear Editor,

The new, highly-upgraded and modernised hospital recently commissioned by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali at Mabaruma is one more attestation that the PPP/C is committed to enhancing the lives of every Guyanese in every community, in keeping with the President’s One Guyana Initiative.

In staggered sequences, hinterland residents will soon benefit from enhanced health services over the next three years, with projects estimated to cost approximately $125 billion in enhancement of the healthcare systems in Lethem, Kato, Kamarang, Mabaruma, Moruca, Bartica, and Port Kaituma.

Underscoring the Government’s commitment to ensuring no citizen is excluded from the National Development Agenda, the Head of State said, “More than $125 billion will be invested in upgrading these facilities, giving you the best working conditions. That is important: giving the population the best possible access to healthcare services; that is what transforms societies.”

Since Dr. Cheddi Jagan declared September to be Amerindian Heritage Month in 1995, it has been projected into the national psyche that Amerindians are no longer going to be a marginalised people subsisting on the crumbs of developmental initiatives within the national construct, but would be fully integrated into the holistic national programme for

development by the PPP/C Administration, and one of the basic components of this new paradigm is the Amerindian Act.

The Amerindian Act of 2005 provides for, inter alia:

1) Grants to communal land: Unlike the old Act, the new Act includes a process for the granting of land. For instance, people of a community can apply for land once they can prove that they have been living there for at least 25 years, and the Minister must commence an investigation and make a decision within 6 months.

2) Leases:

The Minister is not required to approve the leasing of titled Amerindian land, unlike what obtained in the 1st Act, wherein the Minister is required to approve it. In the new Act, the communities are required only to seek the advice of the Minister.

3) Intellectual Property Rights: In respect to the use of scientific research, the Researcher would, among other things, have to submit to the Village Council a copy of any publication containing material derived from the research.

4) Environmental Protection:

The Amerindian Act supports the need for communities to use their natural resources in a way that supports the concept of sustainability. Impact Assessments would have to be completed in accordance with the Environmental Protection

Act.

5) Mining and Forestry:

Amerindians will have a legal right to traditional mining with the consent of the Village Council, and they must comply with the relevant legislation. In regard to forestry, the Village Council plays an integral role in determining who is allowed to use their land, and on what terms.

6) Governance:

The Village Council is empowered to establish rules for communities they govern, and set fines within the legal confines of the law. Notably, the money received due to non-adherence to the rules goes into the Village Council’s account, not the Government’s.

7) Consultations:

More than half of the recommendations are reflected in the Act. These inclusions were as a result of recommendations from the communities and other stakeholders. The process lasted two years, and is an unprecedented one in this part of the hemisphere.

The Amerindians of Guyana are given equal status within the landscape of Guyanese citizenhood by every PPP/PPPC Government, while being encouraged to sustain their cultural and traditional norms. This treatment far surpasses the treatment meted out to Indigenous peoples of even First World countries.

The revised Amerindian Act is merely one component of the holistic approach suc-

cessive PPP/C Governments have taken to enhance economic growth and social development in Amerindian communities.

Reflected in recent media cycles are the notable efforts of anti-development voices to forward a narrative that the Indigenous are being ostracised in Guyana. These opinions are primarily from the same voices that are keen on attacking the President’s One Guyana initiative by use of race-baiting and fear-mongering tactics.

The evidence of Government’s commitment to the development of all Guyanese is clear and present, and therefore all right-minded Guyanese must resist the efforts of these anti-nationalists and their divisive messages.

It must be noted that the Government proved its mettle via its early struggles to get into office following the 2020 Regional and General Elections. Their fight to protect Guyana’s Democracy and preserve the will of the electorate was not lost on many Guyanese, both locally and in the diaspora. Guyana is now the fastest-growing economy in the world, owing primarily to our booming oil and gas sector. It is therefore critical that, as a citizenry, we reject the politics of division being peddled by some sections of society, and join with our President and our Government to ensure that we, as a people, enjoy the bounties of the future as a strong and united people.

Sincerely, Erin Northe

Children smiling gleefully after receiving gifts and goodies from Santa Claus at a Christmas party hosted for children of workers at Queens Atlantic Investments Inc on Tuesday. Superhero character Spiderman entertained the children during an afternoon of fun and games

11 die in boat mishaps over past 4 months

By LaWanda McaLLister

At least 11 people are dead, while scores were injured after a string of boating accidents took place over the past four months in Guyana. According to data on recreational boating, poor maintenance of boats and turbulent weather among others were the leading contributing factors to these accidents.

In September, a father of two went missing after lightning struck a fishing vessel in the Berbice River. It is believed that the missing man was directly hit by the lightning bolt.

The freak accident occurred in the vicinity of Albion in the Berbice River whilst three men were in a small fishing vessel.

The man was identified as Narine Chandredeo, also called “Brother”, 28, of Fyrish Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

He along with his brother Navindra, 29, and a worker whose name was given as “Romel”, were on the boat during a thunderstorm.

beacon located about 100 feet east of Calf Island but collided with it instead. As a result of the crash, a hole was formed at the bottom of the boat and it began taking in water.

Blackman said he attempted to sail ashore with the sinking vessel but it sank very quickly and he along with his bowman, Lamuel Allen, 18, and the passengers were left with no choice but to swim to shore.

News had reached persons in Bartica and other boatmen there sped out to rescue them. However, when the rescue mission was over, the two passengers could not be found. Their lifeless bodies were found days later.

In November, Germain La Rose, 34, of Canvas City, Wismar, Linden, and Terrence Thomas, 29, of Meadow Brook Gardens, Georgetown, had gone missing following a boat mishap at Imbaimadai Landing.

The duo went missing after the boat in which they were travelling took in water and sank in the Upper Mazaruni River in the vicinity of Imbaimadai Landing.

Romell Ramlakhan, a Mines Officer in charge of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission at Imbaimadai Landing, has said that he and two other colleagues had returned from a field trip at Kamarang Landing, and he was on his way to the GGMC station when Thomas and La Rose approached him on the Imbaimadai airstrip and related that they had arrived in Imbaimadai Landing to do work, but did not elaborate.

station in Essequibo and was undergoing training with Radio Essequibo.

Media reports are that the boat carrying the media workers was reportedly a short distance behind the one carrying the presidential delegation when it suddenly flipped over, throwing all of its occupants overboard.

The other occupants, including an information officer and two cameramen attached to the President’s office, were all pulled out of the river by the occupants of another boat that was in the area at the time.

Patrick was pulled from the river in an unconscious state and rushed to the Charity hospital where he was pronounced dead. The other injured persons were taken to the city where they underwent medical checks.

Also in November, 38-yearold Thomas Carstens Jr, an American tourist went missing after the boat in which he was

missing following a river mishap in the vicinity of “Looking Glass Falls” in the Mazaruni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). The only names given for the two missing Brazilian nationals are “Japow” and “Bartolomeu”.

Reports are that 27-yearold Assardo Adrian Savory, a boat captain of Lot 31 Five Miles, Bartica, went to the Bartica Police Station in the company of 52-year-old Juarez De Morais, a Brazilian businessman of Providence, East Bank Demerara; 61-year-old Carlos Santos of Regent Street, Georgetown; and 21-yearold Dillon Perreira of Parika Village, East Bank Demerara.

The bodies of five-year-old Reshanna Atkinson and oneyear-old Josiah Atkinson, who fell overboard after the boat in which they were travelling capsized on Monday night, were recovered on Tuesday morning, in the Pomeroon River.

The accident occurred at about 20:30h in the vicinity of St Monica, Upper Pomeroon, Region Two.

According to information reaching this publication, the children, along with their parents, Bhinauth and Novita Atkinson, were in a boat in St Monica heading home when the boat engine, a 75hp Yamaha, collided with a floating object in the river.

As a result, the boat flipped and capsized, causing the family to fall into the water.

However, Bhinauth and Novita managed to swim to shore while the children went

Juan Edghill warned that water taxis operating in the Essequibo River are only allowed to operate during daylight hours since these vessels are not built to navigate at night.

This comment had surfaced as he was responding to requests for night vision goggles to be provided to water taxi operators. The Minister explained that currently, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has standard operating times and Government will not condone any activities beyond this period.

Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar had also expressed that operators should not flout the guidelines intended for their safety and those of the passengers they’re taking.

“Who goes to tell their family that the operator decided

Chandredeo, the owner of the boat, left home on a short fishing expedition and was expected back days later.

However, the following day, the two surviving crew members returned and said they all fell off the boat and Chandredeo was missing.

Reports are that the lightning destroyed the hat which Chandredeo was wearing at the time. The part which remained was handed over to the Police.

The missing man’s mother, Kamla Chandredeo, said she was able to speak with her other son. She was reportedly told that her missing son who owned the boat was pulling up the seine from the front of the boat while the two crew members were at the back, when the lightning struck the man.

A few days later, his body was found floating in the vicinity of the Dantzig Seawall at Mahaicony by an engineer of the Public Works Ministry who was conducting an inspection at the said site.

Also in September, the bodies of the two men, who went missing after a boat en route to Bartica, Region Seven, crashed into a beacon in Essequibo River, were recovered.

The accident occurred in the Calf Island area, Essequibo River, and the men were identified as Randy Adams called “Addi”, a well-known businessman of Bartica, and Alvin Leitch called “Spanish Boss”.

At the time of the accident, on board the vessel were ten passengers and among them Darrel Romeo, a popular DJ called Magnum. The captain of the vessel, Jermin Blackman told Police that he was trying to navigate around a damaged

Information obtained revealed that La Rose requested to be accommodated at the GGMC living quarters, and Ramlakhan agreed, since La Rose was a former employee.

However, Ramlakhan said that the following day, he observed La Rose and Thomas preparing to go on their journey.

After leaving, La Rose, Thomas, and another man

travelling capsized about 100 kilometres up the Essequibo River in North Rupununi, in the vicinity of Apoteri Village.

It was reported that Carstens Jr and seven other foreign nationals had on November 18 arrived in Apoteri Village, North Rupununi, via a private chartered aircraft for a seven-day fishing expedition which is hosted by Mark Bolton of Kanuku Lodge Eco Resort, which is also the host for “Amazon River Monster”.

On November 22, Carstens Jr and another American tourist, Jered Weiland, along with their tour guide and boat captain, 29-year-old Jim George, departed the resort and headed upstream in the Essequibo River in an aluminium boat that was powered by a 15-horsepower outboard engine.

According to Police, Savory reported that he was the captain of a boat which left Bartica Stelling, Essequibo River, early in the morning en route to Poppy Show, Mazaruni River. The man reported that with him in the boat at the time were Juarez De Morais, Carlos Santos, Dillon Perreira, and the now missing Brazilians, “Japow” and “Bartolomeu”.

Police said that the captain reported that at about 07:00h on the day in question, as he was navigating the river in the vicinity of the “Looking Glass Falls”, the boat came in con-

missing. Their bodies were later recovered.

Meanwhile, according to Regional Commander Khemraj Shivbaran, the family members did not have on life jackets. He also said, at the time they were travelling, they were using a cell phone flashlight in order to see clearly.

The bodies were taken from the scene to the Charity Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

This incident occurred just after Public Works Minister

to travel in the night and hit a rock? Sometimes it looks like the Government is not regulating but people can’t do their own thing outside of the guidelines that MARAD has.”

“We’re not going to introduce things to accommodate behaviour outside of the prescribed timing. There is a safe time to operate passenger vessels using those speedboats. We’re not going to allow that. That is the position of our Government,” Indar positioned. (G9)

boarded a metal boat, property of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and headed for Kako Village, Upper Mazaruni.

Some two minutes into their journey, the boat began to take in water, and Thomas and La Rose panicked and jumped overboard, causing the boat to take in water and sink.

The men were never seen again and the bodies were later recovered.

In a second incident that occurred in November, a media worker was killed and several others injured after a boat transporting media workers and communication personnel from the Office of the President capsized in the Pomeroon River, situated between the Orinoco and the Essequibo Rivers.

Cameraman Trevor Patrick, 48, was attached to a television

After about one hour and 30 minutes upstream, they were traversing through rapids when the outboard engine encountered a mechanical problem that caused the boat to drift down the rapids.

Police said water started to get into the boat, causing Carstens Jr to panic.

As a result, it is reported that Carstens Jr jumped into the water where he held on to the side of the boat. He then tried to get back into the boat but while doing so the boat became “off balance” and took in more water.

Weiland and George then jumped into the river and managed to swim to an island that was about seven metres away from where the boat stopped. The boat sank and Carstens Jr went underwater and did not resurface. His body was recovered two days later.

Meanwhile, in December, two Brazilians were reported

tact with a strong wave which caused the bow of the boat to break off.

As a result, all the occupants were tossed overboard. After being flung overboard, the two missing persons were not seen again.

The captain further told the Police that he, Dillon Perreira, Juarez De Morais, and Carlos Santos swam to safety and were rescued some two hours later by a passing boat. He said efforts were made to locate the missing men but proved futile.

Police said that the survivors received injuries to their bodies and were escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital where they were all seen, examined, and later sent away. The bodies were later recovered.

On Monday, two children died in the Pomeroon River following the most recent boat mishap.

Dead: Narine Chandredeo

Dead: Terrence Thomas

Dead: Thomas Carstens

Dead: Randy "Addi" Adams

Dead: Alvin "Spanish Boss" Leitch

Dead: L-R: Reshanna Atkinson and Josiah Atkinson

Struggling mother of 6 gets Christmas wish

…as

Head of State donates land, begins building house for Berbice woman

Two days after Guyana Times published a story of a mother of six children, Rominia Benedict, who is pregnant with her seventh seeking help to make her children more comfortable for Christmas, Head of State Dr Irfaan Ali has committed to making her life comfortable.

As a matter of fact, workers have already started constructing a new home for the woman and her children.

The story of the 29-year-old mother’s plight was first made public on Sunday in Guyana Times as a featured headline, highlighting the plight of the woman. That story caught the attention of the President, who committed to assist.

Even as President Ali helps the mother, several other orga-

nisations have reached out to her, offering their assistance.

On Monday, based on the intervention of the President, arrangements were made through the Housing Ministry for a house lot to be donated to the woman and by evening the

same day, a contractor was given the task the ensure that a completed two-bedroom house is built before Christmas morning breaks.

On Tuesday, the contractor commenced and the work will continue on a 24-hour basis.

The contractor is confident that the building will be completed in time.

Benedict has been living in Berbice for the past two months after the company her husband was gainfully employed at closed.

She said that after the company closed its doors, her husband was given $200,000 and they moved to Berbice hoping for a better life.

Speaking with this publication, Benedict had said that she has met hard times and, on many occasions, she does not know where the next meal is coming from.

She moved to Berbice with her children aged 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, and 19 months old.

They all live in an eightfeet by ten-feet house that has

two hammocks and a mattress, which Benedict said is still inadequate apart from uncomfortable.

Her husband is currently incarcerated after he allegedly assaulted his parents during an

altercation.

Benedict’s Christmas wish is to be able to be comfortable and have food on the table for her children. (Andrew Carmichael)

Berbice man’s hand severed during wedding house brawl 11-year-old student found dead under hammock

An 11-year-old child was on Monday found dead under a hammock in her yard. However, minutes before, the girl was reportedly seen playing in the hammock.

Dead is Tinesha Johnson, a student of Tagore Memorial Secondary and of Number 50 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to the Police, the child’s 35-year-old mother, Latoya Lavric also called “Toya”, said she left her four children at home and went to purchase fish from a mobile vendor and had gone about 50 metres away from her home onto the public road.

The child’s mother said that she was delayed while making her fish purchase but maintained that she was not away for a lengthy period of time.

Whilst making a purchase, the woman’s nine-year-old son rushed out to her saying that something was wrong with his sister.

“I go on the road with $1000 to buy a thousand dollars’ worth of fish and the man didn’t have $1000 fish; he only had $3000 and $4000 fish. So, I called and tell them to bring out $5000 and when they bring out the money, they see her in the hammock.”

According to the dead gir-

l’s older sister, it was only moments before she saw her sister alive and jolly.

“When my sister come downstairs and swinging for her, she was swinging in the hammock but a couple minutes after mommy called for the money and while I was coming downstairs to put on my slippers, I raised my head and I see her on her knees in the hammock - her neck wrap around the hammock. I went and checked on her and told her to get up now ‘you can’t fool me’ but then I didn’t see her respond and I held her hand and loose it and it drop down.”

The sister said she raised her sister’s clothing to see if she was breathing but she was not.

“When I raise up her face to take her out of the hammock,

The hammock in which the 11-year-old was swinging at the time of her death

my hand had blood. When I see it, I feel weak and my heart start hurting and when I run out on the road I didn’t have the strength to get up back so I just shout, ‘mommy Tinesha dead’,” the sister related.

Police have since said that the child was picked up and rushed to Skeldon Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The 11-year-old was one of the poultry farmer’s four children.

“She is a person who loves to eat. Anything she see lingering she always wants to eat but she was a very nice person,” her mother recalled.

Meanwhile, the body is currently at the Skeldon Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. (G4)

Aconstruction worker’s hand was severed after he was attacked by two men who had just left a wedding reception in Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Injured are 24-year-old Veerasammy Naidu and his father Moonsammy Naidu, 45; both construction workers of Letter Kenny Village, Berbice.

The younger Naidu suffered the worst fate.

The injured man’s father, who had an altercation with two men outside of the wedding house, was also attacked by the two cutlass-wielding men.

The incident took place on Sunday at Letter Kenny Village.

According to the senior Naidu, his son’s hand has been completely severed.

“Just the skin at the bottom was holding it. The doctor couldn’t do anything; they had to take him to New Amsterdam,” the father related.

Moonsammy said when he was being attacked, his son had already gone home from the wedding reception but returned to rescue him, and in the process lost his hand.

He said one of the attackers was in front of the wedding house in conversation as he picked up his bicycle to leave.

Moonsammy said as he was passing the man, he was accused of spitting in the man’s face and told him that he did not do it but apologised nevertheless.

“I know how them stay and I don’t want no problem,” he

explained, adding that one of the men took their bicycle and threw it at him, but he did not react.

He proceeded on his way home but had some difficulties with his bicycle, which allowed the men to catch up with him just before he entered his yard.

Realising that danger might be afoot, the construction worker said he attempted to run into his yard but fell and was immediately attacked by both men, who began lashing him with the cutlasses they had.

Upon hearing the commotion, his son ventured out to enquire and approached the attackers unarmed to find out why they were beating his father.

One of the attackers turned on the younger Naidu and fired a chop in the direction of his neck, forcing the young man to use his hand in a bid to save his life.

Speaking of the events which led to the chopping incident, Naidu said he had no previous issues with the two men.

He was treated at the Port Mourant Hospital and his son was transferred from that hospital to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

According to the construction worker, when his son was picked up and taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, his arm was hanging by the skin. He said at the Port Mourant Hospital they completely severed the arm before transferring the injured man to New Amsterdam.

Meanwhile, Police have since arrested one of the two suspects. (G4)

Construction workers working around the clock to ensure that Rominia Benedict gets a home for Christmas

Rominia Benedict and her six children

Veerasammy Naidu

Dead: Tinesha Johnson

Investments to ship produce directly within Caricom, reliable electricity for Region 1 – Ali

Enabling direct market links for agricultural produce to the Caribbean is a major vision planned out for Region One (Barima-Waini), and President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced a series of investments in electricity and infrastructure for it to come to fruition.

The Head of State addressed residents of Port Kaituma on Monday evening as he was joined by Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall, and Housing Minister Collin Croal.

In terms of agriculture, Ali told residents that they can expect support to ensure all arable lands are put to use as well as transportation mechanisms to access markets. In the first quarter of 2023, the new MV Ma Lisha will start plying the North West route.

President Ali voiced, “We want to help you with the equipment, help you establish the farms so that we can have proper drainage, help you so that we can build the productive capacity in the region and then support you with transportation infrastructure so you can get the produce to the market.”

“Now that we’re removing the trade barriers in Caricom, we could easily get our food production and agricultural products in the market. What we want do is export directly from here to those locations.”

To do this, it was stated that a proper facility in keeping with all health and

shipping standards in the region is necessary, to which a new wharf is in the pipeline for storage and shipping purposes.

In the new week, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha will be visiting the region to draft an extensive plan on bringing these ideas to fruition and creating a system where there is high-value production.

“We want to target the high-value crop so when the Minister of Agriculture is here, he will be discussing a comprehensive approach to agriculture and food production using technology and the best possible resources available to us,” the President relayed.

As it relates to transportation, the Guyanese leader said his Administration is looking not only at agriculture but general commute for citizens and children going to school.

“We have to ensure that transportation is not a hin-

drance for children going to school. One of the things we’re going to do next year is a full assessment of all the riverine communities. We are going to support those villages with riverine transportation so that those children would not have the excuse of transportation for not being in school.”

Electricity

In Region One, Government is working towards increased water access with 17 functioning wells, in fulfilling the promise of 100 per cent coverage by 2025.

Ali addressed the issue of electricity, adding while it is a demand, the cost must also be affordable. In putting mechanisms to have such, increased usage of technology and greater connectivity can be realised.

“These communities are geographically challenging so we have to build off grid systems that will support your future development

needs because we want every single school in Guyana to have a smart classroom. We want every single centre to be connected through technology to the hospitals in Georgetown,” the Head of State relayed.

A solar farm has already been budgeted for Mabaruma but authorities are examining the viability of a 900 KVA solar farm for Port Kaituma to enable

greater self-sufficiency.

Meanwhile, during his visit to the region, residents from Mabaruma were also engaged earlier on Monday. Ali pointed out that a governance system which allows equal delivery of services to the coastal, hinterland and riverine communities should be achieved.

“Our strategy is a very simple strategy. That strategy is to bring prosperity to every home, to ensure that every single Guyanese family can live a better-quality life, to have better access to education, healthcare and everything that makes your life easier, happier and better,” he told the gathering.

Opportunities

In the hinterland, access to employment and educational opportunities has always been a bugbear for youths, who are also faced with the constraints of remoteness and finance. Consequently, the President has committed to training for persons seeking such am-

bitions, as he asked them to take the opportunities that will come their way.

“Every single person in the hinterland, who has the qualification and would like to be a healthcare worker, a nurse, a technician, get registered in the programme. We will pay for you to be trained and we will place you here in the healthcare system because we need you. Your opportunity is now!”

More ICT hubs, smart classrooms and better data connectivity are in store for Region One – a significant factor in realising such plans.

Residents were given a chance to raise all community issues with the Government’s team, among which were access to water, improved drainage systems, rehabilitation of roads and employment for youths.

The President also assured that land issues and other matters will be resolved by the relevant authorities. (G12)

President Irfaan Ali, Cabinet Members and regional officials engaging Region One residents

State House shooting

Attacker off ventilator, questioned immediately – Crime Chief

The Nigerian man who breached the securi ty at State House last Thursday, injuring a securi ty guard while looking for the President, is now off of the ven tilator and will be questioned immediately.

This was according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who had initially reported that the suspect, Bethel Ikena Chinezie, was in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on life sup port, and could not be ques tioned.

Chimezie was hospitalised after being shot thrice by Police officers during the attack on the President’s home.

“The doctors had said that the State House attacker was hooked up to the ventilator, and we weren’t able to interview him, but we have just received some further information that

investigators is on their way, to see if they have access to him to interview him,” he said.

Last Thursday, at about 07:30h, Chinezie approached the security detail at a southern guard hut in the compound of State House, located near Carmichael Street, with a demand to see the President.

He was cautioned about having to be processed before entering the compound, but he resisted being processed, then whipped out a knife from a pouch he was carrying and used same to stab Teon Perreira, one of the guards presents, five times about his body and to his neck. After injuring Perreira, Chienzie relieved a female guard of her firearm and retreated from the guard hut.

He then began firing shots in the area. Civilian videos of the ordeal on Thursday morning captured Chinezie walking backward from the guard hut while continuing to exchange gunfire with the Presidential Guards and other ranks. The

severely injured Nigerian national was later surrounded, intercepted, and disarmed by ranks.

Both the injured guard and the attacker were rushed to the GPHC for immediate medical attention. Perreira was rushed into surgery at the GPHC, but later regained consciousness, and is reportedly alert. He, however, remains hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

At the scene of the shooting, Police ranks retrieved a 9mm pistol and seven 9mm spent shells. While there were no other injuries reported, there was visible damage to nearby business entities.

Information on Chinezie has revealed that he is employed with a cleaning service company. He arrived in Guyana on March 13, 2020, and was previously employed with a security company. (G9)

New PNCR General Secretary will be appointed soon – Norton

…claims resignations of GS, Treasurer not caused by racial bias

In the wake of the recent resignation of People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) General Secretary (GS) Geeta Chandan-Edmond and the party’s Treasurer, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has indicated that a new GS will be appointed soon.

Norton gave this update during a press conference on Tuesday. According to Norton, consultations are already underway within the party to determine the next GS. On the other hand, the party Treasurer is an elected position. It is a position that will soon become vacant, because PNCR Treasurer Faaiz Mursalin has indicated his intention to resign by Friday.

“In the case of the Treasurer, it is an elected member at congress. In the case of the General Secretary, the General Secretary is appointed by the leader. Now my approach to these matters has always been

to consult with people, to find a person who is acceptable to most, if not all of our party.”

“The first General Secretary appointed by me, I consulted. We agreed on the criteria we will use. We did that. On this occasion we continue to consult. And I believe before the new year dawns, there will be a General Secretary appointed. If not before the new year, very

early in the new year,” Norton said.

In light of the fact that Chandan-Edmond and Mursalin are both of East Indian descent, Norton also maintained that racial bias is not responsible for their decisions to resign. According to Norton, he accommodates all ethnic groups and in fact, claimed to have a good re-

in party

The season...

…of goodwill??

Your Eyewitness has been told that we Guyanese are very traditional when it comes to Christmas. You can be sure, for example, that tons of Black Cakesoaked in thousands of gallons of rum for months - will be consumed this week. So, with today being the FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, are we gonna be getting “Five gold rings (five golden rings)/Four calling birds/Three French hens/ Two turtledoves/And a partridge in a pear tree”?? The traditional Christmas carol, of course, promises all of the above will be delivered by one’s “true love”. But with the President giving out goodies all over the country all year long, your Eyewitness suggests this is a golden opportunity to become the country’s “true love”??

Imagine the votes pouring in during the LGE next March, if he goes ahead with the suggestion. There might be two problems, though. The Opposition Leader’s gonna certainly have his myrmidons throw their bodies in front of the delivery men - like what happened at Belladrum last month!! And with most Guyanese facing the rising cost of living, most of the mentioned birds might be cooked before Christmas!! And the five gold rings might be sold to ensure the liquor keeps flowing into the New Year!! Gotta keep our Christmas spirit high!! And what better way to do that than by getting high with spirits!!

If you heard that shopping in general increases during this season; for liquor, it skyrockets!! And we already know what the heavier imbibing will do – the choppings and shootings in the rum shops and bars have already begun. But all kidding aside – bearing in mind that “all skin teeth na laugh!!” – we all know that the country will pretty much be shut down after tonight!! Don’t expect to get that sink unblocked or car repaired. And if you think there are problems about which you complained to whatever level of Government – down to the dog-catcher – don’t hold your breath to see anybody look at them anytime soon. And since we know how long it takes to get anything done in the very best of times, you can imagine the extended siesta coming down!!

lationship with both ChandanEdmond and Mursalin.

“I think one of the things to do is interview someone like Ganesh Mahipaul, talk to people of other ethnic groups… the PNC has always been a party in which all ethnic groups… it is predominantly an AfroGuyanese party, I think the world knows that… but when it comes to involvement of people in decision making, regardless of your ethnic group you are involved.”

“I would not worry about what conclusion or perception has been created. I always remind people that a lot of the people saying the leader does not accommodate Indians, I want to remind them that the campaign manager and the person who supported Winston Murray as an Indo-Guyanese to become leader of this party, his name was Aubrey Norton,” the Opposition Leader added.

Both Chandan-Edmond and Mursalin had only been serving in their respective positions for roughly a year. Chandan-Edmond was appointed in January of this year, with the PNCR making it clear in a statement that the former Magistrate enjoyed the full support of the party membership. According to the party, Chandan-Edmond, a lawyer by profession, possesses management skills and good human relations skills that make her suitable to be General Secretary of the PNCR.

So, what’s all the talk about “goodwill”?? That, of course, alludes to the “Christ” in Christmas, who’s supposed to have died to save us all from our sins. If you believe that’s how the world works, you gotta be expecting a whole lotta goodwill to be injected into your lives about now!! Imagine committing whatever excesses your little heart desireswith a “get out of jail card”!!

Anyhow, even though he’s spitting in the wind, knowing full well drinking and driving is a combustible mixture, your Eyewitness hopes that some of the goodwill would lead to less carnage on our roads.

…of reconciliation?

To a great extent, the politics of Fiji mirrors ours – with them being more prone to military coups, even though we have the same imbalance in the military forces. Coups are so normalised that the two main parties, in their elections held on Dec 14, were led by two coup leaders!! After the first coup in 1987, the Indian Fijians started migrating - just like in Guyana – and pretty soon, from being 51% of the country, Indians are now around 35%.

And with the Melanesian Fijians having a supermajority, they can afford to compete among themselves. So we have a case wherein the incumbent ruling party, Fiji First, won 42.5% of the votes and 26 seats; a coalition between the People's Alliance (35% - 21 seats) and the (Indian) NFP (9%5 seats) won 26 seats. And SODELPA, a majority indigenousFijian party, held the balance of power with (5% - 3 seats). They just coalesced with the Opposition Coalition to form the new Government.

Each of the three blocks were led by Melanesian Fijians!! …over for football?

Now that Argentina’s won the World Cup, can we say the football season’s over? Not really!! With us becoming so Americanised, with Thanksgiving and Halloween etc, we can still look forward to the Football Superbowl in January!!

PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton Resigned: General Secretary Geeta Chandan-Edmond

Resigned: Treasurer Faaiz Mursalin

Teaching Service Commission to be established by year end

…delay caused by Opposition's court challenge – President

Having previously not confirmed a timeline for the establishment of the Teaching Service Commission, President Dr Irfaan Ali has now revealed that this commission will be established by this year-end.

The President was at the time in Region One (BarimaWaini), where he has visited a number of communities to hear the concerns of residents. On one such visit to Matthews Ridge on Tuesday,

concerns were raised by a local teacher about the education system.

Among the teacher’s concerns was the understaffed working conditions at her school, Matthews Ridge Primary. It was at this time that President Ali revealed that the Teaching Service Commission will be established by this year-end.

“My friend raised the question with education and the Teaching Service

Commission. The problem is that the Teaching Service Commission is not appointed as yet. And the Teaching Service Commission is not appointed and functioning as yet because we had delays,” the President said.

“We had to deal with the Opposition. The Leader of the Opposition (Aubrey Norton) went to court, trying to block the appointment of the commission during the consultations. We’re now in a po-

sition, before the end of this year, the Teaching Service Commission is going to be appointed so that teachers can be appointed all across the country.”

President Dr Irfaan Ali during one of his visits to Region One

Toddler, 5-yearold sister die in boat mishap

The bodies of two children, five-year-old Reshanna Atkinson and one-year-old Josiah Atkinson, who fell overboard after the boat in which they were travelling capsized on Monday night, were recovered on Tuesday morning, around 02:30h, in Pomeroon River.

The accident occurred at about 20:30h in the vicinity of St Monica, Upper Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

According to information reaching this publication, the children, along with their parents, Bhinauth and Novita Atkinson, were in a boat in St Monica heading home when the boat engine, a 75-horsepower Yamaha, collided with a floating object in the river.

As a result, the boat flipped and capsized, causing the family to fall into the water.

However, Bhinauth and Novita managed to swim to shore while the children

went missing.

Their bodies were later recovered.

Meanwhile, according to Regional Commander Khemraj Shivbaran, the family members did not have on life jackets. He also said, at the time they were travelling, they were using a cell phone flashlight in order to see clearly.

The bodies were taken from the scene to the Charity Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

(G12)

One-year-old Josiah Atkinson

Five-year-old Reshanna Atkinson

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

General optimism in Guyana

By the time the next Ramsammy’s Ruminations column appears, Christmas would have come and gone. Now is therefore the best time for this columnist to wish all our sisters and brothers in Guyana and in the Diaspora a merry Christmas. Christmas 2022 in Guyana, from all appearances, reflects the general optimism that our people feel about both the immediate and longterm prospects for our country. Everywhere in Guyana today, just a few days before the season, people are in high spirits as they prepare to celebrate Christmas 2022.

Business has been booming; people everywhere are decorating and dressing up their businesses, homes, and workplaces; and every Region appears to be competing for the best ONE GUYANA Christmas Tree. It has been a long time since Christmas appeared to have been so anticipated. Some say it is because COVID-19 had suffocated Christmas 2020 and 2021, and people are now making up for those two almost-missing Christmases.

We, however, believe the enthusiasm seen for Christmas 2022 is more reflective of the hope and optimism that is now universal in Guyana.

Indeed, while Christmas is a holy holiday for Christians, the holiday season that begins with Christmas and culminates with New Year’s Eve (Old Year’s Night) is one that all Guyanese celebrate. Thus, it is not just wishing our sisters and brothers a Merry Christmas, but wishing everyone happy holidays. We wish our sisters and brothers who are Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Bahai, Rastafarian, and from other religious designations - whatever their ethnicity and wherever they live in Guyana - a truly enjoyable season. As we approach the holiday season, we reflect on a year that has been, in every way and in myriads of ways, a truly remarkable year for Guyana.

The year 2022 might well one day be underlined as the year when we began transforming a dream into a realisable possibility in the lifetime of this generation. We need a vehicle to take us along this journey. As 2022 comes to an end, we have solidly chosen that vehicle – ONE GUYANA.

Guyana has been poised in 2022 to achieve the highest GDP oneyear growth rate in our history. In fact, Guyana’s GDP growth rate for 2022 will be the highest one-year GDP growth rate for any Caricom country ever in the history of that organisation. The impact of Guyana’s growth is not just a paper thing, as some in the Opposition and those obsessive naysayers would inevitably complain. People are seeing it in our physical transformation, which is already visible. People are seeing it in the way public servants’ wages and salaries are changing. People are seeing it in the way the education, health, housing, and water sectors are changing. People are seeing it in the way both local and foreign investments are having an impact. People are seeing it in the way the international community is treating Guyana.

Over the last month, President Irfaan Ali has not only announced an 8% across-the-board increase for Public Servants and sugar workers, but has also announced salary adjustments for members of the disciplined services and the health sector, and has promised that teachers would also see adjustments in salaries. These adjustments are outside the 8% increase. Clearly, 2022 is signalling a major change in salaries and wages for workers in Guyana from 2023 to 2025.

Public Servants believe that by the time President Ali’s first term as President comes to an end in 2025, their salaries would be near to, or even have already surpassed, the average Caricom annual salaries. Indeed, a great challenge now is for the Private Sector to catch up.

More than anything else in 2022 is the rallying call and the enthusiastic response of the Guyanese people for ONE GUYANA. President Irfaan Ali has not just been the “father” of ONE GUYANA, he has been the lead practitioner. Like no other President in history, he has expanded and taken the Bharrat Jagdeo model for governance, in which the Government is taken to the people, to a level never before imagined anywhere. Suddenly, in Caricom and in other countries, Heads of State are trying to emulate the people-centred approach that President Ali has made a centerpiece of his governance model.

President Ali has, in less than three years, visited hundreds of communities. He has been in communities that have never before seen a President. He has been in communities that have never even been visited by a Minister. President Ali has not only visited communities; he has worked and played with his sisters and brothers in communities across Guyana, whether those communities voted for him or not. He has even “limed” with communities, cooking and eating with them. He has sung with them, out-of-tune most of the time; he has danced with them, out-of-step most of time. He has been “loved” and has “loved” many in bottom-house domino games, never separating himself from the people. But the bottom line is that he has been with the people.

Truly, in 2022, President Ali consolidated his credentials as the People’s President.

Walking alongside President Ali and the Government, the people have resoundingly rejected the Opposition’s sour grapes attitude and racial and religious bigotry. The people have no patience with naysayers; a new dawn has arrived in Guyana: the people have been placed at the epicentre of Guyana’s development. ONE GUYANA is now the beating heart of a nation that is not looking back, but is blazing its way into a future of hope, progress, and prosperity.

Teaching Service Commission...

During a side interview last week, President Ali had told the media that just one name is outstanding from the Teaching Service Commission. In fact, the President had said that he had been hoping to wrap up the process for appointing the commissioners last week.

“There’s a parliamentary process ongoing. As soon as I have all the names from the different processes, I’m very ready… I think there’s one outstanding name or something. I was hoping to wrap that up sometime this week. Still hoping… we’re almost in a position ready for the Teaching Service Commission,” President Ali had said.

The Teaching Service Commission, which is in charge of appointing

and disciplining teachers, was last appointed in 2018. At the time, the Commission had included Avril Crawford, Alan Munroe, Elizabeth Ramlall, Amjad Ali Shaw, Debra Thomas, and Barbara Thomas-Holder. Then Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson was meanwhile appointed as an ex-officio member of the commission.

On May 13, 2022, President Ali and Opposition Leader Norton had met for the first time and agreed to consult on the appointments of the Police Service Commission, Integrity Commission, Teaching Service Commission, and the Judicial Service Commission in keeping with the Constitution, which stipulates that “meaningful consultation” be held on

these appointments.

But subsequently, Norton filed legal action to challenge the appointments of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Integrity Commission, over claims that the President did not consult with him.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had gone ahead and swore in the members of these two Commissions after the Opposition Leader had failed to show up for scheduled meetings with the Head of State, citing that he was busy on the occasion of one of the meetings.

The new members of the PSC, who were sworn-in in May, are: Attorney-at-Law Lloyd Mark Conway, businessman Ernesto Chooa-Fat, and Pastor Patrick Findlay, who will serve as Chairman. Businessman

Hakeem Mohammed, who was also appointed to the commission, will be sworn in at a later date.

Meanwhile, the Integrity Service Commission has Demerara Bank Corporate Secretary Chandra Gajraj as its Chairperson; along with Attorney-at-Law Mohamed Haniff and former Solicitor General Kim Kyte-Thomas, Hardesh Tiwari and Wayne Chris Bowman as members.

Norton had moved to court seeking to overturn the appointments of the Chairpersons of the PSC and the Integrity Commission.

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George had confirmed that these Chairpersons were lawfully appointed... a decision that it was reported in September had been appealed. (G3)

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

GPF pursuing leads into land surveyor’s murder

miner who was heading from his work ground to their camp ground. The man claimed that he was walking along the Arimu trail when he observed a motionless body on the ground with multiple injuries. The body was about 20 feet from the ATV Ambrose was using at the time he met his demise.

An alarm was raised, and a report was subsequently made at the Bartica Police Station. Ranks immediately responded and commenced their journey to the area.

Dead: Ricky Ambrose Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) said they are actively investigating leads in the robbery and murder of a surveyor attached to the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) that occurred on Sunday at Arimu Backdam in the Cuyuni riverine community of Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

The body of Ricky Ambrose, who has been a ranger for the past 20 years, was found by a 24-year-old

However, the axle of the ATV the ranks were travelling on broke and was eventually fixed, before the team was met with a creek that prevented them from crossing. They arrived on Monday at 6:00h. Upon arrival at the scene, the investigation was launched.

The body was escorted to Bartica Hospital.

The GGDMA has since lashed out at the GPF’s response efforts, claiming that the area where the incident occurred is not far from Bartica.

“The GGDMA would like to express its condolences to the family and friends of the late Ricky Ambrose, and calls on the authorities to have a proper investigation into this incident,” a GGDMA press release said.

Meanwhile, during an interview with the media on Tuesday, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said that they will continue to investigate the murder, and will provide any updated information when it becomes available. (G9)

New PNCR General Secretary...

Chandan-Edmond’s resignation was reportedly submitted last week. Prior to her resignation, she was on leave of absence from the party. Back in January, the former Magistrate had replaced longstanding PNCR Member Amna Ally, who had served as the party’s General Secretary since June 2017. At the time of Chandan-Edmond’s appointment, she was serving as an APNU/AFC Member of Parliament.

Chandan-Edmond is a former member of the Alliance For Change (AFC), the minority party in the coalition Opposition. Last year, her husband Joel Edmond resigned from the AFC. The former Magistrate had worked in the then Ministry of the Presidency (now Office of the President) under then Minister of State Joseph Harmon while the coalition was in office, and had served on State Boards and

Commissions.

FROM PAGE 8

Meanwhile, Mursalin won 404 votes in the PNCR’s internal elections in December of last year, to become Treasurer. In a social media post, he had declared that he would “discharge my last and final duties as National Treasurer of the PNCR on December 23, 2020…A formal letter will be prepared and be sent to the leader’s office, thank you all who supported me.” (G3)

VPA agreement will advance forestry, increase employment – Iwokrama

Increased employment opportunities and sustainable forestry operations will be the result of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) for the trade of legal timber, the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development has stated as it praised Government’s efforts in the sector.

This week, Guyana signed a legally binding trade agreement to promote sustainable trade of legal timber to the European Union (EU) – another significant achievement as the first country from the Amazon Region to secure such an agreement. The agreement will give EU-based buyers assurance that timber products from Guyana are legal, while helping to improve forest governance, and promote trade in verified legal timber products nationally.

Through the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) which is aligned with the expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, the Centre said Guyana’s forestry sector will see advances that will increase employment opportunities, promote sustainable development and support the livelihoods of Indigenous peoples and local communities.

Iwokrama said it highly commends the Guyana Forestry Commission for its strong leadership throughout

the FLEGT VPA preparatory and negotiations process, and for engaging multiple partners to ensure all actors along the supply chain are on board.

CEO of Iwokrama, Dane Gobin noted, “This is another major step for Guyana as it seeks to balance its oil and gas sector with conservation and wise use of its natural assets.

Several forest operations in Guyana are already certified under various certification regimes including the 1,000,000acre Iwokrama Forest which has been internationally certified since 2008. The Centre welcomes this added layer of third-party validation that Guyana’s forests are managed in accordance with social, environmental and ecological best practices.”

The Iwokrama International Centre added that it was pleased to participate in the national working groups and is committed to supporting the successful im-

plementation of the FLEGT VPA.

The Centre has also lauded Government’s stride in securing the innovative carbon credit agreement with Hess Corporation earlier this month.

The Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) was established in 1996 under a joint mandate from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the Iwokrama Forest, a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest “in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general.”

The Centre, guided by an international Board of Trustees, is unique, providing a dedicated well managed and researched forest environment. The forest is zoned into a Sustainable Utilisation Area (SUA) and a Wilderness

Preserve (WP) in which to test the concept of a truly sustainable forest where conservation, environmental balance and economic use can be mutually reinforcing.

The IIC collaborates with the Government of Guyana, the Commonwealth and other international partners and donors to develop new approaches and forest management models to enable countries with rainforests to market their ecosystem services whilst carefully managing their resources through innovative and creative conservation practices. In more recent years, the Centre has received support from corporate partners such as Exxon Mobil (Guyana) Limited which has funded the development of its Science Programme and continues to provide an annual contribution to the implementation of this programme.

Iwokrama brings together 20 local communities with approximately 7000 people, who are shareholders and participants in the IIC’s sustainable timber, tourism, research operations and forest management activities through complex co-management and benefit sharing arrangements.

Scientists and researchers are engaged in ground-breaking research into the impacts of climate change on the forest and measuring the scope and value of its ecosystem services. (G12)

Govt identifies location to place Warraus in Region 1 – Croal

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal has announced that his Government will be addressing concerns of the Warrau tribe being present in the Region One (BarimaWaini) area, by placing them in an identified location.

He made this commitment during an outreach to the region on Monday, where residents of Mabaruma were engaged.

“Some of you had concerns about the Warraus being around. We have a location where we will be placing them,” he told resident.

Back in March, over 100 hundred Venezuelans of the Warrau tribe, including children who were living in the vicinity of Arpiaco, Upper Pomeroon, in neighbouring Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), were also escorted out of the region following reports of illegal occupation and alleged vandalism.

Last year, a large number of Amerindians suspected to be migrants including children were found at Anabisi, Port Kaituma, Region One, North West District (NWD), and appeared to be malnourished and in poor health. Humanitarian efforts were activated to offer medical and other assistance to these persons, who were living on makeshift living arrangements over the water.

Meanwhile, as it relates to housing, the process of issuing titles has commenced

at Kokerital Hill after wrapping up similar activities at Khan Hill. The Minister underscored that Government has also fulfilled a promise made during the 2020 elections campaign of establishing a housing programme for Smith Creek, while adding that the hinterland housing programme is active in addressing all land matters.

On the issue of water delivery, Croal pointed out that his Ministry is working closer to their goal of ensuring potable water availability in communities. New wells will be drilled in the new year, enabling greater coverage throughout Region One.

“There are a number of concerns about the untimely schedule of water but as I speak, there is a rig in Port Kaituma that will finish its work in another week. By the time of the second week of January, that rig will be in the Mabaruma sub-region. You will see a number of wells being drilled for you to get firsttime access and better access in the delivery of water.” (G12)

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Tally up how much you’ve spent and where you are sitting financially. Take a step back when dealing with superiors, and listen before you offer your thoughts. Seek counsel from people you trust.

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

You have a choice: You can demand change or persuade others with incentives and kindness. Don’t isolate yourself. Offer love and understanding, and you will receive the same in return.

You’ll be quick to react. Stop to rethink your strategy before you take a step that will be hard to reverse. You want to steady your position and your plans, not start something you can’t finish.

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)

Discuss your thoughts with someone you love or trust to provide sound advice, and you’ll deepen your connection and find a common path. Romance is in the stars.

Your heart is in the right place, but nothing good will transpire if you fail to follow through. Take the initiative to reach out and help those less fortunate.

Bypass conversations that have the potential to get heated. Make positive changes and plans that include everyone. Personal improvement will promote better relationships with others.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Put your head down and focus on what you must accomplish between now and the end of the year. Discipline and hard work will pay off handsomely. Refuse to let trivial matters get in the way.

Get into the spirit of the season and join in the festivities. Reach out to those you care about and share good ideas. Don’t be afraid to be unique and do your own thing. Let your light shine!

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Understanding will help you navigate through sticky situations with people who don’t share your opinions. A social event will reveal someone’s intentions. Make sure your foundations are solid.

Discuss the changes you want to make with those you love and respect. The feedback you receive will encourage you to get started. Others will be surprisingly eager to help you.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Busy yourself with last-minute details. Don’t take on someone else’s problem; offer a reasonable solution and return to your to-do list. Take some time to relax from all the hustle and bustle.

Take nothing for granted and do whatever is possible to avoid a scene. Anger will not help, but understanding will ease stress and give you a different perspective regarding a pending problem.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

ARCHIE PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

DILBERT

Aftermath of Qatar 2022…

Argentina abandon bus parade amid jubilant scenes in Buenos Aires

Argentina's World Cup winners had to abandon an open-top bus parade in Buenos Aires, and instead took a helicopter ride over the millions of ecstatic fans partying in the streets.

The squad was displaying the FIFA World Cup Trophy at the start of a planned eight-hour journey, but the celebrations on packed roads became increasingly chaotic, forcing a rethink.

"It was impossible to continue on the ground, due to the explosion of joy," tweeted Presidential Spokeswoman Gabriela Cerruti.

The Argentine Government declared Tuesday a national holiday after Lionel Messi and his team-mates beat France in Sunday's final.

After arriving home from Qatar in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the play-

ers left the Argentine Football Association (AFA) training complex on a 20-mile journey to the centre of Buenos Aires at 11:45 local time (14:45 GMT). The journey was supposed to culminate at the capital city's iconic Obelisk Monument, where hundreds of thousands had gathered and had created a party atmosphere, but security forc-

es would not let the bus continue to Plaza de la República - the public square where the Obelisk stands - after the celebrations became too chaotic.

"A thousand apologies on behalf of all of the champion players. [Such] a shame," tweeted AFA President Chiqui Tapia.

With most of the jubilant fans wearing the nation-

al team's blue and white colours, it was a sea of colour in Plaza de la República as they waited for the squad. Banners were held aloft of captain Messi and the late Diego Maradona - another iconic Argentina player, captain of the 1986 World Cup champions, and one regarded as one of the greatest players ever - while other fans played instruments or climbed lamp posts.

Hundreds of fans lined the streets, with many riding scooters and running behind the bus on a motorway as the parade made its way towards Plaza de la República.

"It's crazy! It's incredible! It's the best thing that can happen to you in life," said Matias Gomez, a 25-year-old metal worker. "It is an enormous joy to see all these happy people all together, one with the other, holding hands,

giving each other hugs, kisses. We are all one today."

Paris St-Germain forward Messi, who captained the side and cemented his place for many as the greatest footballer ever by lifting the World Cup, sat in the middle of a group of the squad on the top deck.

Earlier on Tuesday, his post on Instagram showed him waking up alongside the trophy.

Argentina has been in party mode since Sunday's dramatic penalty shootout win against France in Qatar, which gave the country its first World Cup win since Maradona lifted the trophy 36 years ago.

Messi, 35, finally achieved his World Cup dream, as La Albiceleste won their third crown in one of the greatest finals in the tournament's history. (BBC Sport)

World Athletics Championships points standings for 2022… Jamaica men finish fifth on table

Jamaica men were the only Caribbean nation to place in the top ten for the most points accumulated at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon in July.

The team, who is in a rebuilding phase after dominating men’s track and field for almost a decade, finished in a three-way tie for fifth on the table with 20 points. Eight points are accumulated for first place, and a point for eighth.

Hosts USA - thanks to standout performances from the likes of Noah Lyles, Michael Norman and Fred Kerley, to name a few

- absolutely dominated the Championships, and finished at the top of the table with 118 points.

The rest of the top ten was rounded out by Kenya (46), Great Britain (28), Canada (24), Ethiopia (20), Uganda (20), Norway (17), Spain (17) and South Africa (12).

Jamaica’s only medal came in the 4x400m, wherein the team of Akeem Bloomfield, Jevaughn Powell, Nathon Allen and Christopher Taylor ran 2:58.58s for silver behind the USA. They also finished just outside the medals in the 4x100m, where

Akeem Blake, Oblique Seville, Yohan Blake and Jelani Walker combined to run 38.06s to finish behind Canada (37.48), USA (37.55) and Great Britain (37.83).

Individually, Seville had the best performance, finishing fourth in the 100m in 9.97s behind the American trio of Fred Kerley (9.86), Marvin Bracy (9.88) and Trayvon Bromell (9.88).

Jamaica’s other two individual finalists to place in the top eight were Jaheel Hyde, who finished sixth in the 400m Hurdles; and Christopher Taylor, who finished seventh in the 400m. (Sportsmax)

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Hundreds of thousands of Argentinians had packed themselves into Buenos Aires' Plaza de la República by midday on Tuesday

Monumental semifinal clashes set for today!

The best of Guyana’s hinterland schools football talent was on show on Monday night, when both Annai and D.C.

Caesar Fox (Waramadong) Secondary schools emerged victors after riveting encounters with international teams in the KFC Goodwill International Schools Football Tournament.

A substantial crowd of supporters had gathered at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown to cheer on the hinterland teams, and those lads did not disappoint, as they churned out respective 2-0 and 2-1 victories to seal their spots in the tournament’s semifinal round, set for today, Wednesday, December 20.

Interestingly, this round is predicted to be apocalyptical, as it would pit the talented Christianburg Wismar Secondary in the resumption of an old rivalry against the skilled D.C. Caesar Fox (Waramadong) Secondary.

Waramadong Secondary out of Region 7 were last Monday tasked with taking on St. Benedict’s College of Trinidad and Tobago. Both teams were appropriately talented, and it was especially reflective in the nil-all score at halftime.

However, in the second half, Waramadong applied themselves better, and came away with the win.

Kimron Thomas of Waramadong first found the

back of the net in the 60th, then Kenwen Percy made it a 2-0 game in the 64th. With the clock winding down time, the Trinidadians were unable to get past Waramadong’s defenses, and had to settle for the 2-0 loss and second place in Group A.

Meanwhile, defending KFC champions Annai Secondary were made to work hard for their semifinal spot. Needing at least a draw to stay alive, the Region 9 outfit had their worst fears realized when the SVB Academy from Suriname scored first-in the 7th minute - off the boots of Pinas Denfinjo.

Annai secured a much-needed penalty moments later, but squandered the chance to equalise. They, however, pressed on until a set piece ended up being their salvation. And Shavezz Moses, their man of the hour, converted in the

28th minute of the encounter to level the scores.

In the second segment, both teams valiantly sought the game-winner for a chance to stay alive in the competition, until Guy Moses, in the 58th, successfully connected from the penalty mark for Annai.

The KFC Goodwill semifinals are set for today: Wednesday, December 21st 2022, with two monumental clashes on the cards. The first semifinal will see St. Benedict’s College taking on Annai Secondary from 17:00hrs, while the second semi would reignite that age-old feud from 19:00hrs.

The KFC Goodwill International Schools Football Tournament is sponsored by KFC, MVP Sports, Guyana Beverages Inc, Tiger Rentals, Trophy Stall; the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS); and the Ministry of Education (MoE).

A powerlifter's appeal…

Dominic Tyrell seeking sponsorship

…aiming to attend World Junior Championships in August

By TimoThy Jaikarran

Thetalented Dominic Tyrell has had a successful year thus far, as he continued to produce impressive powerlifting performances on the local scene and has been creating quite a stir with his strength.

However, he told this publication he needs sponsorship to pursue his goals in 2023, because sponsorship would play a vital role in development of his career.

In the recent Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation’s competition, Tyrell walked away with the results mentioned hereunder:

Squat New Personal Best and National Record of 5,18lbs/235kg; Bench: New Personal Best and National Record of 3,09lbs/140.5kg. This was the only record he hadn't previously owned. Deadlift: New Competition Personal Best, National Record and Unofficial World Record and Commonwealth Record. Inadvertently tied the Open (no age groups) National Record as well; and Total: New Personal Best, National Record and Unofficial Commonwealth Record of 685.5kg/1,511lbs.

He related that these numbers would've won him silver in the Squat, silver in the Bench Press (on the day he would've been close enough to challenge for gold) and gold in the Deadlift at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship 2022, and he would've broken the World Junior Deadlift Record in the process. However, because he lacked sponsorship, he was not able to attend.

His steadfast goal being

to attend the World Junior Championships in Romania at the end of August next year, Dominic Tyrell told this publication in an interview how important sponsorship is to his career.

“It is incredibly important to me, personally. Sadly, I've experienced two recent sponsorship-related heartbreaks. This year, I'd attempted twice to compete internationally and bring home gold for Guyana, but both times, due to lack of sponsorship and timely support, I was upended. The most recent of which saw me receive support, but due to it coming late, I was left at home with packed suitcases but no travel visa.

“Beyond this, I consider myself a world class athlete, in that my performances have ranked me highly in the world standings. I can guarantee, with the work I've put in and will continue to put in, once I do get sponsorship, the results of such will show that I'm an athlete worth consistently sponsoring.”

Tyrell shared that being now finally able to do something that gives back to his country and allows him to represent Guyana gives him

immense pride, and assures him that his sacrifices are paying off.

“The main goal is the World Junior Championships in Romanian. It's the only competition internationally that I plan to do, and it's the pinnacle a junior powerlifter (a powerlifter who has either just turned 23 or younger) can reach in this sport. As a result, it's of great importance to me, not only to further get my name out there, but to also get Guyana broadcasted internationally as having international-level athletes,” Tyrell shared.

The talented powerlifter also lamented that it is easy to get misunderstood, and a lot of times people assume a lot, because they don't know the sport that well. Hence, his aim is to make the sport understandable, so that people can see the immense benefits a sport like powerlifting can have.

Tyrell is urging persons to follow him on Instagram: Tyrrell.dominic.592 and his YouTube channel: Dominic Tyrrell. He shared that his channels highlight the very real experience of being a powerlifter and show what it is like on a day-to-day basis.

KFC Goodwill International Schools Football Tournament… …following Annai, Waramadong wins in last group games

St. Benedict’s (green) in action against Waramadong