Guyana Times - Wednesday, February 28, 2024.pdf

President of Guyana and Chairman of Caricom, Dr Irfaan Ali and Heads of Government and Foreign Ministers from across the Region share a photo at the Splashmins Resort on Tuesday during a retreat. The Heads of Government and Foreign Ministers

Guyana participating in the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the

Heads of Government. (Office of the President photo)

More

than £2B in

public, private sector financing now available for

Guyana from UK

…as UK declares confidence in management of Guyana’s economy

The announcement of increased financing was made during a press conference hosted by the British High Commission on Tuesday, at the Bel Air Gardens residence of British High Commissioner Jane Miller.

Minister Rutley, who is the United Kingdom’s Minister for the Americas, Caribbean and Overseas Territories, noted that the increase in available funding for Guyana, which will come from the UK Export Finance (UKEF) department, was almost a 300 per cent increase.

“It’s my pleasure to share that UKEF’s country limit, or market risk appetite, for Guyana has been increased, from £750 million to £2.1 billion, nearly tripling the support for Guyanese buyers of UK goods and services.

“And this effectively increases the ability of businesses to access finance for projects and programmes. This effectively enhances the level of potential new business the UKEF can support in Guyana, across sectors in which the UK offer can be more instrumental,” Rutley said.

He further noted that British confidence in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s stewardship of the economy was responsible for this policy change. He also laid out some of

the areas the funding was expected to impact.

“It is also a reflection of the confidence that the UK has in the stewardship of the economy in Guyana by the Government. In terms of the practical effect, the UKEF can support the Guyanese Government in accessing competitive longterm financing for national priority projects, such as social infrastructure, health care, education, infrastructure, or transport,” Minister Rutley detailed.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh welcomed the initiative and noted that it demonstrated confidence not only in the economy but in Guyana as an investment destination for British companies.

“(The increase) represents a very clear signal of the UK’s confidence in Guyana as a destination for British companies to invest in and as a place for British companies to do business with. And we want to thank you for this very clear expression of confidence in Guyana and in the Guyana economy.

“I want to situate this announcement within the context of the very strong and longstanding relationship Guyana enjoys with the United Kingdom. That is, of course, rooted in our shared history, in the relationships between our peoples and also, in our shared values, including our commitment to democracy and the rule of law,” Dr Singh said.

Rutley, who is representing the UK at the 46th Caricom Heads of Government Meeting, was previously in Guyana in December. During his last visit, extensive discussions were had on expanding re-

lations between the UK and Guyana, in sustainable and economic development and security.

It was announced last year that almost 25 per cent of the trade between the UK and the Caribbean was recorded between the UK and Guyana, with trade being more than £1.6 billion.

Signalling continued trade and investments between the two countries, last November, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd and His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean, Jonathan Knott had signed a partnership agreement.

Back in March 2023, the British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) was also launched in Guyana, continuing a trend of increased collaboration between the two countries only days after British Airways made its inaugural flight to Guyana and months after visa restric-

tions were removed for Guyanese visitors to the UK.

Rutley had also been present at the launching of BritCham. He had noted that there was interest on both Guyana’s and the UK’s part to advance their bilateral relationship.

The Chamber acts as a support for other Chambers of Commerce that exist in the countries in which it operates. British and Guyanese companies were also encouraged to sign up as members with BritCham Guyana to enjoy the full benefits of its support in exploring and accessing each market.

The independent, non-profit Chamber was established with the aim of serving as a leading promoter and enabler of trade and investment between the UK and Guyana, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. BritCham Guyana also works closely with the British High Commission in Georgetown. (G3)

UK’s Minister for the Americas, Caribbean and Overseas Territories, David Rutley

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Child labour and rural communities

The Labour Ministry has started an impacting training which is hopefully sustained as a means of reducing child labour in Guyana.

In the local media on Tuesday, there was a story that nine Toshaos from villages in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) were engaged on the detrimental effects of forcing children into child labour.

The aim, according to the article, is for the prevention of child labour, and the need for its elimination in all forms.

In a release to the local press on the issue, the Ministry shared: “the Ministry of Labour continues to take steps towards the goal of eliminating child labour…the Labour Department has worked assiduously, over the past few years, to conduct various sensitisation sessions in rural villages and schools, and has held public engagement events to raise awareness of the issue.”

It went on to say that since assuming office in 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has worked assiduously to tackle the issue of child labour across the country, in keeping with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal to end child labour by 2025.

According to the United Nations, 218 million children between the ages of five and 17 are in employment. Seventy-three million are in some form of hazardous employment –, from agriculture to manufacturing, services to construction.

International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director Guy Ryder, in addressing the issue of child labour, had said that there was no place for it in well-functioning and well-regulated markets, or in any supply chain. He said countries must act now to stop child labour, once and for all, and this has been affirmed by the Sustainable Development Goals. Acting together, it is within everyone’s means to make the future a future without child labour.

To support businesses in their actions to remove child labour from their supply chains, the ILO and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) had jointly created the Child Labour Guidance Tool, a resource for companies to increase their knowledge and ability to conduct business in line with international labour standards on child labour.

The tool draws on the long experience of the ILO’s International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (ILO-IPEC) in collaborating with employers to combat child labour in supply chains and incorporates contributions from a wide variety of companies.

The Government of Guyana, a few years ago, announced that a unit to focus specifically on the issue of child labour would be established. This announcement had come mere days after a survey revealed that there was an alarmingly high number of Guyanese children involved in the worst forms of child labour.

Guyana’s National Child Labour Rapid Assessment Survey was conducted in Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Linden, Corriverton, Black Bush Polder, Number 58 Village, Charity, Kwakwani, and Ituni. It was done among three categories of children: 15 years and younger; 15 to 16, and 16 to 18. A total of 532 children and young workers were involved in the survey.

The survey had detailed that many of the youths who participated in the research in all three categories, were involved in selling and agricultural activities. It was also highlighted that hidden evidence of prostitution activities were found in all of the age ranges.

Another disturbing fact revealed by the survey was that a minor percentage of the working youths sustained illness and injuries while working especially in areas of weeding, begging or carrying out sexual activities. Many children and young workers were involved in carrying heavy loads and operating machinery and were exposed to chemicals, pesticides and gases at their places of work.

Troubling also was the fact that most of the households that the children were from were headed by single females who had more than one dependant. The study also highlighted that guardians/ parents reported the main reason for the children working was to help support their families. The study also highlighted that 67 per cent of the children in the 15 years and younger category were males, with 40 per cent of this age group not in school and 36 per cent of them employed on a full-time basis. A significant percentage of the children, according to the survey, were involved in rice farming while eight per cent were involved in prostitution and stripping.

After the survey was released, the Government had announced that urgent steps to address the issue of child labour will be taken. Among the strategies to address the problem, the Administration had said, were the enforcement of child labour laws; the removal of working children off the streets and ensuring they were in school; and providing more funding to facilitate labour inspections. The announcement of a national child labour policy is welcomed. And, the fact that the Ministry is now working with Indigenous/rural communities to eliminate child labour is laudable.

PNC need to attain freedom from their chained and opaque minds

Dear Editor, In his autobiography, South Africa’s first black President, Mr Nelson Mandela, wrote, “To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” In his five years of presidency, his accomplishments included “South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, designed to document human rights violations and help victims and violators come to term with their past.” The commission provided a process of “restorative justice”, which concentrated on repair rather than retribution during a healing age, as, the country recovered from an infrastructure of racial discrimination, violent social and economic scars, after being imprisoned under dictatorship and class supremacy.

Guyana suffered a similar fate from 1964 to 1992 under the PNC Administration, with Burnham and Hoyte contributing to 28 intolerable years of human suffrage, empowered by a systemic election rigging vehicle. This was again repeated from 2015 to 2020 as the Granger Government destroyed all the gains accumulated from 1992 to 2015 under the astute leadership of the PPP/C Government. Jagan had left a coffer of surplus in 1964 which was quickly eaten up by the PNC Party, who demitted office in 1992 in a bankrupt state. The PPP/C Party, in 2020, acquired a raped Treasury, a broken system of hidden and destroyed records and a country in a topsy-turvy situation.

When Guyana received immeasurable and invaluable help from the international, regional and national communities to help restore democracy during the 2020 general

and regional elections, it was not the end of a reigning political dictatorship from the PNC nor was it the end of their sanctimonious leadership, guidance and practice. The true test of their devotion towards skullduggery, propaganda and tongue-twisting had just begun. They began a hysterical campaign of lies (challenging the election results and the re-counters); dishonesty (blaspheming the observers) and deceitfulness (claiming that the PPP/C Party had, instead, rigged the election). It was a futile exercise from their fruitless exertion! The PPP/C Party gravitated towards an admirable fame instantaneously and globally, and, the reaction was heart-warming to see hundreds of thousands visiting the land of many waters overnight to enjoy the eco-friendly atmosphere of Guyana’s tourism, the unlimited hospitality of Guyanese camaraderie, their cuisine, culture and courtesy.

The PNC had tarnished the clean, well-shaved and smiling face of Guyana’s image during their corruptive rampage from their morally, economically and socially bankrupt tenure of gamesmanship, during the years of 2015 to 2020. Their attempted election rigging was a window to the world to see the transparency of their contaminated mind, their evil agenda, and their toxic schedule. They refused to leave office after losing the 2018 No Confidence Motion. They prolonged their ludicrous governance for another agonising 18 months before submitting to calling an overdue election. During the period of “caretaker-ship,” they indulged in numerous illegal activities, passed unconstitutional resolutions and made self-serving decisions

to satisfy their greed. Selling off the properties of the State cheaply to their friends, families and favourites was the order of the day. No wonder, many of them are in the court, facing charges for the alleged attempt at election rigging and fraud in 2020.

It took a conscious attitude of the sound, sober and sane aptitude of the duly elected PPP/C Party, to apply their damage control eptitude in order to quickly reverse the tainted picture that was painted by the infamous artistry of the PNC Party, both locally and abroad. Upon being sworn-in, duly-elected President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali immediately had the distinguished visiting presence of US Secretary of State, Mr Mike Pompeo and Suriname’s President, Mr Chan Santokhi. This was quickly followed by countless invitations to different international venues to speak as a guest of honour, special invitee and main speaker. His presence was required at international forums where he spoke on worldly affairs and promoted the identity of Guyana as a pace setter in economic development, climate control, global warming, agriculture as a saviour, poverty reduction, social mobilisation, cultural engagements, sports promotion, peace and goodwill for mankind and other urgent issues.

On the domestic scene, the Ali Administration adventurously set about meeting the rigorous challenges in house cleaning and housekeeping. It took painful days and nights to uncover the PNC’s handiwork of mismanagement and discover their craftiness of manipulated financial adulteration. It took a while for State auditors to investigate and report on their fiddled distortions and falsified doctor-

ing of the accounts. In fact, the Auditor General had once stated in September 1993, “As a result, a gap in financial reporting covering the period 1982-1991 existed.” Today, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is enduring the difficulty of dealing with uncomfortable contortions from the previous Administration. That dilemma tells the true story of the kind of track record the PNC had alluded to along their finagling moments.

But the Government had to wait until the passing of the 2021 Budget before they could unleash their recovery programme to move the country from a broken scene to a building stage again, through massive economic development to change the physical and social infrastructure of the country. Humongous financial allowances, grants and assistance have already benefited all classes of Guyanese in all regions. The PPP/C Party have not been torrid but tempered during the past three years of their Administration and they have ensured that the gains now realised from the country’s resources are meaningfully, equally and justifiably deployed to achieve maximum sustenance for Guyana and Guyanese for the present and future. This period of recovery and repair is remarkably recognised and recommended by internationally approved financial gurus, including the IDB, World Bank and IMF. The PNC need to attain freedom from their chained and opaque minds to independent and transparent minds, as experienced and enjoyed by other Guyanese as they constantly cross the floor for betterment under the PPP/C Party.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley viewing local art pieces on display during the Caricom Heads of Government retreat on Tuesday at Splashmins Resort on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. The Heads of Government are in Guyana for the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) (Office of the President photo)

La Grange farmer confesses to burning body of fruit thief

…reportedly admits to placing electricity rod on farm fence to ward off thieves

ALa Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD) farmer on Monday confessed to burning and burying the body of a suspected fruit thief who was electrocuted on his farm back in November 2023.

The dead man has been identified as 22-year-old Shakeel John, also called “Botha” of Lot 44 Inner Bagotville, WBD.

Based on reports received, on Sunday last, a teenager of Inner Bagotville visited the La Grange Police Station and reported that in November 2023, he and two others, including John, colluded to go and steal citrus fruits from a farm in Cone Shop Street, La Grange.

He stated that as they approached the first farm, they were confronted by the owner, who chased them with a cutlass. They did not stop there; they instead went to a second farm and upon scaling a mesh fence, they heard John scream out “ahh”.

At that time, they realised that he was being shocked by electricity running through the fence. As a result, he and his accomplice took a piece of wood and attempted to remove John from the fence, but in the process, he too received a shock to his foot.

Attempts to remove John proved futile and as such, they hid behind a mango tree until the next morning.

As the place began to get bright, they saw the owner of the farm picking fruits and he stumbled upon John’s body that was lying on the ground.

“He walked out back to the front and returned with a sheet in his hands, wrapped up Shaquille and dragged him more into the farm and disappeared,” the young man told detectives.

Upon seeing this, the two young men waited a while before heading out of the farm. The teen’s accomplice reportedly threatened to kill him if he reported the matter.

Upon receiving this information on Monday, a team of Police, along with the teenager, went to the farm where they contacted the owner, a 59-year-old man of Unity Street, La Grange.

The teen then took the

ranks to the area where John was electrocuted. While there, the farmer admitted that he had demolished his old fence and erected a new fence with barbed wire. He was taken into custody.

On Monday, the teenager was interviewed by members of the Child Care and Protection Agency at De Willem, West Coast Demerara (WCD) during which he related the same version of events he told the Police.

Human bones

Later in the day, Police acting on information received revisited the farm where they discovered human bones suspected to be those of John in a clump of bushes.

They proceeded to the home of the farmer where they observed an electrical cable strapped to a coconut tree in the front of his yard.

Further, they observed metal wire on the fence running in a manner that would facilitate the flow of an independent electrical line.

In addition, they stumbled upon an area that appeared to be a fire heap which contained pieces of burnt tyres. Upon closer inspection, they discovered several human bones, including a human skull.

Police stated that the skull had what appeared to be fire damage, and bones were scattered across the more-than-40-foot fire heap.

Additionally, pieces of burnt denim jeans and a piece of male underwear were discovered.

Confession

During interrogation, the farmer allegedly confessed that he had placed an electricity rod on his fence to ward off thieves who constantly invaded his property.

He reportedly told investigations, “Sometime late November last year, because I come home one afternoon from wuk and see one a dem hook up on de fence like he get electrocute. I tek he off and I recognise is “Botha”… I drag he pon de next land and I use some tyre fuh burn he. I tell you de truth: I didn’t kill this man; he done dead.”

The farmer remains in custody and is expected to be charged shortly.

Mother thought son was in the interior

A visit to the victim's home by Guyana Times revealed conflicting details from the victim's mother, Sharon Jones. She claimed to have last seen her son on December 5 last year, not in November, mentioning he left to meet friends and never returned.

“Me and Shakeel were in Belle West because we are building a house there. He was there with me doing some work. At about 6:00h we left and came home, and his friends came and called him out of the house and that was the last time I saw him. I couldn’t call him, because he didn’t have a phone. I woke up the next morning, peeped in his room, and didn’t see him, so I called his friend that he left with – his mother and she told me that her son didn’t come home too,” she said.

The woman said she left for work and when she returned home on the night of December 6, she was told by her older son that one of John’s friends said that he had gone with another friend and a female to Linden.

“My older son told me that someone told him that Shakeel, Timothy [his accomplice], and an Indian girl had gone to Linden to go to the bush, since they would usually travel to the bush for work. So, I figured they had gone to the bush for the new year,” she said.

The woman said she never reported her son’s disappearance, as he often ventured into the interior for extended periods, but this time, he did not call.

“I know whenever he goes to the bush, my son would always call me and let me know and he wouldn’t spend more than three weeks. I continued to call his friend Timothy’s [ the friend he left with] mother and she kept telling me the same thing that she not hearing from Timothy… I feel that she already knew what was going on, but she was hiding it from me,” the dead man’s mother said.

One month later, the woman said someone told her that they heard rumours on street that her son was dead, but she did not believe it, because she felt that her son was working in the interior.

“On the 14th of last month (January) one of them (the third boy) who was with him [her son] showed up and my older son asked him where is Shakeel and the boy said he doesn’t know…my son asked him twice and both times he said he doesn’t know and he said that they ‘buss up’ since that day. Another day we saw the same boy and asked him again about Shakeel and if they hadn’t left to go in the bush and the boy said no and then is when we realised the boy's story was mixed up, so we didn’t believe what he was saying. One time he was saying his uncle took them to the bush, then he said they went to Linden,” the woman explained.

Jones said on Sunday while standing on the road waiting for transportation to go to work, a resident of the community reportedly pulled up alongside her in a car and told her he had something that he would like to share with her.

“He said he wanted to talk, and that’s when the boy told me that he heard rumours on the road that Shakeel and Timothy got shocked up and Shakeel dead… I said to him ‘no, that can’t be true because I know they went to Linden’. And it was the same talk all over the village. However, when I didn’t hear from my son, I prayed every day that God would bring home Shakeel safe wherever he was or show me some vision,” she said.

“The same boy [the resident] came back to me and played a voice note with someone saying that my son got shocked and he died. I then went inside and started studying everything, but mostly why my son ain’t calling me, because he doesn’t stay away so long and doesn’t call. The same day the boy that told me about the voice note came back and told me that the Police had caught Keron [John’s friend] and he confessed and it was then I

really believed… and I started hollering.”

When asked why her son was on the farm, the woman said: “I can’t say why, but it doesn’t have a fence; it’s a walkway for anyone, maybe he was just walking or something. I don’t know and can’t say.

“I feel really messed up. It was my last son and he gone with a piece of my heart. I’m really feeling it and every day I’m crying. Some nights I can’t sleep. What I couldn’t get my other sons to do, I could have gotten him to do and that’s why I am feeling it and I miss my son,” the tearful mother said.

“I don’t want to say anything to him. I just want justice, is not a dog or a pig he killed, it is a human being. My son might have even been alive before he buried him.”

Meanwhile, one of John’s close friends, Warren Jackson, said that he believed that the farmer attempted to kill his friend. He said that it was normal for persons in the community

to pass by the farm and pick fruits, because it was an open area. He said that the farmer knew John and knew that he was one of many to pick fruits from the farm.

“This is premeditated murder. My friend wasn’t a big thief, as everyone is making it sound. He picked fruits from farms like all of us in the community… this man is trying to justify his actions by saying this man does molest him. If he was molesting you, why didn’t you go to the station? Why did you move his body off of the scene? Why did you bury him and burn him? This means you didn’t want anybody to know what was going on and we don’t know how many more missing persons you might have killed,” he said.

“All the time we were asking for our friend and we thought he was in the bush, not knowing this man was dead all the time. That man needs to go to jail and he cannot get off from this, because this is murder and he did it intentionally.”

Dead: Shakeel John Friend of John, Warren Jackson

Home of Shakeel John

Page Foundation

Understanding Variable Expressions

Sometimes you want to solve a problem to find an unknown number. The unknown number is called a variable. Variables are usually expressed as letters. Variables are used with numbers and symbols in algebra, a kind of Maths used to find the value of unknowns. An algebraic expression is a group of letters, numbers and operations.

Examples

When you have a variable in a multiplication expression, you do not need to use the x symbol. So 12 x y is usually written 12y. The 12 is called a coefficient, which is a number that multiplies a variable.

Exercises:

Express by writing each expression in word form

by E McG KEanE

I

Fling me the wind

I am the winged seedling Ripe for resurrection

From the treeís old season

Burst is my pod of dreams

I have a hundred breaths to brandish Cracked my seedbox

Mature the pink fibred pinions

And the proud buoyant blades

Greened into manhood

Thinking of their career in the clouds...

Seed in the wind

Reckless speck of quick dust rollicking

II

I have lived in a thousand flowered seasons

When nature makes her bargains in regeneration

I have seen yellowing in gardens

A thousand little contracts with soil and sun

And Godís green investments maturing on the hills.

WORD SEARCH

Canada to help Region accelerate agri value-added programmes – Pres Ali

…says food insecurity in Region rising since 2022

Declaring that the Region’s newest objective is to end hunger and malnutrition by 2030, Caribbean Community (Caricom) Chairman, President Dr Irfaan Ali has revealed that Canada would be helping the Region to accelerate programmes centred on value-added agriculture.

During the opening of the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Caricom Heads of Government, President Ali revealed that Canada would be playing a key role in food security. To this end, the President noted that discussions have already been held with Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen.

“Within this cycle, we’ll be working with the Canadians and this is the first partner I’m going to be putting on notice. We’re going to work with the Canadians to accelerate and implement projects from their agri value-added programme,” President Ali said.

“We held discussions already with Minister Hussen, who is here, and he has responsibility for the investment in agri value-added programmes and projects. For this Region, this is important. Because we have to build our food system for resilience and sustainability against many different shocks, compared to the rest of the world.”

“25 by 2025” initiative

While emphasising that the “25 by 2025” initiative remained a priority, the Caricom Chairman stressed that the Region would seek to end hunger and malnutrition by 2030. President Ali presented statistics on the troubling rise of food insecurity in the Region, brought on by external factors.

“”The 25 by 2025” remains a top priority. However, we’re of the view that we must now focus on ending hunger and malnutrition by 2030. We’re proposing to bring together the human assets that this Region nurtured into international fame. To bring their goodwill together, as Ambassadors to mobilise international financing and

support, so that we can end hunger and malnutrition in this region by 2030.

“Around 57 per cent of the population in this Region were affected by food insecurity, indicating a significant rise of 1.3 million compared to February 2022.

This is an alarming number. And, of course, we need not go into the reasons for this: the imported inflation, the increased cost of fertiliser. Forget about the increased cost, the availability of fertiliser, the availability of agro-chemicals. All of this hinders our development,” the President said.

Food ambassadors

Noting the various cultural and sporting icons

the issue of hunger and malnutrition,” the Caricom Chairman said.

Only a few days ago, Canada signed a CA$120 million (more than G$18.5 billion) loan with the Guyana Government to empower vulnerable groups here. The 10-year agreement for the Sovereign Loan Programme (SLP) was signed on Sunday by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and Minister Hussen.

Under the SLP, loans on concessional terms are provided to eligible countries, tailored to their respective needs and priorities as they relate to poverty reduction and peace and security.

on the sidelines of the summit. During the discussions, agriculture had been high on the agenda.

Following President Ali’s engagement with the Canadian Prime Minister, it was announced that “discussions focused on Canada’s support for the development of Guyana’s oil and gas sector, the two countries’ shared values and approaches to climate resilience, food security, investments, and agriculture”.

the Region is blessed with, President Ali made a call for the Region to allow these persons to be ambassadors to further the food security agenda to global funding sources.

“We have the capability. We have the Usain Bolt, the Chris Gayle. We have all the Clive Lloyds and the big names. The big leaders. We have to use these assets to mobilise resources and create an ambassadorial mission so that we can raise resources, revenue to address

Guyana is the first country to benefit from the SLP in the Western Hemisphere, and the third, globally.

The loan will be utilised to improve social protection under the Human Services and Social Security Ministry in the areas of digital transformation, old age pension, gender-based violence, persons living with disabilities, and trafficking in persons.

In October of last year, during the inaugural Canada-Caricom Summit, President Ali had held bilateral discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa,

During the inaugural summit, a Canada-Caricom Strategic Partnership Agreement was launched to further embed the close collaboration and cooperation between the two sides in mutually-agreed sectors. The Canadian Prime Minister had also pledged almost CA$90 million in foreign aid for the region.

Vision 25 by 2025, which was first conceptualised by President Ali, aims for the Caribbean region to achieve a 25 per cent reduction in the Region’s food import bill by the year 2025. Owing to the Region’s dependency on imported foods, it faces hardships when disruptions occur. And in light of this, the intention was to help create food stability and security. (G3)

From left: Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali; Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the closing briefing of the inaugural Canada-Caricom Summit last year

Regional…

…responsibilities

Whenever Haiti comes to mind, two old sayings rush to mind – “a friend in need is a friend indeed” and “fair weather friends”. Well, Haiti has been more than a friend – it’s been an inspiration for the historic role it played in defeating the army of the great Napoleon Bonaparte to eventually create the first black Republic in the Western Hemisphere!! Before Simon Bolivar!!

But the assassination of Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse back in 2021 by Colombian mercenaries – evidently hired by Haitian business interests – further intensified the endemic crisis. Roving gangs had already been controlling vast swathes of Port-au-Prince and its suburbs, and Haiti’s Police and armed forces appeared incapable of bringing them to heel. The business class prospered because no matter how poor and chaotic, there’s more money to be made in chaos!! Deployed UN forces were similarly ineffective – for the same reason of becoming corrupted –and had to leave.

Some Haitian groups feel that the US has played a role in the chaos from behind the scenes to keep Haiti unstable. They haven’t forgotten the US supporting France’s extraction of reparations – there can’t be another word for it! – from Haiti to compensate for their “loss” after they were kicked out!! That debt was only paid off in the last decade and was one of the main reasons for Haiti’s underdevelopment. The US landed marines to ensure Haiti’s acquiescence – even as they trained Haitian troops for the dictatorships they permitted to develop!

But hey! – countries will do what they hafta do when it’s in their interest, no? Even though your Eyewitness is stumped on what the US gains right now with an unstable Haiti. More refugees floating to Florida?? After Moïse’s assassination they’ve followed through in bringing many of the assassins – with connections to the highest levels of Haitian politics -- to justice. But aware of the historical fears of the “US marines landing”, they’re pushing for a UN-backed force with the boots coming from Caricom and Africa.

For a while Caricom played a “hold me, loose me“ role –even as several African countries supported the idea. One hitch surfaced when Kenya’s Supreme Court ruled that the Executive can’t commit Police on foreign missions. So it was very heartening for Pres Ali at the Caricom HoG meeting to place the need to bring stability to Haiti at the top of the agenda. The US announced that Benin had committed 2000 troops and they were contributing US$200 million to the US$600 million that might be necessary for the mission. Let’s hope all the kinks are straightened before December.

But whatever happened to the Opposition who were shedding crocodile tears about Haiti awhile back when Haitians were being trafficked to Brazil??

…co-operation

Your Eyewitness is pretty chuffed at the launching of a Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC). For too long we’ve allowed our unfortunate history of the British ousting the Dutch from Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice –while Suriname remained Dutch – to keep us apart. Imagine that we’re so similar in our colonial oppression that created a similar culturally-plural society – and yet separated just by a river narrower than the Essequibo – have stubbornly resisted integration.

Suriname becoming a member of Caricom in 1996 offered an opportunity – but maybe because the new PPP Government was more focused on getting us out of the mess the PNC had left us, efforts were desultory. Anyhow, we’re soon gonna have a bridge across the Corentyne River and this should make the physical integration even more pronounced that the backtrack route had served up to now! Suriname soon joining us as an offshore oil producer should push the integration impetus further since collaboration in exploiting our O&G resource would produce – at a minimum – economies of scale.

Go SGCC!!

…oil profits

Exxon’s contesting Chevron’s purchase of Hess’s share of the Stabroek O&G play. The US #1 oil company says #2 Chevron can’t simply walk in and enjoy the value #1 created.

But what about the sanctity of the Hess contract??!!

Suspected Ponzi scheme Woman charged for collecting $36M found not guilty

ABerbice Magistrate has found the wom-

an who was charged with obtaining money totalling $283 million by false pretence not guilty on one of several charges slapped against her.

Magistrate Peter Hugh found the woman not guilty and handed down his ruling at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The court found that while the woman did receive the money, the prosecution failed in its bid to prove her guilty as charged.

Phylicia Jallim, 37, a former NAFICO Branch Manager, of Welcome Street, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice and Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was charged with obtaining the sum of $39 million from Abdul Rashao.

In finding the woman not guilty, Magistrate Hugh pointed out that Section 124 of the Criminal Law Offence Act, Chapter 81 -5 states that anyone, who by false pretence, obtains from any other person money, which they intend to defraud shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment.

The Act further states that “obtaining by false pretence” refers to fraud or de-

ceit where an individual acquires property or money from another person by misrepresenting the material facts on which the victim relies on in parting with the property or money.

The offence is intended to protect the property rights of the individual by punishing deceptive practices.

The prosecution is required to prove false representation; knowledge of the false claim whereas the defendant knew of its falseness or was reckless as to the truth; intent to deceive; the defendant gained property or money and the victim suffered loss or was exposed to a risk of loss.

In his ruling, the Magistrate said the nature of the false representation is of utmost importance.

He said the false representation must be significant enough to influence the decision of the person being deceived and is intended to cause the victim to act in a way they would not have acted if they knew the truth resulted in a gain for the perpetrator and a loss for the victim.

During the lengthy trial, Abdul told the court that on September 18, 2022, he met Jallim in the presence of a Berbice pastor and she told

China’s renowned Canton Fair set for April 15

…to display over 2.7 million products

The 135th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) is scheduled to open on April

15, with over 2.7 million products uploaded onto the Canton Fair online programme.

The event will be held onsite and online; the onsite exhibition will be offered in three phases from April 15 to May 5 at the Canton Fair Exhibition Hall, Pazhou Island in the Guangzhou in China.

In a release on Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown said that the exhibition will take three phases and focus on “advanced manufacturing”, “quality home life” and “better life” while the online platform will open for half a year, March 16-September 15. Adhering to the concept of openness, cooperation, integration and sharing, the 135th session will provide global buyers with a one-stop trading platform featuring complete exhibit variety; quality products with competitive prices; and convenient, efficient and reliable services. It is set to optimise the exhibition structure and gather various premium companies.

Over 28,000 selected competitive and reputable exhibitors will participate in the session onsite and online, facilitating one-stop sourcing for overseas buyers with new products, green and low-carbon, smart and innovative. Over 2.7 million products will be uploaded

onto the Canton Fair online platform to offer abundant and high-quality choices for global buyers and nearly 200 Trade Bridge matchmaking events will be staged.

Activities themed: “Discover Canton Fair with Bee & Honey” will be hosted to demonstrate to global buyers the extraordinary charm of “Intelligent Manufacturing in China”.

Fifteen industry activities will be held to share industry insights and trade information with attending buyers and suppliers. Over 300 product release activities will be staged where CF Award winners and industry-leading enterprises will be invited to participate, demonstrating numerous new products, fantastic highlights, and boundless opportunities.

Interested overseas buyers can apply for badges at airports and designated hotels or scan the pre-registration code and get a badge application receipt in advance to attend the Canton Fair more conveniently.

To learn more about the Canton Fair, please visit the official website: https://www. cantonfair.org.cn/en-US

Registration Guide (The Opening Time is February 6-May 4): https://www. cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/ posts/719130611121729536

Invitation Letter Application Guide (The Opening Time is February 6-May 4): https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/pages/716622962182402048

him that she was lending money to contractors and giving back 10 per cent of the money invested.

He told the court that before he handed over the money, “I asked her if she was sure that she would give the money that she is saying that she is giving.”

The Virtual Complainant said he gave her $15 million and one week after, she returned and handed him $18 million. “She told me that some other contractors needed some money and she

would keep the $18 million and give it to them. After I gave her the $18 million, she never gave me back any money,” he said.

Under cross-examination, Abdul told the court that the pastor told him that Jallim was conducting a legal investment business.

Meanwhile, Ramdatt Ramlochan, a businessman and proprietor of Double K Enterprise of Bath Settlement, who the court was told that Jallim was lending the money to, in his testimony, said he knew Jallim from NAFICO Insurance Company, but he never did any business with her and he was not a Government contractor and never had any arrangement with her in relation to borrowing or lending money.

When Jallim was required to lead a defence – in an unsworn statement, she said she did not take any money by false pretence. She said that it was the pastor, who organised every-

thing, who had taken the man’s money.

The Magistrate said the court found that Abdul had given Jallim $15 million, $6 million and then another $15 million.

The first $15 million was repaid with a $3 million interest, but Jallim took that sum saying that she was lending it to another contractor.

The last $15 million was given to Jallim after she told Abdul that Ramlochan of Double K Enterprise needed $15 million to borrow.

The Magistrate said the court had to determine which representation Abdul was relying on when handing over the money. Was it that she was lending the money to contractors and giving back 10 per cent, or the statement of the pastor, which is that Jallim was conducting a legal investment business.

The court found that it was the statement of the pastor Abdul was relying on.

Noting that the charge as laid out states ‘with intent to defraud’ obtained the sum of $39 million by falsely pretending that she was in a position to invest it and to deliver a profit, the Magistrate said he was satisfied that the prosecution was able to prove that Jallim did receive the money.

However, Magistrate Hugh said the prosecution failed to prove that Jallim intended to defraud Abdul or that she represented falsely that she was in a position to invest the $39 million and deliver a 10 per cent profit knowing same to be false.

As such, the Magistrate found the woman not guilty of the offence for which she was charged.

Meanwhile, Jallim will be back in court on March 18, when another trial for charges of a similar nature starts. The cases are being prosecuted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). (G4)

Phylicia Jallim

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

Guyana taking its place as a leader in Caricom – expanding the coalition of partners

resident Mohamed Irfaan

PAli has emerged as a strong leader in Caricom. When Cheddi Jagan took his rightful place as Guyana’s first elected President in an independent Guyana, while resoundingly admired, he could not take leadership of Caricom, because he inherited an almost bankrupt country, one which had a per-capita income and GDP several-fold less than any other Caricom country at the time, a debt of about 900 per cent its GDP and a population in a wild rush to escape the country.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Bharrat Jagdeo had begun to take leadership as Guyana emerged out of its bankruptcy. Now with access to meaningful resources, President Irfaan Ali is stamping his authority as a leader, solidly placing Guyana as Caricom’s natural leader.

One way Guyana is taking its rightful place as Caricom’s leader is by flexing its diplomatic muscles. As it ends its month-long role as the UN Security Council’s Chair, it has become the voice of those countries which reject the hegemonic, genocidal war being waged by Israel against Gaza. Guyana, through its Chair at the UN Security Council, has made it clear that it rejects Israel’s repugnant war which has placed a ransom on the head of every citizen of Gaza, including its infants and those babies still in the wombs of their mothers. In denouncing the genocidal war, Guyana took a stance squarely opposite to that of America, Canada, the UK and Europe. Guyana showed that as much as it values the friendly relationship with these countries, it will not be cowered into blindly embracing the posture of these countries in the war which promises death to every Gaza citizen.

At the same time, at the UN Security Council, Guyana has stood tall in defending the rights of the Haitian people to self-determination, opposing efforts of international players that continue to foster division in Haiti. While defending the rights of the people of Ukraine, while denouncing Russia for its war against Ukraine, being on the same side as America, the UK, Canada, and Europe, Guyana is not afraid to also stand apart from these countries when it comes to Gaza, when it comes to Cuba, when it comes to Haiti, when it comes to climate change. In our strong pursuit of non-aligned policies of standing for justice, our friends’ enemies will not automatically become our enemies.

In agreeing to the Argyle Meeting in our tension with Venezuela, we showed the world that conflicts must not necessarily lead to wars. Guyana and Caricom, together with CELAC, showed the rest of the world another pathway, very different from those that led to wars in Ukraine and Gaza. We must all be proud that Guyana is becoming known globally for positives such as the fastest-growing economy for the last three years and predicted to maintain that status for several more years to come, for choosing peace as a preferred option over a pathway for war, for choosing to embrace countries in both the North and the South, for opening up our doors and arms to countries in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, as well as maintain our traditional partnerships with America, Canada, and Europe. Far gone are the days when we were known for rigged elections, poverty and Jim Jones.

Caricom’s 46th Heads of Government Conference, headed by President Ali, is being held this week in Guyana. For the first time, a broad coalition of partners, outside of Caricom’s traditional partners, are present. High-level delegations from the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, Brazil, the Middle East, and Africa are present at the 46th Meeting of the Heads of Caricom. While Caricom has, for almost all of its history, depended on partnerships with countries in the West, such as America, Canada, the UK and Europe, it has not fully explored partnerships with countries in the Middle East, and China and India. While Caricom has talked much about South-South partnerships and collaboration, we walked little of the talk. But, recently, we see more and more willingness for a more robust SouthSouth collaboration.

Most of Caricom now have aligned themselves with China’s BRI (Belt and Road Initiative). As of 2024, for the last 20 years, Chinese banks have extended loans above US$150 billion to Latin Americas and the Caribbean (LAC), more than US$50 billion of which have been extended to Caricom countries, with Trinidad and Tobago accessing about US$3 billion, Jamaica about US$2.2 billion, Guyana with more than US$200 million. Whether it is roads, bridges, stadiums, hospitals, schools, ports, even presidential homes, China is rapidly becoming a staple in the Caribbean. When Caricom was born more than 50 years ago, outside of Cuba and Guyana, China was a pariah state in Caricom and the Caribbean. Today, China is a strong ally for Caricom.

In 2019, the first Caricom-India Summit was held. Last year, in Georgetown, the fourth Summit was held. Guyana has had a long relationship with India. While other Caribbean countries also had friendly relationships with India, none had as close a relationship with India as Guyana did. Now the relationship between Caricom and India has blossomed into a strong economic and social relationship. Presently, India has extended US$150 million concessional funding for Caricom countries. India wants and has pursued a strong presence in Caricom.

But Middle East countries, such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are all pursuing relationships with Caricom. At the same time, the traditional solidarity with Africa is beginning to explore stronger economic linkages. Even as Caricom expands its horizon in building robust relationships with non-traditional partners, Caricom is deepening its engagement with Latin America and the deep south of South America.

Guyana is playing a liaison role in many of these relationships. With its history of strong relationships with India, China, Cuba and more prominent relationships with Middle East countries, Guyana is leading a new Caricom diplomatic front with non-traditional countries. We have taken a leadership role in Caricom. President Ali is stamping his handprint in this new brave world for Caricom.

Man seen burning Hindu religious artifacts apologises after ERC probe

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) recently investigated a video that captured two individuals burning Hindu religious artifacts. The disturbing video was posted on Facebook under the name Selwyn Francis.

Upon conclusion of the investigation, the ERC found that Francis was the individual seen burning the items. His full name is

Keroy Keyon Francis, also known as Selwyn Francis.

As such, the Commission engaged Francis regarding the Facebook post and he expressed remorse and acknowledged that at the time he had not fully grasped the impact of his actions on the Hindu community and the broader public.

Recognising the importance of mutual respect, understanding and tolerance,

Francis extended his apologies to the Hindu community and the wider public for the offensive post, as seen in the attached video.

The ERC will continue efforts to promote harmony and good relations among all ethnicities, and takes this opportunity to encourage all to be respectful, tolerant and mindful of the diverse beliefs and practices of all ethnicities in Guyana.

Keroy Keyon Francis, also known as Selwyn Francis, who was investigated by the ERC

Online application portal launched for pensioners, persons with disabilities

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry on Tuesday launched an online application platform for pensioners and persons living with disabilities, as it embarks on leveraging technology to enhance accessibility.

This digital platform will streamline access to vital services, facilitating efficient communication and ensuring a more inclusive support system.

With this investment, the Ministry aims to enhance the overall experience for beneficiaries, making essential services readily available and fostering a more responsive social security system.

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud shared that they were changing the way in which services were accessed to ensure that they

were inclusive, accessible, and harnessed the power of Information Communication Technology (ICT).

She disclosed, “This portal is one that is in line with His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Government

of Guyana’s commitment to move Guyana on the international stage by moving us in the national arena first, in the world of digital technology. Here is where we tackle some of the difficulties experienced by some of our most vulnerable populations and target populations.”

Now, from the comfort of their homes, individuals can seamlessly access the portal to track the progress of their applications with unprecedented ease.

On the site to complete applications, persons can upload documents or identification and submit the form.

The Ministry is also working to integrate features so that persons with hearing and sight impairments can utilise the platform. With this feature, the Minister also outlined that this cuts process-

ing by more than 50 per cent. Overall, many strides have been made in improving accessibility.

“Persons were accustomed to congregating at the post offices across the country to encash their pension. We have moved significantly since then. In the last three years of Government, we now have alternate venues which allow for persons living with disabilities and pensioners to have their vouchers using the booklets and cash every day of the month. That is significant. So, you will not see at the post offices those long lines and you will not hear the cries that monies have run out,” it was related.

The portal is being piloted in Regions One (BarimaWaini), Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and

will soon be replicated in Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam); Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

“There are lots of positives that will be coming out of this. Less bureaucracy, less time, less going anywhere...No person should feel left out in what we’re trying to do as a Ministry and wider as a Government. This Ministry has pioneered our national efforts in using ICT,” it was noted.

A verification exercise will commence in March, ensuring that the information of senior citizens and persons with disabilities is recorded. The Ministry is moving to transition persons from permanent disability into the pensionable establishment.

Old age pension has

moved from $19,500 in 2020 to $36,000 in 2024 with a commitment to further increase it.

As of 2024, some 76,000 registered pensioners are projected – an increase from 58,100 in 2020. In the direct delivery system, 5003 persons have benefitted along with 2374 persons living with disabilities.

Persons were urged to also utilise the banking mechanism as the Minister shared, “The banking system, which is not very new, is something I would like to encourage more persons to utilise. It currently has 1574 persons listed as using the system. I would say that this is an easy system. You relinquish your books. We have a desk now at the Lamaha Street office and persons can use the online platform to sign up for the banking system.” (G12)

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud

Labour Ministry engages Region 2 Toshaos to end child labour in communities

Nine Toshaos from villages in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) were on Tuesday engaged on the detrimental effects of forcing children into child labour – an initiative by the Labour Ministry to end such practices in Guyana.

The villages included Bethany, Mashabo, Capoey, Mainstay/Whyaka, St Denys, Kabakaburi, St Monica/Karawab, Akawini, and Wakapao.

The session was conducted by Advisor to the Minister of Labour and Chairperson of the Steering Committee for the Implementation of the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour, Gillian Burton-Persaud and Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine.

The officials discussed strategies implemented by the Labour Ministry to-

wards the prevention of child labour, stressing the need for elimination of the practice in all forms, and emphasised the negative physical and emotional effect it has on children.

Meanwhile, the impor-

tance of building partnerships with the communities and their leaders to prevent and eliminate child labour was also ventilated as well as the role that community leaders, members and stakeholders can play

Labour, Joseph Hamilton, the Labour Department has worked assiduously, over the past few years, to conduct various sensitisation sessions in rural villages and schools, and has held public engagement events to raise awareness of the issue,” the Ministry shared.

Since assuming office in 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has worked assiduously to tackle the issue of child labour across the country, in keeping with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal to end child labour by 2025.

Here, in Guyana, the Government has passed legislation and enacted laws that mandate severe penalties for infringements that could cause harm to children, while recognising that the Guyanese culture allows children to be involved in family income-generation activities, as well as children’s efforts to engage in odd jobs in their spare time, once such activities do not affect their education and/ or jeopardise them or their health in any way.

in helping the authorities tackle the issue of child labour.

“The Ministry of Labour continues to take steps towards the goal of eliminating child labour. Under the preview of Minister of

An International Labour Organisation (ILO)-United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) report indicates that 8.2 million children between the ages of five and 17 are engaged in child labour in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Child labour is prevalent worldwide, but especially in Third World countries and in countries at war. The ILO and UNICEF inform that child labourers have risen to 160 million worldwide –and counting. The two organisations have warned that nine million additional children were at risk as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (G12)

Toshaos and Labour Ministry officials following the engagement

WTO Ministerial Conference

Guyana calls for equitable support for all members

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodar Indar is representing Guyana at the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), where he has shed light on the need for equitable support for developing states.

Ministerial Conversations on Trade and Sustainable Development and Trade and Inclusiveness were held on Monday, geared at allowing Ministers to share their views on critical topical issues.

Speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Member States, Indar noted that small Caricom States facing the challenge of ever-increasing external debt needed to find the appropriate place in global value chains, which allows for balance of import and export values to support sustainable development.

The impact on small vulnerable economies of adverse climate events is more likely to be catastrophic in economic, environmental and social terms, said Indar.

He further observed

that much more work needed to be done within the WTO “to find the right balance of measures that support sustainable development for all our members in an equitable and inclusive way. We must continue our examination of all these issues, even if we restructure the way in which we address them.”

Regarding Trade and Inclusiveness, Minister Indar emphasised on behalf of the Region, that the discussions must represent the

start of a transformative process that effects progress in reforming the WTO to fulfil all of its functions.

The Guyanese Minister reiterated that at the macro level, the mantra of full integration of Developing Members, including LeastDeveloped Members, into the multilateral trading system must go beyond the recitals in ministerial declarations and statements.

At the micro-level, he said we must address the factors that marginal-

ise small traders, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries. MSMEs account for approximately 90 per cent of Caricom enterprises, a significant portion of which operate in the informal sector.

MSMEs account for more than 60 per cent of Gross Domestic Product in some countries and create about 45 per cent of jobs. The sector is a key source of employment for women, youth and the rural poor.

It plays a leading role in the production and marketing of agricultural produce, construction, equipment repairs and maintenance,

technical services, food and the retail trade, and dominates in some manufacturing sub-sectors such as wood products, garments and sewn goods, and handicraft items, leaders heard.

The 13th Ministerial Conference is being held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), until February 29, 2024. It is the highest decision-making body of the WTO. Minister Indar is accompanied by Chargé d’Affaires of Guyana’s Permanent Mission to the WTO, Bevon McDonald; Director of Foreign Trade, Paul Kalekyezi and First Secretary of Guyana’s Permanent Mission to the

WTO, Colin Luckie.

Indar also led Guyana’s delegation to the preparatory caucus of the meeting of the Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), held on Sunday. The OACPS Ministers met to prepare for the 13th Ministerial Conference and issued a declaration following their meeting.

Speaking, on behalf of Caricom, Minister Indar urged the WTO to amplify the development dimension of its work, and reiterated Caricom’s commitment to an open, transparent, equitable, and inclusive rules-based multilateral trading system under the WTO. (G12)

Guyana better equipped to reduce spread of HIV/AIDS – Anthony

The Government, through the Health Ministry, has made significant strides towards closing gaps associated with access of treatment and care for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS).

This is according to Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, who contends that Guyana is on the trajectory to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health concern by 2030.

During a panel discussion dubbed “Ending AIDS”, it was revealed that the world has the requisite technologies and tools needed to stop the spread of HIV/ AIDS, and Guyana is among many countries with this capability.

Dr Anthony said that among the measures being advanced is the introduction of the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), which will reduce the risk of infection in persons who have been exposed to the deadly virus.

Other tools include the ability to conduct mass testing, provide immediate treatment, engage people in treatment and preven-

tion programmes, spearhead condom distributions, and reinforce sexual education in the school system, while encouraging more persons to get tested for the disease.

Dr Anthony added that political willpower was also in alignment with the need to eliminate the legal and social stigma associated with the disease, so more persons could feel safe to be treated.

“It looks like an advance for us, because we’re now introducing them, but these techniques have been around for quite some time and we have seen how they work in other places and we feel by adding these newer techniques plus more traditional ones that we can have

an impact,” the Minister said.

Further, he noted that based on the 95-95-95 target set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, in Guyana, 94 per cent of HIV-positive persons know their status, 76 per cent of those diagnosed are receiving antiretroviral treatment and 28 per cent of those diagnosed have achieved viral suppression.

On this point, he added that HIV/AIDS treatment and care for migrants is available in Guyana, however, due to the language barrier there have been some challenges with reaching that population.

“In our country, we do

have some challenges with migrants and we have offered the same services we offer to our population; we have made that available to the migrant population… I know with the NAPS programme they see hot spots in different areas and in those areas, we have intensified our activities. So, hopefully we wouldn’t see too much flaring up in terms of cases, but that we can address the issues as they’re evolving,” Dr Anthony added.

In an effort to address this, the Ministry will be spearheading bilingual outreaches in communities where migrant populations are high.

238 new HIV cases

The Health Minister reported that in 2023, the country recorded 238 new cases of HIV, taking the total number of known HIV cases in the country close to 9000.

During a press conference in early January, Dr Anthony revealed that there were 6558 persons who are on HIV treatment in the country, and efforts are ongoing to encourage others to begin the treatment.

“This year we record-

ed 238 new cases, which is a decline, and we are happy about that. But we have approximately 9000 persons, who have been HIV positive, and of those, we have 6558 persons that are on treatment. And earlier in the year, we installed a viral load machine, so we are now able to do viral loads, and we will see, whether or not, the treatment that we are giving people, once they comply, whether they are having viral suppression, which is very important, because if we suppress the virus then those persons are not able to transmit the disease,” the Health Minister had explained.

He had said work was ongoing by the Health Ministry to ensure more persons were aware of their status, and those who were HIV positive were on treatment to suppress the virus.

“It now shifted a little bit to 95-95-95. The first 95, we have achieved. So, basically, what we have, persons knowing their status, we have achieved that first 95. In terms of the second one, people who are on treatment, I think we are about 80-something per cent of the persons who know their sta-

tus, who are on treatment.

So, that needs to go up a little bit more to achieve 95. So, what happens, some people when we diagnosed them, they don’t come in for treatment, because in the early stages, people feel well, they don’t have any [symptoms], so they are not coming for treatment. But we still need to work on that to bring more people into treatment. Viral loads in the past had been a problem for us, because we didn’t have viral loads and we had been asking people to do these privately. Now, that we have a viral load machine, that number is going to go up significantly. So, I would imagine all the persons who are on treatment would be able to get their viral loads done and then, we will be able to determine whether they are virally suppressed,” Dr Anthony added.

The Ministry is also encouraging more persons to do self-testing.

Testing kits are being made available for free for home testing. Dr Anthony said persons who test positive need to visit the Health Ministry or a clinic in their community to begin treatment and begin living a healthier lifestyle.

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar participating in the session

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony during the panel discussion dubbed “Ending HIV”

HPV scientific conference

“It is cheaper to prevent cervical cancer than treat it” – Health Minister

It is cheaper to help persons protect themselves from cervical cancer with a free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine than it is to treat the cancer.

This statement was made on Tuesday by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony during an HPV Scientific Conference at Pegasus Corporate Suites, Kingston, Georgetown.

The two-day conference, which is being hosted in collaboration with the Pan American Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), is expected to present evidence of lessons learnt from countries on HPV vaccine introduction and its impact on cancer reduction and prevention.

In addition, it will provide the platform to review global strategies and attributing factors to cancer prevention, and the participants will undertake discussions on strategies to

vaccine ,then we want to make sure that every child in this country is protected. The cost for such a vaccine and getting it through PAHO’S strategic fund is minimal,” the Health Minister explained.

Dr Anthony said that

has the virus.

It also spreads through close skin-to-skin touching during sex, even if the individual with the virus has no visible signs or symptoms.

There is no cure for the virus itself, however,

increase the uptake and coverage of HPV vaccination as part of the cervical cancer prevention and elimination strategy.

During his remarks, the Health Minister revealed that Guyana’s HPV vaccination rate is relatively low while cervical cancer remains the second most prevalent cancer among women.

According to Dr Anthony, mass HPV vaccination will commence soon to address the issue, and he urged eligible persons to take the HPV vaccine and help protect themselves.

“We want to change that because if cervical cancer is the number two cancer among women and this is preventable via

vaccines for HPV are available at all primary healthcare facilities across the country.

He said the testing programme would be used as one of the frontline interventions to identify people at risk, specifically women ages 30 and above.

“We have the equipment, we have trained people, we have the vaccine, so what is stopping us from getting the population immunised, nothing is stopping us. I want to see by the end of this year that the numbers that we have go up in a very significant way,” Dr Anthony said.

HPV HPV is sexually transmitted by vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who

treatments are available for health problems that HPV can cause, such as genital warts and cervical cancer, among others.

In 2023, the Health Ministry expanded access to HPV vaccines to persons beyond 15 years of age, in keeping with new guidelines issued by global health authorities.

The Government of Guyana has increased significantly its health investment, with more than a doubling of the per capita investment in health between 2020 and 2023.

In acknowledging these advances, the Health Ministry was urged to elevate the strategies and actions to manage and control cancers in our country.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a cancer arising from the cervix, which is located in the lower part of the womb.

It is the result of abnormal growth of cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body.

Having sexual intercourse at an early age or

having multiple partners, smoking and contracting sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis increase a person’s chances of developing the disease.

The two most effective procedures to detect cervical cancer are the pap smear test, which looks for pre-cancer cells that might become cervical cancer and the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) which examines the womb, or the cervix, for changes that might lead to cancer.

However, while both of the tests can get the job done, the VIA test is more readily available to women

compared to the pap smear test.

Further, the Human papillomavirus infection examination and vaccines can help prevent women from developing cervical cancer.

Screening for cervical cancer using the pap smear and VIA method should be done every three years from the age of twenty- one while testing for HPV should start from the age of thirty years.

It is recommended, however, if someone undergoes both examinations that they repeat the procedure every five years and not three years . (G2)

2 injured, 11 homeless as fire ravages Craig house

Adevastating fire ripped through a house at Lot 23 Craig, Old Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), leaving 11 people homeless and two injured.

The blaze, which engulfed the house containing four apartments, started about 10:20h on Tuesday.

One of the occupants, Duan Bunbury recounted that she was at work when she received the distressing news and rushed to the scene.

Upon arrival, she was met with the terrifying sight of her family's residence consumed by flames.

The building, owned

by her 62-year-old mother, housed multiple generations of their family, including siblings and their respective families. Bumberry's father sustained burns to his hand, while her mother suffered severe third-degree burns on her body.

“We lost trillions of dollars because my parents had a lot of expensive furniture and appliances that they brought into the country… I grew up here since I was a child and now, I am grown and married. Now, everything is gone… the house is not insured and when the fire occurred, everyone in the house was

asleep,” she said.

Eyewitnesses described the chaos that ensued as the fire rapidly spread. A neighbour, who was awakened by a deafening explosion, said he initially mistook the sound for an exploding transformer.

It was after he went to enquire, that he saw the thick smoke and the crumbling structure. Firefighters responded to the scene, but despite valiant efforts from both emergency responders and concerned neighbours, the fire destroyed the property.

The cause of the fire is being investigated. (G9)

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony addressing the HPV Scientific Conference

The house being destroyed by fire

Around the World

Oil rises more than US$1/ bbl as OPEC+ mulls extending output cuts

NEWS

NATO allies rule out sending troops to Ukraine as Russia rebukes Macron

The United States and key European allies said on Tuesday they had no plans to send ground troops to Ukraine, after France hinted at the possibility, and the Kremlin warned that any such move would inevitably lead to conflict between Russia and NATO.

French President

Oil prices rose more than US$1 a barrel on Tuesday as sources said the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies led by Russia, known as OPEC+, is considering extending voluntary oil output cuts into the second quarter to provide additional support.

Brent crude futures rose US$1.12, or 1.4 per cent, to US$83.65 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up US$1.29, or 1.7 per cent, at US$78.87.

OPEC+ agreed in November to voluntary cuts totalling about 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) for the first quarter this year, led by Saudi Arabia rolling over its own voluntary cut.

The producer group could keep the additional cuts in place until the end of the year, two of the sources told Reuters.

"We are going to see some tight supplies down the road," said Dennis Kissler, Senior Vice President of trading at BOK Financial.

"OPEC is looking for mid-US$80s, may be around US$85 a barrel on Brent. If we stay below that, they will curtail production all the way to the year end," Kissler added.

Also supporting prices on the supply side, Israel and Hamas, as well as Qatari mediators, all sounded notes of caution about progress towards a truce in Gaza, after US President Joe Biden said he believed a ceasefire could be reached in under a week to halt the war for Ramadan.

Yemen's Houthi spokesperson said the group's operations in the Red Sea would stop only when Israeli "aggression" against Gaza ends. Houthi missile and drone attacks on international shipping have driven up the cost of transporting energy products and contributed to a tighter market.

In the US, crude inventories were expected to have risen about 2.7 million barrels last week, while distillates and gasoline stockpiles were seen falling, a Reuters poll showed.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) was scheduled to release the industry group's weekly US crude inventories data on Tuesday, followed by the Government's report this morning.

Meanwhile, the 3-2-1 US refinery crack spread, a proxy for refining margins, rose to their highest in more than five months. The surge suggests increased profitability for refineries amidst robust consumer demand for petroleum products.

Markets expect to see some improvement in Chinese oil demand as improving travel demand over the Lunar New Year holiday outweighed worries of slowing macroeconomic indicators.

Russian authorities announced a six-month ban on gasoline exports from March 1 to compensate for rising demand and to allow for refinery maintenance.

Global crude oil markets were expected to be fairly stable this year at around US$80 a barrel, Russel Hardy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of oil and gas trader Vitol, said.

Speaking at the Energy Institute conference, Hardy also said global oil demand was expected to peak in the early 2030s.

Both oil benchmarks had settled more than one per cent higher on Monday after declines of two to three per cent over the previous week as markets factored in a greater likelihood that cuts to interest rates might take longer to come than previously expected. (Reuters)

Emmanuel Macron had said on Monday that Western allies should exclude no options in seeking to avert a Russian victory in Ukraine, though he stressed there was no consensus at this stage.

His comments, made at a hastily-convened meeting of European leaders in Paris on ways to boost flagging support for Kyiv, come amid battlefield gains by Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces in eastern Ukraine as well as growing shortages of ammunition and manpower on the Ukrainian side.

However, Germany, Britain, Spain, Poland, and the Czech Republic distanced themselves from

any suggestion they might commit ground troops to the Ukraine war, now in its third year.

"...There will be no ground troops, no soldiers on Ukrainian soil sent there by European countries or NATO States," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Tuesday.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius was equally adamant.

"Boots on the ground is not an option for Germany," Pistorius told reporters during a visit to Vienna.

The White House later reiterated that it too had no plan to send ground troops, instead urging US lawmakers to approve a stalled security aid bill that would ensure Ukrainian troops got the weapons and ammunition needed to continue their fight.

Seeking to clarify Macron's remarks, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said on Tuesday the President had in mind sending troops for specific tasks such as helping on

mine clearance, production of weapons on site, and cyberdefence.

"(This) could require a (military) presence on Ukrainian territory, without crossing the threshold of fighting," Sejourne told French lawmakers.

The Kremlin issued a swift warning about what was at stake.

"The very fact of discussing the possibility of sending certain contin -

gents to Ukraine from NATO countries is a very important new element," spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, commenting on Macron's remarks.

Asked about the risks if NATO members did deploy troops to fight in Ukraine, Peskov said: "In that case, we would need to talk not about the probability, but about the inevitability (of a direct conflict)." (Excerpt from Reuters)

Thousands could die in days as Israel blocks aid

The UN humanitarian agency, OCHA, says humanitarian organisations are being “systemically denied access” to north and south Gaza and that humanitarian aid convoys are coming under fire. A senior UN humanitarian aid official has said that one-quarter of Gaza’s population – estimated to be at least 576,000 people – is a step away from famine.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden faces a crucial test in Michigan as people go to the polls to vote for the Republican and Democrat presidential candidates in the crucial swing state.

In Michigan, the US state with the highest number of Arab-American voters, an ‘uncommitted’ campaign has grown in recent months, fuelled by a sense

of anger and betrayal in Arab and Muslim communities over Biden’s failure to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

People like YemeniAmerican businessman Kalid Sharjah in Dearborn, Michigan are calling on voters to refrain from casting a ballot in Tuesday’s primary for an incumbent Democratic administration, as they seek to send a message to the Biden Administration.

Israel and Hamas as well as Qatari mediators all sounded notes of caution on Tuesday about progress towards a truce in Gaza, after President Biden said he believed a ceasefire could be reached in under a week to halt the war for Ramadan.

Hamas is weighing a proposal, agreed by Israel at talks with mediators in Paris last week, for a 40-

China urges UN to define roadmap to exempt nonnuclear States from nuclear threat, State media says

The United Nations Conference on Disarmament should define a roadmap or timetable for an international legal instrument to exempt non-nuclear-weapon States from the threat of nuclear weapons, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's department of

arms control said, according to state media.

Director General of the department, Sun Xiaobo, also said countries with the largest nuclear arsenals "should continue to fulfil their special and priority responsibilities", official news agency Xinhua said.

(Reuters)

day ceasefire, which would be the first extended truce of the five-month-old war. Both sides have delegations in Qatar this week hammering out details.

According to a source close to the ceasefire talks, the Paris proposal would see militants free some but

not all of the hostages in return for Israel's release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees, a surge in humanitarian aid for Gaza, and Israeli troops pulling out of populated areas in the enclave.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera and Reuters)

Aruba issues alert after oil spill reached neighbouring Bonaire

The Caribbean island of Aruba issued an alert on Tuesday after an oil spill that was first spotted near Tobago spread to neighbouring Bonaire, threatening its mangrove forests and national parks.

Several Caribbean nations have contacted Trinidad and Tobago to coordinate responses as the Government of the twin-island country tries to halt oil spilling from a barge that capsized in early February while carrying up to 35,000 barrels of fuel oil.

"We have divided Aruba's territory in four sections so each department is monitoring," the Director of Aruba's Crisis Management Office (CMO), Rino Hermans, told Reuters. Turtle nesting sites and tourist beaches will be protected, he said.

Aruba's Government plans to activate a 60-person team of first responders and a cleanup plan as soon as the oil slicks are visible near its shores, the CMO

said.

A similar oil spill coming from Trinidad hit several nations across the Caribbean seven years ago. Hermans said this could be more difficult to resolve as the vessel's owner and operator have not been identified.

On Monday, Bonaire's government said the oil was posing a "serious threat to both humans and nature," and that emergency services had been mobilised. Social media posts by residents and a local media showed pictures of oil-blackened sand, reefs and birds at some beaches.

Aruba's Government is ready to help Bonaire with its cleanup efforts. "Human resources are needed, not equipment, in this phase," Hermans said.

Oil was also detected in Grenada's territorial waters, the closest island to Tobago, Trinidad's Government said last week.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukrainian servicemen of 93rd brigade fire a 2S1 Gvozdika selfpropelled howitzer towards Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region, Ukraine, February 22, 2024 (Reuters/Inna Varenytsia photo)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS

SUDOKU

Don't venture outside your comfort zone. Trust your instincts and use your skills to get you where you want to be. Stick to the rules to avoid interference from institutions or authority figures.

Get your facts straight before you make a move or share your thoughts. Don't take a risk that can affect your health or financial well-being. A change may be necessary if you want support.

Keep moving. Don't look back or let anyone talk you out of what you want to pursue. The less you share with others, the easier it will be to forge ahead without interference. Don't rely on hearsay.

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Learn something new and exciting. Traveling, attending conferences and reunions, and exploring something that interests you will lead to new beginnings. Let your imagination wander.

Find a quiet workplace. Taking care of responsibilities will ease your mind. Refuse to let anyone interfere or ridicule you. Live life your way and associate with those who give you the freedom you need.

Don't make premature decisions, regardless of temptation. Take your time. When the right offer comes along, you will know. For now, enjoy and be grateful for what you have.

If you snooze, you will lose. Make strength, vitality and participation your priorities. Choose fitness, health and romance over indulgence or poor behavior.

Keep a low profile. Focus on what you know, do your best and stay close to home. Consider changes that make life easier, and work to strengthen your emotional state.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Be subtle in order to avoid a dispute. Go about your business, work alone and avoid anything that requires you to share expenses. Be heartfelt and earnest.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Fix up your surroundings. Having a functional workspace and being ready to go will encourage you to finish things on time. Refuse to let emotions get in your way. Don't ignore issues.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Control emotions, choose a healthy lifestyle and excel. Design a routine that will help you stay in shape without breaking your budget. Use your energy to get ahead.

Don't give up before you get started. Embrace change; the outcome will be substantially better than anticipated. Keep things simple and effective.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

ARCHIE

SThat announcement was a bitter pill for Bossalina's connections to swallow. When Bossalina triumphed over Spankhurst in the New Year's feature event in the day's finale. Her followers unfolded their Horse of the Year banner, and flags, and paraded up the RSTC homestretch chanting who was the real Horse of the Year in 2023'.

Spankhurst's connections appreciated Bossalina's celebration as they knew it will be short lived. They claimed Spankhurst was badly impeded in the race, but still managed to finish third to Bossalina, after a near horrific spill.

Spankhurst's trainer, com-

Florida Cup Softball…

menting on the speedster's success, diplomatically announced, "This is why this sport is so great. My symphathy goes out to the connections of Bossalina."

He revealed, "Before the running of the event. It was reported, and confirmed that Bossalina was under a 'cloud,' and might not race. I was praying that it was not a serious problem. I wanted Bossalina to take her place in the race, and she did take her place. She performed admirably under the circumstances and look forward to both horses clashing again." [I]

Bossalina's owner/trainer, Deleep Esreepersaud reached for a comment on her perfor-

Regal Legends stumble at the final hurdle

On the hottest day of the Florida Cup not only because the sun was out but also the action in the middle. It was the day of finals and new champions emerged at Osswald Park, Fort Lauderdale.

In the over-50 category, New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Legends won by a slim margin of four wickets over former champions Regal New York (NY) Hustlers in a transformed baseball field.

Witnessed by a large number of spectators, Regal NY Hustlers crawled to 122 for 8 from their 20 overs. Opener Shameer Sadaloo top scored with a patient 35 from 42 balls (3x4). The NYSCL Legends bowling was steady with Captain Nandalall Doodnauth (2/20), Amad Shahzaman (2/27) and Rafiq Sattaur (2/28) preventing the powerful Regal NY Hustlers from getting away.

Opener Unis Yusuf made 17 while Ramesh Deonarine chipped in with 12. Before the final, Deonarine had 338 runs, including three half-centuries and a magnificent 110. The Essequibian was later adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the tournament and also received a prize for being the leading batsman and for scoring a century.

In reply, NYSCL Legends openers dominated the powerplay scoring 40 runs for the loss of only Tony Fernandes for 12.

After the fast bowlers went for runs, Yusuf not only got the breakthrough, but also stalled the run chase momentarily. However, opener and Player of the Match in the final, Erapali Sahadeo kept his side in the hunt for their first Legends win in a final against

Regal Legends in seven attempts. The powerful righthander smacked 5 fours and 5 sixes from 45 balls on his way to 63. When he was dismissed at the end of the 15th over at 98 for 3, there were anxious moments with 25 runs needed from 30 balls.

In the next over, Yusuf sent back Harischandra Sahadeo at 98 for 4 to bring the required run rate to 6. Thakur Kumar (19) and Doodnauth (6) survived some close shaves, but eventually snapped Regal Legends' winning streak of 16 consecutive titles in the final over, ending on 123 for 4 for the 6-wicket victory.

The over-40 category also crowned a new champion when Canada Legends (172-3) beat Orlando Masters (171-8) by 7 wickets with 23 balls to spare.

It was the Canadian Legends’ fifth attempt at the title. MVP of the tournament, Patrick Rooplall once again led the way with a match-winning 86 (55b; 4x8, 6x6). Rooplall scored two centuries to also end as the leading run scorer.

In the Open category, Orlando All Stars won a high-scoring encounter over South Florida Softball Cricket League All-Stars by 54 runs. The visitors stormed their way to 240 for 7 while the home side replied with a spirited effort of 186 for 8. For Orlando, Ricky Sargeant swiped a 13-ball 50, but ended on 60 from 18 while MVP of the Tournament, Devon Subhai top-scored with 66 at the top of the order.

The South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFCL), led by President Anoop Basdeo, came in for a lot of praise for the effective management of the 3-day tournament which attracted 17 teams from Canada, USA and Guyana.

The next international softball tournament is in New York at the end of June, which will be organized by the New York Softball Cricket League.

The final leg will be the Prime Minister's T20 Softball Cup in Guyana set for October 11, 12 and 13, which is organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League.

mance, said, "We will be coming back to take on Spankhurst. The people of Guyana want to see them clash. We will not disappoint them." He closed, "I am not making

excuses for her defeat. She had a little problem going into the race. She also had three hard races and deserves the rest. She ran good, but did not put up the kind of running she ac-

custom doing. I think the track condition was against her. Her rider (Nicholas Patrick) said she did not enjoy the surface. She came back a little sore on the cannon."

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition… Teams to join automatic qualifiers to be known this weekend

The race to make the final cut to join the other automatic qualifiers in this year’s Georgetown zone of the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition will be staged this Sunday, at a venue to be announced shortly.

Widely regarded as the most famous of the street football tournaments in the country, the event is set to kick off on March 15, at the National Park. Returning after an unavoidable hiatus, the organisers are pulling out all the stops to ensure that the hugely popular tournament makes a triumphant re-entry to the football arena.

Thirty-two of the top teams from Georgetown will vie for bragging rights and the right to be crowned champion over eight days of competition along with lu crative prize monies and totalling in excess of $1.5 million, while an automat ic berth in the national final is assured.

Guinness Brand executive Lee Baptiste, speaking recent ly, said because of the tourna ment’s absence for a prolonged period, they are just as excited and anxious as the teams and fans to see the unrivalled tournament make its return to the sports calendar.

end, they have been planning meticulously to ensure that teams, management staff ,and fans who come out to the event have a great time, a feature that is usually associated with the tournament.

The other playing days are March 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 and 30 with the final set for the 31.

He added that this year’s zone opener will enjoy unprecedented media exposure, informing that all platforms will be utilised to promote the event.

Defending champions Gold is Money will be aiming to secure their third consecutive title, but they clearly understand that doing so will be even more difficult than before, judging from the recent performances of some of the recently formed teams.

However, if they are successful, it will make them the first team to do so.

Teams such as Sparta Boss, Bent Street, Back Circle, Sophia, Alexander Village and recently- crowned Mashramani champions Stabroek Ballers among others will be aiming to stop them in their quest to retain the title.

suggest a new champion will be crowned, but not many pundits are daring to write off the more established teams yet.

This year will also witness a more vibrant community interaction, all aimed at bringing communities together to create social cohesion among residents and to identify talent within the participating communities.

What is guaranteed is that fans could expect riveting action from the first night’s kickoff, while there will be giveaways to them throughout the duration of the competition.

Details of the tournament’s official launch will be released shortly.

“We are hoping that the tournament enjoys an exciting return, and it is played with the same level of discipline and keen rivalry that fans became accustomed to in previous years,” Baptiste said.

He revealed that to this

Judging from recent competitions, this year’s tournament could be one of the most evenly contested and exciting in recent memory with a cadre of young upcoming teams eager to stamp their name in the annals of the tournament.

There is sufficient proof to

Spankurst leaving Easy Time, Bossalina and Stolen Money in the dust

The NYSCL Legends

Slingerz fan jerseys soon available for purchase

…Following collaboration with MVP Sports

Slingerz Football Club is on a high this week, first boldly announcing their return to the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF)/ KFC Elite League with a massive 7-0 win and now becoming the first local team to have their jerseys retailed in store.

The groundbreaking merchandising announcement was made on Tuesday at MVP Sports’ Giftland Mall outlet, with the business entity being both a kit partner

and the location at which the Slingerz replica jerseys will be sold.

At the simple unveiling ceremony, the Club’s VicePresident Rawle Toney divulged that it has been amongst the club’s plans for a long time and it is a step in the direction of professionalization.

“This has been a long

time in the making with Ian. We had this discussion for quite some time. As you know the setback with getting into the Elite league, first phase is completed. We want to be the first local club to have our jerseys in stores because it’s something that we don’t see in Guyana.”

“It’s hard to walk in and ask for your favourite club, we want to lead in that. So,

we will be the first team in Guyana that people come and buy your fan jerseys for Slingerz.”

Toney went on to add about the move being a step in the professionalization direction, “This is the first step, having our merchandise in store. As I said earlier, I am peeved when, we members of the media have to report a club saying ‘wear red or orange or green or black to support Slingerz FC’. We want to move away from that and we want to set a standard. This is the first step in setting that standard.”

On the other hand, owner of MVP Sports Ian Ramdeo highlighted the massive impact that merchandising can have for clubs’ revenue.

Ramdeo pointed out, “For us it’s not just about the sponsorship or providing financial support and not just looking for whatever mile-

pummel Junior Jags 4-1

Any hope that Guyana’s Men’s Under-20 football team had of advancing to the next round of the CONCACAF U20 Championships was shattered on Tuesday morning, after a 4-1 loss to neighbouring Suriname.

Guyana’s starting XI saw one change since their draw against El Salvador on Sunday as Rodensia Tudor came in for Brandon Khedoo, but fortunes were not quite the same for the Junior Jags. The remainder of the XI read: Captain Solomon Austin, goalkeeper Emmanuel Lewis, Tyler Lyle, Gerry Burnette, Tyrel Stephen, Kymani Sealey, Ezekial Rowland, Matrim Martin, Kyle Reid and Nathaniel Pydana.

Robinio Pinas opened the scoring in the 7th minute for Suriname, after which Jermaine Rijssel made it a 2-0 game in the 35th.

The Junior Jags upped their defence and kept Suriname quiet for an extended period, well into the second half and coupled with Matrim Martin’s strike for Guyana in the

76th, their hope of pulling it back was renewed.

However, two late goals off the boots of Djaier Prijor and Donagay Misidjang in the 85th and 89th minutes extended Suriname’s tal-

ly to four in the dying moments of the game.

The U20 team will face Turks and Caicos on Thursday, February 29 in their final game of the U20 Qualifiers.

age we can get out of it, it’s deeper than that for us. So, we’re very happy actually to see one of the top clubs in Guyana take this step because as Rawle mentioned, merchandising and fan gear is a big way that clubs and any sports organisation in Guyana can earn revenue.

“Having the team outfitted is the first step. The second step obviously after that is to have the jerseys and the team wear available for fans to purchase and I think a lot of people would be pleasant-

ly surprised to know that there is a demand out there. Regardless of which team, regardless of which sport, regardless of which athlete,” the MVP Sports proprietor went on to add.

Slingerz FC midfielder, Curtez Kellman was on hand to extend gratitude to MVP Sports for their contributions.

“On behalf of Slingerz FC, the executive team, the players, I would like to extend a warm thank you to Mr. Ian and MVP Sports for

coming on board, sponsoring our gears and also the fan jerseys. I want to say thank you once again and continue doing the good work that you have been putting in through sport,” the player said.

The Slingerz FC fan jerseys will be available at both the club and MVP Sports. Jerseys will come in Men’s, Women’s and Youth sizes starting at $5000. According to the club, jerseys should be available before the team’s next Elite League game next week. (Jemima Holmes)

Bowman lauds partners for successful hosting of YBG tournaments

Since its fruition, the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) has been one of the main pillars of basketball development in Guyanese youth as this organisation has managed to host competitive tournaments throughout the year. In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, Co-Director of Youth Basketball Guyana, Chris Wayne Bowman spoke on the emphasis of partners towards the success of the organizations and hosting of the tournament to develop a model of youth development.

“I think the key for us is that we have had good partners over the years. This year, just last week Edward. B. Beharry came back on board for the 14th year, The National Sports Commission has been supporting them for seventeen years, G-BOATS they are now in their fifth year and we anticipate that ExxonMobil will also be back this year for their sixth year,” Bowman divulged.

He went on to add, “So, we have had good partners that allow us to build an infrastructure because it is not just tournaments that YBG

hosts YBG is building a model for youth development thus we host. tournaments, we have year-round developmental programmes, we encourage coaching development, referee development so we are building an ecosystem, an entire framework so that the game can develop and be sustained over time.”

As the Youth Basketball Guyana rolled off their first tournament of the year on Sunday last, their main focus is now set on the National School Basketball Festival, which is set to commence in March. (Omar Mckenzie)

Co-Director of Youth Basketball Guyana, Chris Wayne Bowman

Slingerz players Curtez Kellman and Akel Clarke display the new jerseys alongside MVP Sports owner Ian Ramdeo and Club VP Rawle Toney

The Slingerz fan jersey

The Junior Jags suffered another defeat, this time to Suriname

Slingerz FC Vice President Rawle Toney

Surinamese boxers touch down for today’s GBA Developmental Championship

The Surinamese six-member fight roster arrived on local shores yesterday to participate in the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Developmental Championship, which is slated to commence this evening at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The team that arrived overland comprises two amateur fighters and four elite-level combatants. They are: Donn Sadhoe (lightweight), Valentino Artist (bantamweight), Tony Lin (welterweight), Richard Everd (heavyweight), Domelzo Schet (middleweight), and Leandro Dongo (super heavyweight).

The aforesaid cadre is expected to face a sizable challenge in the form of representatives from notable gyms such as the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Forgotten Youth Foundation, Pace and Power, and Rose Hall Town Jammers.

Among the other categories that will be contested during the tournament are: schoolboys, juniors, youths, and women. The programme is supervised by GBA Technical Director Terrence Poole.

Meanwhile, GBA President Steve Ninvalle said, “The arrival of the Surinamese delegation underscores the importance and

significance that this novel initiative has garnered. The programme, which was born as an attempt to fill an established competitive void, has developed into a mutually beneficial platform, and that is evident by the participation of our Dutch-speaking neighbours.

According to Ninvalle, “Guyana has dominated the English-speaking Caribbean in this discipline, a fact that is not lost on other nations that have opted in the recent past to utilise our shores as a home base for their training cycle and regimen. This initiative, though infant in its application, adds to that regional awareness and structure that will be beneficial to all sundry and gives further credence to the development that has enveloped and transpired in amateur boxing, which has now undertaken an international persuasion.”

He further said, “The arrival of foreign talents on local soil is always a blessing, as it provides international competition for our emerging fighters. No longer is local boxing devoid of international competition. What the professional realm has struggled to achieve on a consistent basis, the amateur arm of boxing has filled the void with aplomb.”

The competition concludes tomorrow at the same venue.

Five of six Surinamese pugilists who will partake in the GBA Developmental Championship pose for the camera following their arrival