Guyana Times - Wednesday, January 31, 2024.pdf

GPHC performs 1st P donor kidney surgery

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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5628

THE BEACON OF TRUTH PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

Govt to meet with sugar workers on improved wages, benefits – Pres Ali ...to roll out skills enhancement programmes

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 3

US reimposes some sanctions on Venezuela over ban on Opposition P19 candidates Motorcyclist dies after crashing into parked lorry

House approves $32.5M for Opposition Leader’s office, $3.5B for GECOM – budgetary allocations for other constitutional bodies also approved Page 9

P2

WBD house destroyed due to overheated electric iron P7

Devastating Corentyne fire NAREI officer dies after 60 Laing Avenue vehicle turns turtle was caused by overheated residents receive $15M in home electrical appliances – GFS along Tacama trail improvement Page 2

Page 2

subsidy

P19

Dead: Aaron Leitch

250 transactions sealed by GOInvest since 2020 – Min Teixeira

Page 17

Guyana’s oil & gas operations not contributing to climate P19 change – Min Bharrat reassures

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NAREI officer dies after vehicle Devastating Corentyne fire was caused by turns turtle along Tacama trail overheated electrical appliances – GFS

T

he fire that erupted on Monday morning in the heart of the commercial district of the township of Corriverton in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) was caused by overheated electrical appliances, according to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

The GFS has said it responded to the fire at Lot P Springlands, Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice at about 09:30h by dispatching to the scene eight firefighters and two water tenders from Corriverton and Rose Hall Fire stations. Upon arriving at the scene, they observed a two-storey wooden building completely engulfed in flames.

That building was owned by Raymond Singh and occupied by Mahendra Persaud, who operated an upholstery shop there.

“The fire was purportedly caused by the overheating of energized electrical appliances, resulting in arcing and sparking that ignited nearby combustible materials”, the Fire Service has said.

Rita’s Hotel and Bar, a three-storey building located at Lot 71 Springlands, Corentyne, Berbice and owned by 62-yearold Kamaldo Ootra, was also affected by the massive blaze. Radiated heat from the building where the fire originated led to the de-

The vehicle that was involved in the accident

A

aron Leitch, a District Crop Extension Officer attached to the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), died on Tuesday after the vehicle in which he and others were travelling toppled several times along the Tacama Trail at Ituni in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Based on reports received from the Police, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) pickup vehicle PAC 3958 was being driven by a 50-yearold resident of Georgetown, and Aaron Leitch, Gregory Grenville (39) of Amelia’s

Ward Linden, and Arafat Fazal (37), a citizen of Bangladesh, were passengers therein. The vehicle was proceeding along the Tacama Trail at a fast rate, and while negotiating a left bend, the driver lost control and the vehicle toppled several times before coming to a halt.

All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, sustained injuries and were transported to the Linden Hospital Complex, where Leitch was pronounced dead; Fazal was treated and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical attention; while the

Dead: Aaron Leitch

driver and Grenville were treated and discharged.

The driver has subsequently been detained as investigations continue into the fatal accident.

The building in flames

struction of the first and second floors of this business place, along with a wooden window on the southern side of the ground floor.

Also affected was a two-storey wooden-and-concrete building located at Lot G Springlands, Corentyne, Berbice and owned by 68-year-old Chandkumar Hardyal. Due to radiated heat from the building where the fire originated, various components on both floors of this building were affected.

Radiated heat also resulted in severe damage to a concrete fence and seven Guyana Power and Light meters.

Motorcyclist dies after crashing into parked lorry M otorcyclist Eric Williams of Long Creek, SoesdykeLinden Highway, met his demise on Monday evening after he reportedly crashed his bike into a parked lorry at Dora, along the Linden-

Soesdyke Highway.

Reports are that the 22-year -old was driving the bike at a fast rate when he crashed into the rear of the truck, which was parked along the shoulder of the highway.

Dead: Eric Williams

This publication understands that the lorry had suffered a tyre blowout, causing it to park along the highway; and there were no lights on the truck at the time of the accident.

3 Govt to meet with sugar workers on improved wages, benefits – Pres Ali NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 31 – 03:30h-05:00h and 20:00h-20:45h and Thursday, February 1 – 22:00h-23:30h .

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

...to roll out skills enhancement programmes

Wednesday, January 31 – 07:20h-08:50h and Thursday, February 1 – 07:50h-09:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to thundery rain showers are expected throughout the day, with some sunshine in the afternoon. Partly cloudy skies and light rain showers are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 07:50h and 20:10h reaching maximum heights of 2.46 metres and 2.45 metres.

Low Tide: 13:43h reaching a minimum height of 0.74 metre.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2024

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$82.49/barrel

-0.46

Rough Rice London Sugar

$326.61/ton $663.90/ton

-0.17 0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask Low/High

$2033.80 $2028.60

$2034.20 $2049.40

Change

-3.20

-0.16%

Sugar cane being placed onto a punt at one of the estates

W

ith many positives coming out of the revitalisation of the sugar industry, President Dr Irfaan Ali has signalled that the Government is now working to find the right formula to improve wages for sugar workers while enhancing their skills.

Efforts to resuscitate the sugar sector by the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration since 2020 resulted in 28 per cent growth in 2023 as the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) produced some 20,204 tonnes.

During a live broadcast on Monday with Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, President Ali acknowledged the changing landscape of the country, as he outlined their plans to further build a sustainable sugar industry.

Workers and GuySuCo will be engaged on the way forward shortly.

“We are aware that things are changing. That is why we are working on a system and very soon, we will be collaborating with the Union and workers so that we can find a mechanism through which we can find a way to improve the wages of these workers. Not only did more than 25,000 persons lose their livelihood during that period, but since we came back, thousands of jobs have been directly and indirectly created,” Ali outlined.

According to him, the Government is not satisfied with the recreation of jobs lost after the 2016 downsizing, and as a result, is also looking to revamp current operations.

“We’re not satisfied with that. We’re now working on a plan to up the skills level of our cane harvesters so that they can be part of the mechanisation project. Most importantly, we can have a new form of operation. One of the things we are examining is how we can automise productivity by moving to a more contract form within the industry itself.”

The closure of the Skeldon, Enmore and Rose Hall Sugar Estates saw 2786 workers fired and 23,189 persons directly and indirectly affected. Since 2020, over 2100 persons have been rehired.

In Wales, 1251 workers were dismissed while 5004 persons were affected direct-

ly and indirectly.

In 2020, the Government assumed office and found the sector in total disarray, with estates reduced to scrap metal and bush, and a collapse of the drainage and irrigation system.

Ali called out the former Government for political opportunism as its guiding philosophy, as he referenced utterings from former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who was quoted in the National Assembly as saying that ‘to spend so much money on sugar is pouring good money behind bad’.

“That’s his philosophy and this is a Government that sends home thousands of workers directly, affecting over 40,000 persons directly, killing economies all over this country, sending more

than 25,000 persons directly and indirectly on the breadline, taking hundreds of children out of school when they close the industry. And you would believe that there would be some remorse,” the President said.

The Head of State contended that the former Government failed to understand the intricate nature of Guyana’s economy, highlighting the example of Wales on the West Bank of Demerara, where thousands were placed on the breadline, an entire market was shut down, and stores were shut after the closure of the estate.

The PPP/C Government has injected over $17 billion into the sugar industry and currently supports close to 8000 workers.

Between 2016 and 2017, the APNU/AFC regime closed several estates across Guyana – an action that displaced more than 7000 sugar workers, who were not only without jobs but who had no means to support their families and contribute to their villages as well as the national economy.

However, since assuming office in August 2020, the PPP/C Government has undertaken a slew of measures

President Dr Irfaan Ali

to revive the sugar sector, and rehired hundreds of those dismissed workers.

The PPP/C had promised in its manifesto to revive sugar and reopen these estates. However, after it was found that the assets at Wales Estate were sold out by the previous regime, the PPP/C Government announced plans to establish a Development Authority, where several major industrial operations would be undertaken. Similarly, the Enmore Sugar Estate is also being transformed into an industrial area. (G12) On the other hand, the Rose Hall Estate was reopened last year.

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 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

Public Diversity Library

C

hairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), Shaikh Moeenul Hack, made an interesting statement at the launching of the ERC’s Public Diversity Library. He said the library embodies the ERC’s unwavering commitment to building a more enlightened and inclusive Guyana.

We welcome the initiative by the ERC, as its role in Guyana’s diversity has been justifiably questioned and criticized in the past. This is a good start to programmes being implemented by the Commission, since, before recent outreaches, most of what has been generated out of its doors were one-off press releases during religious and national holidays.

In March 2023, on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, President Dr Irfaan Ali, at the swearingin ceremony of members of the ERC, said: “Racial, religious and cultural divisions, if allowed to become malignant, will eat away at the very fabric of our society, disrupting human and social relations, retarding national development, and corroding national values. In other parts of the world, we have seen the deaths, injuries and carnage resulting from such conflicts. Diversity is an asset we must value and cherish. Greater inclusion and equality are goals to which we must continuously aspire…The work of the Commission is non-partisan. It must rise above sectarian interests and work for the common good of our society.”

The first ERC was formed on March 8, 2002, and was chaired

by Juan Edghill (who was the Christian representative, now Public Works Minister). The tenure constitutionally expired in 2006.

From then right up to 2015, an inordinate period expired, during which the country saw the running-off of two elections (viz, in 2011 and 2015), no new Commission was established to replace the first Commission, which over time became mired in a host of issues, such as court matters instigated by the main parliamentary Opposition challenging the organisation’s constitutionality; loss of membership through attrition – resignations, deaths, illness, and migration – resulting in the lack of a decision-making quorum, and, to some extent, a loss of public trust and confidence in the organisation’s credibility.

Subsequently, after the results of the 2011 general and regional elections transformed the PPP/C into a minority Government, the framework for a new ERC was agreed to in 2013 between the Government and the parliamentary Opposition parties – APNU and AFC. At that time, it was consensually agreed by the Government and the Opposition parties to add three more constituents – namely, the ethnic representatives of the country’s African, East Indian, and Amerindian peoples – to the original mix of representatives, thus increasing the total number of elected members from 7 to 10. The process to select the nominees for the new Commission concluded in 2014, and the names of those selected were made public. But, for some inexplicable reason, they were never sworn-in as Commissioners.

However, notwithstanding all that has gone before, the current administration, to its credit, ensured the swearing-in of a Commission, and in this regard, ought to be commended.

Strictly speaking, by way of comparison, the ERC is probably the most powerful of all the rights commissions established in this country after independence. Based on the powers ascribed to it by the Constitution, it is more or less a quasi-judicial body that can summon, adjudicate, and penalise.

It is pellucid that the ERC is especially critical to pre-empting and ameliorating the divisive ethnic intolerance that usually overshadows the country, especially at elections’ periods. But its role is year-round to mediate and arbitrate the varied ethnic problems abounding within our polity, and which can threaten the country’s peace.

We reshare the sentiments of the Head of State when he said, at the swearing-in of this Commission last year, that the “Government takes seriously any attempt to instigate racial animosity and racial violence within our country, severely condemns attempts to provoke racial conflicts in our society, and would ensure that those guilty are subject to the sanctions imposed by law.”

The President had also urged all Guyanese to reject all racially-laced rhetoric, and not allow themselves to be misled by those who wish to use race and ethnicity to stoke divisions and hatred in society. We look forward to seeing more proactive ERC educational programmes.

The Ireng River runs through Orinduik in Region Eight, (Potaro-Siparuni) (A Path to Travel photo)

Guyana’s UN Security Council seat an enhanced opportunity to contribute to global peace For the next two years Guyana will serve on the United Nations Security Council.

The Security Council is the principal organ of the United Nations responsible for the governance of the world security order, including the maintenance of international peace and security. Notably, Guyana is the first CARICOM country to have served on the Security Council.

During its two-year tenure on the Council, Guyana intends to contribute to shaping international policies on peace and security, in line with the theme “Partnering for Peace and Prosperity”. In keeping with our government’s national priorities and our commitment to sustainable development, and without prejudice to other agenda items on the Council, Guyana will pursue five priority areas including climate change, food security, peacebuilding and conflict resolution/ prevention, women and global security; and youth and children in peace and security.

Having recorded the highest number of votes with 191 UN Member States voting in favour of Guyana in June 2023, reflects the country’s strong diplomatic agenda and the

trust bestowed by the international community for our ability to be a constructive and responsible global actor in international peace and security.

According to President Ali, Guyana’s election to the Council, represents an endorsement that could not be more resounding, and is “clear evidence of our success in achieving broad respect for our nation and influential role we can play in the world.”

The President has also stated that the government will live up to the expectations of the international community by “ensuring that Guyana plays the full part in fashioning an international system that is fair and just.” In so doing, Guyana will “seek alliances and embrace friends, but at all times we will remain independent and principled, standing up for values set out in the United Nations Charter and International law.”

Indeed, since joining the United Nations in 1966, shortly after gaining independence, Guyana has long been a responsible and constructive contributor to the purposes of the United Nations and its Charter. In view of this, Guyana’s engagement in the Council will be guided

by the consistent and principled approach historically adopted in relation to people’s right to self-determination, adherence to international law, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Merely one month after assuming its seat as an elected member, Guyana will preside over the United Nations Security Council in February 2024.

To mark its presidency, Guyana will convene a signature event that will be chaired by President Ali, in the form of a HighLevel Open Debate under the theme “The Impact of Climate Change and Food Insecurity in the Maintenance of International Peace and Security.” Given the growing concern and acknowledgement of the climate, food and conflict nexus, the Open Debate will promote greater understanding, better coordination of responses, and proactive approaches to addressing the intersection of food insecurity and climate change in the maintenance of international peace and security.

Of note, Guyana’s presence on the Security Council comes amidst the rise in the number of conflicts, increase in democratic backslide, and

threat to peace in many regions of the world. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza for instance have upended peace, causing instability with far-reaching consequences for both the human beings who are the casualties, and the international system which is now experiencing severe strain.

All our citizens should be proud that Guyana will play its part in building alliances and engaging meaningfully in finding long lasting and sustainable solutions to conflicts, in line with international law and the UN Charter.

Moreover, we will also seek to elevate the voices of developing countries particularly those in states like Haiti, Colombia and in the African region and to ensure the respect for all states’ territorial integrity and sovereignty consistent with international laws. Our practice of diplomacy under the guidance of President Ali will show that small states can be meaningful actors in global governance.

Robert M Persaud Foreign Secretary and Guyana’s High Representative for United Nations Security Council Affairs

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 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

We stand in solidarity with MP Dr Asha Kissoon Dear Editor, We would like to take the time to respond to a response by the Ministry of Health, dated January 28, 2024, titled “Asha Kissoon Misrepresents Facts by Giving Incomplete Information”.

Practitioners of this noble profession of Medicine have many chronic grievances, which have spanned the lifespan of successive administrations. The current Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Frank Anthony, outlined very accurately six causes for the sufferings of physicians in a letter to another media house on September 25, 2018, titled “Public service doctors working under gruelling conditions for poor pay, authorities need to act”.

He highlighted and ably expounded on the issue of long work hours and the implications of physician burnout, and he was quoted as saying, “It should be noted that GPHC is regarded as the best staffed public hospital; one can only imagine how many more hours doctors have to work at the regional and district hospitals across Guyana”.

On the issue of inadequate accommodation for doctors on call, he was quoted as saying, “When physicians are “on call” they are required to be physically present in the hospital compound. This is to ensure that, if needed, these doctors would be immediately available if an emergency arises… Many of them who bring their food to work have often had to resort to eating in the wards, or of-

ten standing at one of the corner shops around the hospital.”

When speaking about the issue of overtime vs on-call allowance, he was quoted as saying, “Doctors are required to work ‘on call’: that is, for extended periods after their regular 8 hours’ shift during the work week, from 4pm to 8am Monday to Friday, and on weekends from 8am to 8am Saturday, Sunday and holidays. For each on-call session, the doctor is paid $2500 as an “On Call” allowance, which the PPP/C Government had agreed would not be taxed…Many doctors believe that this is no longer an allowance, and would like to be paid under the applicable laws of Guyana”.

In his description of the issue of compensation for interns on call, the minister wrote: “For these additional ‘On Call’ sessions of work, they do not receive any compensation. In other jurisdictions, Interns are given adequate reimbursements for work done. This anomaly must be corrected immediately, as it seems that this is in breach of our labour laws.”

On meritocracy or party loyalty, he said, “…efforts must be made to have an open and transparent system, where persons are promoted based on their assessed competence, or sent for postgraduate training based on merit.”

Concerning the grievances of salary and allowance, Dr. Anthony was quoted as saying, “The doctors at GPHC would get

a monthly housing allowance of $20,000, but most of them complain that they are unable to rent a house in or around Georgetown for this sum of money. They also receive a meal allowance of $500 per call; this is far less than what an actual meal would cost. If a doctor decides to buy a real meal while ‘on call’, s/he would often end up spending more than $1000.”

While we acknowledge that some of these issues have been partially addressed by this administration, there are those which remain a bane to physicians. In the scope of the budget debate, we would highlight three.

Illegality of the rate paid for ‘on call’ vs overtime

By the Ministry’s own admission in their table in the letter, they highlighted the still prevalent illegal arbitrary on-call rates alluded to by the Minister of Health in his 2018 letter.

The rate of $4000-$5000 ($250/h-$312/h for 16 hours of on duty) is not in keeping with Labour Act Chapter 98:01 Part III 12(1), which regulates overtime. The Ministry and GPHC have inserted an “on call” rate where there should be overtime at x1½, and this is designed to rob physicians of their rights under the law.

There is no designation in the Laws of Guyana for the period worked as “on call”, except for overtime.

The contracts of Government Medical Officers in MOH do not stipulate the “on call” they are forced to work. Should over-

time be applied to them, it should also be voluntary.

Therefore, under the current situation, they are not contractually obligated to work on call.

The overtime stipulated in the table is far less than the legal rate of x 1½, and is given only to Accident and Emergency doctors at GPHC. Doctors at other locations do not receive that rate.

There must be no discrimination. The law must apply to all physicians as well. Even unskilled labourers are not subject to the on-call rates consultants receive in Guyana.

Medical interns are not compensated for on-call or overtime

As outlined by the Minister of Health in 2018, and correctly highlighted by the table in the letter in Guyana Times, Medical Interns are targeted illegally, in that they are on duty “on call” (which should be overtime) for 16hrs weekdays and 24hrs weekend, and still receive absolutely no compensation for it. This is not the case in any of the Caribbean countries, and is the main factor, along with low pay, driving newly graduated doctors to migrate.

Inadequate allowances

Housing allowance for doctors at MOH remains a paltry GY$600.

According to the table provided by MOH letter, even interns at GPHC do not receive a housing allowance.

Therefore, according to the table, there is a gross dis-

The PNC has no moral authority to speak on matters of migration Dear Editor, The PNC is so obsessed with negativity that they have deliberately forgotten some of the areas of their gross incompetence while in office, the crippling migration crisis. Much of the ills of society are attributed to them. Starting from their accession to office in 1964 and again in 2020.

The PNC is the root cause of the depopulation of this country and the massive brain drain that followed.

So, when The Opposition comes to parliament with their sanctimonious of bad governance and our nurses leaving for greener pastures, they are putting their foot in their mouths, because they are the ones who caused that problem to exist in the first place. They are the ones who should

apologize to the people of this country for that humiliating episode, but they have become so delusional that truth and reality elude their vile imagination.

On the issue of migration from this country, everyone is familiar with the plight of the Guyanese People soon after The PNC acceded to office in 1964.

Soon after that date, there was a mass exodus of people to every known place on the planet. It is a known fact that the population of Guyana declined, never moving an inch forward, for the last 50 years. And the causative agent, The PNC Party. People fled this country because of the unbearable situation, hoping to find a decent standard of living in foreign lands. It is a shameful piece of history

that we would never like to be replicated again.

Guyanese have populated the world, starting from the neighbouring territories such as Suriname, Brazil, Venezuela, yes Venezuela, and all of Caricom, there is not a place in the known world where a Guyanese cannot be found. There is documented proof that the number of Guyanese living abroad is proportionate to the present population in Guyana, this is a glaring indictment on The PNC and its 33 years of corrupt rule.

The only consolation we have when discussing mass migration is that most of us who migrated formed a band of individuals who have made valuable contributions to our foreign abode. Listening to The

Voice of America one evening, I was heartened to know that the most educated immigrant population in The USA comes from Guyana. Tears came to my eyes when I heard of this because here, we have a people who could have been making great strides in their own country, but for the misfortune of them being driven out by an illegal party in government. These miscreants still haunt us to this day.

In closing, I repeat the point that The PNC should hang their heads in shame whenever the topic of migration comes into focus, they have no moral authority to speak on matters of this nature.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

crepancy ($19,400-$34,400) with that of MoH vs GPHC doctors, which receive an inadequate $20,000$35,000 in today’s housing market. b. Meal allowance is $500. c. Transportation allowance is $3,500 per month. d. Institutional allowance is $1,500 per month.

The attached Memorandum from Regional Health Services on the subject “All doctors are required to do on-call” states, “health center doctors are required to support their colleagues by doing 10 on-call sessions monthly.” This refutes the challenge by the Ministry to demonstrate health center doctors do not work on weekends, or work beyond the regular working hours.

The news media is free to contact doctors working at Skeldon, New Amsterdam, Fort Wellington and Port Mourant, to name a few.

Additionally, while it is erroneous to state, “For most doctors, on their oncall days, they are never called out”, the fact remains they are on duty for that period, and must be compensated at the legal hourly rate.

This administration indeed adjusted the salaries of healthcare workers.

However, all those adjustments were done outside of the legal framework of the Trade Union Recognition

Act 98:07 Article 23(1), which speaks to negotiation in good faith and collective bargaining with a recognized union. As a result, complications developed where a Junior Department Sister who is senior to a Ward Sister earns more.

Also, Staff Nurses whose salary was above Midwives because of qualifications now receive the same salary as midwives.

Additionally, staff such as clinical instructors and tutors did not benefit from increases.

The Ministry of Labour must look into the irregularities concerning the “oncall” situation of doctors and the lack of collective bargaining to regularize labour practices as they have done with other entities.

Let us not deny these are real grievances which affect job satisfaction and performance, which ultimately impact the quality of health care delivered to our fellow citizens. At a time when there is a noble vision to create a world-class health care system fitted with new state-of-the-art facilities, all hands should be on deck to ensure our human resources are treated fairly according to the law, in order to create the environment for the success of that vision.

Sincerely, Doctors standing in solidarity with MP

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 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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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

Foundation ◄

Page

RATES

Sometimes, you will be asked to solve a problem about rates. A rate is a fixed ratio between things. For example: Margot drives at a rate of 50 kilometres per hour. How many hours does it take her to drive 75 kilometres? Notice this is really a proportion problem.

Example:

Step 1: Express a proportion problem using two ratios. In this problem, let’s use h for the unknown number of hours: = .

Step 2: Use the proportion problem to set up an equation. Then cross-multiply: 75 = 50 x h.

Step 3: Find the side of the equation with

the unknown number. Then look at the known number on that side. (In this equation, it is 50.) Divide both sides of the equation by that known number. 75 ÷ 50 = h.

It will take Margot 1 hours to drive 75 miles.

Exercises: Solve 1) Benny eats 4 mangoes in 3 days. How many days will it take for him to eat a basket of mangoes containing 48 mangoes?

INSTRUCTIONS

2) Angela travels 400 kilometres in 8 hours. How

How many times can you toss and catch a ball?

1. Cut out this shape and fold it into the shape of a dice.

many kilometres will she travel in a day?

2. Glue or tape the flaps to hold it together.

3) 10 horses can plough 20 acres of land in 20

3. Roll the dice and see if you can complete the challenge!

minutes. How many acres of land can 5 horses plough in one hour?

4)How many minutes will it take 500 people to stack

How high can you jump?

Wildcard!

Pick your own activity.

10,000 chairs if each person can stack 10 chairs per minute? hours? It is the day before Christmas, how long will it take him to polish the dining room floor which is half that size?

How far can you crab walk?

More activities at activeforlife.com/play/

Which leg can you balance on longest?

5) Seelall can polish 480 square metres of floor in 6

TURN THE PAGE

By Harold Telemaque

Turn the page, turn the page: The network lengthens Mesh into mesh involved.

They move within uncasual filigree, Casual and merely moving in the dark.

Here might have been the light, Here might have been no trappersí paradise, But a man riding in triumph Into the City of earth.

Now, only from the muscles of the face Comes the laughter, Only like the dew the sun is after Lives their mirth.

Turn the page, turn the page Voices return, that now at dusk Sing back an evening wailing Out of dead years.

They walked this lane and that, And there they saw the ships return To fill their failing ranks Where no good water was Here, one fell off and was never buried.

There, was the whipping post by the river, The river unattached, still moving, Clearer now only a little.

And the man with the telescope Watching from his castle; The man with the telescope Surrounded like an island By his castle, directed by economy.

5 Turn the page, turn the page Against the wind of acquisition.

The bible on the mantel piece Contains the family history:ó When father was married, and when Brahaman won the breedersí plate And when the best falcon died Down in his silver cote, in September And was buried.

Turn the page, turn the page Even from one ignobility to another.

Change breeds hope, and hope Is the virtue of the unfortunate Turn the page ó not in the manner of desperation, Not in fire and inventions of fire and earthquake, But in the quiet of hope in misery, Turn the pag

WORD SEARCH

Try throwing a paper ball in a waste basket with either hand.

7 Govt to open lands in Ithaca to get young people involved in farming – Pres Ali announces NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

...tillers, materials to construct shade houses will be provided ...several other measures announced

T

he Government will be working over the next few weeks to address drainage and irrigation, agriculture, health and infrastructure issues in the Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) communities of Ithaca, Rosignol and Blairmont.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali conducted a walkabout in the village of Ithaca on Tuesday, and these prominent issues affecting the daily livelihoods of residents were brought to his atten-

A resident highlighting his concerns

WBD house destroyed due to overheated electric iron

S

ix persons are now homeless after a fire reportedly caused by an overheated electric iron destroyed a house at Lot 343 Recht-Door-Zee, La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) on Monday. The two-storey wooden-and concrete building had been owned and occupied by 62-year-old Carolyn Jervis and her five family members.

According to the Fire Service, upon receiving the call, two water tenders were dispatched to the area.

The fire, believed to have been started by an electric iron left plugged in for an extended period, consumed the top flat of the building, but was prevented from spreading to contiguous buildings by the efforts of firefighters from the La Grange Fire Station.

The GFS is again pleading with citizens to regularly inspect electrical cords for damage; avoid overloading outlets; install and test

The house being destroyed by fire

smoke detectors; keep a fire extinguisher handy, and understand its usage; use surge protectors for electronics; and maintain some distance between flammable materials and appliances. “…engage professionals for electrical work; promptly replace damaged wiring; ensure appropriate light

bulb wattage; unplug appliances when not in use; and opt for GNBS-approved electrical products”, a GFS release has detailed.

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing Ithaca residents on Tuesday

tion.

Several residents complained of the internal drainage being clogged, leading to flooding in some areas.

“In this community here [Ithaca], before the end of this week, you will see the small excavators coming in to do your tunnel drainage. You are already satisfied with the work we’re doing for the main drainage, so your internal drainage will be completed,” the President said in response to the residents’ complaints.

Dilapidated and undeveloped street were also brought to his attention, and the Head of State informed that the Ministries of Public Works and Local Government and Regional Development would be conducting an assessment of the roads in Ithaca, Blairmont and Rosignol within the next two days.

Farmers also complained of cattle damaging their crops, and the President promised to provide fencing materials to alleviate that problem.

Another sore issue affecting residents was the lack of

street-lighting in the community, and the President said the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc would be conducting an assessment of the community’s needs, after which street lights would be installed.

“In this year’s budget, we have an item in there that will be dealing with street lights throughout the country; because we understand street lights are important for your community, for safety, for security; and it also improves the quality of life,” he disclosed.

Additionally, the Ministries of Labour and Agriculture would be working with the Ithaca Co-op Society to craft a strategy to integrate more youths into the agriculture sector.

According to President Ali, Government would assist in opening up lands, and would also provide tillers and planting and shade

house materials to facilitate young people getting involved in agri-business and agri-innovation.

He has promised that, within two weeks, works would commence on improving the kiddie’s corner as well as the recreational facility in the village, while the Health Ministry will be informed of the need for a doctor to be installed in that community.

“I am going to ask the (Health) Ministry to look at the health centre, the possibility of a full-time doctor and the accommodation issues to deal with the fulltime doctor,” he added.

He also promised that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) would ensure the resolution of any problem affecting the operation of the sluice in that area, while the Community Policing Group (CPG) will benefit from mobility for its patrols.

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Strike out… …on teachers strike Y

our Eyewitness is trying to get a handle on the threat for teachers across the country to strike next Monday.

As one who’d been a teacher - while he was getting his bearings - he’s pretty sympathetic to the folks who’re in charge of preparing the minds of our little darlings.

They’ll be inheriting the world we’re creating right now!

From what he’s been reading, the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), through its General Secretary Coretta McDonald, has been demanding that the Government sit down with them to negotiate a “comprehensive package” that covers not just salary increases, but all sorts of benefits; such as “debunching” – which your Eyewitness still doesn’t understand!! Guess his teachers didn’t teach him THAT one!! All he can think about when he reads about “debunching” is some way to reverse folks getting their drawers in a knot!! “Bunched up”, get it??

For the last five years - even under the coalition Government, in which McDonald was an MP – teachers have been claiming that their calls have been consistently ignored. But every December, the governments announce an across-the-board salary increase for all Government employees – which includes teachers. Since it’s invariably retroactive to the beginning of the year, the teachers then happily collect their nice, fattened paychecks in time for Christmas!! And it would appear that the only unhappy “stakeholder” is the General Secretary!!

Last November, for instance, Pressie announced a massive package that set back his Government by $1.9 billion; it included a 6% salary increase plus a welter of allowances – including duty-free vehicles.

Now, since Coretta’s one of the most vehement political critics of the Government – with a social media platform where she spews vitriol daily against them – your Eyewitness does suspect that the Government might be convinced that the GTU’s GS is being more political than industrial in her demands!!

Last year, Pressie had announced he was going around the country, and was gonna be meeting teachers directly to find out if they were irked in any way. Now, your Eyewitness can’t be too sure about what they said about salaries – who wouldn’t like to get more money?! – but Pressie reported they preferred to receive allowances over salary increases. The former aren’t taxed, of course, and so teachers take home more. And speaking about allowances, do most folks know that teachers get clothing allowances??

It would appear that, consistent with its approach, the Government doesn’t just want to dole out money – but tie increases on teachers utilising the increased opportunities to earn degrees and move into higher pay bands! Bachelors would get an additional $10K monthly; Master’s $20K monthly, and PhDs $30K monthly!! Then there are arrangements for concessional mortgages for teachers to win homes!!

The strike’s gonna be a damp squib!! …on Skeldon The Opposition’s fond of invoking “Skeldon” as a kinda Scarlet Letter that VP Bharrat Jagdeo should wear on his forehead! Now, contrary to what’s popularly bandied about, the fella has never claimed that mistakes might not have been made - in what was gonna be the flagship factory of a new GuySuCo. But the question has always remained: whose are those mistakes?? Was Jagdeo singlehandedly conceiving and delivering the factory??

Turns out that the same operators that Desmond Hoyte had brought in to “save” the industry – Booker Tate – were the ones who came up with the Skeldon Modernization Plan to bring down costs significantly!! Well, it has just been revealed that, after they were sacked following the bungled factory in 2008, they sued the Government “for services rendered”. And collected!!

The question implicitly raised by Finance Minister Singh is this: if they provided the “services”, shouldn’t they be responsible for its bungling?? So, why did the coalition Government drop the lawsuit filed by the PPP??? …blame game The Opposition’s always complaining that only “PPP supporters” get cash grants. So, who’re the Laing Ave residents who just collected $250,000 for home repair materials – and another $100,000 for labour?? Oh yes… this is another “slave-catching” ploy!!

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

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

House approves $32.5M for Opposition Leader’s office, $3.5B for GECOM – budgetary allocations for other constitutional bodies also approved

Opposition Parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul

T

he Parliamentary Committee of Supply on Tuesday approved the budgetary allocations for local constitutional bodies on Tuesday, during the commencement of the Consideration of Estimates for the 2024 National Budget.

Among these is $32.5 million for the Office of the Leader of the Opposition – an increase from $28 million in 2023.

This budgetary provision was catered for under the Parliament Office, which received $2.2 billion this year, an increase of $233 million when compared to 2023.

Before the National Assembly, Opposition Parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul questioned

whether Parliamentary Secretaries Vikash Ramkissoon and Sarah Browne would be paid, given that Chief Justice (acting) Roxane George had ruled in 2023 that their appointments were unlawful”.

In her response, Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira disclosed that the remuneration for the Parliamentary Secretaries in question would be paid for the fiscal year, along with those for Junior Ministers, the Opposition Leader, Chief Whips and the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, among others.

Some $503 million was provided in this year’s budget for statutory wages and

salaries.

“Honourable Member, you’re well aware that the court ruled that they cannot sit in Parliament. However, Parliamentary Secretaries are provided for in the Constitution, and can be paid from the Parliament Office… So, yes, sir, they are paid under ‘Statutory Wages and Salaries’,” Minister Teixeira explained.

Further, she explained the increase in the budgetary allocation for the Opposition Leader’s office as a result of the 6.5 per cent retroactive salary increase approved last year by the Government for the public sector.

Guyana Elections Commission

In addition, $3.5 bil-

lion was approved for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by the Parliamentary Committee of Supply. While the GECOM allocation was decreased this year, a substantial amount of money was set aside in the budget for the maintenance of infrastructure, as well as the procurement of office and medical supplies, among others.

Minister Teixeira explained that the money deducted from GECOM’s budget was the provision made for local government elections in 2023, noting that the provision isn’t necessary, given that Guyana will not be hosting elections in 2024.

However, on the topic

of wages and salaries, the Minister was quizzed by Opposition Parliamentarian Volda Lawrence on why wages and salaries had gone up, taking into consideration that there are no elections this year.

“We’re told that last year the commission catered for the local government elections, and so we see wages and salaries at $1.6 billion.

In 2024, where there are no elections, why do we see the increase to $1.799, almost $1.8 billion,” Opposition Parliamentarian Lawrence asked.

In response, Minister Teixeira reiterated that the larger sum caters for the 6.5 per cent salary increase.

Further, she pointed out that there is no allocation for the procurement of biometric equipment, since the Commission has not decided on whether it would use biometrics - be it fingerprint scanning or otherwise - in local elections as yet.

“I am advised that the increase is due to the 6.5 per cent increase in salaries and also the gratuity that’s paid annually to the staff.

Some people’s six months would cross over into 2024 from 2023. So, although the staff maintenance of those who are permanent staff

Parliamentary Affairs Governance Minister, Teixeira

and Gail

are paid, as you know, temporary staff (are) paid separately, and not under this,” Teixeira explained.

Meanwhile, $4.7 billion was approved for the Supreme Court of Judicature; $420 million for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; $67 million for the Office of the Ombudsman; $68 million for the Public Service Appellate Tribunal; $238 million for the Ethnic Relations Commission; $17.5 million for the Judicial Service Commission; $185.4 million for the Rights Commissions of Guyana; $184.5 for the Teaching Service Commission, and $270.9 million for the Public Procurement Commission.

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ERC launches Public Diversity Library to foster respect, tolerance

T

he Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on Monday launched its Public Diversity Library to promote religious, cultural, and ethnic understanding; respect; and tolerance, through literature.

In this initiative, a public library space has been designated within the ERC Headquarters at Peter Rose and Anira Streets in Queenstown, Georgetown to raise awareness of the diverse religious, ethnic and cultural practices in Guyana.

The primary goal of this initiative is to nurture a more enlightened and educated society, thereby fostering respect and tolerance among individuals, irrespective of their religious or cultural backgrounds.

The ERC has said it believes that providing access to knowledge on various religious and cultural traditions can significantly contribute to the development of a harmonious and inclu-

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gomin Camacho giving remarks on the significance of the Public Diversity Library for religious tolerance

sive society.

During a simple ribbon-cutting ceremony to declare the library open, Chairman of the Commission, Shaikh Moeenul Hack, related that the library embodies the ERC's unwavering commitment to building a more enlightened and inclusive Guyana.

Recognizing the crucial role of knowledge in foster-

ing mutual respect and acceptance, he said, the ERC aims to empower individuals to delve deeper into the diverse faiths and customs that define the Guyanese cultural landscape.

The Public Diversity Library is open to visitors of all faiths and backgrounds from Monday to Friday between 9:00h and 15:00h. It boasts a comprehensive collection of sacred

Two pupils of Comenius Primary cutting the ribbon to officially open the library

scriptures and texts that explore Guyana's diverse ethnic and cultural identities.

The ERC has said it extends its heartfelt gratitude to the numerous orga-

A section of the library

nizations that generously contributed to the library's collection, including The International Society For Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), Every Home for Christ Guyana, the Brahma Kumaris, the Science of Spirituality Meditation Centre, the Arya Samaj, and the National Spiritual Assembly of Baha'is of Guyana. Their invaluable contributions have laid the foundation for the library's continued

growth, and have enriched the learning experience of all visitors.

The ERC has said it is warmly inviting the Guyanese public to embrace the wealth of knowledge and understanding offered by the Public Diversity Library. Whether persons are seeking to deepen their faith, broaden their perspective, or simply connect with fellow citizens from diverse backgrounds, the library provides a welcoming space for exploration and dialogue.

Fast food vendor gets bail for illegal possession of gun, ammo

C

Charged, Cyril Joseph Dyer, also called 'Bling'

yril Joseph Dyer, also called 'Bling', a fast-food vendor of Light Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, appeared on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus in her Georgetown Court to answer charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Accused of having one Glock 9mm pistol and 13 live rounds of ammunition on January 26, 2024 at the Brickdam Police Station, the

45-year-old Dyer pleaded not guilty as charged.

Based on reports received, Dyer had visited the Brickdam Police Station to have his firearm licence renewed when it was discovered that he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

However, following his not guilty plea, he has been placed on bail in the sum of $100,000, and is expected to make his next court appearance on February 21.

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12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce

Newly-elected members eye boosting trade & investment between 2 nations T

he Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) on Tuesday elected a new Board of Directors when its Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held. In addition, it has also elected two honorary members.

Appointed Chairman is Dr Vishnu Doerga of ActionInvest Caribbean Inc; Vice Chair, Derrick Klaverweide of Optiek Ninon Guyana Inc; Treasurer, Mark Sookhai of M Sookhai and Co and Secretary, Samuel Glasgow of Glasgow Law Practice.

Canal Polder man wanted for fraud

T

he Guyana Police Force on Tuesday issued a wanted bulletin for 31-year-old Horatio Ignatius Williams, whom they seek for questioning in connection with an accusation of fraud.

Police have said that Williams allegedly committed an offence between December 1, 2023 and January 15, 2024 at Ruimveldt, Georgetown, but details of the offence were not released to the media.

The last known address of Willaims has been given as Mes Delices, Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Wanted: Horatio Williams

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of Horatio Ignatius Williams is asked to kindly contact the Police on telephone numbers: 225-6940, 225-8196, 2271146, 911, or at the nearest Police station.

The Directors are Rogier Simson of Fernandes Guyana Enterprise, Alista Bishop of AX Investment and Consultants, Jimmy Manna of Elgawa NV, Charlene TjonSienKie of Loyals Caribbean, Sachin Pritipaul JR of Guyana Port Inc, Anuskha Varsha Sonai of Creative Tech Hub Caribbean, and Gaytri Rampersad of Ardant Solutions Limited.

In addition, Guyana’s

Members during the AGM on Tuesday

Ambassador to Suriname, Liselle Blankendal and Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Virjanand Depoo were elected honorary members.

The new team brings a diverse range of skills, expertise, and a shared commitment to advancing the economic interests of our region.

The newly-appointed Board is poised to lead the SGCC into a new era of growth and collab-

oration.

The two diplomats have played instrumental roles in strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering economic cooperation between Suriname and Guyana. Their appointment as honorary members reflects the SGCC’s appreciation for their outstanding contributions to the promotion of cross-border collaboration.

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce ex-

presses gratitude to all members who participated in the AGM, contributing to the success of this historic event.

“We look forward to working collaboratively with the newly-appointed Board of Directors and honorary members to advance the Chamber’s mission of promoting trade, investment, and economic development between Suriname and Guyana,” the Chamber stated.

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14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ExxonMobil Guyana conducts oil spill response inspections

Emergency Response and Preparedness Advisor at ExxonMobil, Ryan Singh

U

nder its commitment to environmental protection, ExxonMobil Guyana on Tuesday conducted a quarterly preventative maintenance activity on its Oil Spill Response Crucial Kit equipment at the GYSBI shore base -- an exercise aimed at ensuring there is adequate in-country response capacity in the unlikely event of an oil spill.

The team conducted visual inspections of the containment boom and skimmer packages, as well as the oil dispersant stockpile, to ensure that all systems are in place for rapid deployment in

The team conducted visual inspections of the containment boom and skimmer packages

case of emergency.

Within the oil spill emergency response scope, equipment such as the boom and skimmer are integral tools that facilitate containment and recovery.

Booms are temporary floating barriers that help to slow the spread of oil within a water area. This phase of containment enables the skimmer, which is a mechanical device that ‘skims’ the surface area, to remove the oil.

Ryan Singh, ExxonMobil’s Emergency Response and Preparedness Advisor, engaged with the Department of Public Information (DPI) following a tour of the company’s stored dispersants at its GYSBI Shore-base & Annex,

and he explained that the exercise is conducted quarterly.

“These activities were being conducted by a local vendor, EnerMech. Overall, a lot of eyes are on our projects and our preventative maintenance, and they are saying positive things,” he said.

“We also did inspections on our dispersant stockpile. We recently improved the total quantities, since we have more projects coming into Guyana and we had to update the amount.”

Dispersants are chemical agents that are poured into the water to break down oil elements into smaller droplets, so they can be easily diluted. This minimises any environmental impacts from the

spill.

“Dispersants are also very important in the whole response effort. We have dispersants placed on our marine vessels for a quick response. We have some at the

GYSBI main base, as well as some at our annex,” Singh added.

Representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and the Ministry of Natural Resources were all present for the exercise, and gave it their stamp of approval.

Environmental Officer within the Oil and Gas Department of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Devika Samaroo, reminded that the agency’s mandate is to regulate development in such a way that it is environmentally friendly but does not stymie the country’s development. Hence, their observation of the exercise is with

a vested interest in ensuring that there are adequate provisions for swift oil spill response.

“We were here to see the fulfilment of a permit condition coming out of one of the Payara production permits, where the developer was required to have a stockpile of dispersants at hand. Based on what we have seen, it is really good,” she said.

A representative of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Clive Williams, expressed similar sentiments, saying, “These are minimal operational requirements that the operators are expected to show in terms of their capability to respond to emergencies, and I think they have demonstrated that.”

GPF gears up for massive transformation with $30.3B allocation in National Budget – enhancing capabilities is main priority

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been allotted a whopping $30.3 billion in the 2024 national budget, and this is geared at enhancing its capabilities as this allocation is aimed at fortifying law enforcement capabilities while investing in vital infrastructure for the overarching development of the Guyana Police Force.

During the Home Affairs 'Agency Review and 2024 Projections Conference', the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, lauded the growth and ad-

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn and Acting Top Cop Clifton Hicken

vancement of the Guyana Police Force, and said he is cognisant of the need to ensure the provision of essential resources to Guyana's

premier law enforcement agency in order to elevate its operational capacity.

TURN TO PAGE 18

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations $3M dental clinic opens at Cumberland Health Centre BUDGET 2024’s allocation for R health is keeping promise of building a world-class system

P

resident Dr. Irfaan Ali has vowed to transform the health sector into a worldclass system. VP Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has articulated a revolutionary vision, and a redefinition of a world-leading primary healthcare system firmly based on equity, built around maternal and child health, and comprehensive healthcare access for remote and hinterland communities.

During his debate presentation on Budget 2024, Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy Dr. Frank Anthony posited that the health sector is on the verge of this healthcare revolution. With an allocation of $129.8B in Budget 2024, the PPP Government is walking the talk of this revolutionary, transformative health agenda.

Among the programmes that Budget 2024 supports in the transformative agenda are the next-generation cardiology diagnostic and treatment services slated for GPHC, adding more services to those introduced in 2006 by the PPP. Outside GPHC, the Maternal and Paediatric Hospital would be commissioned in 2025, and would establish a muchneeded paediatric cardiology service targeting the elimination of waiting time and the need to travel overseas for paediatric heart surgery.

Budget 2024 also caters for the construction of a Level 5 hospital in New Amsterdam, and that is slated to be completed by 2026, and would add a third advanced cardiology centre for heart disease diagnosis and intervention.

In 2006, the Bharrat Jagdeo-led PPP Government established Guyana’s first cardiology centre, offering open heart surgery and other cardiology interventions; such as angiography, angiograms, stent insertion and valve replacements. At the time, it was possible only with an international team led by Guyanese cardiac surgeon Dr. Gary Stevens.

Today, most of the interventions are done by Guyanese doctors practising in the public sector.

Now, under the Irfaan Ali-led PPP Government, Budget 2024 provides for the next stage, ensuring open-heart surgery is completed entirely by local teams of surgeons. This will bring Guyana on par with, or above the standard of, other Caricom countries, and set the stage for approaching the levels in the US by 2030.

A revolution in imaging diagnostics was initiated in 2020 after the Irfaan Ali Government was sworn-in, building on the vision that was first articulated in 2001 under the Bharrat Jagdeo-led PPP Government.

In 2001, the PPP Government encouraged the private sector to bring in CTs and MRIs to permit Guyana to go beyond the simple X-rays. Now the Government is proceeding to add on-site CTs and MRIs in the public sector. Adding to the capacity at GPHC, Linden and New Amsterdam, CTs will be available by quarter 1, 2025 in six regional hospitals: Anna Regina, De Kinderen, Diamond, Enmore, Bath and #75; and by quarter 1, 2026, in Moruka, Kamarang, Kato, Lethem and Linden. MRIs will be located at GPHC, the Maternal and Pediatric Hospital, and New Amsterdam Hospital.

Budget 2024 provides for adding another 12 digital X-rays to the 5 digital X-rays that were installed through Budget 2023. These will permit X-ray images to be viewed virtually, improving diagnostics, and getting rid of the cumbersome X-ray film viewers and processors. To complete the package, new and better ultrasounds are being deployed in every hospital.

A revolution in cancer diagnosis and treatment is about to become visible in Guyana. Budget 2024 provides for the operationalization (February 4) of Guyana’s digital pathology lab at GPHC. The new digital pathology diagnostic lab will enable partnering with colleagues in the US, including Mount Sinai, Cuba, China, India, Canada, the UK, Brazil, Argentina and the Caribbean, by using digital health technology that is far more advanced than any in Caricom at this time. Almost every kind of pathology diagnostics, including cancer and transplant diagnostics, would be at our fingertips with this new lab. By 2025, Guyana will be the leading pathology centre in this Region. Budget 2024 sets the stage for this pathology revolution.

With the pathology lab in place, a new generation of cancer treatment now becomes possible, starting with chemotherapy. Budget 2024 caters for new medicines and new chemotherapy centres outside of GPHC: in New Amsterdam, Suddie and Linden. But Guyana is looking to establish its brachytherapy treatment facility, which would end the requirement of persons having to leave Guyana for cancer treatment.

Budget 2024 also sets the stage to consolidate our Caricom leadership in transplant medicine, using kidney and corneal (eye) transplants as the hub. The Government’s vision includes setting up Caricom’s first eye bank. Cadaver kidney and liver transplants are on the agenda for 2024, led by wholly Guyanese teams. Neurology and neurosurgery, revolutionary orthopedic surgeries, revolutionary vision and dental care are all scheduled to reach new heights.

But with an eye towards equity, new hospitals with modern operating theatres, CTs, dialysis centres, modern clinical pathology labs, ICUs, CCUs, NICUs and other critical care facilities would be opened up in hinterland communities. Budget 2024 provides for new hospitals in the hinterland, including upgrades of Mabaruma, Linden, Kwakwani and Mahdia. Indeed, the PPP is looking at the total modernization and reconstruction of the health infrastructure, including a modern new GPHC and the upgrading of all health centres.

The Government’s strategy includes improving quality and expanding equity through telemedicine and digital health. Budget 2024 proposes to add another 50 locations. In addition, Guyana’s first electronic medical record (EMR) system would be commissioned in 2024. Along with digital capacities for imagining and pathology diagnostics, Guyana would boast of having the most advanced digital health capacity in Caricom as early as the end of 2024.

Surgical capacity is being improved with 30 new operating rooms across Guyana by 2026, with dedicated Caesarian-Section and laparoscopic ORs allowing minimally invasive surgery. This is just a glimpse of the health revolution, barely telling the story of a brave new world for health in our country. Although not told in this column, Budget 2024 provides for a new kind of health workforce.

Guyana is on the road to a health revolution. Given that Guyana was at the very bottom in Caricom in 1990, this is a remarkable story.

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

esidents continue to benefit from improved health services provided by the Government, as a new dental clinic has been opened last Saturday at the Cumberland Health Centre in East Canje Berbice, Region Six. Installation of this new section of the health centre cost the Ministry of Health approximately $3 million.

It is equipped with a dental chair, which comes with various equipment and compartments.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has stressed the importance of dental hygiene, and encouraged the residents to make use of the services.

“We want to do one thing, and that is to move away from this thing where, when people get a toothache and they go to a health facility, we will pull it out. No, we don’t want to do that; we want to save the tooth. And that’s why, with the facilities that we are opening, we want to ensure that people come and do preventative check-

Dr Frank Anthony inspecting the dental equipment at the Cumberland Health Centre

ups,” the Health Minister explained. Dr. Anthony said Government has invested in more equipment to save the tooth.

The Minister opined that last year the Ministry did close to 220,000 dental procedures, the largest of its kind to ever be recorded in the country, as it expanded its service.

Additionally, Regional

Chairman David Armogan said the added service greatly correlates with the region’s rapid health services development that is currently ongoing.

“Our health centres and primary health care are extremely important for all of us in this region. And that is why, since we came back into Government in 2020, we have ensured that ev-

ery single one of our health centres has been upgraded,” Armogan told the residents present.

The Regional Chairman added that provision of dental services has changed in the region with a range of services, such as filling and cleaning, coming on board.

Meanwhile, Executive Officer of the Berbice Regional Health Authority, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, recounted how far the region has come in terms of services and infrastructure.

“This facility has grown, and not only in size. Under this PPP/C Government and this Minister of Health… over the last three years, this region would’ve received over $400 million for every single facility to be upgraded, and this is just one example of the facilities,” Dr Mahadeo has said.

Over the past year, dental cleaning in Region Six has doubled. This added service at the Cumberland Health Centre will take the number of established dental clinics in the region to eight.

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NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teixeira, Patterson spar over budgetary allocations for PPC – Commission investigated, reported on 4 matters since reconstituted in 2022

D

ay one of the Consideration of Estimates for the 2024 National Budget got underway on Tuesday with a fiery exchange between Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira and Opposition Parliamentarian David Patterson.

The two politicians clashed on several topics, ranging from the Public Procurement Commission’s (PPC’s) workload for 2023 to budgetary increases set aside for the Commission in this year’s $1.146 trillion budget.

During his scrutiny of the $270.9 million earmarked for the PPC, Patterson highlighted that the provision represents an increase of 15 per

cent, and questioned whether “Guyana is getting value for money”.

This comment was made after he and the Parliamentary Committee of Supply were informed that the Commission had merely completed four investigations over the past 18 months; and of that four, only two have been published, despite receiving a total of 12 requests for investigations to be done following its reconstitution in July 2022.

In response, Teixeira told the Committee of Supply that the PPC completed four reports, as compared to the coalition Government’s two during their tenure. Further, the Minister reminded that the commission is tasked

PPC wages and salaries

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira and Opposition Parliamentarian David Patterson

with other responsibilities outside of conducting investigations into Government procurement.

“I wish to remind the Honourable Member that under Article 212 of the

250 transactions sealed by GOInvest since 2020 – Min. Teixeira

The Guyana Office for Investment

T

he Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest) has brought in 250 investments since 2020, according to Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira on Tuesday.

During day one of the Consideration of Estimates in the National Assembly, the Opposition was given a chance to scrutinize allocations made in the $1.146 trillion National Budget for 2024.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Volda Lawrence enquired about the reason for the annual allocation for GO-Invest being bumped up from $318 million in 2023 to $375 million this year. In response, Teixeira said the agency was successful in sealing the deal for some 250 investments for Guyana since the PPP assumed office in 2020.

The Ali-led administration has posited on numerous fronts that Guyana is open for business, and with investors’ confidence being boosted, many have hopped on to kickstart major projects in the country’s budding economy.

During his budget presentation to the House earlier this month, Minister within the Office of the President, with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh,

said Government’s policy agenda has created more entrepreneurial opportunities than at any other time in our country’s history. The rapid expansion of both public and private investments, creation of employment opportunities, and increases in disposable income have combined to growth demand for every single category of goods and services. Increased demand for goods and services means more business opportunities for both current and potential producers and suppliers.

“There will be ongoing efforts to ensure fruitful collaboration with Guyana’s traditional and strategic bilateral partners, with the aim of securing maximum social and economic benefits for all Guyanese, particularly in such areas as human resource development, agriculture, health, ICT, tourism, trade, and the promotion and protection of investments,” Singh had stated.

The Minister added that focus would be kept on developing a conducive environment to boost Guyana’s trade in both import and export of goods and services.

The main and key objective of Guyana’s trade policy remains the maintenance of traditional markets, while at the same time accessing new, non-traditional mar-

kets, with value-added diversified products produced by Guyanese and foreign investors in Guyana.

“Guyana remains an active participant in the multilateral system at the World Trade Organization (WTO), and we are among the few countries that have successfully implemented the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, which aims at enabling quick and seamless trade across customs border posts, and contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit. The implementation of this agreement by Guyana will lead to increased trade volumes across the customs border points, and also help enhance Guyana’s ease of doing business outlook to potential investors,” he said.

Guyana has been extending ties around the world, and the Government has assured that investors can expect an enabling business environment. In March 2023, the British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) was launched in Guyana, coming months after visa restrictions were removed for Guyanese visitors to the United Kingdom (UK).

Then in April, the India-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) was formed, thus paving the way for the facilitation of trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.

Later, in May, the Government of Ghana commissioned the first Ghanaian Chamber of Commerce in Guyana. There is also an American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham).

In November, a European Union (EU) Trade Mission arrived to explore opportunities, with a heavy focus on forging greater economic cooperation in the areas of health, climate, energy, and regional connectivity. (G-12)

Constitution, the PPC has 13 functions, one of which is investigation, one of which is investigation. It has 13 functions, and the Procurement Act also details its roles on several issues in compliance with the Constitution. So, you are focusing on one issue, yes! Do we think we are getting value for money? Yes! In the anti-corruption field, being able to investigate and have an authority that is constitutional and independent of the Government or you, the Opposition, or anybody else, so be it. The money is well used, because it allows for that oversight function,” Minister Teixeira stated.

On the topic of wages and salaries, Patterson inquired specifically about the salaries and benefits paid to the Chairman and Commissioners. It was then revealed by Teixeira that the Chairman of the PPC receives a salary of $1.3 million monthly or $15.6 million per annum, in addition to travel, telephone, entertainment and security allowances, pushing it to a total of $20.3 million annually.

Meanwhile, the five Commissioners employed by PPC receive $900,000 per month, along with entertainment allowances amounting to $10.8 million annually.

“Based on the response given by the Minister, quick calculations for the 18 months that they would have existed, the Chairperson would have received about $30 million, the Deputy Chairperson would have received $24 million, and the three commissioners combined, in the 18 months since they have been established, would have received $50 million in salaries to produce two single reports. Sir, does this agency consider that value for money?” Patterson asked.

Minister Teixeira reminded Patterson that members of the PPC were receiv-

ing similar salaries under the APNU+AFC administration.

She further explained to the Committee that the current Commission is responding to requests for investigation as they come; however, the progress of those investigations is based on the availability of documents needed.

“Chairman and Commissioners were set by the PAC and brought to this house and approved, and so all the increases they may get may be to do with the 6.5%; there has been no shift in the salaries, they’re not allowed to do that. But to come back to the PAC: If they want to change…and it’s clear in the Constitution and legislation,” Minister Teixeira said.

“Two reports from 2018 to 2020, sir! And you know the two reports! You know one very well, sir. You know one extremely well, which had to do with the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, which you know now is a matter in Court sir, and so, that was one of the investigations of the PPC then, and was made public and was then removed from the website. The second one had to do with the Ministry of Health and the purchase of $600M worth of drugs without going to tender,” the Minister added.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Ghana’s Sentuo Oil Refinery GPHC performs 1st donor kidney surgery to train Guyanese engineers

The medical team after the procedure

T

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo in Accra last week

T

he Ghana Chamber of Commerce Guyana, in collaboration with Sentuo Oil Refinery, have come to an understanding with the Government of Guyana to assist in efforts to promote local content creation and participation in Guyana.

This follows President Dr Irfaan Ali’s visit to the Sentuo Oil Refinery in Accra, Ghana on January 26, 2024,

during the official commissioning of the refinery, as part of his trip to Ghana for the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2024.

Sentuo Oil Refinery, as a result, has pledged to take on and provide training for 12 Guyanese engineers or engineering students for six months per year, catering for their accommodation, transportation to and from the refinery, as well as

a stipend for the duration of their stay in Ghana.

The Ghana Chamber of Commerce Guyana will work closely with the Government of Guyana to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme.

According to its website, Sentuo Oil Refinery Limited Is a 3-train multi-product crude oil refinery based in Tema, Ghana with a production capacity of 120 000 bpd.

Govt hoping to have GLSC Board appointed this year

he Georgetown Public Hospital has (GPHC) successfully performed its first laparoscopic donor nephrectomy on Monday, thus marking a significant advancement in kidney transplant surgery within the country.

The laparoscopic donor nephrectomy was conducted on a female donor, who selflessly gifted her kidney to a 17-year-old male relative who had been grappling with chronic kidney failure attributed to type one diabetes.

The transplant was a resounding success, and the transplanted kidney is functioning exceptionally well.

Notably, the patient has shown no further need for dialysis, demonstrating the effectiveness of the procedure in restoring renal health.

This remarkable achievement is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the transplant and vascular team, working seamlessly with the general surgery, anaesthesia, and nursing teams. The multidisciplinary approach

ensured a comprehensive and well-coordinated effort, contributing to the overall success of the surgery.

The lead surgeon for the groundbreaking procedure, Dr. Kishore Persaud, ex-

Guyana. This modern technique allows for precision and minimal invasiveness, promoting reduced post-operative pain, quicker recovery, minimal scarring and lower risk of complications."

He further elaborated that both the donor and recipient are currently in recovery, and are expected to return to their daily lives soon.

The GPHC remains committed to the expansion of laparoscopic surgical procedures. Additionally, the hospital is set to broaden its spectrum of laparoscopic services, leveraging the enhanced resources and capabilities now at its disposal.

This decision underscores GPHC's unwavering dedication to maintaining a leading position in medical ad-

Doctors during the historic surgery

pressed enthusiasm about the positive outcomes by stating, "The successful laparoscopic donor nephrectomy signifies a significant milestone for GPHC and the healthcare landscape in

vancements, and delivering top-notch healthcare services while setting a promising precedent for the future of kidney transplant surgeries in Guyana.

GPF gears up for massive transformation...

FROM PAGE 14

T

he Guyana Government is aiming to have the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) Board appointed this year, noting the importance of such a framework at the entity.

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Texiera made this announcement while responding to a question posed

by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Juretha Fernandes on Tuesday during Consideration of the Estimates. While the Commission has been functioning without a Board currently, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has been manning its operations.

“It is a matter of importance, and we sincerely hope that, in 2024, we will have the Board appointed,” Teixeira added.

The functions of the Commission include acting as the guardian over all public lands, rivers and creeks of Guyana; executing or causing to be executed geodetic, topographic, hydrographic and cadastral surveys in relation to the land and water resources of Guyana; preparing and publishing maps and charts of Guyana, or parts thereof; and to establish and maintain the national survey control system, set standards for the collection of photogrammetric data, and specify the

technical requirements for land surveys.

It is also tasked with compiling and maintaining an inventory of all the land resources of Guyana, their quality, degree, pattern of utilisation and related matters; to prepare land use plans for Guyana or any part of Guyana, except any municipality which is subject to a planning scheme under the Town and Country Planning Act; and to advise the Government on policy relating to public lands, land surveys, and any other matters related to the functions of the Commission.

Trevor Benn had been the last Commissioner at the GL&SC.

Minister Benn has said the ongoing training programmes and investments in modern facilities are pivotal to propelling the Force towards contemporary law enforcement standards.

With a keen eye on adapting to emerging challenges, Minister Benn reiterated, Government is committed to providing the resources needed to propel the Guyana Police Force along its current rapid growth trajectory.

In addition, Minister Benn has highlighted the significant increase in training programmes for members of the Guyana Police Force, and underscored the importance of equipping officers and ranks with the necessary skills to navigate complex security challenges. He expressed optimism about the Guyana Police Force's positive growth and development trajectory, despite the Force encountering setbacks.

Acting Commissioner Clifton Hicken has echoed Minister Benn's sentiments and affirmed that the Force has an unwavering dedication and commitment to upholding law and order, and

ensuring the safety and security of all citizens while embracing technological and infrastructural advancements.

Commissioner Hicken noted that, under his leadership, the Guyana Police Force has embarked on strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement, proactive policing, and leveraging data-driven approaches to crime prevention.

Commissioner Hicken has also emphasized the importance of fostering trust and collaboration between the Police and the community, highlighting the Force's role as a partner in promoting safety and security for all Guyanese citizens.

Hicken further added that community outreaches can yield invaluable insights into community concerns, fostering a deeper understanding of community dynamics and needs. This, he said, simply means that, through these initiatives, the GPF cultivates trust and cooperation, strengthening its bond with residents.

Additionally, he said these interactions serve as

platforms for educating the public on crime prevention strategies, and promoting collaboration in maintaining public safety. Overall, the community outreaches empower both the Police Force and the public, contributing to safer communities, and by extension a safer Guyana.

He indicated that the Guyana Police Force Academy plays a pivotal role in the development of its members, serving as a hub for continuous learning and professional growth through rigorous training programmes and specialised courses.

The Academy, which attained accreditation in 2023, will continue to equip ranks with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively fulfil their sworn duty to serve and protect.

Commissioner Hicken also highlighted collaborative efforts with the Zara Centres across the country to educate members of the public. This collaboration, he noted, underscores the Force's dedication to engage in community involvement and empowerment. (GPF)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

19

News

Guyana’s oil & gas operations not contributing to climate change – Min Bharrat reassures N atural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat has set the record straight: that Guyana is not, in any way, contributing to climate change as it builds out a viable oil and gas sector.

He posited that Guyana’s vast forest resources can, by nature, trap large amounts of carbon dioxide.

He declared during a recent media engagement, “We're not contributing to climate (change). No carbon dioxide from Guyana is going anywhere. It is being trapped in a whole forest, because of the size of our forests. So, our position has always been clear: we will continue to develop our oil and gas resources in a responsible, sustainable, environmentally friendly manner, and use those resources to be allowed to (develop) our country so that our people can have a better life.”

These comments came in response to calls from sections of society, calling for the oil and gas industry to be shut down, and citing

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

climate change and global warming effects as being behind those calls.

Minister Bharrat has clarified that such is not the case, and provided facts on the country’s excellent environmental credentials.

“It is easy to just say shut it down. But at the same time, we need to let people know of our high environmental credentials, and we keep saying it over and over, because of facts:

Guyana, as a country, has the second-highest forest coverage in the world, at 86 per cent. The forest that we have today in Guyana can hold 19.5 gigatons of carbon. We are a carbon sink country, a carbon-negative country, and we will remain that way for a very, very long time.”

Further, he elucidated that Guyana has one of the lowest deforestation rates in the world. At

60 Laing Avenue residents receive $15M in home improvement subsidy

I

n keeping a commitment made several months ago, the Housing and Water Ministry and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) have disbursed vouchers worth $250,000 in home improvement subsidies to each of 60 residents of Laing Avenue on Monday. These vouchers can be redeemed at Gafoors, National Hardware, or Toolsie Persaud Limited.

And in addition to the vouchers - intended for repairs, modifications, and other house-related works – each of these residents has been provided with an extra $100,000 to assist with labour costs.

This group of recipients represents the initial beneficiaries of the subsidy, aligning with a commitment made by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo during his visit to Laing Avenue last year. Following interactions with the residents, the Vice President had announced a $50 million home improvement subsidy programme to address housing issues in the area.

The handover ceremony was a straightforward event that took place at the CH&PA sub-office on Camp Street, Georgetown, where Sherwyn Greaves, Chief Executive Officer of the CH&PA, emphasised that more residents from Laing Avenue are currently in the process of receiving the subsidy.

“We want to encourage those persons to hurry up and

0.036 per cent, it is lower than the commitment in the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, he said.

“We are working to even cut that further by adding value to our wood products, because once we can process our logs, then maybe we can cut less logs but keep the forestry sector viable. And that's the direction in which the forestry sector is going.

So, we will still have a vibrant forestry sector that will create more jobs,” he explained.

Further, he said the forestry sector would continue to thrive and provide for Guyanese for many years to come, and would be built out sustainably. According to him, the Government is poised to ensure that Guyana, as a small country, benefits from its resource opportunities to give citizens a better life.

“Sometimes it’s disturbing when you hear people say we should shut down our oil and gas sector because we’re contributing to the global environment and climate change. Some countries have produced oil for centuries, and they would have developed their country so that their people can benefit and live comfortably; we need to do the same. As a small country, we need to continue working towards having all of our carbon credits even being traded on the market

too,” he declared.

Attention was drawn to the fact that the window on oil and gas is gradually closing as countries move towards global renewable energy commitments by 2025.

As such, it is a now-or-never opportunity to seize, he said.

“Just think about when that happens; it means that the demand for fossil fuel will drop significantly.

I don’t believe it will disappear, but it will drop significantly. So, it's a small window (and) we need to take advantage of that. It's a bit unfortunate that we found it a bit late compared to other countries, but we have it, and we need to make the most of it,” he declared.

In 2024, production in the oil and gas sector is expected to be ramped up by 45.7 per cent. The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), holds 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana would be online by 2027, with pos-

sibly 10 FPSOs being operational by 2030. Production has already been started on the Liza Phase 1 and 2 projects, as well as the third development, Payara.

Yellowtail and Uaru, Exxon’s fourth and fifth developments, have already received governmental approval.

The third project – the Payara development – would target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels, and was at one point considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.

Meanwhile, with a mammoth 250,000 bpd being targeted, the Yellowtail development, which will be oil giant ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, would turn out to be the single largest development so far in terms of barrels of oil per day.

Following the One Guyana FPSO, the next FPSO expected to come online for the Uaru project is the Errea Witte FPSO. This FPSO is named after a Warrau word that means abundance, and is expected to be started up in 2027.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government also confirmed last year that the sixth FPSO vessel earmarked for the Whiptail project would be dubbed the Jaguar FPSO.

US reimposes some sanctions on Venezuela over ban on Opposition candidates Residents receiving their grants

get your documents to us. We have the money to spend, and we want to ensure that the people who are supposed to benefit benefit: you, the people of Laing Avenue”, he said.

Greaves has urged those individuals to expedite the submission of their documents, emphasizing the Government’s commitment to enhancing the lives of citizens in Laing Avenue through this initiative.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal has said these programmes are aimed at ensuring citizens live comfortable lives. Government is providing financial assistance with the first 60 vouchers, totalling $15 million, for residents to conduct necessary repairs on their homes.

“Our programme is geared towards ensuring that different levels of our society can be able to be part of the developmental process,” he underscored.

Croal emphasized that

these initiatives are designed to address various societal levels, and eliminate the need for squatting. Approximately 200 families are expected to benefit from this initiative.

Government has committed to delivering 50,000 house lots by 2025, with 30,000 already allocated. Minister Croal mentioned that the remaining 20,000 would be assigned in the next two years, as he emphasised the importance of a systematic approach to addressing housing needs and discourage squatting.

The residents, among whom were Jermone Basdeo and Norma Lashley, expressed gratitude for the Government’s assistance through subsidies for home repairs. Basdeo plans to fix his roof, while Lashley highlights financial constraints for essential repairs. To qualify for the subsidy, residents had to provide proof of identification and home ownership.

A

little over three months after the Biden Administration had lifted most economic sanctions from Venezuela, that administration is reimposing some of them, and warning the Nicolas Maduro regime that if a ban on opposition candidates is not lifted, the other sanctions would be reimposed.

A National Security Council spokesperson confirmed on Monday night that the Treasury Department has ended a waiver that authorized transactions with Venezuela’s state-owned gold mining company, effective two weeks from now. The Americans have warned that the waiver for Venezuela’s oil and gas sectors — the strongest U.S. penalties — would end in April “unless the Maduro [government] and his representatives in Venezuela are able to get back on track with allowing all presidential candidates to run.”

“We have made clear

President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro

that all who want to run for President should be allowed the opportunity, and are entitled to a level electoral playing field, to freedom of movement, and to assurances for their physical safety. It is up to Maduro and his representatives to correct course,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

Last week, Venezuela’s top court upheld a ban on Maria Corina Machado, the conservative Opposition

figure who is supposed to face off against Maduro in presidential elections later this year. That’s a clear violation of the agreement reached in October between the Maduro Government and the Opposition — a deal the U.S. backed by granting Maduro sanctions’ relief, until Monday’s reimposition.

But Maduro’s team had been violating parts of that deal for months now, and the pressure had been growing on President Joe Biden to do something in response — with even a group of Democratic Senators writing a letter to the administration on Monday, calling for sanctions to be reimposed.

Critics, especially Republican lawmakers, have claimed the Biden administration — desperate for Maduro’s cooperation on migration or energy — had not done enough to impose costs on the Venezuelan leader for flagrantly violating the October deal. [ABCNEWS]

20

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Seek out people who have something to contribute. Your partnerships will be just as important as what you have to offer. Distance yourself from negativity and disruptive individuals.

(March 21-April 19) Set your sights on your destination, and don’t stop until you get there.

Refuse to let someone disrupt your plans or push you in the wrong direction. Be true to yourself.

PICKLES (April 20-May 20)

Pay attention to detail, and don’t let your emotions get in the way. Spending money on something you don’t need will lead to stress. Educate yourself before making a purchase.

(May 21-June 20) You have a choice. Refuse to let someone take advantage of your kindness and generosity. Call the shots instead of letting others choose for you. Make a point to stabilize your life.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Spend more time at home. Build better relationships with loved ones and keep the peace with colleagues and associates. How you treat others will make a difference when you want something in return.

Don’t spend money on unnecessary items. Self-improvement doesn’t have a price tag. Choose to learn more, expand your options and eat and exercise properly.

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

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

You’ll face mixed emotions regarding relationships and domestic changes.

Take the initiative and proceed with determination. Refuse to let anyone come between you and your destination of choice.

Consider how travel and educational pursuits will affect your life, and weigh the pros and cons. Look for an innovative approach, and you’ll discover the perfect alternative.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Do your best. Put your mind and muscle behind your skills and knowledge, and don’t let anyone distract you.

A disciplined attitude will deter others from interfering in your life.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Align yourself with trustworthy people. Refuse to let your emotions stop you from making the right decisions. Put a cap on spending and look for alternatives to help build equity.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Don’t exceed what’s necessary.

Maintain integrity and be reasonable.

Take full control of your life and decisions, and you’ll have no regrets. Stick to your guns.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Refuse to let anyone limit you. Step outside your comfort zone if it helps you get what you want. Be secretive until you are ready to launch your plans.

Keep your costs down.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

21

Republic Cup quarter-finals set for Saturday

A

fter weeks of exhilarating football showcased at the Wadapna Ground, Rupununi, the first set of quarter-finals for the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Republic Cup 2023 are

Potarinau Village Skykings FC

set to commence on Saturday, February 3 and Sunday, February 4 with two games being played on each day.

Skykings FC "Queens" secured their place in the quarter-finals after defeating

Snipers FC male team

Snipers FC 4-0, and will look to continue with their form and fierce style of play as they come against Basin FC. In the second game of the night, Snipers FC (males) after securing their ticket to the

quarter-finals compliments of a 3-1 victory against Shiriri FC 3-1, will look to conquer the playfield as they battle the Majestic Snipers FC. The action will then change to Sunday as Guyana

Rush Saints (females), who are presumed favourites of the tournament, will look to continue their march to secure the title as they come up against Paimowak FC. Compliments of a 2-1 win

against Guyana Rush Saints to book themselves into the quarter-finals, Snatchers FC will see themselves battling 7.K United FC, who are the underdogs of the tournament who seem to upset big teams.

Timberwolves top Thunder in key West clash A nthony Edwards scored 27 points and helped spark a late run that propelled the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 107-101 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday in a clash of teams that had been tied for the Western Conference lead.

Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Rudy Gobert amassed 12 points and 18 rebounds as the Timberwolves bounced back from Saturday's onepoint loss at Sacramento and dropped the Thunder to third place in the tightly-bunched conference standings.

The Denver Nuggets moved a half-game ahead of Oklahoma City and remained a half-game behind Minnesota with Monday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Oklahoma City had erased a 10-point third-quarter deficit to take a 97-96 lead on two Shai Gilgeous-Alexander free throws with 2:43 left, but Minnesota's Jaden McDaniels hit a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession to start a pivotal 9-0 spurt.

The Thunder missed their next four shots as the Timberwolves began pulling away. Edwards followed McDaniels' tree with a running dunk, and McDaniels scored on a tip-in before Towns capped the run with two free throws that put Minnesota up 105-97 with 15.5 seconds to go.

Minnesota owned a 62-52 advantage nearing the midway mark of the third quarter before the Thunder seized momentum with an 11-0 run.

Gilgeous-Alexander had six

The Timberwolves celebrate

points and Jalen Williams scored the last five of the flurry, which gave Oklahoma City a 63-62 edge with five minutes left in the period.

The Thunder, who were coming off a stunning 120-104 loss to the NBA-worst Detroit Pistons on Sunday, received 37 points and eight assists from Gilgeous-Alexander and 20 points from Williams.

Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City's third-leading scorer at 17 points per game, was held to just four points on 2-of-9 shooting, however, as the Timberwolves finished with a 46-34 point advantage in the paint.

Jokic has another triple-double as Nuggets spoil Rivers' debut with Bucks Jamal Murray scored 35 points and Nikola Jokic posted his 14th triple-double of the season to power the Denver Nuggets to a 113-

107 win over Milwaukee in Doc Rivers' first game as the Bucks' Head Coach.

Jokic compiled 25 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists to add to his league-leading triple-double count and help the defending NBA champions keep pace with first-place Minnesota in the West. The Nuggets have now won five of their last six games.

Rivers, who coached the Boston Celtics to an NBA title during the 2007-08 season, was hired shortly after the Bucks dismissed Adrian Griffin on January 23 despite sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference with a 30-13 record. Assistant Joe Prunty coached Milwaukee's last three games and went 2-1.

The veteran coach's tenure started off strong as the Bucks jumped out to a 24-11 lead midway through the first quarter, though the Nuggets

ended the period on a 12-0 run to cut their deficit to 2625 entering the second.

Denver gradually asserted control and owned an 84-75 advantage early in the fourth quarter, but the Bucks hit three straight 3-pointers during a 13-2 spurt that put them back ahead with under nine minutes to play.

The game remained tight until the Nuggets pulled away with an 8-0 run, which Murray capped with a jumper that gave Denver a 106-97 lead with 3:17 to go.

Giannis Antetokounmpo paced Milwaukee with 29 points on 11-of-19 shooting along with 12 rebounds, while Brook Lopez had 19 points and Damian Lillard finished with 18 in the loss.

Suns bounce back by handing Heat seventh straight loss The Phoenix Suns kept rolling behind a balanced at-

tack and strong defence that resulted in a 118-105 victory over the reeling Miami Heat, the seventh consecutive loss for the defending Eastern Conference champions.

Eric Gordon scored 23 points off the bench to lead six Phoenix players in double figures in a game the Suns led by as much as 28 points en route to stopping a two-game losing streak.

The Suns also got 22 points from Devin Booker and 20 from Kevin Durant, with both stars finishing with eight rebounds and seven assists each.

Miami went 14 of 36 from 3-point range, but were stonewalled from inside the arc, shooting a subpar 39.6 per

cent on 2-point attempts in this latest defeat. The Heat have lost seven straight for the first time since the 200708 season.

Jimmy Butler led Miami with 26 points and recent acquisition Terry Rozier had 21 in his fourth game with the Heat.

Miami shot just 35.4 per cent in the first half as the Suns built a 62-49 lead at the break, and their shooting woes continued as Phoenix extended the margin in the third quarter.

Booker had 12 points and the Suns shot over 68 per cent for the period to open up a commanding 100-74 advantage entering the fourth quarter. (Sportsmax)

Haynes, Wall expect U20s to improve...

FROM PAGE 22

"The whole idea of these games is to create relationships and a common understanding on our game model. So, there are instances where we are kind of pleased with what we saw and for me, it’s the bigger picture of getting ourselves ready and competitive for the tournament,” Wall shared.

"One of the core non-negotiables that we have is that no matter what, we don’t give up, because we are playing for our nation which is a big responsibility. So, there are areas we need to improve on with regard to our pressing, count-

er-pressing and some other technical things in that region,” he reasoned.

Wall’s side will contest Group F with Bermuda, Grenada, and Martinique in St Kitts and Nevis in the upcoming tournament.

After round-robin play in the CONCACAF qualifying opening round between February 23 and March 2, the group winners will progress to the Championship round to join the six pre-seeded nations – the United States, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic – ranked in that order. (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

ICC U19 World Cup…

Wedderburn, Smith lead U19 Windies to tense 3-wicket win T

he West Indies got their third win in a row with a tense three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka to open their Super Six campaign at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup in South Africa on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka first posted 231 from their 50 overs after win-

ning the toss and choosing to bat first at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley.

Dinura Kalupahana made 53 from 83 balls to lead the Sri Lankan batting effort while Malsha Tharupathi made 42 off 38 and Supun Waduge, 31 off 40 to provide good support.

Raneico Smith took 4-47

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka Under-19s (50 ovs maximum) Pulindu Perera lbw b Smith 24 Vishen Halambage c T Edward b N Edward 0 Sineth Jayawardena (c) c Smith b N Edward 11 Supun Waduge run out (Sealy) 31 Dinura Kalupahana c Dorne b Sealy 53 Sharujan Shanmuganathan † c Dorne b T Edward 14 Ravishan de Silva c & b Smith 5 Malsha Tharupathi b Smith 42 Vihas Thewmika c Wedderburn b Smith 15 Vishwa Lahiru run out (N Edward) 4 Ruvishan Perera not out 9 Extras (lb 2, w 21) 23 TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 4.62) 231 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Vishen Halambage, 0.5 ov), 2-34 (Sineth Jayawardena, 6.1 ov), 3-46 (Pulindu Perera, 9.5 ov), 4-85 (Supun Waduge, 18.1 ov), 5-121 (Sharujan Shanmuganathan, 25.3 ov), 6-134 (Ravishan de Silva, 30.4 ov), 7-185 (Dinura Kalupahana, 38.2 ov), 8-211 (Malsha Tharupathi, 45.3 ov), 9-220 (Vihas Thewmika, 47.5 ov), 10-231 (Vishwa Lahiru, 49.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Nathan Edward 9-0-47-2 Isai Thorne 10-0-41-0 Raneico Smith 10-0-47-4 Nathan Sealy 10-1-34-1 Tarrique Edward 10-1-49-1 Joshua Dorne 1-0-11-0

West Indies Under-19s (T: 232 runs from 50 ovs) Stephan Pascal (c) c Waduge b Kalupahana 33 Steve Wedderburn c Tharupathi b Sineth Jayawardena 61 Joshua Dorne c Waduge b Lahiru 7 Jordan Johnson c Kalupahana b Thewmika 39 Nathan Edward lbw b Lahiru 13 Mavendra Dindyal c Lahiru b Sineth Jayawardena 17 Jewel Andrew † lbw b Kalupahana 11 Nathan Sealy not out 27 Tarrique Edward not out 11 Extras (b 4, lb 2, w 7) 13 TOTAL 49.3 Ov (RR: 4.68) 232/7 Did not bat: Raneico Smith, Isai Thorne Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Stephan Pascal, 8.1 ov), 2-61 (Joshua Dorne, 11.4 ov), 3-147 (Steve Wedderburn, 26.3 ov), 4-149 (Jordan Johnson, 27.5 ov), 5-180 (Mavendra Dindyal, 37.2 ov), 6-184 (Nathan Edward, 40.4 ov), 7-206 (Jewel Andrew, 45.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Dinura Kalupahana 7.3-1-39-2 Vihas Thewmika 10-0-38-1 Vishen Halambage 1-0-9-0 Vishwa Lahiru 10-2-32-2 Sineth Jayawardena 10-0-39-2 Ruvishan Perera 3-0-27-0 Malsha Tharupathi 5-0-30-0 Supun Waduge 3-0-12-0

from his 10 overs to lead the West Indian bowling effort while Nathan Edward took 2-47 from his nine overs.

Nathan Sealy and Tarrique Edward took a wicket each.

The West Indies then completed a tense chase, reaching 232-7 from 49.3 overs.

Steven Wedderburn, playing only his second match of the tournament, led the way with a 71-ball 61 at the top of the order. His knock included five fours and three sixes.

He was well supported by Jordan Johnson, who made 39 off 46 balls, including

Vishwa Lahiru took 2-32 from his 10 overs for Sri Lanka while Kalupahana and Sineth Jayawardena also took a pair of wickets, each.

The West Indies are now second in Group Two of the Super Six with four points, the same as Australia, who play England today. The Caribbean side will play Australia in their final Super Six game on Friday.

The top two teams in the group will advance to the semi-finals. (Sportsmax)

Raneico Smith celebrates a wicket

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The young Men in Maroon celebrate

four fours. Captain Stephan Pascal made a swift 26-ball 33, including five fours and a six.

The West Indies were cruising at 147-2 in the 27th over before Wedderburn

and Johnson fell in successive overs to leave the West Indies 149-4 in the 28th over.

The subsequent wickets of Mavendra Dindyal (17), Nathan Edward (13) and Jewel Andrew (11) left the West Indies in a tricky posi-

tion at 206-7 in the 46th over before a match-winning 26run eighth-wicket partnership between Sealy and Edward.

Sealy finished 27* off 28 balls while Edward finished 11* off 13 balls.

Haynes, Wall expect U20s to improve on 1st warm-up performance W

hile pleased with aspects of their teams’ display in the first warm-up contest, Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-20 Men’s Head Coach, Brian Haynes and his Jamaican counterpart, John Wall are optimistic of a more efficient display from their respective units when the two teams meet again on Thursday.

The young Soca Warriors edged the young Reggae Boyz 3-2 in the first contest at the University of TT, O'Meara Campus recently, with Lindell Sween, Levi Jones and Michael Chaves on target for the hosts while Jahmani Bell and Demarion Harris pulled things back for Jamaica.

That contest, both coaches believe, not only provided the impetus needed to finalise selection of their respective squads for next month’s Caribbean phase of the CONCACAF Under-20 Men’s Championships, as they only had a few training sessions prior, which do not necessarily assist in high-

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Brian Haynes (left) and John Wall

lighting the true competitive nature and, by extension, cohesiveness of the teams.

Haynes expressed satisfaction with the progress of his players, especially as he explored different combinations.

"As far as I am concerned, the exercise was good.

Nobody's hurt, thank God. The guys worked hard and the main group, the group that started, they did what we wanted them to do, and I thought the guys that came in did a good job as well,” Haynes said.

"I commend the Jamaica

team for coming down and giving us a good game, because this is what we need and this is what they need, and hopefully this propels us to keep playing at the level I know we can,” he added.

Still, no performance is ever perfect, and as such, Haynes said the objective remained to strengthen their flaws in all areas to ensure that the young Soca Warriors not only prove more formidable in the next game, but also against their more illustrious opponents in future fixtures.

Trinidad and Tobago and

TO RENT A look at the friendly action

Jamaica will lock horns in the second warm-up encounter on Thursday at Larry Gomes Stadium at 16:00h (4:00 pm).

For the upcoming tournament, Haynes’s side will host Group D, which includes Canada, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines with only the group winner set to progress.

"There are things we have to work on, but right now I am really happy with the result for the boys,” Haynes noted.

Wall echoed similar sentiments, even as the young Reggae Boyz held Police FC’s youth team to a goalless stalemate in another encounter.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

23

President Ali commits to support for Golden Jaguars T

he local arm of Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, on Tuesday interacted with President Dr Irfaan Ali during a breakfast, hosted at State House, Main Street.

It was reported that during the event, the Head of State articulated his Government’s intention "to help develop the sport in Guyana and promised to work with the national side to enhance their abilities".

President Ali highlighted his willingness to support training camps and pledged to make other resources available.

“We will be building a new wave of energy and support around you,” President Ali stated.

Executives of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), players and technical staff of the team attended the breakfast, in-

Scenes from the Golden Jaguars’ breakfast meet with President Dr Irfaan Ali and top sport officials

cluding Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz and Assistant Wayne Dover. In addition, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr; Director of Sport (DoS) Steve Ninvalle, Assistant DoS Franklin Wilson and National Sports Commission (NSC) Chair Kashif Muhammad were also in attendance.

The Golden Jaguars

have a packed and challenging international schedule ahead of them, having been promoted to League A of the CONCACAF Nations League and with FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying for the CONCACAF region scheduled to commence in June 2024.

For the World Cup qualifiers, the Senior Men’s

GCB U15 Inter-County tournament…

Berbice, Demerara stay on top

D

espite the threat of rain, Berbice and Demerara’s Under-15 teams picked up their second victory in the ongoing Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) U15 Inter-County tournament, when it continued on Tuesday.

The national team recently tasted success in the CONCACAF Nations League, playing five games

unbeaten against the likes of Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbuda, and The Bahamas.

AJM Enterprise “Mash It Up” cricket tournament set for February 24

Demerara beat Essequibo by 67 runs (D/L)

At the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Ground in Queenstown, Georgetown, Demerara opener Parmeshwar Ram, fresh off his century this past weekend, continued his fine form by registering a half-century, hitting five fours and a six in his 51.

His opening partner, Khush Seegobin sadly missed out on a half-century, as he was dismissed for a solid 49 (4x4, 1x6), sharing 95 at the top of the order with Ram. All-rounder Shamar Apple finished proceedings with 20 off 15 balls including three fours to help further propel Demerara to 149-8.

Essequibo spinner Jathniel Nurse continued his fine form, claiming 3-30 with support from Shazim Mohamed, who grabbed 2-12.

Chasing almost 150 in overcast weather conditions, Essequibo were restricted to 82-8 in 17.4 overs.

Owing to the weather and the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, the Cinderella County boys needed to have 130 runs at the 17.4 over mark, in order to secure the win.

Demerara skipper Emmanuel Lewis wrecked the opposition with figures of 3-29, with support coming from Mickel Sharma, who had stingy returns of 2-1.

team were recently drawn in Group D, which also features Panama, Nicaragua, Monserrat, and Belize.

A Berbice Captain Adrian Hetmyer receives his Man-of-the-Match award

Omarion Smith (16); Erron Benjamin (14); Nurse (13) and opener Justin Dowlin (12), were the only players to get out of the blocks for Essequibo.

Berbice beat Select XI by 25 runs (D/L)

Over at the Malteenoes Ground at Thomas Lands, Berbice U15 posted 134-7 after seeing out their 20 overs while batting first. After a shaky start in the opening round, skipper Adrian Hetmyer immediately returned to form with a crisp 45ball 55 (4x4, 1x6) to lead his team's batting innings.

Opener Chamesh Seenauth scored a run-a-ball 22 (1x4, 1x6) while Sohail Mohamed resisted with 21 off 16 (2x4, 1x6) and Lakeram Singh (15), chipped in with runs in support of their captain.

Wickets were shared among the Select XI bowl-

ers, led by Gilbert Griffith (320), with a wicket each from Danvir Seegobin and Ahil Beharry.

In reply, the Select XI had a positive approach to the chase, but overs expired, leaving them 109-5 at the end of the innings and way behind the required rate for the DLS method.

Openers Seegobin (22) and Ravid Fredericks (21) gave their team the ideal start. But after their dismissals, Rovaldo Parciara slammed a brisk 25 off 15 consisting of two sixes and a four, but no other batter could reach double figures for the Select XI, as Richard Ramdehol picked up 3-22 for Berbice.

Round 3 of the GCB U15 Inter-County tournament continues on Thursday, with an anticipated clash between Berbice and Demerara at the DCC Ground while Select XI and Essequibo will do battle at Malteenoes Ground.

JM Enterprise will host a one-day “Mash It Up” T20 tournament at the Bush Lot Sports Complex Ground, West Coast Berbice on Saturday, February 24.

Some of the country’s finest cricketers will battle for supremacy, with over $2 million in cash and prizes up for grabs. The top team will be rewarded $1 million while other clubs will also be rewarded.

Four teams in the West Berbice area will be on show: AJM defending T20 champions Cotton Tree Sports Club, D’ Edwards Sports Club, Achievers A, and Bush Lot Sports Club.

The day’s activity will commence from 09:00h and the final will be played under lights. Big screen, commentary, and live scores will be at the venue with Crown Vibes International providing sounds.

This tournament will bring a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) atmosphere.

Cheerleaders will be on show, in addition to other side attractions.

AJM Enterprise aims to develop cricket in the West Berbice area and provide quality entertainment to the

Flashback! Cotton Tree won the AJM Second-Division tournament, which was blessed by the Berbice Cricket Board in December

cricket-loving population.

Notable senior Berbice cricketers Seon Hetmyer, Leon Swamy, and Suresh Dhani tasted success in a recent tournament, while young Arif Khan, a Guyana Under-15 player who plies his trade for Cotton Tree, has been a star performer.

This event is sponsored by AJM Enterprise and Jumbo Jet, and powered by Banks DIH Ltd. The top clubs in West Berbice will once again benefit from this initiative as they did in December last year.

AJM Enterprise had hosted a Second-Division T20

tournament across West Berbice, and Cotton Tree had walked away with $1 million on Boxing Day. D’Edwards were runners-up and they were rewarded with $500,000.

Cotton Tree have been the team to reckon with in recent times, as they showed dominance across the West Berbice area, recording commanding wins.

AJM Enterprise will also reward the outstanding players from the tournament, with the selection of an allstar team that will battle in lucrative tournaments across Guyana.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

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

Pg 23

to support for Golden Jaguars Pg 22

GCB U15 Inter-County tournament…

Pg 23

stay on top

lead U19 Windies to tense 3-wicket win

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