Guyana times - Wednesday, January 10, 2024.pdf

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Issue No. 5607

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024

Venezuela border controversy

Peace, stability must prevail in Western Hemisphere – US top …says controversy "most appropriately" defence official dealt with through legal channels Page 2

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“Scurrilous” rumours – P3 temporary HC on rumours of UK High Commissioner being recalled …Greg Quinn returns to Guyana to serve as Jane Miller proceeds on leave

P7 Labourer chopped to death by ex-girlfriend’s partner

US pledges to address “big” problem of firearm trafficking in Caribbean Overseas-based Guyanese among 13 homeless as 3 killed in fires destroy 3 houses Berbice accidents Page 7

See story on page 12

P14

US working with Guyana to modernise Berbice defence capabilities – top official housewife Page 9

accused of poisoning husband freed Page 16

Over 395 Small Business Grants disbursed P11 to budding entrepreneurs

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela border controversy

Peace, stability must prevail in Western Hemisphere – US top defence official …says controversy "most appropriately" dealt with through legal channels

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he United States (US) Government is in support of a resolution of the GuyanaVenezuela border controversy through legal and diplomatic channels, in maintaining stability and peace across the Western Hemisphere.

Sharing this position was visiting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for the Western Hemisphere at the United States Department of Defense, Daniel P Erikson on Tuesday.

Asked how the US envisions working with regional stakeholders amid the border controversy, Erikson told the local media that the meeting between Guyanese President, Dr Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and subsequent outcomes of this engagement was followed closely.

He positioned that the United States supports the continuation of respect for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Erikson asserted, “We think it is also important that we see what the outcome is in the ICJ as it relates to this ongoing controversy. We are highly focused, however, on ensuring that the United States and Guyana have a robust defence relationship at the bilateral level.”

In responding to the question of sending its troops here to bolster local defence capabilities, Erikson pointed out

Both parties in discussion at the Office of the President

that since the matter has reached a point of relative de-escalation, the US views it important to maintain peace and stability across the hemisphere. This is achievable through diplomatic channels.

“We think it is extremely important to maintain peace and stability throughout the Western Hemisphere and that includes Guyana as well.

Looking forward, we think this is most appropriately dealt with through diplomatic and international legal channels rather than through the military.”

Venezuela’s aggression

After abiding by the 1899 Arbitral Award for over half a century, Venezuela in 1962 claimed that the Essequibo area of Guyana belonged inside its borders.

This contention heated up

after ExxonMobil found oil in Guyana in 2015 and was intensified last year, with Venezuela holding a referendum on December 3, 2023, in which they voted to annex the Essequibo.

Following the referendum, Maduro claimed that, among other things, he would authorise oil exploration in Guyana’s Essequibo River. Maduro had also announced the activation of a human and social care plan for the population of Guyana’s Essequibo that includes censuses and identity cards.

The Venezuelan President also announced that in addition to oil, he would be issuing licences for mining and other activities to be conducted in Guyana’s Essequibo County.

The Maduro regime has been untruthfully claim-

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

Maduro also ignored the fact that the Secretary General, in accord with the Agreement, on January 30, 2018, had advised both Venezuela and Guyana that “having carefully analysed the developments in the good offices process during

the course of 2017” and “significant progress not having been made toward arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy”, he had “chosen the International Court of Justice as the means now to be used for its solution”.

On January 30, 2018, Secretary General António Guterres, following a careful analysis of developments in 2017, chose the ICJ as the means to be used for the solution of the controversy.

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

In the substantive case, Guyana seeks, among other things, to obtain from the ICJ a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between then-British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid and binding, and a declaration that Essequibo belongs to Guyana.

Argyle Declaration

As tensions intensified, on December 14, 2023, in Argyle, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Presidents Ali and Maduro held discussions on matters consequential to the territory involved in the border controversy.

After more than eight hours of engagements, the two Heads of State agreed that Guyana and Venezuela, directly or indirectly, will not threaten

or use force against one another in any circumstance, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two States.

In a joint declaration, the Heads also agreed that any controversy between the two States would be resolved in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement dated February 17, 1966.

The two countries had also committed to the pursuance of good neighbourliness, peaceful coexistence, and the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean. It was also agreed that both States would refrain, whether by words or deeds, from escalating any conflict or disagreement arising from any controversy.

These talks were largely brokered by St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves in his role as President Pro Tempore of CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), and came in the wake of a discussion President Ali held with the leadership of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerritt, was at the engagement, as well as Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Motley.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a key supporter of the talks, was also represented. (G12)

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, Jan 10 – 03:30h – 05:00h and Thursday, Jan 11 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Jan 10 – 15:30h – 17:00h and Thursday, Jan 11 – 16:20h – 17:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 15:47h reaching a maximum height of 2.64 metres.

Low Tide: 09:20h and 21:53h reaching minimum heights of 0.78 metre and 0.53 metre.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

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“Scurrilous” rumours – temporary HC on rumours of UK High Commissioner being recalled …Greg Quinn returns to Guyana to serve as Jane Miller proceeds on leave

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ormer British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, who served from 2015 to 2020, is back in Guyana and performing the duties of High Commissioner, with his successor, Jane Miller, currently on leave.

There were reports in sections of the media that Miller would be temporarily off duty and that Quinn would be taking on the duties of High Commissioner.

However, in an interview with the Newsroom on Tuesday, Quinn also had cause to debunk “scurrilous” rumours that Miller had been recalled to the United Kingdom (UK).

Instead, he clarified that Miller is on leave. According to Quinn, Miller will be returning to duty on January 27. In her absence, a senior diplomatic presence was required in light of the current border controversies being faced by Guyana with Venezuela.

“Scurrilous rumour. Not at all. She is coming back on (January) 27. I’ll be returning (to the UK) after that… obviously there’s a lot going on, not just with the border to the west, but also the border to the east as well. And as you know, the High Commission here also has responsibility for Suriname,” Quinn said.

“So, London had decided that given what was going on, they wanted a more senior cover in Guyana whenever Jane was on leave. To provide resilience to the team here.

They asked me. I was available. I’m still on their books.

Would I want to come back.

I said of course. And so, I’m

British High Commissioner (ag) Greg Quinn

UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller

The acting High Commissioner meanwhile clarified that he will be performing any role Miller would have performed had she been in Guyana. This includes meeting with key officials of the Guyana Government and following up bilateral projects between the UK and Guyana.

He also reinformed the UK’s support for Guyana’s border controversy and noted that relations between the UK and Guyana continue to go from strength to strength.

He meanwhile noted that after Miller’s return, he will return to his work on the UK/ African Investment Summit.

Quinn’s diplomatic life commenced back in 1995 when he joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Later in 2000, he joined the British High Commission in Ghana in the Public Affairs Department before being appointed as Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Minsk, Belarus in 2004.

In 2007, he undertook duties as British Consul

East. The diplomat was then appointed as Head of the United Nations Political Team in 2009 and Deputy Head of Mission of Britain’s Kazakhstan embassy in 2012.

Then, in 2015, Quinn was appointed as the British High Commissioner to Guyana, replacing then High Commissioner Andrew Ayre as the local British envoy.

Throughout his stint, Quinn has been vocal about issues which might cause implications for Guyana and other nations.

After the passage of the no-confidence vote that took place on December 21, 2018, Quinn was at the forefront in his insistence that Guyana’s Constitution was supreme and should be respected, as well as advocating for timely elections to be held. At that time, local and international pressure was being brought to bear on then President David Granger to announce a date for polls.

Quinn had been slated to leave Guyana in August 2019, but in light of the

here just to cover the period of Jane’s leave.”

General in Basra, Iraq and as First Secretary for the Middle

no-confidence controversy, when the then A Partnership

Bonus Ball

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$2028.87 $2031.15 -0.10

for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) had been delaying the holding of General and Regional Elections, his term in Guyana had been extended by one year by the British Government.

The former High Commissioner’s return to Guyana coincides with heightened tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, only cooled by the Argyle Agreement made between the two South American neighbours last month in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Prior to the Argyle Agreement, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had issued declarations illegally infringing on Guyana’s sovereignty and telling companies operating in Essequibo, to vacate the area within three months.

The Argyle Agreement saw the two countries committing to the pursuance of good neighbourliness, peaceful coexistence, and the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean. It was also agreed that both States would refrain, whether by words or deeds, from escalating any conflict or disagreement arising from any controversy.

Also last month, UK Under Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, David Rutley, had visited Guyana. During his visit, he met with President Dr Irfaan Ali and other top officials. That meeting saw discussions on expanding relations between the UK and Guyana in sustainable and economic development and security. (G4)

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024

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

Due care on the roadways

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here is always an element of risk whenever someone uses the roadways, be it a motorist, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian. This is somewhat inherent, since it is believed that accidents will happen. However, the point must be reinforced that all due care should be rigorously taken by each road user to eliminate as much of that risk as is humanly possible.

Unfortunately, the year is only 10 days in and already we face rampant deaths by accident.

Over the past 48 hours, five persons have died on our roadways. A husband and wife in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and three young men in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Many drivers, including some within the public transportation system, refuse to adhere to what is mandatory. As a result, accidents occur frequently. For example, the practice of running red lights and the green signal that allows pedestrians to cross continues unabated predominantly by minibus drivers. The danger that poses needs no explanation.

While there is a plethora of traffic violations on a daily basis, some appear more prominent. Undertaking and cutting in front of a vehicle and the sticking out of a minibus conductor’s arm to do likewise from the other side seem the new norm. Aside from the obvious danger, especially to young and inexperienced drivers and being an irritant, it is blatant bullyism and a potent source for road rage.

It appears that those who engage in such practices do not see themselves as being errant or what they do as a traffic violation. Lanes that allow for turning-on-red are abused and used as if they are the right-of-way. In the city, many roads, other than what are authorised for minibus routes, are used as thoroughfares. Speeding is foremost in causing areas that are supposed to be free of minibuses to become dangerous.

In addition, some drivers seemingly take pride in having an alcoholic beverage in their possession while transporting passengers. Adding to the woes of those who abide by traffic rules, they are verbally abused when trying to stave off a potential transgressor. These practices are not unknown to the Police and while they cannot be at all points where violations occur, there is the expectation for more and sustained interventions in the interest of safety for all road users.

This does not take away from the valiant efforts of a few dedicated traffic officers who do their best to curb the situation; one which has reached alarming proportions.

What is desperately needed is a sustained national campaign to reduce traffic violations and let the law take its course on the errant ones regardless of who they are.

The carelessness exhibited puts all road users at risk. This is where the National Road Safety Council would need to be supported and probably empowered to have a more visible presence and increased influence all year round.

It must be noted that drivers are not the only violators of traffic rules, for some pedestrians are equally guilty.

Aside from the common jaywalking, they cross busy intersections when not authorised and refuse to use the overhead pedestrian walkways thereby bringing danger to themselves and others. Like errant drivers, they seem empowered to not observe basic traffic rules. This will only change when there is a constant stream of violators up the stairs of the courts across the country.

The number of deaths and disabilities as a result of road accidents over the past years are indeed very worrying, and something must be done urgently to bring a halt to the level of irresponsibility and recklessness on our roadways.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is also serving as Chair of Caricom, signed the book of condolence on Tuesday for the late former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Basdeo Panday. Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired), Mark Phillips also signed the book of condolence. Panday was the fifth Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and served from 1995 to 2001. He died January 1, 2024, at the age of 90. (Office of the President photo)

Similarities between Guyana’s Cheddi and T&T’s “Bas” Dear Editor, Basdeo Panday died on New Year’s Day. A state funeral was held for the former Prime Minister on Tuesday.

His funeral rites (Hindu) and tributes to him brought back memories of the funeral of Cheddi Jagan, who passed away in March 1997, as well as of their lifelong political struggle.

The duo shared several similarities in life and in death (accorded state funeral and cremation). Both Cheddi and “Bas”, as Panday was commonly known, were widely venerated by their entire nations in their respective countries when they first launched their movements. After racial divisions ensued, they were cheered by, and views as heroes within, their own ethnic groups; but others also accepted them as heroes. They were also widely respected throughout the rest of the Caribbean region for their left-wing politics and for championing the rights of the downtrodden and the working class.

Bas and Cheddi were remarkable men born in different decades – Cheddi in 1918 and Bas in 1933. Cheddi was some 15 years older than Panday, but their paths intertwined in politics and (ethnic) culture.

They both came from the bosom of the sugar plantations and rice fields. Their parents came from India, from the same sugar growing state of Uttar Pradesh. They both experienced abject poverty at birth and growing up in secondary schools. they walked bare-footed until secondary school. They both were extremely bright, did well in school, and won scholarships for studies. They received support from family members to pursue higher education – Cheddi to USA and Bas to

England.

Panday returned as perhaps the greatest orator produced in the region. Cheddi was also a great speaker. They were charismatic and charming personalities. They also had at least one commonality -- loyal to a cause: to uplift the lives of the poor.

They were engaged in somewhat different political journeys, but joined in a common struggle for construction of fair, just, and equitable society. They had their strengths, differed in some ways, and yet shared common goals for the working class as well as for the kind of society they would like to build.

They met several times to discuss strategies and viewpoints. They first came into contact ‘in passing’ in the 1950s in Trinidad, where Cheddi visited for political support for his struggle for restoration of self-rule independence for then British Guiana. Panday left for tertiary studies in London in 1957, and returned to Trinidad in 1965, engaging in political struggle against the PNM for a racially equitable and just society.

He met Cheddi again in Trinidad, where the Guyanese political leader repeatedly visited, lecturing around the island to build support for free and fair elections in Guyana.

Panday and Cheddi became close friends, sharing political views and positions, and when Jagan visited the island, they repeatedly met, particularly after Panday became Opposition Leader in 1978.

The duo also met in Guyana whenever Panday visited.

They also engaged in talks in New York at various IndoCaribbean events. Guyanese Americans who supported Jagan coincidentally organized fundraisers for Panday.

Cheddi and Panday were friends, political associates and colleagues at Caricom for a short period.

In their intertwined lives and in their relationship, amid all their differences, is a story of deep friendship, affection, and respect for one another.

They founded and led political parties, and they defined their parties’ future. And they were both involved in hard work to build their parties. Bas helped build five parties (Workers and Farmers, ULF, National Alliance, NAR, and UNC) whereas Cheddi co-founded only one (PPP).

While their parties became ethnic in nature, they remained consistent with the mission on which the parties were founded, that is: building a nation in which the multi-ethnic and multi-religious people of all stripes and colours would be proud to call home, although multi-racial unity eluded the parties.

It should be noted that when they returned home, they initiated or engaged in socialist movements. Though they fraternised at first with ethnic parties or movements, they founded their own multi-ethnic working-class parties, that became ethnic because of the division of the society. They helped build the party organisation from scratch, and they also groomed an entire new generation of leaders in their respective parties – UNC and PPP. Both owed their success to sugar workers and to Indians who supported their political struggle, causing them to win elections. They were the leading light of Indians in their respective societies, and they were undoubtedly de facto leaders of Indians in their respective societies.

They both were inter-

ested in economics, literature, journalism, and the arts (Bollywood, pan, etc.). Panday loved chutney and Indian classical songs and music, and was also an instrumentalist playing dhantaal and tabla.

They had deep respect for each other, although they had political differences on ideology. Panday was a moderate, democratic centralist socialist while Jagan was a radical Marxist. Their political beliefs led them to a somewhat common struggle on behalf of the working class and the poor.

Coincidentally, they led sugar workers’ unions in their respective nations, and were loved like no other labour leaders.

Their political struggle was somewhat similar – Cheddi was mostly fighting for free and fair elections, while seeking betterment for the working class. Panday was also pursuing electoral reform while committed to the struggle for the betterment of the working class. In their intertwined lives lies the history of Indian people’s struggle for equality in their countries of domicile, and the politics of the left as well as the story of how Indian parties came into Government.

Coincidentally, PPP and PNC would become the majority parties in terms of popular support.

In Government, they became economically practical.

Though groomed in socialism, they ran moderate liberal, capitalist economies. There have been complaints that their parties’ dreams and visions and their struggle for a more equitable, just society, and the gains they made while in office, are on the brink of reversal.

Yours respectfully, Dr Vishnu Bisram

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024

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

Ubraj Narine must first detach himself from the failed policies of the APNU/AFC Dear Editor, I am compelled to address the recent commentary by Ubraj Narine, former Mayor of Georgetown, concerning the current PPP/C Government's approach, and his attempts to draw parallels with the past administration of the APNU/AFC. Narine's assertions not only misrepresent the truth, but also display a profound disconnect from the current socio-political realities of Guyana. Narine's critique, centred around the idea that the PPP/C Government is out of touch with national concerns, is ironically devoid of any supporting statistics or factual substantiation.

This approach is not just a matter of political disagreement, but a deliberate distortion of the truth.

For instance, his claim about Guyanese lacking access to healthcare starkly contradicts the reality of state-provided, free healthcare services that have been a mainstay for decades.

Such blatant inaccuracies in Mr. Narine's narrative point to either a gross misjudgment or a calculated misrepresentation of facts.

Maybe Narine could analyze the reasons why voters chose to distance themselves from the APNU/AFC, which tried to steal the 2020 elections, yet claim-

ing victory and withholding the Statements of Poll (SoPs) to support their case.

This stance, coupled with their recent relegation from Government, reflects a public repudiation of their governance style and policies.

It is crucial to recall the significant and often regressive policies enacted during the APNU/AFC tenure.

The imposition of over 200 new taxes, the removal of the ‘Because We Care’ subsidy for school children, and the unapologetic increase in their own salaries by 50% during a period devoid of significant oil revenue to support public spending all point to a governance model that

was heavily burdensome to the average Guyanese.

The decision by Mr. Narine’s party to sign the current oil agreement with ExxonMobil and its partners represents the most significant burden for today's Guyanese and future generations, a move that stands as a shameful and globally criticized blunder.

In stark contrast, the current PPP/C Government, despite facing global challenges such as rampant inflation, has initiated numerous relief measures for the populace. These include a significant reduction in the excise tax on fuel, a budgetary allocation of $5 billion to

ease the impact of rising living costs, and the absorption of increased costs in electricity and water services.

Additionally, the introduction of initiatives such as part-time job programs, increased income tax thresholds, and the restoration and enhancement of cash grants for school children demonstrate a commitment to public welfare.

The adjustment of freight charges to pre-pandemic formulas, a billion-dollar annual increase in public assistance, a significant rise in old-age pensions, and the introduction of subsidies for first-time low-income homeowners reflect a Government

working to support its citizens in tangible ways.

Considering these proactive steps taken by the current Government, one can't help but acknowledge the positive impact of detaching from the policies of the previous APNU/AFC administration.

The thought of the hardships and challenges the Guyanese people would have continued to endure under the previous Government's policies is indeed disconcerting. The difference in governance styles and their impact on the nation is clear.

Sincerely, Ryan Newton

Consider replacing current representation Exposing APNU/AFC's broken of our majestic Harpy Eagle promises on UG tuition fees

Dear Editor, I would like to respectfully ask the powers that be to strongly consider replacing the current representation of our majestic Harpy Eagle at the Mandela Avenue Roundabout with a more realistic, natural looking iteration.

I fully respect the artist’s creativity and bold flair portrayed by the current creation, but I think that in keeping with the more lifelike statues of the Jaguar and the Anteater at the other two roundabouts on that

stretch of highway, a similar representation of the Harpy would augur well. There is a really good example of one which can be used as a model; I saw it about a year ago outside the NDC Office at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara.

I must also congratulate the authorities for showcasing our unique and spectacular flora and fauna in this way. It is a great initiative, and a tangible way to bring some of what Guyana’s vast interior has to offer to many of our citizens and visitors who

have never had the privilege of visiting the natural habitat of these amazing creatures.

I therefore look forward to seeing more of our natural giants, like the tapir, capybara, anaconda, black caiman, giant otter, arapaima, lau-lau, giant river turtle, black piranha, electric eel, manatee, jabiru stork, hoatzin, bird eating spider, and the Victoria Amazonia lily in conspicuous locations around our beautiful country.

Yours sincerely, Nicholas C A Waldron

Oil cash transfers: “You have to work for it!”

Dear Editor, Ghanaian oil expert Mr George Owusu rejects the idea of cash grants, and contends: “I do not believe in subsidies and giving people cash. You have to work for it. I would rather spend the money on training, so that their income level will go up.”

Notwithstanding, there is a feeling/perception among many Guyanese, including Opposition politicians, that oil money is spilling over the country’s treasury, and they therefore wonder why a substantial portion of the wealth is not being shared among Guyanese.

Despite claiming that cash handouts “promote corruption and political favouritism,” PNCR political Leader Mr. Aubrey Norton advocates that huge cash grants of US$5,000 per annum be given per household (6/3/23), without evaluating whether the NRF could afford this massive payout.

I hope Mr. Aubrey Norton is not deluded by his assertion: “oil wealth is only benefitting PPPC elite, friends and family,” (1/1/2024) and is seeking comfort in Reuters News Agency’s hype: “Oil money is flooding into Guyana.”

(8/29/22).

If Mr. Norton’s dream should ever see the light of day, that would lead to a huge depletion of the NRF account

in the sum of US$1.2 billion annually (an amount equal to 37.1% of Guyana’s 2023 budget); but, more significantly, it would throw into disarray the purpose of the NRF account by torpedoing its foundational principles that ascribe funds to be used for budget support, inter-generational equity, and national emergencies.

Also, huge cash transfers would serve as a disincentive to work; put the economy at risk of overheating, with attendant inflationary pressures; as well as have a high probability of laying down the preconditions for the onset of the “Dutch disease”, the vortex of which is waiting to gobble up the spoils.

The Opposition forces believe that hefty cash handouts should take precedence over the implementation of transformative development projects in education, health, agriculture, transport, and other sectors. Additionally, do they really care how huge annual amounts of handouts would be sustained in the medium and long terms? Given the narrow window of opportunity to exploit this oil resource, combined with price volatility of crude oil (between 20202023, oil prices fluctuated from US$70pb to US$111pb to US$78pb and to US$78pb in 3rd Qtr of 2023), not only would the risk be too high to

consider huge handouts, but also such a measure would defeat the foundational principles (stated before) of the NRF. Here are some vital facts for consideration. Oil production commenced in the Stabroek block on December 19, 2019. From then to September 30, 2023, Lisa Destiny FPSO and Lisa Unity FPSO produced 283,209,117 barrels of crude oil. The total inflows (royalty and profit oil plus interest) for the period (12/19/2019-9/30/2023) were US$3.135 billion. The Government withdrew a combined 51.3% of this sum in 2022 and 2023 (US$1.609 billion) for budget support in 2022 and 2023 in accordance with the First Schedule and Section IV, paragraph 16(2) of the NRF Act 19 of 2021. The balance of US$1.525 billion, as of September 30, 2023, is in the NRF account, and not in any politicians’ pockets, as recklessly asserted by some critics.

Finally, I observe that oil production tends to vary with the price movements of Brent crude oil. A Pearson ‘r’ was calculated, and there exists a positive moderate correlation between production and price levels (r = 0. 658) which is significant at the p<.05 level.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

Dear Editor, In the past few days, both the President and the Vice-President confirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to educational advancement by reintroducing free tuition at the University of Guyana, as promised in the PPP/C’s manifesto for the 2020 elections.

However, instead of embracing and applauding this progressive stride, the cowardly nature of the APNU+AFC has brought to the fore its barefaced, duplicitous behaviour through a negative campaign to undermine this pivotal initiative.

During the 2020 election campaign, the PPP pledged to eradicate university tuition fees within their first term, should they emerge victorious. True to their word, the party has not only won the election, but is also on course to fulfill this promise by 2025.

For those who might not recall the wolf now masquerading in sheep's clothing, let's remind ourselves of the stark reality. In stark contrast, the APNU/AFC, during their 2015 election campaign, deceitfully pledged to eliminate university fees, a promise they brazenly broadcast across Guyana through various mediums.

Yet, upon achieving power, the Coalition, a mere facade for the PNC, with David Granger at the helm, reneged on this promise.

Under the APNU/AFC coalition's reign, there was not only a blatant disregard for their promise of free university tuition, but an active escalation in educational costs. They increased UG tuition fees and other educational expenses.

Their audacious imposition of VAT on education, data and internet services was

a direct assault on the academic welfare of students.

The coalition's egregious decision to revoke the "Because We Care" cash grant, a vital support for school children, further underscores their callous indifference to the educational needs of the nation's youth.

Today, these same political actors dare to demand the immediate removal of tuition fees at UG, a demand that reeks of hypocrisy and political opportunism. Their current stance

is a stark contradiction to their previous actions, and is a clear demonstration of their unprincipled and duplicitous nature.

The stark contrast between the PPP's steadfast dedication to educational progress and the APNU/ AFC's history of unfulfilled promises and disregard for education underscores the divergent approaches of these parties on numerous issues.

Sincerely, Brian Azore

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:05 13:35 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:30 00:00

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6

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024

Foundation ◄

Page

ESTIMATING QUOTIENTS When you estimate the quotient of a division problem, you do not round the numbers. Instead you try to find compatible numbers. These are numbers that you can work with easily in your head.

Example: Estimate 4922 ÷ 6.

Step 1: Look at the first two digits in the dividend – 49. Can you divide that evenly by the divisor 6? No. Step 2: Think about multiplying by 6. 6 x 6 = 36, 6 x 7 = 42, 6 x 8 = 48. Select the one that is closest to 49. That is 48.

Charting the waters. I

For Sally, Surya and Seta

By Elly Niland

Step 3: Add zeros to the dividend as placeholders. In this example, the dividend has four place values, so you need to add 2 zeros: 4800.

In a humble yellow concrete block

Step 4: Divide by 6. 4800 ÷ 6 = 800

Miss King one spring term told 23 happy students who were hushed: You are the bright future. Our uncharted fleet of words.

Exercises 1) 15 ÷ 10

4) 21 ÷ 9

3) 22 ÷ 5

2) 32 ÷ 8

5) 52 ÷ 7

ROCKET BLAST BALLOON Materials: Balloon Yarn or string Tape Straw Scissors 2 Chairs Instructions: Use the scissors and cut the straw into about a two-inch-long piece.

Cut a length of yarn about six feet or more long.

Tie one end of the string to one chair.

Slide the piece of straw onto the yarn.

Now tie the other end the yarn to the other chair.

Blow up the balloon. Pinch the end of the balloon closed but do not tie it off.

Tape the balloon to the straw.

Pull the straw and balloon to one end of the yarn.

Release the balloon and watch your Rocket Blast Balloon take off.

How it works: Our Rocket Blast Balloon demonstrates Newton’s Third Law of

Motion: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When we release the balloon, the pressurised air in the balloon pushes against the air around the balloon sending it in the opposite direction down the yarn.

Make this a science project: How do different-sized balloons perform? Does the length of the yarn cause any changes in the Rocket Blast Balloon behavior? Do differentshaped balloons perform differently? (sciencefun.org)

You must pattern and plot your observations. Learn to read And write.

You’ll be fishermen, throwing your nets like fans To land with a splash of silver.

Language is your indispensable tool. Your navigational chart.

But mariners must pay mooring fees, so without the words You’ll have a harbourless life.

Their eyes with dark centres opened like globes.

WORD SEARCH

GERANIUM SUNFLOWER TULIP PEONY PANSY

CAMELLIA CLOVER ORCHID SNAPDRAGON FREESIA

PETUNIA HYDRANGEA HYACINTH DAISY CARNATION

VIOLET IRIS BLUEBELL GARDENIA GLADIOLA

NEWS

7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US pledges to address “big” problem of firearm trafficking in Caribbean T

he Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (Caricom) has shared its glaring concern for the prevalence of firearm trafficking into the Region – an issue which the United States (US) Government has signalled its support to eradicate.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for the Western Hemisphere at the United States Department of Defense, Daniel P Erikson met with Secretary General of Caricom, Dr Carla Barnett as part of his visit to Guyana this week.

Speaking with the media on Tuesday following these talks, the US official highlighted the underlying link to transnational criminal activities and violence.

DASD for the Western Hemisphere at the United States Department of Defence, Daniel Erikson meeting Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett

As a result, arms trafficking has been identified as one area which will see

robust action, through the deployment of prosecutorial resources and other crit-

Labourer chopped to death by ex-girlfriend’s partner

A

Dead: Ricardo John

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

25-year-old man was on Sunday night chopped to death by his ex-girlfriend’s partner.

Ricardo John, a labourer of La Belle Alliance, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), succumbed to his injuries whilst receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Reports are that John was at a shop in the vicinity of Richmond Access Road leading to Lima Sands on Sunday night at about 23:30h when an altercation ensued between him and the 20-year-old

suspect, who was wielding a cutlass.

The suspect reportedly inflicted severe injuries on John’s upper body before fleeing the scene.

The victim was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital in an unconscious state but was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died while receiving treatment.

On Monday at about 14:00h, the suspect, of Good Hope, Essequibo Coast, was apprehended. He has since reportedly confessed to the crime.

ical assets.

“We recognise that this is a big concern throughout the Caribbean because it is tied to transnational criminal organisations and certainly tied to the overall drugs and narcotics trade that exists in the Region, and criminal violence.”

“The US Government is focused on addressing this challenge as a law enforcement issue, including providing additional prosecutorial assets to investigate cases of illegal firearms trafficking in the Caribbean,” said the Senior US Department of Defense official.

The DASD underlined that the US views transnational challenges as not just military but as le-

gal and law enforcement challenges, requiring collective response from the Government.

He continued, “We continue to assess the situation as it evolves.”

In a 2023 joint report between Small Arms Survey and Caricom IMPACS titled: The Caribbean Firearms Study, it was found that the Caribbean Region suffers from some of the world’s highest rates of violent deaths, at almost three times the global average, as well as one of the world’s highest rates of violent deaths among women.

Firearms are used in more than half of all homicides, with this proportion reaching 90 per cent in some countries.

Small Arms Survey outlined, “While much emphasis has been placed on firearms control at both the political and operational levels, illicit firearms, and the dynamics of illicit arms markets in this Region have received little research attention. The multiple impacts of these realities on the Region can be seen via human consequences, socio-economic implications, and security challenges.”

Based on its findings using seizure and trace data, the vast majority of illicit firearms circulating in the Caribbean were handguns.

While illicit rifles and rifle ammunition are emerging concerns for law enforce-

ment officials, their use by criminals in the Caribbean remains limited.

“The US domestic market is a major source of illicit firearms and ammunition in the Caribbean, and is likely the largest source in some states and territories. That said, data gaps and ambiguities preclude a definitive assessment, and available evidence indicates that firearms are also sourced from other countries. Firearms and ammunition are trafficked from the United States to the Caribbean via commercial airliners, postal and fast parcel services, and maritime shipping companies. Although the primary transport mode varies from country to country, firearms trafficking via maritime cargo shipments is particularly common in much of the Caribbean,” the report had detailed.

Meanwhile, a range of concerns facing the regional bloc were ventilated during talks with the Caricom SG, including the Region’s security defence issues, greater maritime awareness and bringing stability to Haiti.

President Dr Irfaan Ali also met with the Assistant Secretary of Defense on Tuesday afternoon, where discussions circled around regional security, food security, climate change, information sharing, narcotics monitoring and disaster risk management. (G12)

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Feasibility study almost complete for local law school – AG

…says intervention of CLE Chairperson sought to expedite process

T

he feasibility study for a local law school is close to completion, as the Government continues to interface with the Council of Legal Education (CLE) for the West Indies, to get the ball rolling on the project which will revolutionise legal education in Guyana and the Region.

During his end of year press conference, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, revealed that work is wrapping up on the feasibility study.

This very study will be submitted to the Council of Legal Education when completed. Nandlall noted, however, that he had been hopeful it could have been completed last year.

According to Nandlall, the delay can be attributed to some data the Government has to acquire for the study. In fact, he explained that the intervention of the Chairperson of the CLE, Liesel Weekes, SC, was sought on the matter.

“I agree with you, that there has been a hold up. And that delay is largely attributable to the fact that we have

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

not gotten, from the Council of Legal Education’s law schools, information that we have requested. And that are required to do the feasibility study,” Nandlall explained.

“Only last week I dispatched a letter. To the Chairperson of the Council of Legal Education, informing her that we have requested this information, we need this information and unfortunately the information has not been supplied. And I requested her intervention as Chairperson.”

Be that as it may, Nandlall noted that preliminary approval for the law school has already been granted. And

CLE Chairperson Liesel Weekes, SC

he further explained that establishing the law school goes hand in hand with the Government’s efforts to make Guyana an education hub.

“The approval for the law school has essentially been given, preliminary. But we have to satisfy certain criteria and participate in a process, before that decision is crystalised. And that is the process we’re participating in. I believe the Council has reached the position that there will be additional law schools and one will be located in Guyana.

But we have to go through a process.”

“The initiative to create

or rather to establish a law school within the geographic space of Guyana is not an isolated one, and it goes hand in hand with Government’s endeavours to secure offshore universities and training centres, here in Guyana, in various endeavours and various education pursuits as well. So, its only part of our Government’s vision to create an offshore educational centre on these shores,” Nandlall also said.

For nearly three decades, Guyana has been trying to establish a law school within its jurisdiction. Land on the University of Guyana’s (UG) Turkeyen campus has already been secured for the local law school.

Under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Administration, attempts were made to establish the Joseph Oscar Fitzclarence Haynes Law School. However, the CLE was not approached about the project, and when permission was eventually sought, it was denied in late 2017.

TURN TO PAGE 16

Getting ready… …for Mad Maduro

W

hen the Yanks were beginning their fight against the Brits of George III for their independence, there’s the story - immortalised in the poem “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” - in which Paul warned the citizenry of the Boston area, “The British are coming! The British are coming!” Well, today, continuing the tradition of fighting against injustice, we gotta ring bells across the country – or trumpet over social media! – “The Yanks are coming!! The Yanks are coming!!” to help us repel the bullyism of Mad Maduro, who would gobble up two-thirds of our national territory!!

First, we heard that Daniel P. Erikson, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for the THIRTYFOUR countries in the Western Hemisphere at the U.S. Department of Defense, was here for the last two days!! In a dry but potent message, the US explained his mission was to “to bolster (our) alliance and partnership by improving interoperability, deepening informationsharing and planning, and conducting complex joint and combined exercises.” More specifically, he’d discuss the modalities of “bilateral defense and security partnership as the GDF continues to grow, in the short-term with robust military to military engagements, and in the longterm as the nation continues to modernize its defense institutions.” He met with Governmental leaders from the President down, leaders of the GDF, and Caricom, “to discuss the U.S. defense and security partnership with Guyana and regional partners.”

Whew!! Let’s break that down a wee bit, shall we, dear reader?? “Bolster our alliance and partnership”??

Well, looks like we HAVE that alliance with the States that your Eyewitness was pushing for so long - to hold off the big, bad Mad Maduro, who’s been huffing and puffing out west!!! And how shall we do that?? Well, we’ll be “growing our GDF” – obviously with equipment and training provided by the US – “robust military to military engagements”!! Take that, Mad Maduro; let’s see what you’ll do now to top your hysteria when the Brits sent a lone patrol boat off Georgetown! It was heartening that Erikson also met with Caricom, which should mean not only the bureaucrats at the Secretariat at Liliendaal, but also Pres Ali, who’s the Chair for the year!! So, the message will definitely be passed on to those PMs chumming up with Mad Maduro: that they better quit straying!!

But before Erikson could fly out, in came no other than former Secretary of State “Big” Mike Pompeo, on what Pres Ali described was a “private” visit!! Well, OK… your Eyewitness will go along, since he saw that (Retd) Gen Wesley Clark’s visit was also “private”!!

So, looks like our Government’s covering their bases on both sides of the US divide to take on Mad Maduro!! …for crime?

Your Eyewitness is a sucker for Police shows. And with Netflix streaming them from across the globe – even Thailand – invariably, your Eyewitness would wonder how come their Police stations are so modernistic, while ours continue to look like something out of Rudyard Kipling!!

So, he was pretty chuffed when he saw that the burnt-out Brickdam Police Station – oldest in the country – will now be replaced with a TWELVE-STOREY edifice!!

Well, welcome to the 21st century, GPF!! But we hope this is only the beginning of root and branch reform in the institution standing between us, the citizens of Mudland, and the criminals who’d have us revert to the law of the jungle! But the building can only be the beginning of modernization. Since our GPF was launched in 1839 - to protect the Whites from the newly freed Africans! – the world of policing’s come a long way.

We gotta professionalize the ENTIRE Force - and then pay them so they don’t hafta bilk citizens for fried-rice money!! …to commute?

We’re told there’s soon gonna be “free movement of Caricom citizens”. But it seems the ferry service that’s supposed to ply between Guyana, T&T and Barbados is stuttering to get off the wharf!! They can’t even get the company registered!!

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

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

NEWS

9

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US working with Guyana to modernise defence capabilities – top official G

uyana is actively seeking to take its defence capabilities to newer heights, and it is an area where the United States (US) has offered support in ensuring that this process leads to a welloiled and strategic military mechanism.

Sharing outcomes of his two-day visit, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for the Western Hemisphere at the United States Department of Defense, Daniel P Erikson on Tuesday engaged media operatives at the US Embassy.

Erikson was scheduled to meet with the members of the Guyana Government, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders to discuss the US defence and security partnerships.

As such, the DASD underscored that Guyana and the United States share a strong bilateral foundation for future cooperation on defence and security. He outlined that the active conversation is premised on how the country’s defence system should be modernised and the scope of such an undertaking.

The US Deputy Assistant Secretary said that he foresees a time in the future where Guyana will seek to expand its maritime and aerial assets beyond what exists currently.

He disclosed, “Guyana is also seeking to modernise its defence capabilities, which will overtime

imply additional purchases or assets that they may seek to acquire. We’re in conversation with Guyana about the scope of what that capability should be and one thing of great interest to us is ensuring that as Guyana looks to increase its defence capacities, it does so through a plan that is strategic, nested in its overall defence institutions, and sustainable over time.”

According to the US official, productive conversations highlighted Guyana’s defence needs and steps undertaken by the Guyana Defence Force to deepen its institutionalisation.

“One thing that is very clear is the desire to increase domain awareness of the Guyana Defence Force so we are looking forward to working with them, especially deepening information sharing and we also discussed cybersecurity. Additionally, there has been a variety of security forces and specialised training teams that have visited Guyana over the past year and will continue to do so in 2024.”

In return, Guyana has been a key partner in exercises such as Tradewinds, which deals with military and disaster response across nations.

Overall, Erikson said he was impressed with the professionalism of the Guyana Defence Force which will ultimately lead to robust exchanges in 2024. It was recognised that Guyana is the new

US DASD Daniel Erikson and GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan (center) with other US and GDF officials following engagements (Guyana Defence Force photo)

Chair of Caricom, and has taken its seat as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term 20242025.

Last month, the National Assembly approved over $25 billion in supplementary funds for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to execute various programmes. Some $1.2 billion was set aside for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), which was on high alert amid threats to Guyana’s territory of Essequibo from neighbouring Venezuela.

During that time, the United States Army’s 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) arrived

here as a specialised unit of the US Army to conduct joint training exercises for the furtherance of a military alliance. They were tasked with conducting several joint training exercises with the GDF to strengthen its capacity and capability at the tactical and operational levels.

The US and Guyana enjoy a longstanding securi-

ty partnership marked by strong collaboration between SOUTHCOM and the GDF that has historically been focused on disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, human rights, professional development, defence and public security missions, and countering transnational crime.

It was only earlier this year that Guyana once again hosted Exercise Tradewinds, which saw over 1500 security force personnel from 20 nations participating. Since its establishment in 1984, the Tradewinds Exercise, organised by SOUTHCOM, has symbolised unity and collaboration in the face of security challenges. (G12)

10

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

11

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 395 Small Business Grants disbursed to budding entrepreneurs …almost 1500 grants issued in 2023 T

he Small Business Bureau of the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry on Tuesday disbursed some 398 Small Business Grants, allowing the recipients to embark on advancing their respective enterprises.

The Small Business Grants were allotted to entrepreneurs in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) but this exercise will follow in the other regions.

At the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond outlined that this is a fulfilment of Government’s manifesto promise on the 2020 campaign trail, to provide continuous support to small businesses.

Minister Walrond detailed, “I just want you to know as small business owners, this small business sector is a priority sector for our Government. We understand that when your small business thrives, the economy thrives. You are able to be-

promises are. We have seen from last year alone that the amount of grants given for the five-year period under 2015 to 2019 under the APNU Government was 900 grants. We have given 1500 for just last year alone.”

Unwavering commitment

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond

come not only a sole proprietor but you’re able with the help of the Small Business Bureau and Government, to become an employer.”

For 2023, it was disclosed that almost 1500 Small Business Grants were disbursed across the country.

The Minister drew comparison to the performance of the former Administration’s track record, “As a Government, we put our money where our

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the SBB, Simon Pollard attested that Government has been unwavering in its commitment to fostering growth and sustainability within the small business community.

He explained that promoting entrepreneurship, alleviating poverty and elevating the standard of living for Guyanese is imbedded in the diverse range of services offered.

“At the Small Business Bureau, we are driven by a clear vision and mission to enable sustained growth and uniformed diversification of micro and small enterprises within our local sector. Our goal is to create positive, measurable impact

Small business owners set to benefit from the grants

by providing expert guidance, effectively channelling resources, fostering comprehensive networking and ensuring a support environment for maximised performance,” said Pollard.

Once registered, persons can benefit from loans, grants, training opportunities and exposure for their businesses.

The SBB also assists small enterprises with exposure at local and international expos, which have allowed those businesses to grow their customer base,

gain familiarity in the market, and expand production.

Coaching and mentorship programmes have further enhanced their capabilities.

For 2022, the Small Business Bureau had surpassed its 2022 grant distribution target by 631. The agency had a budgetary allocation for the sum of $300 million for the distribution of 800 small business grants.

However, by the end of 2022, the agency had distributed a total of 1431 grants.

The SBB Fund has grown significantly since 2020. In

the 2020 and 2021 budgets, the respective sums of $100 million and $250 million were approved.

At the end of 2023, it was disclosed that hundreds of small businesses benefitted from loans and grants amounting to over $500 million, enabling and empowering micro-entrepreneurs and enterprises to boost their operating capacities and target new markets.

Over 1400 small businesses received grants totalling $300 million for the year 2023. (G12)

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Overseas-based Guyanese among 3 killed in Berbice accidents

Dead: Ricardo Bipta

Dead: Javid Mohammed

Dead: Harrynarine Chattergoon

hree persons are now dead following two separate accidents in Berbice on Monday evening.

Dead are Ricardo Bipta of Bath Settlement Village, West Coast Berbice; Javid Mohammed, of Fyrish, Corentyne, and Harrynarine Chattergoon of Toronto, Canada.

In one of the accidents on Monday evening, a three-vehicle collision occurred at Number Nine Village, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

That crash claimed the life of 25-year-old Bipta of Bath Settlement Village, West Coast Berbice.

Police in Region Five said Bipta was riding a motorcycle when the crash occurred.

Police said a truck was proceeding east along the roadway when a motor car, which was proceeding in the said direction behind the motor lorry, attempted to overtake, and in the process of overtaking the motor lorry, the car ended up in the path of the motorcyclist, who was proceeding west.

As a result, a collision occurred. The motorcyclist further collided with the truck.

Bipta was taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The other accident, at Courtland, Corentyne Highway, resulted in the deaths of 35-year-old Mohammed, a barber of Fyrish, Corentyne, and 32-year-old Chattergoon of Toronto, Canada.

Mohammed was the rider, with Chattergoon as the pillion rider on a motorcycle.

They were reportedly travelling at a fast rate when they ended up in the path of a motor car, resulting in a headon collision.

Chattergoon, originally from the Corentyne, had returned home three weeks ago and was expected to return to Canada on Friday.

T

The scene of the accident at Courtland, Corentyne Highway

He was staying at Mohammed’s residence.

According to the Police, the crash occurred at about 22:30h and involved motor car PAC 3786, owned and driven by a 47-year-old engineer of Guyana Power and Light (GPL), who is also a member with the

They both fell onto the road, resulting in severe injuries. Mohammed was picked up in an unconscious condition and Chattergoon in a conscious condition by the Police, and taken to Port Mourant Public Hospital, where Mohammed was pronounced dead on arrival.

He referred to Chattergoon as being a very good friend of his son, whom he played cricket with since their childhood years.

His wife, Kowsilla Harrychand, said Mohammed was the only child the couple had together.

According to her, Mohammed

The scene of the accident at Number Nine Village, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice)

Cops and Faith and of Lot C Section A Alness Village, Corentyne, and motorcycle CM 2728, owned and ridden

by Mohamed.

In a release, the Police said the car was proceeding west along the southern drive lane on Courtland Public Road, when the driver alleged that the motorcycle, which was proceeding in the opposite direction at a fast rate of speed, drove into his path and collided headon.

At the time of the crash, neither the motorcyclist nor pillion rider were wearing helmets.

The Police said Chattergoon, who received medical attention for trauma to the head and internal bleeding, was self-discharged and went to a private hospital in Berbice for further treatment. He later succumbed to his injuries, while receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, according to Wazir Mohammed, his son and friend left home at about 13:00h on Monday to visit friends and at about 19:00h, his son had called to say he was heading home.

However, hours later, he heard of the crash.

and Chattergoon would have represented Guyana at the junior level at cricket and would have toured several countries together, playing cricket.

Mohammed’s sister, Shamwattie Manichand, said her brother suffered head injuries. According to the woman, she was able to see a part of his body at the mortuary.

“The injury was to his head; it split open – he got a severe head knock and his whole face swell. We did not get to see the body; they only showed us the face...,” the woman revealed. (G4)

13 “President looks like he’s a man of action” – Kitty resident on skills training, job opportunities T NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Government is taking skills training and job opportunities directly into the Georgetown community of Kitty, in the wake of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s visit there not so long ago – a process that is being replicated across the country.

On Monday, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton; Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson and Minister within the Prime Minister’s Office, Kwame McCoy, visited Kitty.

The visit, aimed at taking skills training and job opportunity directly to the people, saw Indar addressing the residents and highlighting two individuals who are among the many success stories, of persons who were able to upskill themselves and enter the construction sector, with the support of the Government.

“These guys didn’t have much skill. They didn’t know construction… but they’re contractors now and building concrete roads. And them roads gonna last long, because they’re built for quality. Charles was talking about Leopold Street.

When I went to Leopold Street, Carlos Yaw. Nice young fella too. He started in block making. Now he building roads and concrete drains in Riverview,” Indar said.

He added that, “And I can take you to Albouystown, where I went there and create a whole eco-system of contractors. And I

A Kitty resident’s name being recorded for the opportunities available

can take you to Victory Valley, Linden, where rasta man from the corner, all of them end up turning contractors. Build their own career. Or I can take you to Sophia. Or I can take you to Melanie. And I can show you women, men, young and old.”

According to Indar, these success stories have been replicated all across the country.

He emphasised that once persons are willing and want to acquire opportunities in life, the Government is eager to facilitate this.

The Minister urged persons who already have skills, to register their names with the Government in order to facilitate them getting jobs. And he urged persons in the community who are interested in learning a skill, to sign up with the Government’s skill training initiative. The skills training being offered include excavator,

welding, machine operator, carpentry and block making.

“If persons are interested in doing machine operating, excavator operating, excavator operators get paid between $10,000, $15,000 a day, depending on the size machine. Same thing for bulldozer. Same thing for Bobcat. It’s good money. The Board of Industrial Training under Minister Joe Hamilton, he will train you.”

“So, the persons who don’t have any kind of trade and want to do that, I want you to form a group, we’ll take your name and put you in that Ministry.

On the Board of Industrial Training. So that you can have that training done,” Indar further explained.

Residents

The Government’s initiative also came in for praise from the residents. In particular,

A section of the residents of Kitty who came out to listen

the timeliness with which the President’s visit was followed up was commended. According to Pastor Alex Salom, who has resided in Kitty for over a decade, many youths in the community fall prey to negative influences when left to their own devices.

“I’ve been here for the past 16 years… in the years I’ve been here, I’ve said that after the youth finish school, they finish CXC, maybe they didn’t get some of the papers, the next thing is they lime around the corner. And some get pregnant and that’s it.”

“And then the youth enter into smoking and other things.

So, it’s good to see the President walk here on Saturday, with an entourage and today, the

Monday after, we see about four Ministers came back to follow up from what the President did,” the pastor said, also expressing the hope that the day will come when boys are no longer spending their days liming on the corner, but rather are gainfully employed.

His sentiments were also echoed by other residents, including Marquis Bishop and Dexter Smith, a contractor.

Bishop expressed hope that this will be replicated countrywide, and Smith lauded the alacrity with which the Government conducted its follow-up visit.

“To me, it will help keep some young people off the streets. Find jobs and so on, training for them. I just hope and pray that everything they

say come through and they push with a pace that things could happen… not just come and talk… the President looks like he’s a man of action. So, let’s just watch and see what happens,” Bishop said.

“There’s a lot of these youths that need a lot of development, which is good for them. Some of them basically play football… nowhere to play it. So, it would be good if they have a ground and so on. Some of them are just there, not doing anything and need a skill… all these things going on within the community, I’m satisfied and grateful. The youths are being plugged up in various areas of work and that is very important for me,” Smith added.

14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

13 homeless as fires destroy 3 houses T

wo fires of unknown origin have razed houses located at Kiskadee Drive, South Ruimveldt Gardens, and C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Reports are that around 10:30h on Tuesday, Abigail Lynch, an event planner and decorator, and her husband, who occupied the home located at Kiskadee Drive, South Ruimveldt Gardens, with their three children, went out, leaving their three children – six-year-old twin boys and a 15-year-old – at home.

However, at about

The house at Kiskadee Drive, South Ruimveldt Gardens

14:30h, Lynch said she received a call from her neigh-

bour, informing her of the tragedy and that her chil-

The two houses in Sophia, Greater Georgetown

dren escaped unharmed.

This newspaper was told that firefighters arrived swiftly but to no avail since the building was already engulfed. The woman estimated her losses at about $5 million.

Meanwhile, just about 15:20h, also on Tuesday, two houses in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, were also destroyed by fire of unknown origin.

Reports are that the families who shared the homes, which included five children and three adults, were all out at the time the fire started.

The owner of one of the

houses, 29-year-old Esron France, who occupied the three-bedroom flat along with his 28-year-old wife and their two children, aged six and eight, said that they had all left home to attend a community meeting when the fire occurred.

Meanwhile, the other family, 30-year-old Latoya Alexander and her three children, aged one, three and nine, occupied the neighbouring two-bedroom flat.

Along with household appliances, clothing and other personal belongings, the families also lost several pieces of gym equipment, a motorcycle and an electric

bike which were in the yard.

The Guyana Fire Service has noted a spike in fires across the country after responding to several incidents over the past week, with five of them occurring last Saturday and another two on Monday.

With these recent fires, this has brought the figure to 16 fires in 2024 already, which has resulted in the death of two persons and over 30 persons homeless.

Fire officials have reassured citizens that they are doing their best to respond to these fires, while asking all to be more aware to help prevent such occurrences.

NEWS

15

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Apart from Guyana, Latin America,

It is not rocket science: given the chance, PNC/APNU/AFC will bankrupt Guyana every time

N

o “ands, ifs and buts”, the PNC are obsessed with voodoo economics, and are mathematically challenged.

Truth cannot be perverted, no matter what fancy spin we concoct. Whenever there is a PNC-led Government, Guyana is always on the verge of bankruptcy, with unsustainable foreign and local debt, local and foreign Dr Leslie Ramsammy currency and gold reserves at alltime lows, zero or in overdraft. In stark contrast, whenever there is a PPP-led Government, Guyana’s debt status, foreign currency, local bank and gold reserves are all improved, and are among the best in Caricom and in the region.

When the PPP Government announced a 6.5% salary increase for public servants for 2023, the PNC-led Opposition, through its economic czar Elton Lowe, quickly denounced the pay increase as shameless. Their argument for a larger pay increase for public servants is that the interest from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) can adequately fund a larger pay increase. This PNC argument explicitly exposes why a PNC-led Government always threatens Guyana with bankruptcy. The 6.5% salary increase amounted to an annual cost of almost $8B. But there will also be additional cost to fund the 2024 and 2025 public service pay increases, which are likely to be larger than the 6.5% for 2023. This means that in addition to the almost $8B that the 2023 pay increase now adds to the budget, there is also a likelihood of no less than another $10B for 2024 and even more than that for 2025.

Thus, for 2023, 2024 and 2025, the amount needed to fund increases that are just around the 6.5% vicinity would cost about $8B for 2023, about $18B for 2024 and about $30B for 2025, given that annual pay increases are costs that are carried forward every year forever.

That is about $56B for the three years, if pay increases remain around the 6.5% vicinity.

The interest earned under the NRF in 2022 was $2.7B, just about 33% of the overall cost of the 2023 salary increase of 6.5%. The interest earned in 2023 is likely to be about $12B, and in the vicinity of about $15B in 2024. The NRF interest over the 2022, 2023 and 2024 period is likely to be about $20B. The interest for the NRF, if used to fund the pay increases for 2023-2025, would always leave a growing deficit of more than $30B for just this period.

This is just one example of the macroeconomic cluelessness of the PNC, their obsession with voodoo economics; yet another example of why they are always bankrupting Guyana.

In 1992, at the end of the PNC disastrous rule, Guyana had almost no international reserve; debt was almost 800% the country’s GDP, one of the most indebted countries on earth at the time; debt servicing was far more than our national earnings; foreign, local currency and gold reserves were zero, and throughout the 1980s, our country dug more holes in order to pay public servants. Trinidad and Tobago helped with loans to pay public servants, together with the infamous sugar and rice levies, and raiding of GuySuCo. Outside of minimal pay increases, salaries for public servants for several years were frozen at zero increases.

For those who remember well, all local industries, such as sugar, rice, bauxite collapsed because the PNC-led Government squandered the resources. Public servants’ salaries had fallen to be among the lowest in the world. In 2015, when they returned, the reserves in the bank amounted to more than $50B, with almost $25B in gold reserves. By the time they were sent packing out of Government by the people in the March 2, 2020 elections, in familiar fashion, they had squandered all the currency and gold reserves, accumulated an overdraft of more than $25B, had increased the debt, and had hidden away an US$18M EXXON bonus. They had closed 4 sugar estates and had not invested in any drainage and irrigation infrastructure to support agriculture. Adding salt to the open wounds, they heaped untold burdens on people by increasing more than 200 taxes.

In spite of almost 2 trillion dollars expended during 2015 and 2020, the large increases in public sector salaries and benefits and the 20% pay increase for sugar workers they had promised during the 2015 elections campaign never materialised. Outside of the usual pay increase for public servants, they froze the wages for sugar workers.

But they did give themselves pay and benefits increases amounting to between 60% and 100%. The uproar that followed saw them making some asinine explanations, such as that the Government was bankrupt; public servants time will come, they must be patient. Then President Granger sunk deeper into the asinine territory, explaining that ministers had to be paid better so they were not tempted by corruption. What followed was a period of unprecedented corruption, such as the MOH’s warehouse fiasco, paying overall $15M per month for an old house which they called a warehouse, payment of more than $605M for medicines costing less than $100M, single-sourcing of feasibility studies for the Demerara River Bridge, and single-sourcing drainage pumps that were delivered with the wrong pumps, etc.

Since coming back to the Government, the PPP has increased public servant salaries by almost 25%, and it still has two years more before the next election. In addition, more than $10B in transfer through various one-off payments have been made to public servants and non-public servants to ease cost of living. Moreover, many public servants had their salaries and positions adjusted, and that also created a huge jump in salaries. Given the PPP’s track record, without bankrupting the country, it is likely that by end of 2025, salaries of public servants will near 150% of what it was in August 2020 when Dr. Irfaan Ali assumed the presidency, without incurring annual debts.

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

Caribbean saw significant economic downturn in 2023 – World Bank

T

he World Bank said Tuesday that Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) experienced a significant economic slowdown last year, growing just 2.2 per cent.

In its latest “Global Economic Prospects,” report, the World Bank said that this deceleration came in the context of heightened inflation and tight monetary. The Washington-based financial institution said the economic outlook for the region suggests a gradual recovery, with growth projected to increase to 2.3 per cent in 2024 and 2.5 per cent in 2025.

“While the lingering effects of previous monetary tightening will continue to influence near-term growth, their impact is expected to diminish. As inflation slows, central banks are expected to reduce interest rates, alleviating obstacles to investment growth.”

The bank said excluding Guyana, which is experiencing a resource boom, Caribbean economies are expected to grow by 4.1 per cent in 2024 and 3.9 per cent in 2025, partly due to the ongoing expansion of the tourism sector.

Latin America and the Caribbean saw significant economic downturn last year The World Bank said that in the long term, the region faces persistent challenges.

The World Bank said Tuesday that Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) experienced a significant economic slowdown last year, growing just 2.2 per cent.

In its latest “Global Economic Prospects,” report, the World Bank said that this deceleration came in the context of heightened inflation and tight monetary The Washington-based financial institution said the economic outlook for the region suggests a gradual recovery, with growth projected to increase to 2.3 per cent in 2024 and 2.5 per cent in 2025.

“While the lingering effects of previous monetary tightening will continue to influence near-term growth, their impact is expected to diminish. As inflation slows, central banks are expected to reduce interest rates, alleviating obstacles to investment growth.”

The bank said excluding Guyana, which is experiencing a resource boom, Caribbean economies are expected to grow by 4.1 per cent in 2024 and 3.9 per cent in 2025, partly due to the ongoing expansion of

the tourism sector.

According to the bank, the Bahamas will register growth of 4.3 per cent in 2023, dropping to 1.8 per cent next year and 1.6 per cent in 2025.

Barbados, which registered growth of 4.6 per cent last year, will record four and three per cent growth over the next two years, while Belize's 4.5 per cent growth last year is predicted to fall to 3.5 and 3.3 per cent in the next two years.

The World Bank said Dominica registered growth of 4.9 per cent last year and will record growth of 4.6 and four per cent in the next two years, while Grenada's 3.9 per cent growth last year will dip slightly to 3.8 and 3.5 for the years 2024 and 2025.

The financial institution said Haiti, which has registered a negative economic growth of 2.5 per cent, will continue to record positive growth over the next two

years of 1.3 and 2.2 per cent respectively.

Guyana, which recorded growth of 29 per cent last year, is predicted to register growth of 38.2 per cent next year and 15.2 per cent in 2025.

Jamaica's economic growth of 2.3 per cent last year is predicted to decline slightly to two and 1.4 per cent over the next two years, while St Lucia's 3.2 economic growth in 2023, will decline to 2.9 and 2.3 per cent over the next two years.

The World Bank said St Vincent and the Grenadines is expected to register growth of 4.8 and 3.7 over the next two years, down from the six per cent it recorded in 2023, while Suriname's growth of two per cent last year, is expected to grow 2.6 and three per cent over the next two years.

The World Bank said that in the long term, the

region faces persistent challenges.

“The potential for economic growth is declining amid a slowdown in total factor productivity and an ageing population.”

The World Bank said the projected modest regional expansion is beset by risks.

It said escalating geopolitical tensions, especially in the Middle East, could disrupt energy markets and cause oil prices to surge.

Extreme weather events, intensified by climate change, present additional risks, particularly to climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, energy, and fishing.

“External factors and global trends also contribute to the risk landscape.

Persistent core inflation in advanced economies could be accompanied by persistently high global interest rates and constraining monetary and fiscal policies in the region. (CMC)

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Carifesta, Homestretch Berbice housewife accused Avenues to have 4 lanes

of poisoning husband freed T A

Berbice Magistrate has set a housewife free after being arraigned for the murder of her reputed husband.

Magistrate Renita Singh has discharged the matter against 42-year-old Leila Bacchus of Timmers Dam, Mount Sinai, which is called Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

In her ruling on Friday, Magistrate Singh said the Police have failed to provide a case file for the accused.

Bacchus was charged with the murder of Andy Junor, 43, also called “Bull” on May 29, 2023.

The Police have previously said the file was incomplete and they were waiting on the autopsy report and toxicology report.

Subsequently, the court was told that the file was sent back to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The matter was called several times and the prosecution failed to provide information on its readiness

Freed: Leila Bacchus

to proceed with the case.

As such, on Friday, the court ruled that when the Police are ready, they can reinstitute the charge against Bacchus. The matter was discharged by the Magistrate.

Police had reported back in May 2023 that arrangements were being made to bury the body and the cause of death was given as poisoning.

However, the wife allegedly did not follow pro-

tocol by reporting the incident to the Police; as such, Police launched an investigation after suspicions about the man’s death were raised.

According to the Police reports, the woman was allegedly seen by neighbours disposing the suspected poisonous substance in a drain.

The Police said Bacchus and another relative visited the Central Police Station on May 20 and re-

Dead: Andy Junor

ported that Junor had ingested a poisonous substance and subsequently died while being treated at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

Police said Bacchus did not follow the normal protocol, which prompted an investigation even as arrangements were being made for the burial.

It was alleged that the woman gave her husband the poisonous substance after he reportedly caught her video chatting with a man. After falling ill, Junor did not say that he ingested poison.

Questioned by investigators, Bacchus allegedly revealed that she and her reputed husband had been together for 24 years and he reportedly found out that she was unfaithful and had been “nagging” her. Police had alleged at the time that the woman confessed to giving him the poison to drink. (G4)

he Public Works Ministry on Tuesday announced that Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, will be upgraded to a four-lane road as part of the Government’s transformative infrastructure agenda which will continue in 2024.

In February 2023, the Ministry embarked on public tendering for the rehabilitation and upgrade of Carifesta Avenue (Phase 1), and a contract was inked in December 2023.

The scope of works under this phase of the project entails the construction of concrete drains to the northern side of Carifesta Avenue and the widening of the existing single-lane northern carriageway to allow for two lanes.

The northern side was chosen for Phase One because the civil works for the southern side are very extensive. Thus, the north-

ern side will be converted to a double lane during the construction period.

According to the Ministry, these will incorporate revetment and widening works to include an additional westbound lane along Carifesta Avenue.

M e a n w h i l e , Homestretch Avenue will also see major upgrades expanding to four lanes.

A contract has already been signed for this, the Ministry said.

Thomas Lands, another main thoroughfare, will see rehabilitation as well, providing a vital link from east to west, while Vlissengen Road will see geometric improvements to facilitate turning lanes.

Lamaha Street, from Vlissengen Road to Sheriff Street, is also being widened and upgraded, along with Conversation Tree (to four lanes). This is to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.

Feasibility study almost ...

FROM PAGE 8

AG Nandlall had previously declared that any law school that is established in Guyana would be done under the ambit of the CLE. This, he explained, would also allow the country to capitalise on the overcrowding at the other institutions across the Region.

Every year, only Guyana’s top 25 law students are able to attend the High Wooding Law School in Trinidad, leaving behind over a dozen students.

Additionally, the high costs associated with studying law in Trinidad usually

causes some of the students selected to drop out. The tuition per year has been estimated at TT$$98,000, which translates to G$3 million… a sum that does not include accommodation.

At present, the CLEoperated laws schools in the Caribbean are: the Hugh Wooding Law School, St Augustine, in Trinidad and Tobago; Norman Manley Law School, Kingston, in Jamaica; and Eugene Dupuch Law School, Nassau, in the Bahamas.

(G3)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024

17

Regional

Brazil to bolster security Armed gang storms Ecuador TV studio for Yanomami territory after state of emergency declared in Amazon rainforest

A

B

razil will bolster security and aid efforts for the Yanomami territory, officials said on Tuesday, covering ancestral lands that for years have suffered a range of illegal activities largely fuelled by wildcat gold mining.

The Government will spend 1.2 billion reais (US$245 million) this year in security and assistance efforts for the Yanomami territory, Brazil's largest Indigenous reservation, located along the border with Venezuela.

The plan includes establishing a local security headquarters that aims to consolidate federal security efforts to fight wildcat gold mining, a root problem in the region.

The Yanomami territory, an area about the size as Portugal, has been invaded by illegal gold miners for decades, but the destructive incursions multiplied in recent years when then President Jair Bolsonaro dismantled environment protection efforts.

The illegal mining and deforestation have also exacerbated a humanitarian crisis in the territory,

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva speaks during a meeting with Brazilian Ministers about the Yanomami humanitarian crisis, at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, January 9, 2024 (Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino photo)

marked by malnutrition and other diseases like malaria, as well as sexual abuse.

The rivers that dot the Yanomami lands have also faced mercury pollution that is especially harmful to area wildlife.

Around 31,000 Indigenous people live in the territory, most of whom are Yanomami, but members of the Ye'kwana community are also present.

A year ago, leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva launched an emergency operation to expel

thousands of wildcat gold miners, known locally as garimpeiros, and assist Indigenous communities.

Rui Costa, Lula's Chief of Staff, described the plan as a next phase that is "implementing permanent and structural measures in that region", in comments following a Government meeting that discussed the matter.

Other measures include food distribution and a new health centre that will focus on Indigenous medical needs. (US$1 = 4.8996 reais) (Reuters)

Cubans brace for impact as gasoline prices set to soar

S

hortly after Cuban taxi driver Javier Ernesto heard fuel prices were set to soar fivefold on February 1, he bolted for his local gas station.

"We're trying to fuel up before they raise prices," the 33-year-old Havana resident told Reuters as he waited in a line of vehicles several blocks long. "It's a considerable hike and I think it's going to be hard for us afterwards."

Cubans across the capital crowded gas stations and braced for impact ahead of the biggest single jump in fuel prices on the island in decades, a measure the communist-run Government says

is necessary to control deficit spending and raise funds for imports of food, medicine, and critically – more fuel.

The price increase for the popular 94 octane gasoline will bring a single 40-litre tank of fuel to 6240 pesos, or about US$23 at the black market exchange rate, well over the average monthly State salary of 4209 pesos, or US$15.60.

"It's not the same to fill your tank with 1000 pesos as it is to spend 6000," said State worker Ernesto Cordero. "The price of everything is going to go up; this will cause a chain reaction."

The announcements,

though rumoured for months, rocked Cuba, where residents who depend on vast State subsidies to survive, have seen inflation spike and costs of most goods and services skyrocket.

The Government, which said it will also raise prices of liquified gas, used for cooking, and electricity for top-tier users, said it will protect the vulnerable from rising prices.

In a separate announcement on Monday, the Government said it would open 29 service centres that will charge for fuel exclusively in dollars.(Excerpt from Reuters)

live broadcast by Ecuadorean television station TC was interrupted by a group of armed people who forced staff to lie and sit on the floor, as shots and yelling were heard. The country’s president has declared 22 gangs as terrorist organisations and said that the country was in a state of “internal armed conflict”.

The gang members, wearing balaclavas and largely dressed in black, were seen wielding large guns and accosting huddled staffers on the live feed, which eventually cut out on Tuesday. It is unclear if any station personnel were injured.

Some of the invaders

gestured at the camera and someone could be heard yelling “no Police”.

Another channel showed images of police outside TC’s studios in Guayaquil, a coastal city that has been plagued by surging violence over the last several years as narcotrafficking groups step up operations in the once-relatively peaceful South American nation.

“I am still in shock,” Alina Manrique, the head of news for TC Television who says she had a gun pointed to her head during the incident, told The Associated Press.

“Everything has collapsed …. All I know is that it’s time to leave this coun-

try and go very far away.”

Ecuador’s national Police said on social media that its specialised units had been deployed to the site, and Police confirmed that 13 arrests had been made. The national Police posted images of several men with their hands zip-tied behind their backs, stating that they were captured in their intervention at the studio.

The incident came after at least seven Police Officers were kidnapped, explosions occurred in several cities and prison inmates seized dozens of guards as hostages, a day after President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Hundreds protest at First Quantum's Panama copper mine

A

bout 500 persons on Tuesday protested at First Quantum's (FM. TO) copper mine in Panama to pressure the Canadian miner and authorities to follow through on plans to close the site, weeks after the Supreme Court declared its contract unconstitutional.

Even days before the Supreme Court's November ruling over the contract to operate the lucrative Cobre Panama mine, the site had already effectively been shuttered after protesters blocked access to the port that serves it.

The Canadian miner's local unit last week said it was "deeply concerned" after one union warned of plans to "invade" the Cobre Panama mine this week. But by noon on Tuesday the protest, which was peaceful, had dispersed.

Many protesters waved Panamanian flags while others held banners that read: "Panama is worth more without mining."

In the following weeks after the court's decision, First Quantum said it was seeking formal talks with the Panamanian Government

Protesters take part in a symbolic shutdown of the Cobre Panama mine, owned by Canada's First Quantum, just over a month after the Panamanian supreme court declared unconstitutional the contract to operate the lucrative copper nine near the Caribbean coast of the isthmus, in Donoso, Panama, January 9, 2024 (Reuters/Roberto Cisneros photo)

to proceed with the safe and orderly closure of the facility. The company still has equipment and workers at the site.

Protesters on the site on Tuesday said they had achieved the "symbolic closure" of the mine.

"The people spoke loud and clear: we want a Panama free of mining," said 51-year-old teacher Fernando Abrego at the entrance to the mine, which

remained closed and guarded by private agents.

"The fight didn't end with the ruling of unconstitutionality," he added.

Protesters have argued that the terms of the contract – originally agreed in October before being overruled – were too generous for First Quantum and allege corruption played a part in its approval. The company denies these claims.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Cops probe death of Ukrainian Judge in Haiti issues arrest warrants for former Presidents, on ship docked in Jamaica

P

olice are probing the death of a Ukrainian on a container ship docked at the port in Kingston.

The dead man has been identified as 47-year-old Manzhos Yuriy, the ship’s chief engineer, who resides in Nikolacv, southern Ukraine.

Yuriy was reportedly found dead Monday by a member of the ship’s crew, Observer Online has learnt.

The Newport West Police reported that around

11:45h on Monday, checks were made to Yuriy’s living quarters by a crew member, when he was found partially dressed and lying on his back across his bed.

He was motionless and foaming from both corners of the mouth, the Police said.

Lawmen boarded the vessel, called Crystal A, and found Yuriy shirtless and clad in black and grey short pants.

No marks of violence were seen, the Police said.

PMs over corruption

A A view of Kingston Harbour

Several blood spots were observed on the lower posteri-

or, synonymous with lividity. (JamaicaObserver)

Haitian Judge has issued arrest warrants for scores of high-ranking officials accused of corruption, including several former Presidents and Prime Ministers, according to the Associated Press.

“The warrants, issued Friday and leaked on social media over the weekend, accuse the officials of misappropriation of funds or equipment related to Haiti's National Equipment Centre.

The centre is responsible for using heavy machinery for tasks such as building roads or clearing rubble, especially after earthquakes,” the news agency said.

Former Presidents Michel Martelly and Jocelerme Privert, and former Prime Ministers Laurent Lamothe, JeanMichel Lapin, Evans Paul and Jean-Henry Céant were among those named. Privert and Lapin have denied the allegations.

18

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024

guyanatimesgy.com

Around The World

Blinken says civilian death OILNEWS OIL NEWS toll in Gaza "far too high" U

Oil climbs 2% on Mideast conflict and Libya outage

O

il prices climbed around 2% on Tuesday as the Middle East crisis and a Libyan supply outage pared the previous day's heavy losses.

Brent crude futures settled US$1.47, or 1.9%, higher at US$77.59 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) ended US$1.47, or 2.1%, higher at US$72.24.

Prices drew support from the closure of Libya's 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) Sharara oilfield, one of its largest, which has been a frequent target for local and broader political protests, and Middle East tensions.

The Israeli military has said its fight against Hamas will continue through 2024, stoking concerns the conflict could escalate into a regional crisis that disrupts oil supplies.

Meanwhile, some major shipping companies are still avoiding the Red Sea following attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi militants in response to Israel's war against Hamas.

However, the impact on oil tanker movements has been less than expected, according to a Reuters analysis.

"The more attractive alternative for (oil tankers) right now is to make a dash for the United States, where crude oil is cheaper than Brent," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho.

Brent and WTI posted 3% and 4% losses respectively on Monday after sharp cuts to Saudi Arabia's official selling prices (OSP), prompting both supply and demand concerns.

Oil futures also were also supported on Tuesday after Saudi Arabia emphasised its desire to support efforts to stabilise oil markets and following reports that Russia curbed its crude oil production level in December, said Price Futures Group analyst Phil Flynn.

"It's an early sign of compliance by Russia," he said.

Russia is part of the OPEC+ group of oil-producers that has agreed to cut production by around 2.2 million bpd.

In the US, crude production will hit record highs over the next two years but grow at a slower rate, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said, as efficiency gains offset a decline in rig activity. Output will rise by 290,000 bpd to a record 13.21 million bpd this year. (Excerpt from Reuters)

nited States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the civilian death toll in Gaza is “far too high”, especially among children, and called for aid to reach the besieged strip more effectively.

Speaking at a news conference in Jerusalem on Tuesday, Blinken said the US continued to stand with Israel in its mission to “ensure that October 7 never happens again”, but also sought to avoid further civilian losses in Gaza and prevent the conflict from spreading to the wider region.

The US diplomat, who is on his fourth visit to the Middle East since the conflict began, said Israel had taken steps to ensure that aid reached the population of Gaza, including opening Karem Abu Salem, also

known as Kerem Shalom, border crossing with Gaza.

Blinken travelled to Turkey, Greece, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates before reaching Israel. He is expected to travel to the West Bank next for further talks with the Palestinian Authority.

Speaking of plans for post-war Gaza, Blinken said countries in the region had expressed their readiness to work towards an “integrated region”, but that any agreement must include the fulfilment of Palestinian political ambitions.

“Many countries in the region are prepared to invest when the conflict is over in [Gaza’s] reconstruction and security,” Blinken said. “But it is essential to them that there also be a clear pathway to the realisa-

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli attack on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, January 3 [Emad Gabon/Reuters]

tion of a Palestinian political state.”

He added that the present moment presented a “powerful opportunity” but that all parties must work together towards this goal. “Israel must stop taking steps that

undercut Palestinians’ ability to govern themselves effectively,” he said, including “settler violence carried out with impunity, settlement expansion, demolitions and evictions. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Russia and Ukraine’s cross-border missile battle stokes rhetoric

R

ussia and Ukraine have engaged in rhetoric as they engage in a new phase of war focused on tit-for-tat air raids across the RussiaUkraine border.

Russia pledged on Tuesday that its military will do everything in its power to tackle an increase in Ukrainian shelling of Belgorod, which sits close to the border. Ukraine, mean-

while, warned it’s running short of anti-aircraft missiles, part of an ongoing effort to push Western partners to raise support amid signs of fatigue.

With the war on the front line in eastern Ukraine bogged down in trenches, Russia has reverted to a tactic developed last winter, when it used air raids to target infrastructure, leaving many Ukrainians short

of heat and other essentials.

This winter it has said it is targeting military targets, but many civilian areas have been hit. In retaliation, Ukraine has begun firing back at targets inside Russia, as well as in occupied regions in the east.

Moscow noted that renewed attacks on Belgorod had injured three people on Tuesday. The city has become a regular target of

missile and drone attacks in recent weeks, prompting officials to evacuate hundreds and close schools.

Since invading its neighbour in February, the Kremlin has sought to maintain a semblance of normalcy on the home front. However, the attacks on Belgorod have brought the Ukraine conflict closer to home. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Gabriel Attal becomes South Korea passes 2023 confirmed as world's Bill to ban consumption France's youngest hottest year on record Prime Minister as of dog meat Macron seeks reset T S he year 2023 has been confirmed as the warmest on record, driven by human-caused climate change and boosted by the natural El Niño weather event.

Last year was about 1.48C warmer than the long-term average before humans started burning large amounts of fossil fuels, the EU's climate service says.

Almost every day since July has seen a new global air temperature high for the time of year, BBC analysis shows.

Sea surface temperatures have also smashed previous highs.

The Met Office reported last week that the UK experienced its second warmest year on record in 2023.

These global records are bringing the world closer to breaching key international climate targets.

"What struck me was not just that [2023] was record-breaking, but the amount by which it broke pre-

vious records," notes Andrew Dessler, a professor of atmospheric science at Texas A&M University.

It's well-known that the world is much warmer now than 100 years ago, as humans keep releasing record amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

But 12 months ago, no major science body actually predicted 2023 being the hottest year on record, because of the complicated way in which the Earth's climate behaves.

During the first few months of the year, only a small number of days broke air temperature records.

But the world then went on a remarkable, almost unbroken streak of daily records in the second half of 2023.

More than 200 days saw a new daily global temperature record for the time of year, according to BBC analysis of Copernicus Climate Change Service data. (Excerpt from BBC News)

outh Korea's Parliament passed a Bill on Tuesday to ban the eating and selling of dog meat, a move that will end the controversial centuries-old practice amid growing support for animal welfare.

Eating dog meat was once seen as a way to improve stamina in the humid Korean summer. But the practise has become rare largely limited to some older people and specific restaurants - as more Koreans consider dogs as family pets and as criticism of how the dogs are slaughtered has grown.

Activists say most dogs are electrocuted or hanged when slaughtered for meat, though breeders and traders argue there has been progress in making the slaughtering more humane.

Support for the ban has grown under President Yoon Suk Yeol, an animal lover who owns six dogs and

eight cats with first lady Kim Keon Hee, also a vocal critic of dog meat consumption.

Pet ownership has also climbed over the years.

One in four Korean households owned a pet dog in 2022, up from 16% in 2010, Government data shows.

Proposed by the ruling party and with rare bipartisan support, the Bill was passed by an overwhelming 208 votes with two abstentions in the single-chamber Parliament.

The legislation, which states its purpose is "to eradicate the consumption of dogs" will take effect after a three-year grace period.

The breeding and slaughtering of dogs to produce meat for human consumption will be punishable by up to three years in prison or 30 million won (US$22,800) in fines.

The bill does not stipulate any penalties for eating dog meat per se. (Excerpt from BBC News)

G

abriel Attal promised to be bold and act fast to help the middle-class weather the rising cost of living, after President Emmanuel Macron, seeking to breathe new life into his second term, on Tuesday made him France's youngest ever Prime Minister.

The appointment of Attal, 34, a popular and media-savvy rising star of French politics, signals a desire by Macron to move beyond divisive reforms and improve his centrist party's chances in European Parliament elections in June.

Widespread public discontent over surging living costs and last year's contested pension reform have seriously hit Macron's ratings, and his chances in the EU ballot, where his party trails badly behind Marine Le Pen's far-right.

"I'm well aware of the

context in which I take on this job," Attal said.

"Too many French doubt our country, doubt themselves or our future. I think in particular of the middle class ... who get up every morning to go to work ... and sometimes can't make ends meet," he said, promising to work to "control our destiny and free up France's potential".

Shorn of a working majority in Parliament, Macron has battled to push through his second-term reform agenda, and is now set to focus on more consensual objectives such as aiming to reach full employment.

Attal has polled as one of France's most popular politicians in recent months.

A Macron loyalist, he became a household name as Government spokesman during the COVID pandemic and earned a reputation as a smooth communicator.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024

19

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Work behind the scenes, where you can get things done without interference. Avoid discussions that can lead to a no-win situation. Pay attention to your physical and financial well-being.

(March 21-April 19) A change will offer insight into what’s available to you. Gather information and connect with someone who has something to contribute. Use your knowledge to advance.

PICKLES (April 20-May 20)

Get the lowdown before you move.

Someone will offer false information to encourage you to take a chance. Don’t lower your guard or believe everything you hear. Get the facts and avoid risk.

(May 21-June 20) Consider what’s available, then act.

Be the one to set the wheels in motion; you are ready for a change. Embrace life, love and new beginnings with vigor.

Live in the moment.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Stay focused on your responsibilities. Take work seriously and do your part to ensure everything runs smoothly. You’ll gain respect and an unexpected opportunity. Give a little extra.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Participate in something challenging. Take an energetic approach to getting things done. Learn all you can and work hard to reach your goals. Don’t let anyone lead you astray.

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

Proceed with caution. You’ll face opposition if you try to force your ideas on others. Use your charm while sticking to the truth. Embellishing a situation will backfire.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Pay attention to detail. Don’t hold back; use your imagination and transform your skills and knowledge into a prosperous pursuit. Change is within reach. Keep an eye on your budget.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Use your time and space wisely. Look inward and figure out what you want to do next. Don’t let others control your future. Figure out what you want, and don’t be afraid to move forward alone.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Concentrate on what’s doable instead of looking for a quick fix. Practicality is your best bet when dealing with money, work and institutions. Take the path that leads to less stress.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Stay focused on what you can control and achieve. Be realistic and recognize what’s doable and what will save you time and money. Put a schedule in place to channel your energy.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Keep an open mind, but don’t believe bogus claims. Do the research, get the facts and make decisions to help you get ahead. Connect with people who can contribute to your goals.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

20

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024

West Indies vs Australia: 2023/24 two-Test series…

WI squad includes seven uncapped players in Australia W

est Indies ramp up preparations for their series against Australia today (Wednesday) with a threeday game against a Cricket Australia XI in Adelaide.

They have a new-look squad with them for a variety of reasons, including seven players uncapped at Test level. ESPNcricinfo has taken a look at those who could debut next week, with insights from Ian Bishop. They are as follows Zachary McCaskie: 27, top-order batter First-class record: Matches 11; Runs 641; Average 30.52; Hundreds nil Despite being 27, McCaskie made his firstclass debut only less than a year ago, and has yet to score a century (although he has one in List A cricket).

He made 92 and 55 not out in his fourth match against Trinidad and Tobago, batting for over six hours in the game.

"I was probably thinking about my scores a little much in the games prior," he told Cricket West Indies' YouTube channel at the time. "So, I tried to have a free mind, and it ended up paying off. It was a great feeling to be able to win a game for Barbados and be there at the end. I wanted to put up my hand and say, ‘I'm leaving it for no one else’."

He followed that with 93 in the Headley-Weekes Tri Series, where he opened alongside Tagenarine Chanderpaul, and was selected for the A tours of Bangladesh and South Africa. On the latter, he made two half-centuries in the second four-day game in East London.

Tevin Imlach: 27, wicketkeeper First class record: Matches 17; Runs 612; Average 24.48; Hundreds 1 Imlach was part of the West Indies Under-19 side that won the 2016 World Cup, and he would likely be the reserve keeper for this tour. In the final of that tournament, he pulled off an unusual stumping to remove Rishabh Pant, who had taken guard outside of his crease to Alzarri Joseph, left the ball alone, and Imlach under-armed a throw at the stumps. "Very clever," Bishop recalled.

His limited first-class record is in part because Guyana had a number of senior keepers in front of him after the Under-19 World Cup. His maiden

Kevin Sinclair, Akeem Jordan and Zachary McCaskie are among the uncapped players

first-class century came last year against Jamaica, when he made 136 not out.

He was the vice-captain on

16 wickets at 16.06 for Windward Islands, having previously played for Barbados.

People are talking in excited tones about Shamar Joseph's raw talent

the recent A tour of South Africa.

"He confesses not to have any extraordinary stories in terms of his development, but he's a nice touch batsman," Bishop has said.

Justin Greaves: 29, seam-bowling allrounder First class record: Matches 37; Runs 1268; Average 26.97; Hundreds 1; Wickets 76; Average 22.76; Five-wickets 4 Greaves is an allrounder who had a good domestic one-day tournament last year, but has just one firstclass century dating back to 2017. He has played international cricket, with three ODIs against Ireland in 2022, where he was a batter-only due to back problems. In last year's fourday Championship, he took

"He's a little bit of a surprise [selection] actually," Bishop has said. "He's a nice little utility player.

He can open the batting as he does in one-day cricket, bat in the middle, and is a nice touch player. When he played for West Indies Under-19s, it was as an allrounder, [and he] sometimes opened the bowling for Barbados with his fastmedium or medium-fast bowling, but his batting has taken over in the last two or three seasons."

Kavem Hodge: 30, batting allrounder, left-arm spinner First-class record: Matches 55; Runs 2762; Average 29.07; Hundreds 4; Wickets 55; Average 37.80; Five-wickets 1 Like Greaves, Hodge was part of the 2012

Under-19 cohort. The leftarm spinner and middle-order batter played three ODIs against UAE last year. He has four first-class centuries, the most recent of which was his career-best 137 last March, where he batted five-and-a-half hours and formed a stand of 246 with Alick Athanaze.

Batted at No. 4 on the recent A tour of South Africa.

Bowling-wise, his career-best 6 for 68 dates back to 2019 against Trinidad and Tobago.

"He bowls, I'd say, leftarm darts," Bishop said.

"It's not filled with great variation, but he can bat like four or five in the order, and he's been a workmanlike sort of cricketer around the regional circuit since his Under-19 days. He's not a spectacular looking player, but a very practical player."

Kevin Sinclair: 24, off-spinner, allrounder First-class record: Matches 21; Runs 976; Average 31.48; Hundreds nil; Wickets 66; Average 24.33; Five-wickets 4 Internationally, Sinclair is the most experienced of the seven players uncapped at Test level, with 13 white-ball games under his belt. He is perhaps most famous for his somersault celebrations. He has impressive domestic bowling returns across all three formats, and could be an allround option in the middle order, depending on the balance of the side.

Across two A series in Bangladesh and South Africa, he took 25 wickets at 25.80 and averaged 46.12 with the bat. Has previously picked the brain

of Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan about how to improve his red-ball bowling.

"An offspinner who is very tidy, and I'm surprised he hasn't made more headway in competition with someone like a Roston Chase," Bishop said. "Kevin loves his batting. While we see Kevin as a bowling allrounder, he sees him-

self as a batting allrounder, and had a very useful tour of South Africa with the bat. An upand-coming allrounder…and a very good fielder as well. He's an evolving bowler, and won't back down from a challenge."

Akeem Jordan: 29, pace bowler First-class record: Matches 15; Wickets 59; Average 22.08; Five-wickets 2 Jofra Archer slept on Jordan's floor as he tried to make his way in county cricket. Jordan himself only made his first-class debut in 2022, but has a handy record across 15 matches. He was part of the Test squad that toured South Africa early last year, and he played a couple of ODIs against UAE. Took 5 for 45 against Bangladesh A in Sylhet, then helped them to victory with 22 not out.

"He is very skillful, can bowl the new ball, and looks to put the ball in the right areas. He is also a sharp fielder, and good catcher close to the wicket," Desmond Haynes, West Indies' lead selector, said when he was included for South Africa.

"Medium-fast who swings the ball. He can bring it in a little bit, and can seam it," Bishop said. "Those are his major strengths. One of those allround talents whose bowling with the new ball will be [about] swing, and perhaps be more of a probing [role] rather than someone who will scare you [with pace]."

Shamar Joseph: 24, pace bowler First-class record: Matches 5; Wickets 21; Average 21.80; Five-wickets 2 This 24-year-old has just five first-class matches under his belt, but is viewed as a very exciting prospect.

Not long ago, he was working as a security guard to help look after his young family. He made his firstclass debut early last year, and claimed 12 wickets in two matches on the A tour of South Africa. He was also part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad which won the CPL. "I've been putting in a lot of work lately, training hard; so, I'm extremely happy," he told News Room Guyana after his call-up. "I learned a lot [in South Africa].

We had one of the great fast bowlers, Shaun Tait, with us, so he taught us a lot. I don't want to get carried away by the fast wickets [in Australia], just stick to the basics."

Bishop said: "Through sheer hard work, he moved to Georgetown. When you see him, there's not an ounce of fat on him. A very diligent, hardworking, fastmedium bowler, and quicker than the others we've mentioned. Very skiddy. I first ran into him live last year when West Indies were playing in Guyana, and I caught a sight of him in the nets and he has hustle, bustle, and really comes at you. There's a lot of high hopes for him because of his attitude and because of his physical capabilities."

(ESPNCricinfo)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

21

Saints Hockey Club completes successful outing in T&T A

s part of the club’s longterm development plan, the Saints Hockey Club (SHC) accepted an invitation from the Ventures Hockey Club to participate in their 19th International Invitational Indoor Hockey Tournament.

Having participated for the first time in 2023 with the boys’ team, the SHC Committee made the decision to expose the girls to international competition as well this year. The club raised the funds to cover the team’s entrance fees, accommodation, meals and transportation in Trinidad, while the players were responsible for acquiring sponsorship for their airfare.

The St. Stanislaus College Broad also funded the airline tickets of the 5 female students currently attending the College.

A team of 10 males, 10 females, a coach and a manager travelled to Trinidad on January 3, and returned to Guyana on January 7, 2024. The team stayed at the Court Yard by Marriott Hotel.

Although slightly more expensive than other options, it was selected because it included breakfast and was within walking distance of the venue, thus negating daily transpor-

Girls Team (from left to right): Alexcia Elias (C), Clayza Bobb, Kezia Chinian, Sueann Fraser, Sarah Harry (GK), Tekeisha DeLeon, Nyanna Chase, Makaylah Poole, Kazaquah Uzzi & Solana Crum-Ewing

tation costs.

Coach Robert Fernandes summed up the outing by saying, “With such a young team, the majority of which are between the ages of 14 (and) 18 years old, our expectation for the girls’ team was for them to learn from the experience of competing against top quality club teams from Trinidad & Tobago. Our girls surpassed our expectations by holding their own, and improving with every match; none more so than their performance against the TT Police team, which had one month earlier dominated them at the Diamond International

Hockey Festival in Guyana.

Our girls’ improvement in one month showed, and it was them who dominated this time around, and were just unfortunate not to have won the match. We believe this experience will accelerate the team’s development, and we look forward to their improved performances this year.

“Our expectations for the boys were a bit higher, considering that they had the experience of competing in this tournament last year. Fresh off their second-place finish at the Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival, the boys

Boys Team (from left to right): Standing – Yedede Uzzi (Manager), Shomere Garnett, Baraka Garnett, Jason Khalil (guest player), Jabari Lovell, Shakeem Fausette, Troy Hodge, Raoul Whittaker (GK), Oshazay Savory, Tivesarid Garnett (C) & Robert Fernandes (Coach), Stooping: Tahrea Garnett & Edmond Chinian

eased through their first two matches. However, in their third group match against the group’s top seed TT Police, they conceded two early goals, and spent the rest of the match chasing from behind, which meant taking risks, which were punished on the counter attacks.

“After finishing second in the group, we faced Group A winners Queen’s Park in the semi-final. Once again, we conceded early, but this time the boys responded well and clawed their way back into the

match. Trailing 3-2, a Jabari Lovell penalty corner hit the post, and several goal-scoring opportunities were valiantly saved by the Queen’s Park goalkeeper. With time running out, we threw numbers forward, and Queen’s Park scored on the counter attack just as time expired.

“The boys showed their ability to learn and adapt quickly by reversing the result against the TT Police in the third-place playoff.

Part of the club’s mission is to keep alumni connected to

St. Stanislaus College through hockey, and to provide students opportunities to have experiences which help their long-term development.

“International exposure is a vital part of athletes’ development, and considering that in 2023 our boys’ team didn’t make it out of the group stage, and this year they placed third, it shows that progress is being made. I am confident that we will see similar improvements with our girls after this year’s exposure.

“We are grateful to the St. Stanislaus College Board and Alumni for their support. We believe our objectives both on and off the court were achieved on this tour.”

Match Results Women’s Group Stage Lost to GCC: 0-3 Drew with TT Police: 1-1 Lost to Magnolias: 1-6

2-0

Men’s Group Stage Defeated UWI Cave Hill:

Defeated Notre Dame: 4-1 Lost to TT Police: 2-5 Semi-final: Lost to Queen’s Park: 2-4 3rd Place Playoff: Defeated TT Police: 3-1

Darren Bravo back with Jumbo Jet’s Mashramani horse race meet set for February 25 Red Force after break …Could play in West Indies Championship

T

he Rising Sun Turf Club on the West Coast of Berbice will come alive on Sunday, February 25, when the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee hosts a grand oneday horse race meeting.

Eight races are carded for the day, and close to Gy$10M will be up for grabs. The feature event, to be run over 1600 metres, will be open to all imported and locally bred horses. The top horse of the feature event will bag Gy$2M. The provisional program includes four-year-old and three-year-old West Indianbred horses contending for supremacy over a distance of 1600 metres, and three-yearold Guyana-bred non-winners of two races contending over a distance of 1400 metres.

All the top horses and jockeys are expected to ignite the Rising Sun Turf Club at the Mashramani event.

See below the full provisional program for the Mashramani race meet RACE 1: OPEN to all imported & locally-bred horses -- 1600M- Purse: $3,750,000: 1st: $2,000,000 - 2nd: $1,000,000 - 3rd: $500,000 - 4th: $250,000. Entry fee: $232,500 Late Entry Fee: $310,000 RACE 2: West Indianbred 4 Y.O & W.I. 3yr-old horses --1600MPurse: $1,875,000 1st: $1,000,000 2nd: $500,000 - 3rd: $250,000 - 4th: $125,000 Entry fee: $116,250 Late Entry Fee: $155,000 RACE 3: Three-year-old

F

Close to Gy$10M in cash incentives will be up for grabs on February 25 at Rising Sun Turf Club

Guyana-bred non-winners of two races -- 1400M- Purse: $1,125,000 1st: $600,000 2nd: $300,000 - 3rd: $150,000 - 4th: $75,000 Entry fee: $69,750 Late Entry Fee: $93,000 RACE 4: G Class Horses.

Open to F3. & also F1 & F2 non-earners in their last start horses -- 1400M- NORTH AMERICA IMPORTED 3YR & UP COLTS 126LB, FILLIES 123LB. W.I. & LOCALLY BRED COLTS & FILLIES 15LB ALLOWANCE. Purse: $750,000 1st: $400,000 - 2nd: $200,000 - 3rd: $100,000 - 4th: $50,000 Entry fee: $46,500 Late Entry Fee: $62,000 RACE 5: I-Class Horses & Open to first-time starter - West Indian-bred 3 Y.O & Also open to H3 non-earners in last two start, or H3 horses who have not earned since August 2023. W.I. bred colts 126lb, fillies 123. W.I. Bred 3yr old colts 121LB, fillies 119. Locally Bred colts

111LB, fillies 108LB. -1,100M W.I. BRED Colts 126 fillies 123. Guy Bred colts 111, fillies and mares 108. Purse: $656,250. 1st: $350,000 - 2nd: $175,000 - 3rd: $87,500 - 4th: $43,750 Entry fee: $40,688.

Late Entry Fee: $54,250 RACE 6: J3 & Lower horses -- 1400M- Purse; $609,375.

1st: $325,000 - 2nd: $162,500 - 3rd: $81,250 - 4th: $40,625 Entry fee: $37,780. Late Entry Fee: $50,375 RACE 7: L Class horses & open to J3 first-time starters1400M – Purse: $562,500.

1st: $300,000 - 2nd: $150,000 - 3rd: $75,000 - 4th: $37,500.

Entry fee: $34,875 Late Entry Fee: $46,500 RACE 8: L Class non-earners of $200,000 or L Class horses who have not earned since August 2023, & also open to J3 first-time starters - 1400M- Purse: $375,000.

1st: $200,000 - 2nd: $100,000 - 3rd: $50,000 - 4th: $25,000 Entry Fee: $23,250 Late Entry Fee: $31,000.

ollowing his break over Christmas, Darren Bravo is back with the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force unit.

The Red Force players will get the first of just two opportunities to play competitively before the start of the West Indies FourDay Championship when they play a three-day practice match in Preysal.

Bravo is expected to be part of the action.

This was confirmed

by Red Force Coach and Selection Chairman David Furlonge on January 2.

He also told the Trinidad Express that Bravo would play in next week’s North/ South Classic as well as the Four-Day Championship.

The confirmation comes after Bravo announced in November that he planned to “step away just for a bit”, following his being overlooked by the West Indies selectors for last month’s One-Day International series against England.

In an emotional post on social media platform Instagram, he said he had “taken some time to ponder and wonder” about his future in West Indies cricket, and while he was not “giving up”, believed a break would be the best move for his career.

He gave no clear indication of the length of the break, but said it was proving difficult to con-

Daren Bravo took some time away from cricket

tinue finding motivation amid the ongoing selection disappointments.

“At this point in my career, it’s not easy, or should I say it takes a lot to continue to find the energy, the passion, commitment and discipline to be able to perform to the best of my ability and put myself in a position to make my return to international cricket”, he had said.

Bravo, who last played for the West Indies in January 2022 in a T20 International against England, led the Red Force to victory in last November’s Super50 Cup, in which he was the leading run-scorer. Earlier in the year, Bravo also had the second-highest aggregate in the four-day competition.

Subsequent to his snub for the England ODI series, Bravo was contacted

by Director of Cricket for

Cricket West Indies (CWI), Miles Bascombe, about going on the Test tour of Australia, but according to CWI, he declined the offer.

Speaking on the Mason and Guest cricket radio programme in Barbados last Tuesday, Furlonge admitted he was “surprised” that Bravo had turned down the chance to tour, but had added, “I know he’s disappointed at not being selected in the 50 overs against England, but we have to move on.

Hopefully, he gets back himself. He has made himself available for Trinidad; we’ll see how that goes from there.”

Furlonge also said: “I respect his decision.

I know what he is going through…I believe he will have to start over, and have another good year before he’s considered for (West Indies) selection again.” (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024

BCB completes highly successful 2023 …Lists main highlights of Cricket development program

T

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) enjoyed a highly successful calendar year 2023 under the leadership of Hilbert Foster, and is currently preparing for a hectic 2024 under the new leadership of Dr. Cecil Beharry, who was elected chairman on December 17.

The highlight of the year was a selection of 13 Berbicians on different West Indies teams: senior, academy and A. The players were Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Isai Thorne, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Shemaine Campbelle, Sheneta Grimmond, Shabika Gajnabi, Ashmini Munisar and Anna Grimmond.

Joseph and Sinclair earned maiden call-ups to the Test team, while Munisar became the first West Indies female Under-19 Captain, before making her senior international debut.

Seven Barbicans also played for the Amazon Warriors during the 2023 tournament.

They were Hetmyer, Shepherd, Junior Sinclair, Anderson Kevin Sinclair and Joseph.

Four females also played for the female version of the tournament: Campbelle, Grimmond, Gajnabi and Munisar.

Several Berbicians also played at the senior CWI level for Guyana at the fourday and one-day levels as the county continues to dominate national selection.

At the junior level, four Berbicians were in the na-

Construction, Republic Bank, Dhanpaul Sukhra, Ricky Moore, Dr. Frank Denbow, Ali’s Bakery, Diors Bits and Pieces, Nolan France, George Baijnauth, MASS Security, Alvin Kallicharran, Tony McWatt, Inter Caribbean Airline, Imran Shaffeeullah, Esaun Crandon, Matt Breuer, Price is Right, NPG Packaging, Vishu SuperStar, Arjune Nandu, Harrinarine Chattergoon, Kris Jagdeo and Dave Narine, among others.

Former BCB President Hilbert Foster

Launching of the historic BCB/UG Wall of Fame

representing the West Indies Cricket Academy.

During the course of 2023, the BCB launched a total of 34 cricket tournaments at all levels, including a historic under-11 inter-club. The levels were under-11, under- 13, under-15, under-17, under-19, under-23, second division, first division, inter-zone, females, primary schools, secondary schools, and inter-zone at the junior level. Over 70 percent of the tournaments have been successfully completed, including the RL Construction U15, Ali’s Bakery U17, Brian Ramphal U17 inter-zone, Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh U19 inter-zone, Sir James France Berbice River Tournament, Dave Imports Berbice River, Latchmansingh West Berbice

Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy U13 team: winners of the BCB Romario Shepherd tournament

tional under-13 team, six in the under-17, six in the under-19.

Devon Clements gained selection on the West Indies Over-40 team to tour Pakistan, while three Berbice females gained selection on the West Indies A team tour to Pakistan and the senior female team to Australia.

Three players: Motie, Joseph and Kevin Sinclair, are currently in Australia with the West Indies team, while Isai Thorne is with the West Indies Under-19 World Cup team.

Junior Sinclair was adjudged the best emerging player of the 2023 Caribbean Premier League, while Kevlon Anderson scored his first two first class centuries and Isai Thorne had a remarkable start to his first-class career

inter-primary, MASS Inter Secondary Schools, Roy Baijnauth Memorial inter-primary, UCCA Price is Right, Romario Shepherd U13, Jumbo Jet T/20.

The BCB was also able to attract the services of eighteen cricket coaches/ trainers within Regions 5 and 6, with assistance of the Government of Guyana and the Region 6 RDC. The offices of the BCB have also benefitted from the services of two officers under the Government of Guyana’s ten-day work programme.

International cricket journalist Gregory Fean visited Berbice in February last to do a feature article on Berbice cricket for the InterCaribbean Airline quarterly magazine “The Cacique”, while the BCB, with the assis-

tance of famed Cricket writer Tony McWatts, launched a bi-monthly online magazine named “Quick Pitch”. This online magazine would promote Berbice Cricket globally.

The BCB also hosted Alvin Kallicharran, the for-

was held at the Port Mourant ground for seventy youths.

All secondary and primary schools in the county received assistance from the BCB as part of its cricket development plans. Secondary Schools each received a com-

Hosting of former WI captain Alvin Kallicharran

mer West Indies captain, on official visit which included the launching of his cricket book and a one-day coaching clinic with batsmen at the historic Port Mourant ground.

The board, with sponsorship from the Guyana Breweries Inc, also unveiled the Berbice Test Players Billboard in front of the Port Mourant ground, while it joined hands with the University of Guyana to open the historic Berbice Cricketers Wall of Fame.

A total of 31 players who represented West Indies from 1948 to 2023 were honoured with official portraits at the University. The BCB and the University also agreed on two educational scholarships for two Berbice cricketers, and the two entities also worked on the printing of an undated cricket coaching manual for hundreds of youth cricketers in the county.

The BCB also hosted a successful junior captains’ seminar, spearheaded by Level Three coaches Esuan Crandon, Winston Smith and Julian Moore. Coaches across the county were also involved in a refresher course supervised by the most successful Cricket coach in the West Indies, Esuan Crandon, at the Albion Cricket ground.

Cricket clinics were held for youth cricketers in the four sub-associations, while the BCB annual Dr. Tulsie Dyal Singh Cricket Academy

plete set of white uniforms along with cricket balls and cricket gear, while over sixty primary schools received tapeball gear.

As part of its cricket development programme, the BCB also constructed five batting cages, which are based at Bush Lot United, Rose Hall Canje, Rose Hall Town, Port Mourant, and NO 72 Cut and Load; while these five clubs, along with Cotton Tree, each benefitted from the receipt of a bowling machine to assist in the department of their junior players.

The county also benefitted from a donation of 24 other bowling machines from Matt Breuer, a friend of Berbice cricket who resides in Australia. Several clubs and schools benefitted, including Tucber Park, Bath Achievers, Skeldon, Berbice River and Gangaram in East Canje.

Clubs like Whim, Police and D’Edward also received batting practice nets from the BCB. It must be recalled that the BCB, in the past two years, had obtained cricket pitch covers for Cotton Tree, Edinburgh, Albion, Rose Hall Town and #72 Cut and Load.

The BCB has also assisted dozens of clubs with practice nets, catching cribs and cricket gear.

The county’s 11 first division team each received five boxes of white cricket balls, as did the Berbice River

Cricket Association, under the Patrons Fund, while over 80 cricket clubs also received $1 million worth of red balls under the Shimron/Nirvani Hetmyer Trust Fund.

The Faizal Jaffarally Trust Fund provided cricket balls and wicket-keeping gloves for West Berbice clubs.

Additionally, 24 youth cricketers in Berbice received $1 million worth of cricket gear from the Zamal Hussain Trust Fund. Each cricketer received a cricket bat, a pair of batting gloves and a pair of batting pads.

The BCB would shortly distribute about $3 million worth of coaching equipment and gear to about 22 clubs with youth teams under the Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi Trust Fund, while the Pro Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Dr. Edward Greene, has also committed to hosting another trust fund to benefit youth players.

Region 6 Chairman David Armogan has also agreed to host another trust fund.

Albion, RHTY&SC, Tucber Park and Rose Hall Canje have each hosted successful club academies, while the BCB, in its wisdom, also introduced a President’s XI consisting of youth players to its first division structure.

Several outstanding Guyanese were also rewarded with the BCB’s highest award, Tribute to Heroes. They include Dr. Edward Greene, Dr. Paloma Mohammed, Dr. Gomes, and Jainarine Deochand of the University of Guyana.

One hundred youths would also shortly receive $8M worth of cricket gear from the Government of Guyana, while the BCB is expected to get another grass-cutter.

The BCB would like to express its gratitude to the Government of Guyana, especially to President Dr Infaan Ali, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, and Ministers Collin Croal, Dr. Ashni Singh and Vickram Bharrat. The BCB would also like to express gratitude to Faizal Jaffarally MP, Rion Peters, Zamal Hussain, Navindra Persaud, Dr. Tulsie Dyal Singh, Dr. Puran Singh, Manzoor Nadir, Shimron Hetmyer, Anil Lalsa, Dr. Terrence Blackman, Sheik Mohammed, Brian Ramphal, Renaldo Lewis, Peter Lewis, Ishwar Singh, Armco Construction , Chandradat Chintamani, University of Guyana, Latchman

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23

Coley satisfied with Windies’ preparation, adjustment in Australia T

he West Indies’ Test team have embarked on a 3-day warmup match against a Cricket Australia XI ahead of the visitors’ 2-match Test Series against the Australia senior team. That match began on Tuesday night (10am Australian time on January 10th).

The Men in Maroon arrived Down Under on December 29th and began preparations on January 2nd. They wrapped same up on January 9th.

As the curtains came down on the final day of preparation, Red-Ball Head Coach Andre Coley expressed satisfaction with the work done ahead of the warm-up match.

“I am [satisfied]. It was important for us to have arrived early and give us an opportunity to get a feel for the conditions, get over the distance we would’ve travelled to get here. I’m happy with the progress that we would’ve made and how we’re transitioning towards the Test match,” Coley shared with Cricket West Indies (CWI) Media.

Commenting on the camaraderie in the squad thus far, Coley said, “Well, they’re not strangers; they would’ve played against each other in regional cricket. Recently we toured South Africa, some of the players are here. The camaraderie has been very good. Actually, (I’ve) been

Snapshots from West Indies’ preparation in Australia

very impressed in terms of the feedback and some of the nurturing from senior players.”

Asked how he thinks the players would adjust to the conditions and pitches in Australia, Coley said it would come down to the individual. He reasoned, “It’s been a gradual adjustment, you know; it’s quite evident. At the end of the day, regardless of how the pitch plays and what response you get off the pitch when bowling, each player has to adapt to what is bowled at him, every single ball. So, sometimes the pitch has nothing to do with it, as opposed to

pretty much being locked in to what is being bowled at you. And I think we’ve done that pretty well, playing on

merit.

“Similarly, from a bowling standpoint, just adjusting to the lengths here in

terms of what we want to achieve, our ability to hit specific groupings whenever we want to, I mean that’s been good. And just getting a feel for how the ball moves around in the atmosphere from a fielding standpoint, we’ve been able to spend some time on that as well,” he further stated.

Sharing what he hopes to get out of the practice match, Coley highlighted batting for long periods at a time.

“When you think about Test cricket, it’s really important that you’re able to bat (for) a day (in order) to be able to set up the game in a batting standpoint. And on

the flip side of that, it’s pretty simple for me: if you can get the opposition out before the end of the day’s play.

Those are easy markers to meet. How we go about it as a batting or bowling group is where it becomes more specific as it relates to the role and the different skill sets that each person brings to the team,” the Red-Ball coached explained. “We’re looking to keep it really, really simple.”

Turning his attention to how the team has adapted physically, he related, “By all indications, (they) seemed to have adapted quite well.

For some it might have been easier (than) for others, but based on what we’re seeing, we’re seeing guys really committed… comfortable is not the word, but really adapting to the conditions on a daily basis.”

After the 3-day warm up, the West Indies will turn their attention to the two official matches, to be played from January 17th to 21st and 25th to 29th.

The 15-member squad reads: Captain Kraigg Brathwaite, Vice-Captain Alzarri Joseph, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua DaSilva, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph and Zachary McCaskie.

Guyana Hockey Board plans Alves cautions Elite Clubs for a full schedule in 2024 as transfer window opens

T

T

he (GHB) aim to return to their full programme for the new year, as they intend to have a jam-packed year for developing competitions in the U14, U16, and U23 levels. There had been inadequate hosting of events for the U16 level in 2023.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, President of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB), Phillip Fernandes, relayed the details of the year they intend to craft in 2024.

“For 2024, we want to return to having our normal junior schedule. In 2023, we did have our U14, but we did not have as many activities for the U16 level as we would have liked, so we definitely want a 2024 with a full schedule of competitions for young people, beginning with the U14 ages, U16 and U21,” Fernandes divulged.

Fernandes disclosed the progress made by the GHB in 2023 with the hosting of

President of the Guyana Hockey Board, Phillip Fernandes

tournaments.

“I think we’ve recovered with the latter half of 2023, and I think, coming in 2024, we have still managed to keep where we are relative to the rest of the Caribbean. And quite recently, as of last weekend, a few Guyanese teams came over to Trinidad to compete in an indoor championship, and the Guyanese teams: the Men’s, Women’s and Masters, copped three

bronze medals. So, while we are not at the top, we were contenders but were top-tier of each competition. So, I think that we are in good step, and just need to use 2024 now to get players back into regular schedule,” Fernandes emphasized.

He went on to reveal that discussions are ongoing to expand hockey into the hinterland region.

(Omar McKenzie)

he January transfer window is now open, giving clubs the opportunity to strengthen their rosters ahead of a busy upcoming season, which includes the rollout of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) Elite League Season Six in February.

The transfer window was opened on January 1st and will be closed on January 31st. As such, GFF General Secretary Ian Alves has reminded the ten clubs participating in the Elite League Season Six to acquaint themselves with the revised Rules and Regulations, adding that transfers will only be considered valid if carried out within the approved GFF/FIFA transfer window periods.

"Elite League teams are now restricted to a maximum of five (5) alterations within their roster of twenty-five (25) players for the remainder of the League.

Additionally, any requests for changes to the team roster must bear the signatures

GFF General Secretary Ian Alves

of both the Club President and Secretary before submission to the General Secretary,” he reiterated.

All registered clubs are urged to provide the GFF with the required supporting documentation to validate any changes, and all submissions will undergo a mandatory twenty-fourhour vetting and approval process.

All replacements must explicitly receive approval from the GFF, and this will be meticulously recorded on

the official team roster.

Already, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Women’s Team has made use of this transfer window to scoop up two national stars in Jalade Trim and Sandra Johnson, both coming from the Fruta Conquerors Football Club. Trim and Johnson have both already proved instrumental for the GDF Women, having playing major roles in the GDF’s most recent win against the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Women on Sunday last.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024

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

Pg 21

Coley satisfied

Pg 23

with Windies’ preparation, adjustment in Australia

Mashramani horse race meet set for February 25

Pg 21

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