Guyana Times - Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Guyana sees

economic impact

8 wanted by SOCU for money laundering

Buxton driver on $1M bail for fatal accident $50B in contracts to be signed for new housing works, development

Over 500 cement, steel subsidies to be distributed in 2 weeks

Pigeon Island man busted with drugs in haversack

Using T&T refineries not economically viable for Guyana – Min Bharrat

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Wednesday, Feb 22 – 04:15h to 05:45h and Thursday, Feb 23 – 06:15h – 07:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Feb 22 – 05:40h – 07:10h and Thursday, Feb 23 – 06:15h – 07:45h.

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 light cloud during the day. Expect light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 06:04h and 18:24h reaching maximum heights of 2.81 metres and 2.87 metres.

Low Tide: 11:57 reaching a minimum height of 0.38 metre.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

The Government of Guyana is in talks with 2018 Nobel Laureate and Scientist, Professor James Allison, as well as Guyanese born Professor Padmanee Sharma, on forming a presidential advisory council that will advise on matters of science and medicine.

President Dr Irfaan Ali hosted the two United States (US) based scholars at State House on Tuesday, where they discussed the formation of this council. Professor Allison, who is a scientist in the field of cancer research and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, explained that they have already agreed to work with the President and build this advisory team.

“I had a conversation with the President about how to bring medical education and vaccine development to Guyana. So, we agreed to work with him and build a team to try to do that and bring these things to the people of Guyana.”

“We discussed setting up a council of science and medicine, to discuss some of the ideas about building a medical school and an MD PhD programme here in Guyana, for training bright students of Guyana,” the Professor said.

According to him, the conversation went well and the President shared his ideas on vaccine and drug development in Guyana. According to Professor Allison, once implemented this would bring Guyana into the mainstream when it comes to modern technology and medicine.

Meanwhile, Professor Sharma subsequently confirmed to this publication that the council is being formulated even now and that both Guyanese and overseas-based experts are expected to be included.

Discussions were also had on how to further develop medicine and science programmes in Guyana. Both Professors Allison and Sharma are in Guyana under the non-profit foundation—Abraham’s Tent, through which a school in Berbice was recently constructed.

“It was a wonderful conversation, where we were able to discuss what his vision is for the people of Guyana and what his vision is for the infrastructure of medicine and science in Guyana, and how we can contribute to that based on our experience and research in science and medicine,” Professor Sharma, a Professor in Oncology and Immunology, explained.

“We would be honoured to be able to work with the President in Guyana, to help put together a science and medicine programme, not just in primary and secondary education, but also

in a medical school setting where we could also bring in people in Guyana and foreign students to come to Guyana and train,” Professor Sharma said.

The Professor explained that they have been doing work on developing cancer immuno drugs for patients. She noted that their research work has led them to education and the question of how to get medical and graduate students more involved in research.

Dr Allison is presently the regental Professor and Chair of the Immunology Department at MD Anderson Cancer Center. He is also the Director of the Parker Institute for Cancer Research and the Deputy Director for David H. Koch Center for Applied Research for

Genitourinary cancers.

His 2018 Nobel Prize, which he shared with Dr Tasuku Honjo, related to a breakthrough they made in the emerging field of immune checkpoint blockade therapy for cancer. Their work led to the development of ipilimumab, the first immune checkpoint blockade therapy approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

Dr Sharma is a recipient of the Emil Frei III Award for excellence in translational research, as well as the Coley Award for Distinguished Research for Tumour Immunology, which she won in 2018. She also won the Women in Science with Excellence award in 2020, among other awards. She is currently a Professor at MD

Anderson Cancer Center.

The Guyana Government is presently building several stateof-the-art health facilities across Guyana. There has even been talk of a stem cell facility. In 2021, the sod was turned for a new $2 billion multi-specialty hospital, to be constructed in Suddie on the Essequibo Coast.

In July of last year, the Government partnered with New Yorkbased Mount Sinai Health System and Hess Corporation with the intention of transforming Guyana’s healthcare into a world class service that will provide accessible and affordable service not only for Guyanese citizens but also the Caribbean Region. (G3)

Govt in talks with Nobel Laureate, cancer expert on forming scientific advisory council …to advise President Ali on matters of science & medicine

President Dr Irfaan Ali is flanked by Professor Padmanee Sharma (left) and Nobel Laureate Professor James Allison

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Ash Wednesday

Today, the Christian community will be observing Ash Wednesday – the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of reflection and fasting leading up to Easter. This is another reminder that Guyana is a multireligious society.

Today, the Christian community starts a period of cleansing the soul and the body as Lent begins, as Ash Wednesday is considered an important part of repentance, renewing commitment to their faith.

Ash Wednesday, as stated above for the Christian community, marks the commencement of the 40 days’ Lenten season – a period of introspection and repentance. The Lenten season also serves as a time for service to humanity through acts of selflessness. The 40 days of Lent do not include the Sundays, because for Christians, every Sunday is a resurrection of Jesus.

Ash Wednesday is a time when Christians prepare themselves for penance. In the Old Testament, Ash Wednesday is the commencement of Christians’ penance and a period to turn away from sins. Anglican Priest

Reverend Fr Monsell Alves in explaining this to Guyana Times had said: “The visible sign of repentance is the ashes. So when someone sees you crossed with ashes, it’s supposed to speak to them in two ways – I need repentance and it is a public expression of that person’s Christian faith. When you repent, you once again come into a relationship to believe in God, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Every Friday during the Lenten season, there is a Lenten devotion called Stations of the Cross – chronicling Jesus’s journey from trial to crucifixion.

Stations of the Cross are a series of 14 images depicting the events outlining Christ’s journey to the cross. The first of the 14 Stations of the Cross is: Condemnation of Jesus Christ to death. It is followed by Jesus bearing the cross; The First Fall – Jesus falls the first time under the cross; His Mother – Jesus meets his blessed mother; Simon of Cyrene – the cross is laid on Simon of Cyrene; Veronica –the face of Jesus is wiped by St Veronica; The Second Fall – Jesus falls the second time; Daughters Of Jerusalem –the women of Jerusalem mourn for our Lord; The Third Fall – Jesus falls for the third time; Stripped – Jesus is stripped of his garments; Nailed – Jesus is nailed to the cross; Crucified – Jesus dies on the cross; Dead – the body of Jesus is taken down from the cross, and Buried – the body of Jesus is laid in the tomb.

The images are usually mounted on the inside walls of a church, but they are not confined to the building.

The exercise of visiting and praying at each of the stations stems from the early practice of Christian pilgrims. It is believed that the pilgrims visited the scenes of the events that happened in Jerusalem on the first Good Friday and took the same route as Jesus did on that fateful day.

Today as priests administer the ashes, the following words will be said: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”, signalling to people that they should start their period of fasting and introspection.

Ash Wednesday comes mere days after the Hindu community commemorated the festival of Maha Shivratri last Saturday. If one can recall, in his address last year in celebration of Guyana’s Republic Anniversary, President Dr Irfaan Ali had said: “We must celebrate each other’s accomplishments. We must be open and transparent in the way we relate to each other. We cannot love God and hate each other. We cannot love Guyana or be part of the “One Guyana” family by sowing seeds of division and divisiveness. We must value education, health, justice, freedom, equality, and respect by ensuring equitable access, fairness, and investment that will allow all our people to benefit and our love for each other must be built on a foundation of respect, real decency, and dignity.”

Poverty reduction: A major goal of PPP/C’s policy

Dear Editor, Immersed in the excitement of oil wealth, many Guyanese have been calling not only for direct cash transfer to every household but also asserting that oil wealth offers the best opportunity to produce the good life and for eliminating poverty. While exuberance about impending oil wealth is understandable, direct cash transfer has serious limitations; for example, it would not eliminate nor even reduce poverty; rather it would lead to dependency and entitlement that are unsustainable. It is important, therefore, that Guyanese’s lofty expectations be tamed with a dose of reality.

The Ghanian oil expert George Owusu stated: “I don’t believe in cash transfer; you must work for the money.” (Feb 2022). Mr Owusu’s view synchronises with this position: “any able-body person gains his/her self-respect and self-esteem through being a productive member of society.” However, the PPP/C is not averse to limited “conditional” cash grants for such projects as home ownership, business startup, education advancement, job creation, and scientific research to improve living conditions and reduce the poverty level. Its focus is on “empowerment” to provide a good life and lift people out of poverty.

Stunned by the 43% poverty rate in 1992, the PPP/C Government moved quickly to invite the Carter Center to develop a plan to reduce poverty. That effort resulted in the development of a National Development Strategy (NDS) and together with a Business Summit held in 1999 there emerged the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). However, the PRS is not the only PPP/ C’s Government approach to poverty reduction; others including the NDS, the NCS

(National Competitiveness Strategy) and the LCDS 2030 (Low Carbon Development Strategy) are also critical policy instruments. Together, these strategy documents indicate that poverty could be reduced through the implementation of various measures such as providing affordable housing, job creation, and quality education. (Please see chart). The focus here is restricted to housing development, education advancement, quality healthcare, and job creation.

The Government is investing (G$) 54.5 billion in housing development in 2023. About 80% of the 20,500 house lots allocated between 2020-2022 have been awarded to low-income families. This means that over (G$) 25 billion annual housing subsidy goes to low-income families. The Government has established 44 new housing areas, constructed 827 homes for low and moderate income and professional people (with another 527 in progress), and regularized 6 of the 19 existing squatter settlements. These projects provide jobs for thousands of workers as well as expand household income and consumption and help to lift many households out of poverty.

Delivering quali-

ty healthcare to all regions is a top priority of the Government. With a budget allocation of $84.9 billion, the Government has moved swiftly to establish 6 state-of-the-art regional hospitals and one Paediatric and Maternity hospital at Ogle, plus the construction of a Hospital at Bartica.

The Georgetown, New Amsterdam, and Linden Hospitals are scheduled for rehabilitation and expansion, while 4 tele-medicine centres will be established in Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9. Hundreds of workers, including those previously unemployed and those living in poverty, are being hired to work on these projects.

Buoyed by the distinctive honour conferred upon the Anna Regina Secondary School for being named the 2022 CSEC School of the Year for the Caribbean, the Education Ministry with budget of $94.4 billion is expected to play a significant role in the transformation of Guyana. In 2021-2022 the Government awarded 13,690 GOAL Scholarships at a combined cost of (G$) 2.3 billion. For 2023 and 2024 the projection for GOAL Scholarships is 6000 annually. By 2024, this GOAL investment alone translates into lifting 4881 households

(or 2.1% of total households) out of poverty.

The cash and school uniform grant amounting to $5.8 billion and awarded to 147,000; the national school feeding programme that benefits 85,000 children ($2.1 billion); and $3.4 billion worth of textbooks would also augment the household income of thousands of households that live in poverty and progressively lift many of them out of poverty.

The Government has allocated (G$) 10 billion in budget 2023 for the continuation of the 11,000 regular part-time job programme at a 10-day per monthly rate of $40,000. By contributing an average of (US$) 6.5 per day (based on a 30-day month) to the household, many part-time workers are helping their households to rise above the official poverty line of (US$) 5.50 per day. About 4180 households (1.3% of total households) with supplementary income of $6.50 per day would rise above the ((US) 5.50) poverty line.

Together, the GOAL and job programme alone would result in a poverty reduction of 3.4%. With a budgetary allocation of $220+ billion for other sectoral programmes/ projects, like in housing, health, human services, public works, agriculture, hinterland, and tourism, a further drop of at least 3.4% in the poverty rate would be realised. This rate (3.4%), combined with that of GOAL and job programme (3.4%) would result in a decline of 6.8% in the poverty rate from 38% (as of 2022) to 31.2% by 2024. And once the Government continues on this track, the poverty rate is expected to drop progressively to single digit by 2030.

Sincerely,

Dr Tara Singh

As Guyana prepares to celebrate its 53rd Republic Anniversary, staff of the Times Media Group on Tuesday engaged in a friendly interdepartment Mashramani 2023 competition to showcase a glimpse of Guyana’s history (Jemima Holmes photo)

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

Congratulations to Melinda Janki, but her efforts are misplaced

Dear Editor, I would like to join the fifteen signatories to a letter that saluted Melinda Janki for winning the “Rule of Law” Award (2023) from the Commonwealth Law Association. At the same time, however, I would like to show that Ms Janki’s overall efforts as an environmental activist is definitively misplaced. I shall insist forthwith that my observations are based on the totality of threats to the global climate stability, and in no way a personal critique of the award recipient. Editor, I trust you will allow this debate to take place.

To date, Ms Janki’s efforts seem to be wholly and fully dedicated against the oil & gas sector in Guyana, a small developing nation in the Caribbean. Note that to the best of my knowledge, though Ms Janki won an award for the “Rule of Law” she is not known to have protested against the wanton attempts by the APNU/AFC to rig the 2020 national regional elections in the same Guyana.

Now, allow me to show that Janki’s efforts on oil & gas in Guyana are misdirected. My contention is two-fold. First, rather than critiquing energy development in Guyana because of the associated environmental consequences, she should be directing her attention to the world’s biggest polluters. I will focus on the energy consumption side of the green

house emissions equation. The second aspect of my concerns relates to the North-South dimensions of world energy consump-

tion, a situation that speaks to the most horrific inequalities in the world.

Let us begin with coal consumption, since it is patently dangerous to human health and to the global ecosystem.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists “[i]n the United States, coal accounts for roughly one-quarter of all energy-related carbon emissions.” Coal contributes about 22% to US electricity supplies. Incidentally, natural gas contributes roughly 38% of US electricity, but Ms Janki is content on being silent on that, while attacking our gas-to-energy project.

Let us get back to the NorthSouth inequality noted above. Below is a quick glance of coal consumption expressed in per capita cubic feet per annum –Australia 5343; Czech Republic 4653; Greece 3587; Poland 3916; Germany 3132; USA 2263; Japan 1648; and Canada 1179. While it is true that the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia are top users, Global South countries in general, are minimal users of coal. Take a look at the comparable figures for – Mexico 182; Pakistan 50; Venezuela 6; and Sri Lanka 109. Coal is not used in Guyana.

How about per capita electricity consumption? The following data (expressed in per capita kilowatt hours) clearly shows North-South disparities. Norway 27,529; Sweden 16,538; Canada 16,405; USA 12,314; Australia 9531; France 8545; and still in the Global North,

Japan at 7692. Some of the largest countries in the Third World show significantly lower per capita consumption of electricity. Note for instance, Brazil 3091; India 1218 and Nigeria (indicative of most African countries) 147 kilowatts. Guyana’s consumption rate, by comparison is at 982 kilowatts.

Gasoline consumption expressed in per capita gallons reveal dramatic NorthSouth disparities. Note the following – Singapore 3679; Luxemburg 1487; Canada 1047; Netherlands 846; Japan 480; Germany 444; France 404; UK 366. Guyana’s consumption stands at 278. 61 countries in the world consume less than 100 gallons (per capita) per annum, and as you might guess all are in the Third World.

Editor, natural gas is known to be a transition energy source in so far as its greenhouse effects are less damaging compared to coal or gasoline. Yet many of the letter writers who support Ms Janki are protesting our gas-to-energy (NGL) projects being developed at Wales on the West Bank Demerara. But even here, Editor, the critics are misguided. Excepting for the Gulf States, the biggest consumers of natural gas are in fact in the Global North. Canada, where some of the critics live, is among the very highest consumer of natural gas with a mammoth per capita of 112.5 cubic feet. I specifically wish to remind Dr Bulkan that every Canadian contributed 18.58 tons (per capita) of CO2 emis-

sions. The comparable figure for Guyana is 4.22 tons per capita.

The data above clearly indicate that there is widespread bullying taking place in the global climate change space. Powerful countries that are among the worst polluters are the very ones who have control over multilateral institutions, including development financing. Those same countries have powerful NGOs that though guided by the right convictions on many issues of human rights, broadly defined, are ideologically fixated on the proposition that the rich countries should protect their standard of living as the first and most important goal.

Those same NGOs recruit elites from the Third World to join their cause. If those same NGOs were truly democratic where global governance is concerned, they would focus on lifestyle changes in the Global North which has produced 79% of the greenhouse gases since the industrial revolution. I must also insist that the militaries in many of these countries are also the most significant polluters.

Guyana is not in the same ideological space as it was during the Cold War. We have accepted that markets have an important role to play. We are playing by those rules, norms and expectations.

The leadership is also clear that the country is dedicated to taking concrete steps in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Our avoided deforestation commitments, and more broadly our Low Carbon Development

Strategy have been widely acknowledged. It is time that the handful of urban intellectuals in Guyana “get with it”.

Ms Janki is a known quantity and she can very well use her intellectual and professional energies to call for greater justice in the relations between Global

North and South. Why not revive the spirit of Bandung, rather than stand with the political and economic interests in countries that are already in an era of excessive consumption?

Sincerely, Dr Randolph

Persaud

NGSA Math Questions

Using T&T refineries not economically viable for Guyana – Min Bharrat

…says Guyana still open to partnerships with all Caricom countries

Natural Resources

Minister Vickram Bharrat made it clear on Tuesday that the Government of Guyana is open to collaborating with all Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries when it comes to the oil and gas sector.

Bharrat pointed out that even as Guyana develops its oil and gas sector, it is also open to partnering with neighbouring countries either beginning exploration, like Barbados, or already producing oil, like Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). In fact, he noted that such a collaboration is already underway in the Caribbean.

“Yes, we are serious about collaboration. Not only Trinidad, but Barbados they’re planning to do some exploration offshore. Suriname, as you know, they’ve made discoveries. And still doing exploration. And we’re in close proximity, Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Suriname. And Northern Brazil to an extent.”

“But we’re focusing on the Caricom countries now, because there’s already the collaboration between our sister Caricom countries. So, it’s not only Trinidad. And we’re open to collaborating with all the Caricom countries, the ones doing exploration or producing oil and gas,” the Minister said.

Recently, Bharrat had cause to shut down the prospect of Guyana using T&T to refine oil. While he had made it clear that Guyana has much to learn from T&T, the country will not be going the route of refining oil in the twin island republic. The Minister expounded on this, explaining why using Trinidadian refineries would not be an economically viable move for Guyana.

“We’ve already started moving towards building a refinery in Guyana. So, it’s not like we refused Prime Minister Rowley because of any other

reason other than we are moving towards having a refinery. You would have seen the RFP; we have received nine proposals. We are currently evaluating those proposals. So, we’ve already started the process of having a refinery in the country.”

“So, if we [have] it in country then quite honestly, it makes no sense we refine out of Guyana. Because we still have to take it to another country, have it refined and bring back that product to Guyana rather than doing it right here in Guyana. It makes truly good economic sense to do it in country,” the Minister added.

Refineries are the second stage in the oil production process, following the extraction of crude oil from the earth. The refinery being built in Guyana, will have the capacity to produce 30,000 barrels of oil per day and is expected to be completed by 2025.

In response to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), nine companies have submitted bids for the design, finance, and construction of the oil refinery, which will be located at the mouth of the Berbice River. The plan for the refinery’s construction ties into the

Government’s vision of promoting value-added production and securing energy security both for Guyana and the Caribbean.

It is also an integral part of the Government’s developmental plan for Region Six.

An oil refinery is an industrial plant that transforms crude oil into various usable petroleum products, such as diesel, gasoline, lubricants and heating oils like kerosene.

Once the refinery at Berbice becomes operational, Guyana will be able to sell crude oil components to various industries for a broad range of purposes, including

fuels for transportation, heating, paving roads, and generating electricity and raw materials for chemical manufacturing.

This would attract global investments due to soaring fuel prices worldwide, the increased cost of heating as time goes by, and a lack of adequate refining capacity to process crude into gasoline and diesel.

Nearby Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, The Netherlands Antilles, Cuba, Jamaica, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Barbados and Suriname possess oil refineries as well. (G3)

An example of an oil refinery

Buxton driver on $1M bail for fatal accident

Devon Brutus, a 24-year-old painter of Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was charged on Monday with three offences in connection to a fatal accident that occurred on February 15 at Enmore, ECD.

The accident occurred at Enmore Public Road, ECD, and claimed the life of 41-yearold Samantha Moffatt, a female vendor from Haslington New Scheme, ECD.

Brutus was charged for causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a licence, and breach of insurance.

During his appearance at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court, he pleaded not guilty

to all three charges. He was granted bail in the amount of $1,050,000 by Magistrate Fabayo Azore and the case was adjourned to April 11.

It was reported that on the night of the accident, Moffat was flung out of a car after the driver lost control and the ve-

hicle landed in a trench along the Enmore Public Road.

Reports are that Brutus was proceeding eastward along the northern driving lane on the Enmore Public Road at a fast pace when he lost control and the vehicle ended up in a trench on the

southern side of the road.

Police said as a result, Moffatt, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was thrown from the car and into the trench, where she received injuries about her body.

She was picked up by public-spirited citizens in an unconscious state, and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), along with Brutus, who, Police said, fled on arrival at the hospital.

Moffatt was admitted but later succumbed while receiving medical attention. Meanwhile, Brutus was later apprehended and charged. (G9)

It’s war…

…in Ukraine (still)

Who woulda thought Russia’s Ukraine invasion from last Feb 24 would still be going on?? Not your Eyewitness!! Yet here we are – just a day from a full year on – and the missile attacks, tank warfare, skirmishes and aerial bombardment are not just continuing but intensifying!! All is NOT quiet on the European front!! Luckily there’s been no feared nuclear missile strikes – but who knows?? With ultra-nationalistic sentiments being stirred on both sides, you really can’t rule out the “ultimate doomsday machine” being rolled out.

So what’s really going on? Or what most really want to know – who’s winning? Now, as your Eyewitness has emphasised, the old aphorism “truth is the first casualty of war” has certainly been reaffirmed over the last year. So we gotta take what we hear from both sides with more than a pinch of salt!! And since in ole mudland, we get 99.9% of our news from Western media sources – and the West’s totally backing Ukraine – we should probably grab a handful of salt!! Your Eyewitness has strained mightily to get a peek at news from the Russian side, but it just brought home how – even in this age of global interconnectedness – how news from both sides is controlled.

An example is this excerpt from “The Conversation” – a site that your Eyewitness regards as fairly objective: “In a move that echoed the draconian censorship laws of earlier ages, the Russian government declared its media war just days after it invaded its neighbour. The new legislation meant journalists risked jail if they refused to follow dutifully the official line that the war was “a special military operation”, and not a war at all.” But has the Western media self-censorship been any different?? With social media’s ubiquity, one would’ve thought that alternate views would’ve been circulated. But it ain’t happening. So to our question?

For the Russians, they are winning and the war has dragged on because of Putin’s magnanimity in not wanting to level Ukraine into the Stone Age. And on “our” Western side, we’ve lapped up the narrative of the brave Ukrainians defending “democracy” against the Russian hordes. Ukrainian President Zelensky, being a comedian and very familiar with the media, has played them like a fiddle. This war has been his biggest role and he revels in it. The Commander in Chief Biden just dropped in personally to assure him NATO and Europe will support him to the last Ukrainian.

So who’s winning?? Reading between the propaganda lines, your Eyewitness believes in the inevitable settlement, Russia’s gonna control eastern Ukraine and keep its “strategic depth”!! But “peace” just allows preparation for the next war.

The West signalled China it’s willing to mix it up!!

…over Mocha squatters

As you’d know by now, Dear Reader, your Eyewitness stands with underdogs. But even there, he tries to ensure that the big picture is kept in mind at all times, since in this world, we just can’t all get everything we want. In every situation – even in a win-win scenario – some will feel their “win” ought to’ve been absolute. In other words, there will be those who’ll always want to be the winners in a “win-lose” scenario!

So, let’s take the situation that developed at Mocha Arcadia, where 35 squatters were offered alternative houses and land for livestock. Twenty-seven accepted and the homes of four were (unfortunately) bulldozed. But what was the Government to do about its “no squatting” policy?? Well, the holdouts have now taken their battle to the courts – after the Government balked at “mediation”.

This, of course, is the right of all citizens and your Eyewitness hopes both sides will respect the judgement of the court.

The Judiciary is supposed to prevent war!!

…by vigilantes??

The Police gotta act expeditiously when citizens take the law into their own hands. They are the State organ created specifically to enforce the law. The vigilante of Hopetown who torched that poor farmer must face the courts!!

Charged: Devon Brutus Dead: Samantha Moffatt

100% increase in road fatalities for 2023 so far

The new year has kickstarted with alarming traffic statistics, which shows a 100 per cent increase in road fatalities when compared to the same period in 2022.

Providing statistics on Tuesday, the Home Affairs Ministry noted with grave concern, the growing number of road fatalities which have occurred for the year thus far.

For the period January 1 to February 18, 2023, 16 persons were killed when compared with eight persons for 2022. This is a 100 per cent increase.

It was shared that pedestrian fatalities increased by 25 per cent, whereas approximately 44 per cent of motorcyclists were killed during the same period compared to last year.

Comparative data has shown that as of February 18, 16 persons were killed on the roads as a result of 14 accidents, when compared with the same period for 2022 when 8 persons died from 7 accidents.

According to the data provided, 41 serious accidents were recorded, while 39 serious accidents occurred during the same period in 2022, indicating a five per cent increase during the period. Data also clearly indicates that fatal accidents occur primarily on Sundays and Fridays between the hours of 18:00h and 05:59h, with male drivers accounting for 81 per cent of all deaths.

“With the advent of the new Government, we were able to reduce road deaths by 30 per cent in 2021 and 2022, with less than 100 persons killed for the first time in 16 years. This achievement of the previous two years will be extremely difficult to main -

tain at the present rate of road fatalities,” the Ministry has pointed out.

A further review of more measures to promote road safety is currently being undertaken through a collaborative effort by the Home Affairs Ministry, the Guyana Police Force, the Traffic Department, the Guyana Revenue Authority, and the Education Ministry.

“This increase in road fatalities appears to be a daily occurrence, and the indications are that reckless driver behaviour, attributable to excessive speeds, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without due care and attention (or inattentiveness), tailgating, and driving while tired is the common cause.”

The Ministry said the fact that effective preventative strategies do exist makes this situation all the more unacceptable. It was stated that the five Cs - Care, Caution, Courtesy, Consideration and Common sense - taught at driving schools seemed to have been ‘forgotten or ignored’ altogether by many motorists.

“Motorists are failing to observe the fundamental principle of safe driving, which is to maintain a safe braking distance and not exceed the required speed limits. The Ministry notes that this situation necessitates stringent law enforcement. It is simply not acceptable that Guyanese continue to perish and be injured on the roadways,” a statement outlined.

The Home Affairs Ministry said that it had been continuously collaborating with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive action plan to reduce road accidents and fatalities by

50 per cent by 2030. This coupled with all road users taking personal responsibility by adhering to road safety measures and guidelines.

On November 7, 2022, the National Assembly passed the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2022 to promote and enforce safe driving while imposing much higher penalties for serious infractions.

The National Road Safety Council's financial resources have been boosted from $3 million to more than $11 million, which will aid in the sensitisation and reduction of road acci-

dents.

“Through advocacy, training, and education, the Ministry is committed to providing evidence-based road safety knowledge and awareness programmes to create a culture of safety among all road users and address high-risk behaviours among young adults and the broader road-using community. As part of corporate social responsibility, the Ministry is encouraging private sector participation in augmenting national efforts to promote road safety awareness.”

Meanwhile, the Traffic Department has also been

intensifying efforts to prevent speeding on the roads, but despite these efforts, deaths on our roadways continue to be problematic. The PPP/C Government has been spending considerable sums of money to upgrade roads and highways, as well as installing lights and CCTV cameras at strategic points, which improve infrastructure and safety for all road users.

The Ministry added, “There is no justification for not wearing a helmet or a seatbelt. An accident may occur at any time, but our safety and that of others should be prioritised over convenience, as the

case may be. Not only is it the law to wear a helmet or a seatbelt at all times, but it only takes a few seconds to do so. We all have a role to play in the prevention of road accidents. It cannot be the responsibility of the Police Traffic Department alone.”

Despite the encouragement given to motorists with the free distribution of safety helmets, a large number of motorists continue to ride without helmets, and, persons are transporting women and children on motorcycles without helmets at high speeds. This practice, the Ministry said, must be stopped . (G12)

Over 500 cement, steel subsidies to be distributed in 2 weeks

Within two weeks, 500 persons will be benefitting through the Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy Programme under the Housing Ministry, to kickstart construction of their new homes.

This initiative comes from a commitment made by President Irfaan Ali at the International Building Expo 2022. On Tuesday, the first disbursement was made.

For homes $6 million and lower, Government will support homeownership by giving every builder the steel and one sling of cement. Secondly, for every other category over $6million until $25 million, two slings of cement will be provided.

During the last budget, $800 million was allocated to this programme and within two weeks, 500 subsidies should be granted.

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sherwyn Greaves said this is being done to expedite foundation construction for new land owners. Applications were taken from all across the country, amounting to 1034. Some 697 visits were done

at the sites, to ensure that the lands were ready. Of this number, 397 were recommended and 134 were approved.

Suppliers were also encouraged by the Ministry to come on board, which now allows for uniformed pricing structure across the regions.

Minister within the Housing Ministry Susan Rodrigues shared that this is a way of ensuring persons achieve homeownership.

“Now, when we came

to office, we did an assessment that we recognise that there was a gap in the system and that gap is that people are able to acquire their subsidised house but many are still left without a home. And so, we took on the bigger task of being primarily focused on homeownership, helping people to acquire their own homes, moving people from being renters to homeowners and achieving the bigger objective of creating wealth. and increasing people’s net

worth,” Rodrigues pointed out.

This is tied into the mortgage application, guaranteed that persons will receive the finances to complete their home.

“By granting this subsidy to an applicant who is approved for a mortgage, we can guarantee that you will then receive the finances required for you to complete that and for you to be the ultimate beneficiary of a new home and to become a homeowner…We want to own prop -

erty. We want to give life to our Constitution that says affordable housing for Guyanese, we want to give life to that provision in our Constitution.”

Housing Minister Collin Croal said this is another demonstration of Government’s commitment to housing interventions to different categories of citizens, reducing the burdens of homeownership.

“The provision of subsidised housing in developed housing areas also remain a priority of your

Government. Even as demand continues to rise, both in public and the private sector…If in any region there are more than one supplier that has been approved, then the pricing remains the same. It doesn’t matter which one of them you go to this is to ensure that we have consistency.

Two tenets must be in place before the subsidy is released - ownership and an approved building plan. Persons occupying private lands can also apply. (G12)

Ministers Susan Rodrigues and Collin Croal handing over the subsidy vouchers on Tuesday

EPA launches satellite monitoring of oil & gas, logging activities

…US Ambassador lauds Govt for modernising regulatory capabilities

“I’m happy too that this technology will help in the forestry sector. The oil and gas

sector monitoring is amazing, I’ve seen the demonstration the first time the team came

from the US. We had a good demonstration… and from the time I saw it, I said this is

good technology for Guyana,” Bharrat said.

The Government of Guyana has partnered with MAXAR Technologies in a three-year deal that will provide Guyana with satellite capabilities to monitor oil and gas vessels operating offshore - an arrangement that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said will help make Guyana a regional leader in environmental monitoring.

The partnership was officially launched on Tuesday at the EPA’s office in Ganges Street, with the agency’s Executive Director, Khemraj Parsaram, lauding the Government for its support of the initiative.

Parsaram spoke of the importance of the MAXAR Technologies deal, which is for a three-year duration and will provide environmental monitoring for both the oil and forestry sectors. It is also the first time the company is rolling out its Crow’s Nest technology in Latin America and the Caribbean. As part of the package, EPA will be equipped with air and water quality sensors, as well as a state-of-the-art drone that will also feature sensory equipment.

“We at the EPA have no doubt that with the current

unprecedented development in Guyana, regulating effectively and ensuring the protection of the environment remain critical. And we must be innovative and strengthen our capacity in terms of our human resources, science and innovative technologies,” the Executive Director said.

“We are proud to say that with our remote real-time capabilities and acquisition of MAXAR Technologies and services, we are well positioned to be a leader, if we are not the leader, in environmental monitoring,” Parsaram said.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat praised Parsaram for his passion and vision for the EPA. He also noted the need for this technology to also be used to monitor mining, in addition to oil and gas and logging.

“It is easier to monitor illegal logging, because a man can’t run away with a tree on his shoulder. But sometimes it’s a bit more difficult to monitor mining, so we can probably look at how we can incorporate the very technology. Because I do believe we need technology to increase our capability in monitoring mining activities.”

A still image captured by MAXAR Technologies of a survey vessel in Guyana’s waters

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

Norton’s hypocrisy heightens the desire of senior PNC officials to discard him

Very few people in the world have earned the legitimacy of talking about peaceful protest as the late American Congressman John Lewis, who as a young man walked and protested with Martin Luther King Jr. We highlight two quotes from John Lewis. The first quotation from John Lewis highlighted here is taken from the book “John Lewis, Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation”. He said:

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

“During the 1960s, we protested with non-violent methods. There is something peaceful, cleansing, and wholesome about being orderly and not threatening.” The second quotation highlighted in this column is also from the same book in which John Lewis stated: “When you burn down a building or topple a car, the violence drowns out the injustice of what’s being done to you. It puts you on the same moral level as the people whose violence you are protesting. You’re no longer on the higher ground or plane. You make enemies of the people you need to win over to effect change.”

Peaceful protest is a fundamental right of citizens in a democracy. Our democracy will be considerably threatened should this right ever be curtailed or restricted. I remember two occasions in 1990/1991 in Guyana when there were severe restrictions on protests at the time. Permission had to be granted for any kind of protest. We requested permission to stage a protest in front of Parliament. We were granted permission, but only for staging the protest on Hadfield Street, behind Parliament, preventing us from being near the entrance into Parliament on Brickdam. In other words, they would have hidden us away. We, at first, complied, but gradually ventured onto Brickdam where I and 32 other comrades were promptly arrested and locked up until the next day.

On another occasion, Sir Sonny Ramphal and a team held a consultation at Pegasus. Essentially, he wanted us to accept that Desmond Hoyte will not repeat the rigging of past elections. We decided to stage a protest in front of Pegasus while the consultation was taking place. Permission was granted for us to stand with our placards behind Pegasus, by the seaside. We decided to stage our protest in front of Pegasus. After pleading with us to go behind Pegasus because their instructions were to arrest us, the Police arrested us. Such restrictions for peaceful protests do not belong in any democracy. People who are or who are perceived to be aggrieved must have the right to peaceful protest.

There was a national consensus on June 28, 2022, that a band of rogues invaded the Mon Repos market area and unleashed terror and hooliganism on innocent Guyanese. Aubrey Norton at the time agreed that a rogue band terrorised citizens. At the time, Norton claimed that the rogue band belonged to the PPP, with the objective to stir up racial feelings and blame the PNC. David Hinds also made that claim. This past week, eight months after the terror attack, after lengthy and comprehensive investigations, the Guyana Police Force issued “Wanted Bulletins” for 12 persons for participation in the brutal attack against vendors and citizens who were in the area. One would have thought, therefore, given the pronouncement at the time, that Norton would have been elated that finally some of the elements that he claimed were recruited by the PPP would be arrested and brought to justice. Now the Leader of the Opposition, in a sparsely-attended public meeting held by the PNC in Ruimveldt, in South Georgetown, deemed those wanted by the Police as innocent, engaged in peaceful protest, and said that they will be defended at all costs by the party.

This is ample evidence of the hypocrisy and recklessness of the PNC and its leaders. It is also an exposé of Aubrey Norton himself. He has struggled mightily for relevance, not even accepted by a large section of the existing leadership group of his own party. There are many senior supporters, persons who have been senior activists in the PNC even before Norton, who have sidelined themselves because they cannot embrace Norton. One group in North America has called for a special congress to remove Norton. A hand-picked General Secretary voluntarily removed herself from the position, because she cannot serve in an executive in which Norton is the leader. The treasurer and two senior executive members were caught on tape pronouncing Aubrey Norton’s unfitness to serve as leader of the PNC. The treasurer resigned claiming racial discrimination on the part of the party’s leadership and then tried to withdraw it, only to be rebuked. The coalition called APNU is essentially disbanded, continuing to exist for convenience only.

Norton’s reliance on threats, violence, and obstruction is in his PNC DNA. In the Ruimveldt meeting, he went far beyond a promise to stand with those the Police want for questioning in the terrorist attack of June 28, 2022. He also, in the same way the PNC has done for all its history, issued a threat of more violence. Ordinary citizens who paid attention to what Norton said still regurgitate in their minds what possibly could Norton have meant when he said: “This cannot continue. I would not say anything more”. Outside of offering obstruction and violence, Norton has been clueless in leading opposition to the Irfaan Ali-led PPP Government. The loyal supporters of the PNC and many of the senior activists of the PNC have become disillusioned and dream of a day sooner than later when they could dump Aubrey Norton.

While Norton threatens, President Irfaan Ali said “I will not rest until this country is united”.

$50B in contracts to be signed for new housing works, development

Later this week, the Housing Ministry will be embarking on $50 billion works in several areas and schemes across the country, for which contracts will be signed.

Housing Minister Collin Croal informed on Tuesday that the signing of contracts will be facilitated on Friday, allowing for these sums to be injected into housing development.

The Minister announced, “On Friday, part of what you will see taking place is for the signing of contracts for new works, new development, new areas that we have already allocated. So, you have over $50 billion for which we are signing contracts on Friday. That tells you the magnitude of what will take place in this sector.”

The Minister shared that with these constructed homes, Guyanese are presented with options before they select one. It is part of efforts to ensure affordable housing solutions for all stakeholders.

“Part of what we do is to provide options. Nobody is putting a barrel to anyone's throat to say you have to take that particular house. There is a particular criterion by which you have to be able to prequalify and similarly, the type of house.”

The Ministry will be em-

barking on construction in housing schemes and outside of such areas. For this, expressions of interest for the construction have already been dispatched. Later this year, the Ministry is also planning its first Dream Realised initiative for 2023.

“There are a lot of things taking place and we will get to you. We know you request our service but please have patience. Please utilise the various systems that are there, the various departments that are placed to serve you and we will certainly be able to get you. You have a Government that is working overtime,” the Minister said as he responded to calls from citizens.

The Housing and Water Ministry had wrapped up 2022 with the success of distributing more than its targeted 10,000 house lots for the year. With a plan of allocating 50,000 house lots in its fiveyear term in office, this translates to 10,000 per year.

Since Government took office in 2020, the Ministry has started the process of establishing about 16 new housing areas across Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. For just the East Coast, where seven of these schemes are being developed, some $10 billion has already been expended for first phase infrastructural works. (G12)

Pigeon Island man busted with drugs in haversack

The ganja and methamphetamine that were found at Pigeon Island, ECD

A23-year-old resident of Pigeon Island Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was nabbed by Police at about 19:20h on Monday evening with a quantity of marijuana and Methamphetamine.

It was reported that a party of Police ranks from the Beterverwagting Police Station were on mobile patrol duty in the vicinity of Success Sideline Dam, ECD, when three men were observed standing on the roadway.

Upon seeing the Police vehicle, it is alleged that the men started running in an eastern direction, causing ranks to give chase.

One of the men was apprehended and later identified

as a 23-year-old construction worker from Pigeon Island Squatting Area, ECD.

A search was carried out on his haversack, and 20 transparent ziplock bags containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis, along with 17 transparent ziplock bags containing a quantity of crystal-like substances suspected to be Methamphetamine were found.

The man was arrested, and escorted to the Beterverwagting Police Station where the cannabis was weighed and it amounted to 41.1 grams while the Methamphetamine amounted to 3.66 grams. An investigation is in progress. (G9)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 wanted by SOCU for money laundering

The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has issued wanted bulletins for eight persons in relation to money laundering and financial crimes committed in Guyana.

Those wanted are 34-year-old Raul James of Kara Kara Housing Scheme, Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice); 25-year-old Khadijah Long of Wisroc Housing Scheme, Linden; 27-year-old Akeem Powers of Victory Valley, Linden; 38-year-old Melicia Williams of Kara Kara Housing Scheme; 26-year-old Cassandra McLennan of Kara Kara Housing Scheme; Leon Williams, 38, of Kara Kara Housing Scheme; 25-yearold Aubrey Fraser of Kara Kara Housing Scheme and 25-year-old Denzil Muir of Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara.

While SOCU has not provided any details on the allegations made, they are asking anyone with infor-

mation about the eight suspects to contact SOCU on telephone numbers (592) 225-3079 or (592) 225-3084.

The Guyana Police Force in a release explained that SOCU investigations are confidential, hence the decision to not provide additional information on the wanted persons or the alleged offences.

Only a few months ago Police issued a wanted bulletin for Shamar Anphaney Barrow of Lot 55 Freeman Street, Georgetown, for questioning in connection to money laundering and other serious criminal offences. It is still unclear if the man was ever found.

These wanted bulletins come in the wake of a recent statement by Attorney General Anil Nandlall that the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) wants to intensify cooperation with Guyana to secure more convictions in a range of crimes including money-laundering and trafficking of narcotics.

According to Nandlall, the FBI team also listed countering the financing of terrorism, trafficking of narcotics and firearms, tracing the proceeds of organised crime and forfeiture of assets, trafficking in persons, and cyber-related criminal activities, as other areas of

cooperation with Guyana.

Earlier this month, a three-person family of Somerset Court, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, was slapped with a raft of money laundering charges.

Arrested at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

(CJIA) on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, as they attempted to flee to the United States of America, they are facing 268 counts of money laundering and conspiracy to launder money worth over $4.1B.

Those charged were Kenneth Kellawan

Ramnarine, a taxi driver; his son Damian Brandon Ramnarine, a salesman; and Kenneth’s reputed wife Yevette Nalini Saroop, a businesswoman.

The father and son were charged jointly, while Saroop, who is alleged to have conspired with them, has been charged separately.

Kenneth Kellawan Ramnarine appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, and was remanded to prison after being read 134 indictable charges to which he was not required to enter a plea.

Damian Brandon Ramnarine did not appear in court with his father and/ or stepmother. His lawyer, Bernard DaSilva, who is also representing his parents, surrendered him to SOCU’s Camp Street, Georgetown Headquarters on February 9. When he appeared in court he too was remanded. (G9)

Region 2 children dazzle in colourful costumes

It was nothing short of a kaleidoscope of colours donned by primary and secondary school students, along the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), who paraded the roadways on Tuesday with their mesmerising floats and costumes in celebration of Mashramani 2023, themed “Mixing and Mashing as One Guyana.”

Teachers, students and parents flocked the Anna Regina Car Park to witness the colourful parade as the children danced to feverish Soca renditions.

The road march commenced at Pump Station

Street Lima, Region Two, and ended at the Anna Regina Car Park. Participating schools

this year were, Anna Regina Multilateral School; Abram Zuil Secondary; Cotton Field Secondary; 8th of May

Secondary, and Charity Secondary school along with the primary schools including Taymouth Manor Primary,

Aurora Primary, Good Hope Primary, Queenstown Primary among others. Well-choreographed

dances by individual schools were performed by the students at the Anna Regina Car Park.

Region Two Children’s Road March 2023

EPA launches satellite monitoring...

Praise

Meanwhile, United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch revealed that her team interfaced between Guyana and the US, in an effort to make the connection that would bring about Crow’s Nest in Guyana. She applauded the Government for taking this step.

“I want to applaud the Government of Guyana for modernising all of its systems and I think we all know that the long-term gem of Guyana is your natural resources. And this technology will help monitor things like deforestation, the potential for oil spills and even illegal fishing,” Lynch said.

The use of more technology in its regulatory duties had been among EPA’s specific goals for the year, as well as supporting Guyana’s

low carbon development trajectory, improving enforcement, incorporating the use of more technology and effective implementation of the

various multilateral environmental agreements Guyana is a signatory to.

Real-time monitoring is a crucial element of regu-

lating the oil sector. Prior to ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) installing its new flash gas compressor on the Liza Destiny FPSO vessel and reducing its flaring last year, the company had had to pay out over US$10 million in fines to the EPA for flaring.

In 2021, the EPA had amended the Environmental Permit for the Liza 1 Development Project after the oil company had been flaring excessively following technical issues with its gas compressor on the Liza Destiny FPSO vessel on two separate occasions in 2021.

Initially, a cost of US$30

per ton of carbon emission was agreed upon, but the fee was then increased to US$45 during discussions with the operator over the AugustSeptember 2021 period.

EEPGL is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block.

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

The company is currently undertaking four production projects – Liza 1, Liza 2, Payara, and Yellowtail in the oil-rich block. It is estimated that when the Yellowtail development project comes on stream, production will climb to 810,000 bpd by 2027.

The US oil major anticipates at least six floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels in operation by 2027, with a seventh likely to be added should results from their Fangtooth-1 well appraisal be positive.

An EPA employee explains how the Crow’s Nest system works to those gathered in the monitoring room

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Take a break and rethink your strategy before you make a mistake. A proposal will mislead you; ask questions. Be specific about your responsibilities and what others expect of you. Staying active will help you avoid making impulsive moves.

Mix business with pleasure to get along better with your colleagues. Don’t let the changes you encounter discourage you from following your heart. Promptly deal with anything that disrupts your day.

Get involved in something you believe in. First, however, avoid anyone trying to take advantage of you. Handle business, get things done on time and shy away from controversy.

Sign up for a class, event or activity that will allow you to use your imagination. A discussion with someone who shares your concerns will lead to a major beneficial change.

Be receptive. What you learn will give you hope and revive your interest and ability to fight for what you want. Take the steps required to turn what you know and do well into a lucrative outlet.

Keep your eye on the market and invest wisely. Discuss your plans with an expert. An offer will pique your interest, but until you get all the facts and figures, tread carefully.

Stand up and be counted. Speak freely, follow through and be willing to do the work yourself. Run the show instead of sitting in the audience. Show your worth and set guidelines. Romance is encouraged.

The response you receive after sharing your intentions will give you a push to make your next move. A partnership looks exciting, but you must be sure to clearly assign responsibilities.

Get everyone you care about involved in a project, and a closer bond will develop that encourages you to make positive lifestyle changes. Follow through with your plans; success can be yours.

Emotional situations will confuse you. Keep your thoughts to yourself until you gather the facts and fully understand the implications. Bide your time, and you’ll discover what you want.

Don’t wait for someone to come along and do things for you. Believe in yourself and make things happen. A brilliant idea will lead to a cash infusion. Now’s your chance to make progress.

Russia's Putin issues new nuclear warnings to West over Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday delivered a warning to the West over Ukraine by suspending a landmark nuclear arms control treaty, announcing that new strategic systems had been put on combat duty, and threatening to resume nuclear tests.

Nearly a year after ordering an invasion that has triggered the biggest confrontation with the West in six decades, Putin said Russia would achieve its aims and accused the West of trying to destroy it.

"The elites of the West do not hide their purpose. But they also cannot fail to realise that it is impossible to defeat Russia on the battlefield," he told his country's political and military elite.

Alleging that the United States was turning the war into a global conflict, Putin said Russia was suspending participation in the New START treaty, its last ma-

jor arms control treaty with Washington.

Signed by then-US president Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev in 2010, the treaty caps the number of strategic nuclear warheads that the countries can deploy.

Due to expire in 2026, it allows each country to physically check the other's nuclear arsenal, although

tensions over Ukraine had already brought inspections to a halt.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Putin's move "deeply unfortunate and irresponsible". NATO

Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said it made the world a more dangerous place, and urged Putin to reconsider.

The Russian leader said, without citing evidence, that some in Washington were considering breaking a moratorium on nuclear testing.

"... if the United States conducts tests, then we will.

No one should have dangerous illusions that global strategic parity can be destroyed," Putin said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

South African cities scramble to keep the lights on

Reeling from South Africa's worst-ever electricity crisis, local authorities across the country are turning to private suppliers to help businesses and households keep the lights on.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a state of disaster over the energy crunch, which is seen wiping as much as 2 percentage points off economic growth this year.

With South Africans spending up to 10 hours a day without electricity due to rolling blackouts by struggling state utility Eskom, the tourist city of Cape Town aims to halve power cuts for its residents by 2026, its executive director for energy Kadri Nassiep said.

Officials plan to procure up to 500 megawatts (MW) from private power companies by 2026 to provide roughly a third of the city's annual 1500-1800 megawatts (MW) electricity needs.

They are also looking at offering households monetary incentives to save power during peak demand.

"Our idea is to make up the shortfall that Eskom is not able to provide, so that we can get the economy growing here again, investors interested again, get jobs back," Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis told Reuters.

Spending time at home will give you time to rearrange rooms to suit your needs. Don’t feel compelled to conform to standard procedures when innovation is what’s called for.

Debt-laden Eskom said earlier this month that it was only able to supply 56.6% of the power needed nationally in the 2022/23 financial year.

The electricity crunch has been years in the making, a product of factors including delays in building

Russian, President Vladimir Putin delivers his annual address to the Federal Assembly in Moscow, Russia February 21, 2023

Prowling Panthers demolish GDF in GRFU’s 12-a-side tourney

The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) continues to test out the fairly-new 12s format with local clubs, as the Panthers, once again, romped to victory in another weekend of rugby action in the National Park.

In a one-sided affair,

Panthers proved too skilful for the GDF in their encounter on Sunday, which ended 73-17.

Riding high on victory against the Police Falcons in the opening match of the league, Panthers wasted no time running up the tally against GDF.

At the end of the first

half, Panthers were up by 42 points, with GDF scoring all of their 17 points in the first half.

Panthers’ Rondel “Bull” McArthur, who would be crowned Man of the Match, opened the scoring by crashing through their opponents’ defence.

For Panthers, Jacques

Archibald made a return to the sport and scored a try; elusive winger Ryan Dey added one try; Daniel Anderson one try; Phabian Joseph 2 tries; D’Arcy Durant 2 tries; Kempton David one try and a conversion, while Godfrey Broomes backed the team with 19 points, 14 of which

came off his boots.

GDF’s points came from veteran Avery Corbin, Jonathan David, Peabo Hamilton and a conversion from Jamal Darrell.

To start the match, players, officials and spectators observed a minute of silence, for the passing of McArthur’s father, ear -

lier in the day.

With regard to upcoming action; this Saturday, February 25, the GRFU will be hosting a 7s competition in the National Park from 10:00h.

On Sunday, February 26, the 12s league continues with a match between Police Falcons and GDF.

A look at rugby action between Panthers and GDF

4 Guyanese youth players in CWI's U19 encampment

Four Guyanese youth players are currently in Antigua to go through player development and assessment exercises in preparation for West Indies’ participation in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Under-19 World Cup, scheduled for Sri Lanka in 2024.

The Guyanese players are among the regional pool of players selected by Cricket West Indies (CWI) to demonstrate their competencies and readiness to represent West Indies in this upcoming and prestigious ICC Under-19 World Cup 2024. They are fast

bowler Isai Thorne, top-order batters Rampertab Ramnauth and Mavindra Dindyal, and left-arm spinner Golcharran Chulai. These and other potential West Indies players, assembled in Antigua on Sunday, February 19, 2023, and will be engaged in high-performance exercises over a period of approximately three weeks.

This encampment is one of several ongoing events being implemented by CWI to ensure the regional pool of Under-19 players is provided with the best opportunities to realise their optimal potential. It is trusted that

the planned CWI high-performance activities for these Under-19 players will adequately prepare them for the

Tiger Rentals Under-13 football…

competitive settings that are expected of the ICC U19 World Cup 2024.

When the Tournament

begins in 2024, Sri Lanka will join New Zealand as the only two countries to host the ICC Men’s Under-19

World Cup on three occasions, having previously hosted the same in 2000 and 2006.

Matches continue in intra-association play

The Georgetown Football Association (GFA) officially kicked off its intra-association league Saturday at Fruta Conquerors Ground in Tucville where the home side thumped Eastveldt 8-0. Shoquan Deen led the onslaught, with a hat-trick and he was supported with a brace each from Nicholoi Tappin and Travis Grogan while Jahim Hart scored the eighth goal.

EBFA

The Tiger RentalsGuyana Football Federation

(GFF) Boys’ National Developmental Under-13 football tournament continued over the weekend at several venues across the coast-

land, where intra-association games were contested.

Eagles FC beat Pouderoyen 1-0

A solitary successful strike from Keon Grant secured three points for Eagles FC as they man-

aged to needle the struggling Pouderoyen FC during Saturday’s play, which featured just one match at the West Demerara Secondary School Ground.

GFA

Match day four of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) intra-association tournament was also played, on Saturday, with a total of four matches at the National Training Centre (NTC), Providence.

Recording wins were Timehri Panthers A,

Ramdhani named ACAC men’s singles player of the year

Guyana’s national badminton champion Narayan Ramdhani continues to shine at the Canadian collegiate level, this time picking up another gold medal at the provincial championships.

The elder of the renowned Ramdhani siblings bested the field of competitors from the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) 20222023 Provincial Badminton Championships over the weekend (February 18 and 19), as he added that gold medal and the ACAC AllConference award to his trophy case.

On the first day of the championships, which were hosted in the auditorium of the Concordia University of Edmonton, the team competition was hosted where Ramdhani assisted The King’s University badminton team (TKU Eagles) to win gold at the Provincial Team Championships for the second time in a row.

The Guyanese went on to play undefeated in the

singles and mixed doubles categories; a performance that guided Ramdhani to the men’s singles player of the year award. Ramdhani received the news of his success at a banquet on February 18.

This is the third time that the Guyanese has won the Provincial Individual Championships in men’s singles in his university career.

Ramdhani’s undefeated run in the singles’ tournament included a victory over Shepherd Dow 21-14, 21-5 after gaining a bye to the quarter-final round.

In the semis, Ramdhani overcame Jason Chiu 2114, 21-9 in another two-setter. In the final, Ramdhani met an obstacle when he lost the first set 17-21 to Sanskar Chopra. However, the Guyanese rebounded with wins in the two following sets, 21-14, 21-4, to clinch gold.

Ramdhani will now move on to represent The King’s University and the province of Alberta at

coming from Samuel Tasher (five); Malkai Daniels (four); Niyron Barrow (two); Jason Williams (one) and Devin Parsaud (one).

Swan FC defeated Herstelling Raiders 2-0 with one goal each from Marko Andrews and Shameer Daniels, as they continued their unbeaten run.

Friendship All-Stars outplayed Diamond United to win 3-0 with two goals from Michael Correia and one from Matthew Prasad.

Timehri Panthers B, Swan FC and Friendship All Stars. Timehri Panthers A showed their dominance by defeating Samatta Point/ Kaneville 13-0 with goals

Timehri Panthers B gained a walkover from Agricola Red Triangle who once again failed to show. Action continues on March 11 at the same venue.

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Play between Eastveldt (bibs) and Fruta Conquerors

the Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association (Nationals) Badminton

Tournament to be held in the province of Nova Scotia March 7-12, 2023.

Narayan Ramdhani shows off some of his accolades

The 2022 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) generated huge economic impact for Guyana as the country hosted the finals for the very first time as part of the newly-created Cricket Carnival.

The total economic impact for Guyana in 2022 was US$84,425,587, a 186 per cent increase on the figure from the last time the country hosted Hero CPL matches in 2019.

The vision of President Dr Irfaan Ali in showcasing the country’s many creative and social attributes, while making the country the entertainment capital of the Region for two weeks in September, led to the most successful hosting of any CPL finals. Businesses across the country benefited from the significant uplift in in-bound tourism during September last year, as people travelled to be part of the “Biggest Party in Sport”. The fans certainly

did not disappoint with almost 50,000 attending the play-off games alone.

With CPL spending more time in Guyana than previous years along with the change to the tournament structure where all six teams, TV production crew and tournament staff travelled as one cohort, CPL’s direct spend increased significantly, with one metric showing a total of 25,783 hotel room nights filled across the tournament, a 236 per cent increase on the figure from 2019.

This report was generated by independent, world-renowned research company YouGov Sport, with the make-up of the values including the total spent by Hero CPL to put on the 2022 event, the value of media exposure for the country from the broadcast of matches and the money spent with local businesses by those who travelled into Guyana for the tournament.

The total viewership for the 2022 Hero CPL also smashed all records as it increased to 721.8 million. This is the third successive year that the tournament has generated a viewership figure of over half a billion.

Hero CPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pete Russell said: “The reception for the Hero CPL in Guyana last year exceeded anything we have seen before, and we are hugely grateful for the vision of His Excellency Irfaan Ali, who masterminded the Cricket Carnival concept and showed how cricket can deliver significant economic value when planned alongside other entertainment initiatives. We are so grateful for the amazing support we continue to receive in Guyana and are thankful that we have been able to repay the country with these fantastic numbers. We can’t wait to make an even bigger impact in 2023.”

… “the most successful hosting of any CPL finals”