Guyana Times - Wednesday, March 20, 2024.pdf

Estranged lover fatally shoots ex-girlfriend’s sister, turns gun on self

Asecurity officer attached to the Sheriff Security Service was riddled with bullets in the wee hours of Tuesday by her sister’s ex-boyfriend at her Dazzel Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home.

Dead is 24-year-old Ashanti Liverpool, who was fatally shot about 01:00h, by a 31-year-old security guard, Stephon Hope of Haslington, ECD. According to reports received, the suspect shared a common-law relationship with the sister of the deceased.

Police stated that just after midnight, the suspect went to a Chinese supermarket located at Good Hope, ECD, where he met his coworker, who, at the time, was armed with one AR-15 rifle with eight live rounds of ammunition.

The suspect reportedly told his coworker that the supervisor had sent him to collect the rifle. With some hesitation, his colleague attempted to contact his superior, but calls to his cellphone went unanswered.

Eventually, the firearm and ammunition were handed over. It was reported that the suspect had earlier seen his ex-girlfriend

sitting inside a car parked in front of her house with another man.

After collecting the firearm, he returned to his ex-girlfriend’s resi -

dence. Ashanti’s boyfriend, Nicholas Alphonso told the media that the man arrived at the house desperately enquiring about his girlfriend's sister.

you going for with that. She picked up my jacket, put it on, and run out the room,” the man said.

Alphonso said after his girlfriend ran past the suspect, the suspect began chasing her with the weapon in his hand.

“He started running she down and he crank the gun and tell she don’t run. He fired two shots and when I see that, I slowed down. I heard he shot about three more times and he walked back to the house. I kept asking him where me gul deh and he didn’t answer me. He picked up he bike and he ride away. I started looking for Ashanti. Two to three hours, I couldn’t find she. Is four this morning I find she dead in a yard,” the grieving man said.

No mistake

her sister didn’t want him let him just leave. The other day her sister told him to leave, and he picked up his things, and start to break up and throw away everything. He throw away all the chain and so he gone he way. Now, he come back with he gun. Them [the suspect and the dead woman’s sister] wasn’t together lon,g but it is long she trying to leave him,” he explained.

Police said that after committing the act, the suspect proceeded to Hong Xing Supermarket at Industry Railway Embankment, ECD, where he met with another colleague, a 29-year-old security officer, who, at the time, was armed with one AR-15 rifle with six live matching rounds of ammunition.

“He come in the house, push open me bedroom door where me and my girlfriend was in, come inside with the big AK and asking where Ishanti deh and I tell he go outside with thing she have to be somewhere outside. When my girl [Ashanti] see the gun, she get vex and jump up and say is not me sister

The man said that even though the sisters were identical twins, it was not a case of mistaken identity. He said the dead woman and the suspect had no problems before the shooting, and she was only running to alert her twin sister that the suspect was coming with a gun.

He said his girlfriend’s sister had been trying to leave the suspect for some time, but he refused to let go.

“Earlier in the night Ashanti and he were reasoning and she told him if

The suspect told his colleague that he needed his help in clearing the rifle that he had in his possession because one round was stuck in the firearm. The colleague collected the rifle from the suspect and attempted to clear it outside the supermarket, leaving his firearm inside the supermarket where the suspect was standing.

While doing this, the colleague claimed that he heard a loud explosion from inside the supermarket, and while checking, he noticed the suspect on the ground. He went to his aid, and saw what appeared to be blood coming from the left side of his chest and the firearm beside him.

A patrol from the Sparendaam Police Station was summoned, and the suspect was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital. On his arrival, he was admitted nursing a single gunshot wound to the chest. His condition is considered critical. He is presently under guard at the hospital. Investigations continue. (G9)

Suspect: Stephon Hope Dead: Ashanti Liverpool Liverpool’s boyfriend, Nicholas Alphons

The area where the murder occurred

“Parroted” position by US-nominated UN candidate on corruption not based on any evidence or facts – Pres Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali has called out United States-nominated candidate to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, Laurence Helfer on his question about corruption against Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, saying that the reference to corruption was not based on any evidence or facts ,but was more or less a parroted position by an individual on the committee.

The Head of State told <<<Guyana Times>>> on Tuesday evening that “this issue was not raised as a substantive matter by the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations. An individual member, who is obviously fed with the propaganda of

Opposition, operatives raised a query in line with the narrative of the Opposition trying to paint the Government in a particular light.”

According to Ali, unfortunately, Helfer found himself in a trap the Opposition – the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) – used historically against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government.

“Recall the countless public calls about corruption, none of which could have been proven under the five years of the APNU/AFC. What the Opposition does is to find conduits through which their messaging can infiltrate international institutions; in this case, trying to use this individual position to derail the two days of positive review Guyana had at the Committee itself,” President Ali said.

He noted that as a Government “we are committed to the high value of every institution of the UN and will continue to actively participate”.

According to the President, it is interesting that the “very individual did not mention the fact that the very persons making the complaints individually and collectively tried to steal the elections in Guyana and derail democra-

cy. We invite all members of the Committee to verify every allegation with the facts, evidence and the truth; that is all we ask.”

During the UN’s 140th Session of the Human Rights Committee in Geneva, Switzerland, before which Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira appeared virtually, Helfer asked about public frustration over the alleged failure on Guyana’s part to investigate reports of corruption against the Vice President, Police Officers and members of the Judiciary.

In response ,Teixeira made it clear that there was no formal report made to the Guyana Police Force about allegations of corruption against Jagdeo.

““There is no follow-up, because there was no Police report made by Vice News or anybody else. So, the Police cannot investigate without some form of report or complaint,” Teixeira said at the UN meeting on Monday.

In 2022, United Statesbased media outlet VICE News aired a feature titled “Guyana for Sale” that contained allegations against Jagdeo, but while it was deemed an “exposé”, it failed to implicate Jagdeo in bribery.

Jagdeo has, on numerous occasions, denied the allegations and has said on several occasions that the documents he submitted to the Integrity Commission could dismantle any corruption allegations against him.

Attempt to force negotiations for 2019-2023 pay hike High Court has no jurisdiction to grant GTU’s applications – Judge rules

Days after the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) approached the High Court asking for the court, among other things, to order the Government to negotiate salary increases for teachers for the period 2019 to 2023, Justice Sandil Kissoon on Tuesday ruled that the court has no such jurisdiction.

The GTU approached the High Court last week with an application filed by its Attorney, Darren Wade, asking the court for a number of remedies, among which was ordering the Government to engage in collective bargaining for salaries for 2019 to 2023.

The Union had also asked the Court that Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain and Education Ministry Permanent Secretary Shannielle HooseinOutar be held in contempt of court, for “unwillingness and bad faith for refusing to discuss collective bargaining for the period 2019-2023”.

In return, Government responded with an application to strike out that application filed by the Union.

Calling the application frivolous and an abuse of the process of the Court, Attorney General Anil Nandlall told Guyana Times that there were many deficiencies which

plagued the GTU’s application.

“The court quickly realised that we were right and that the application filed by [the GTU] was hopeless, misconceived, and utterly wrong. The court invited Wade to explain why he filed what he filed, seeking to expand the case. One can expand a case that is ongoing, but you have to follow the proper procedure. You have to apply for an amendment and amend your case to accommodate the new reliefs that you’re seeking. That was not done. Secondly, you have to ask the court for reliefs that the court can grant. You can ask the court to make final reliefs in an interlocutory application,” the AG related.

The court granted Wade leave to withdraw his application, and highlighting ‘inconsistencies’ put forward by both sides, Justice Kissoon

ordered both sides to produce documents of previous engagements between the Government and GTU.

Nandlall explained, “We have undertaken to produce the documents which the Judge is asking for, but, in my view, those documents do not advance the case. This is not a case where the factual collision will impact upon the law. The law is very simple. If you do not work, you do not get paid. And the Government is free not to offer voluntary service.”

The substantive case brought by the GTU against the Education Ministry is fixed for hearing today.

Nandlall positioned, “I am convinced that the law is clear and that we should succeed. I don’t think this matter depends on a great amount of evidence. These are pure legal issues.”

In court documents filed by the GTU (applicant) in February 2024 against the Attorney General of Guyana (respondent), the Union disclosed that only non-financial matters were discussed with the Education Ministry regarding its multi-year proposal for the period 20192023 that was submitted to Government in September 2020.

However, Chief Education Officer Hussain, in his affida-

vit to the court, pointed out that from August 11, 2020 until January 31, 2024, the GTU and the Ministry met continuously – on average once monthly, sometimes as many as three times per month. Those meetings, he noted, dealt with the demands of the applicant as well as demands of the Ministry regarding the general welfare and well-being of teachers and the best interests of the education sector.

Hussain further explained that the Ministry “successfully and satisfactorily” addressed 30 of the 41 proposals made by the applicant in the past three years, and of the 11 outstanding requests, two are specifically only to benefit GTU executive members, while two others cannot be granted because they are contrary to the laws of Guyana. (G12)

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Justice Sandil Kissoon

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Laurence Helfer

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Materialisation of Corentyne River bridge

Guyana’s Head of State, President Dr Irfaan Ali, and his counterpart President of neighbouring Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, will meet this weekend to finalise financing for the Corentyne River bridge.

It should be pleasing to citizens of both countries that this transformational project for both countries has reached a stage of materialisation.

It could be recalled that this project had been in the pipeline for some time now, and we are very pleased that the two leaders are moving rapidly on it.

From both sides, many persons have expressed the need for such a bridge to physically link the two countries, and it is now that this is becoming a reality.

President Ali, speaking on the project some time ago, was quoted in the press as saying: “When we look at the strategic development that will take place on both sides, we have to ensure that we get it right in terms of the development that will take place and the location of the bridge.”

It is well known that many Guyanese have taken up permanent residence in Suriname over the years, and there is a large amount of trade/business being done between the two countries. Hence, the bridge across the Corentyne River would considerably enhance trade and economic relations as well as cultural exchanges between Guyana and Suriname.

The Governments of Guyana and Suriname have recognised the enormous benefits the bridge can bring in the areas of transportation, tourism and trade. Important to note, too, is that once constructed, the bridge would not only serve as a permanent physical link between Guyana and Suriname, but also to the rest of the South American continent. This, in itself, would allow Guyana to access a whole host of opportunities as it relates to commerce, etc.

That said, Guyana and Suriname have a history of enjoying good neighbourly relations, and there are many areas which both sides can explore to the benefit of all. For example, now that both countries have proven to have vast amounts of oil and gas resources, it would be in their interest to develop synergies and work collaboratively, especially considering the fact that they are both relatively small.

President Ali had already revealed that the two countries have recognised the need to develop synergies in relation to the oil and gas sector.

Additionally, there is need for both countries to continue working collaboratively to tackle the issue of cross-border crime. The fact that criminal elements in the past, and even now, are using the border between the two countries to carry out criminal activities poses a serious threat to both countries’ national security.

Also, in view of the many instances, over the years, of robberies at sea, it is crucial that both countries share information and work together to address this challenge, which has been having a severe impact on the fishing industries of our countries.

It is our hope that the now-concluded engagements between the Governments of Guyana and Suriname would continue to bring about positive results, as it is clear that both sides are eager to move ahead with various projects that would see a better quality of life for their citizens.

“Utter ignorance” – AG on USnominated UN candidate question on Guyana’s Vice President

Whenever it is possible to put the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government or its leaders in a negative light, certain sections of the media never fail to deliver. Even when it requires them to magnify a non-issue and report it as prime news.

This is the case of a “lead story” emerging from hearings currently being conducted at the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee.

The US Candidate to the Human Rights Committee invited the Guyana delegation to comment on “there is public frustration due to the failure of the Government to investigate reports of acts of corruption by the Vice President, the Judiciary, and the Guyana Police Force”.

No particulars nor details given whatsoever concerning these alleged acts of corruption. Minister Gail Teixeira, leading the Guyana delegation, adequately and competently offered the commentary requested.

No story is published regarding the alleged acts of corruption in respect of the Judiciary or the Guyana Police Force. On the contrary and perhaps expectedly, Vice President Jagdeo becomes the star in news stories published by cer-

tain local media. Not even an attempt at balance.

Worse yet, the impression is conveyed that Guyana was “grilled” in respect of alleged corruption on the part of the Vice President! Nothing is further from the truth. This issue occupied just a few minutes of a two-day agenda, which is still ongoing. But it becomes the headline.

The question purports to stem from “public frustration”. Which public? I dare ask. Vice President Jagdeo faces the public in Guyana on a daily basis. He faces the press once weekly. A hostile press. These questions are not asked. In fact, the public record will reflect that the only grouping that pursues this line in the public do-

main is the APNU-AFC, driven by their own political self-interest.

Moreover, the Vice President addressed this matter at length in the Vice News interview itself, and publicly many times thereafter. He comprehensively debunked the nefarious allegations. He filed legal proceedings against the person who unilaterally implicated him in these allegations. This person, so far, has not defended the legal proceedings. Default judgment is about to be obtained.

However, even if the judgment is obtained, the protagonists will no doubt still pursue these baseless allegations.

Additionally, it is crystalline that those who ask these questions labour un-

der a shocking misunderstanding of Guyana’s legal and constitutional structure. Government does not “investigate”. Different State agencies are endowed by law with investigative powers, not the Government.

Just imagine, if the Government is to announce that it will “investigate” the Judiciary”, the rancour and ruckus that will erupt, and rightfully so. But yet the Government is being accused of failing to “investigate” the Judiciary at a high international forum.

Utter ignorance.

I guess one can conclude that the Vice President cannot stay out of the news. Even if he desperately tries. In the end, it is nothing but a storm in a teacup!

Guyana’s Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC US-nominated candidate for the UN Human Rights Committee, Laurence Helfer

Villagers from Barsana and Nandgaon smeared with colours play Lathmar Holi at Nandagram temple in Nandgaon village, 115 kilometres (70 miles) south of New Delhi, India (VOA)

Guyana seeing progress on targeted agri initiatives – Mustapha

…agri-entrepreneurship, cage fishing among successful programmes

By Jarryl Bryan

Targeted initiatives aimed at bringing more persons into the agriculture sector, such as the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme, are seeing much success. This report was provided by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on the opening day of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) 38th regional conference.

During his presentation to the conference on Monday, Mustapha gave an update on Guyana’s efforts to contrib-

old people.

The Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship

cy in livestock feed in the production of corn and soya bean,” Minister Mustapha

ute to the slashing of the regional food import bill. He explained that there were a number of prominent initiatives the Government rolled out to increase food production in Guyana. And Mustapha acknowledged the need for the rolling out of even more financial and other forms of concrete support for the agriculture sector.

“There is need to improve initiatives, financial support, and the President alluded to that and concrete actions to improve the resilience and sustainability of the agrifood system. To overcome the impacts of climate change and food insecurity, in light of the Region’s high vulnerability.”

“In Guyana, I want to say that we’ve had a number of prominent initiatives which include, and this one is a very noble one that we’ve started in Guyana and the President’s brainchild – the Agriculture Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, targeting youth to become agri-business owners,” the Minister said, adding that this project was going a far way towards removing the stigma of agriculture being seen as a field exclusively for

Programme is fully financed by the Guyana Government, but participants can earn big from the produce they harvest. It is an initiative open to persons whether or not they are already qualified or are pursuing an education in agriculture.

Some of the high-value crops that have been cultivated under this programme are cauliflower, broccoli, beets, cilantro, parsley, celery, lettuce, bell peppers, sweet peppers, hot peppers, carrots, chili, and tomatoes. Participants are fully involved in the process, from mixing the soil to packaging and marketing the crops. These crops are usually sold to restaurants and hotels.

Aquaculture

Meanwhile, reference was also made to the success being seen in aquaculture. In this sector, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has been rolling out its marine cage farming initiative in various communities.

“The revival of the aquaculture industry is another programme that we are seeing vast progress on, [and] the advancement of the livestock industry and the programme for self-sufficien-

said. “Large infrastructural projects, so we can create the necessary framework for those farmers that are toiling every day to bring food to the table. In the Caricom sub-region, President [Dr Irfaan] Ali has been at the forefront of championing the concept of regional transformation of the food system, to ensure the sector provides healthy, affordable diets for all.”

After assuming office in 2020, the PPP/C Government had announced that it was exploring the possibility of introducing cage culture given the impact climate change was having on the global fisheries sector. President

Ali had said his Government was moving ahead with the rollout of a number of innovative solutions, to ensure the livelihood of fisherfolk is maintained.

The cage-fishing initiative was first rolled out in October of 2022 in Mainstay/ Whyaka, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), after the Government purchased four marine cages from Brazil in an effort to boost the aquaculture sector within the country. Since then, the Government has committed to expanding the production of prawns and the lucrative marine cage project countrywide to further boost the country’s aquacul-

ture sector significantly.

And it was reported last year that under the Government’s cage culture fishing project, the community of Capoey, Region Two was now eyeing a larger market after harvesting a successful first batch of Tambaqui fish.

This was revealed by Councillor in charge of tourism, Jumol Allicock during an interview with Guyana Times in August of 2023. At that time, Allicock had revealed that the first of three batches of fish had been caught and the community had successfully sold approximately 63 fish at a cost of $80,000. (G3)

Residents of Capoey displaying the Tambaqui fish harvested from the first batch of cage fishing last year

Participants in the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Page Foundation

Changing from customary units to metric units

BY ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE

Example:

6 yards = how many millimetres?

Step 1: Find yards on the chart above: 1 yard = 0.914 metre

Step 2: Multiply 6 x 0.914 = 5.484m.

Step 3: Multiply the number of metres x 1000 to find millimetres: 5.484 x 1000 = 5484

So 6 yards = 5484mm

Periscope comes from two Greek words, peri, meaning “around”, and scopus, “to look”. A periscope lets you look around walls, corners, or other obstacles. Submarines have periscopes so the sailors inside can see what’s on the surface of the water, even if the ship itself is below the waves.

What do I need?

Two 1-quart milk cartons

Two small pocket mirrors (flat, square ones work best)

Utility knife or X-Acto knife

Ruler

Pencil or pen Masking tape

DANGER!

An X-Acto knife is very, very sharp. Have a grown-up do all the cutting in this activity.

Instructions

Use the knife to cut around the top of each milk carton, removing the peaked “roof”.

Cut a hole at the bottom of the front of one milk carton. Leave about 1/4 inch of carton on each side of the hole.

Put the carton on its side and turn it so the hole you just cut is facing to your right. On the side that’s facing up, measure 2 and 3/4 inches up the left edge of the carton, and use the pencil to make a mark there. Now, use your ruler to draw a diagonal line from the bottom right corner to the mark you made.

Starting at the bottom right corner, cut on that line. Don’t cut all the way to the left edge of the carton – just make the cut as long as one side of your mirror. If your mirror is thick, widen the cut to fit.

Slide the mirror through the slot so the reflecting side faces the hole in the front of the carton. Tape the mirror loosely in place.

Hold the carton up to your eye and look through the hole that you cut. You should see your ceiling through the top of the carton. If what you see looks tilted, adjust the mirror and tape it again.

Repeat steps 2 through 6 with the second milk carton.

Exercises: Calculate

1) 6ft = ______m

2) 0.5gal = ____ _l

3) 1200lb = ______kg

4) 100yd = _____m

5) 200oz = ____ g

Stand one carton up on a table, with the hole facing you. Place the other carton upside-down, with the mirror on the top and the hole facing away from you.

Use your hand to pinch the open end of the upside-down carton just enough for it to slide into the other carton. Tape the two cartons together. Now you have a periscope! If you look through the bottom hole, you can see over fences that are taller than you. If you look through the top hole, you can see under tables. If you hold it sideways, you can see around corners.

How does my periscope work?

Light always reflects away from a mirror at the same angle that it hits the mirror. In your periscope, light hits the top mirror at a 45-degree angle and reflects away at the same angle, which bounces it down to the bottom mirror. That reflected light hits the second mirror at a 45-degree angle and reflects away at the same angle, right into your eye. (Excerpted from exploratorium. edu)

V

Are thy feet on the ways of the limitless waters, thy wings on the winds of the waste north sea?

Are the fires of the false north dawn over heavens where summer is stormful and strong like thee Now bright in the sight of thine eyes? are the bastions of icebergs assailed by the blast of thy breath?

Is it March with the wild north world when April is waning?

the word that the changed year saith, Is it echoed to northward with rapture of passion reiterate from spirits triumphant as we Whose hearts were uplift at the blast of thy clarions as men’s rearisen from a sleep that was death And kindled to life that was one with the world’s and with thine? hast thou set not the whole world free?

To be continued

CONTINUED FROM TUESDAY TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

T&T Private Sector official lauds Pres Ali, other Caricom Heads for regional integration efforts

…says regional ferry will usher in remarkable ease of transportation

resident Dr Irfaan

PAli, the current Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), as well as other regional Heads, came in for high praise from a senior Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Private Sector official, when it comes to their concerted efforts to improve regional integration.

On Tuesday, the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce held a meeting where it facilitated discussions on business developments in the Region. Director of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Kevin Ramgoolie was in high praise of the work Caricom, led by its Chairman, has done on regional integration.

“I must commend our leadership, like Dr Ali, President of Guyana; Honourable Dr Keith Rowley, we have Mia Mottley, from the southern Caribbean, that are looking to make things better. In fact, Caricom is Caricom. But a lot of people might think it is impermeable to get from here to there.

“But from the recently-concluded summits, in fact they asked that each Attorney General come together to look at what is making it, from imperme -

able as it is, to more permeable, to allow the flow for commerce. And over the next few months, we will be seeing things that will, in effect, allow for that free flow and free movement, more than it was in 2023,” Ramgoolie said.

In particular, Ramgoolie referred to the work done on a regional ferry between Guyana and other Caribbean countries, including Barbados and Trinidad, as remarkable. He marvelled at the ease of transportation this initiative would usher in.

“I must say that currently, our Heads of Government from the re -

cently-concluded Caricom summit, they are looking at ways of collaboration and measures. In fact, it’s the entire Caribbean, but looking at the Southern Caribbean, in fact, the new sea route that is about to become effective soon engages Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and we’re hearing now, to include Suriname.”

“Now if that’s not remarkable, I’ll share with you… you can put anything on a boat, within 24 hours from Portof-Spain that gets to Georgetown or anything from Georgetown, within 24 hours, that gets to Trinidad. That ease of transportation, right

Logger chopped to death by friend during drinking spree

Alogger lost his life on Monday after being chopped to death by his drinking buddy following a misunderstanding during a drinking spree at Seven Miles, Hururu Mission, Upper Berbice River.

Dead is 36-year-old Marcus Adrian, a logger of Hururu Mission, Upper Berbice River.

According to Police reports, about 12:30h, Adrian and the 28-year-old suspect were consuming alcohol during which an altercation broke out between them following a misunderstanding.

At that time, the suspect reportedly threw Adrian to the ground and dealt him several chops to his neck and face. Adrian reportedly attempted to escape his attacker, but collapsed in the centre of the trail.

The suspect was apprehended and handed over to the Police. Investigations are ongoing. (G9) The man who was chopped to death

there, is remarkable,” the Director said in his presentation.

Since January, it was reported that the Trinidad and Tobago Cabinet had approved the use of that country’s Galleons Passage vessel for the regional ferry service. And on January 5, the Guyanese Leader had disclosed that Guyana, T&T, and Barbados have formed a joint company that would work towards the introduction of the ferry system for passenger and cargo between the three countries.

Only last week, CariCargo Incorporated, the company that will be operating the ferry, was officially incorporated in Guyana. The vessel is expected to play a pivotal role in transporting not only Caricom nationals, but also goods, particularly agricultural produce.

Back in May 2022, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago had embarked on setting up a ferry service between the two countries to transport people and cargo. During a joint press conference between President Ali and Prime Minister Rowley in Georgetown, the two nations had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for

cooperation in a number of areas.

“As we speak to you now, we are already exploring the possibility of having a cargo-plus-ferry facility as an experiment between Guyana and Trinidad, moving people and goods and services… We cannot address any issues unless we create a platform, the vehicle that will allow us to do that, and this MoU does that,” President Ali had noted.

Regional leaders have long recognised that affordable intra-regional travel remains one of the major bugbears to

trade and movement of skilled labour within the Caribbean. Consequently, they have been working on a regional ferry network.

In 2022, Caricom had approached the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for funding to establish this intra-regional ferry service. At the time, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) was tasked with ironing out a proposed roadmap study for a fast ferry service with an initial focus on trade between Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, and Barbados. (G3)

Director of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Kevin Ramgoolie

President Dr Irfaan Ali

9-year-old killed by drunken driver in Region 1

Anine-year-old resident of Barima Nobo, Region One (Barima-Waini) tragically lost her life following a devastating accident on Monday afternoon.

Dead is Terensha Pierre, a Grade Five pupil of Hosororo Primary School.

Reports are that the child was struck by a drunken driver while attempting to cross the road at Mabaruma Compound.

The accident, according to residents, occurred just after 15:00h on Monday.

Guyana Times was told that the child would normally stay with a relative after school until her mother picked her up. On the

day in question, Pierre left school and was on her way to the relative’s house.

It was reported that she had already crossed the road and was near the corner when a car approached and struck her down.

Following the accident,

the driver reportedly continued forward, running over the child who had been thrown a considerable distance. She was picked up and rushed to the nearby hospital, and was later being prepared to be transferred to the Georgetown

Public Hospital in the city for urgent medical attention. Despite efforts by doctors, Pierre succumbed to her injuries on the journey the following day.

Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle was arrested and a breathalyser test was done. The results, according to Police, were above the legal alcohol limit. It was also revealed that the driver was allegedly speeding at the time of the accident.

This publication was informed that the child sustained severe head injuries in the accident. The driver is currently in custody at the Mabaruma Police Station and will face charges before the court.

Winners…

…in Russia

This year, almost half of the world would have voted, or would be voting, to choose the leaders of their governments. America will be going to the polls, come November, with two old men – “Sleepy Joe” and the “Mango Mussolini” - staggering out of their respective red and blue corners. Venezuela will be going to the polls in July with Mad Maduro running against himself, since he’ll be rigging; and India will be going to the polls with “NaMo” Modi from April to June, to deal with their almost 1 billion voters!!

But the results of one big Presidential election have just come in, yet it seems that no one’s talking any notice –Russia!! There, Vladmir “Bear Wrestling” Putin has just been declared the winner by pulling in EIGHTY-EIGHT PERCENT of the votes cast!! And yes…not because one of his opponents, Navalny, died in prison it means there weren’t others!! They were able to capture almost 12% of the electorate!! Reminds us old heads of Burnham’s massive “wins” in our elections back in the day, doesn’t it??

Well, some did take notice!! President of the European Council, Charles Michel, cheered Putin’s big win even before the voting booths were opened. “Would like to congratulate Vladimir Putin on his landslide victory in the elections starting today,” he wrote on X. “No opposition. No freedom. No choice”!! Ukraine’s Zelenskyy dismissed the result as illegitimate. “Everyone in the world understands that this person (he who cannot be named?!!), like many others throughout history, has become sick with power and will stop at nothing to rule forever”. But then that could be sour grapes, no? Putin extended the elections into the five Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine – and won resoundingly!!

Most of the West followed Zelensky’s lead, but fellow BRICS heavyweights China and India sent their congrats –as did Mad Maduro, who’s a Putin acolyte!! Now, because of the constitutional change he introduced just before the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, after this six-year term, he can run again in 2030. So, by 2036, he’ll eclipse Joseph Stalin to become the longest serving Russian leader in 200 years!! Not bad for an ex-KGB officer, no??

Now what does this mean for us in old Mudland?? Well, it will certainly encourage Mad to ignore US pressure for him to hold free and fair elections. His allies in the bureaucracy have already followed his signal to exclude his most potent rival, Maria Machado, and so his rigging won’t have to be TOO blatant!! That Putin was able to thumb his nose at the international multilateral institutions – not to mention his European neighbours and the US – to invade Ukraine, will also encourage Mad Maduro in his quest to browbeat us to flex on our Essequibo!!

Putin and his Slavic inferiority complex will prove to be dangerous!!

…in wealth

It’s now quite trite to say that the rich are getting richer under the neo-liberal economic relations that’s taken over the world. Yesterday, your Eyewitness talked about the richest man in India – and Asia – Mukesh Ambani, blowing US$150 million on his son’s PRE-WEDDING bash!! Even communist China’s awash with billionaires - 969 billionaires living there in 2023, compared to ONLY 691 in the capitalist US!

Back in 2020, Forbes reported that the US had 614 billionaires with a combined wealth of US$2.947 trillion. Now, as of last week, there were 737 billionaires with US$5.529 trillion - an 87.6 percent increase!! Now, who has all this moola? Tesla’s Elon Musk had just under $25 billion in 2020, but this month of March 2024, he’s at $188.5 billion!! Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s wealth increased from US$113 billion to US$192.8 billion – even though he had to shell out US$38 billion in his divorce settlement!!

Now when would we in ole Mudland - the fastest growing economy in the world – see our first US billionaire??

…and losers

T&T’s an object lesson is what we ought to do with the oil money coming in. DON’T fall into the trap of thinking it’ll always be there because “oil doan spoil”!! Invest NOW in sustainable industries!!

Talks progressing on Dominican Republicbuilt refinery in Guyana – Ambassador

…various areas being looked at with environmental impact, logistics in mind

By Jarryl Bryan

Talks are progressing on the Dominican Republic (DR)-built oil refinery earmarked for Guyana, with a number of locations being looked at, bearing in mind environmental considerations, as well as the logistics.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, DR Ambassador to Guyana, Ernesto Torres Pereyra explained that interest in the project remained high and talks were continuing, to ensure that satisfactory terms for both sides could be reached.

“Everything is actually progressing well. Everybody is quite interested. The discussions are ongoing. It’s just that it’s something very technical, that involves a large investment. All the stake-

holders have to continue discussions until they reach a balance that will be feasible for everybody.

“Guyana also has to explore where are the areas that potential refinery will be built, taking into consideration environmental impact… they’ll be making sure it has the least impact possible. And it should be a location that is effective and allows for proper logistics,” he further explained.

Since last year, stemming from the abundance of opportunities available in the local oil and gas sector, the Dominican Republic has been exploring the possibility of collaborating with Guyana for the establishment of a crude oil refinery here.

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader had visited Guyana, accompanied by a delegation comprising

both Government and private Sector officials. During his visit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in energy-related matters was signed by President Dr Irfaan Ali and President Abinader at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Greater Georgetown, following brief bilateral talks between the two Heads of State.

This MoU sought to establish a framework to facilitate and enhance bilateral cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector of the two countries based on equality and mutual benefit. It will include the promotion of investments in each country, as well as technology transfer, research and development, the building of human resources and collaboration in the natural gas sector.

Financing and construction

An MoU was also signed by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, with the aim of creating the opportunity for financing and construction of the refinery in Guyana.

President Ali had subsequently visited the Dominican Republic in August 2023, where further agreements were signed, including one for

the joint establishment of the oil refinery in Guyana that could refine at least 50,000 barrels of oil per day. An extended meeting between both delegations was conducted, as well as a ceremony to sign MoUs for the oil refinery to be built in Guyana. And as per the terms of the agreement, the DR will have 51 per cent ownership of the refinery.

As recently as January, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had affirmed that an oil refinery remained on the agenda, and that the Government was at that time engaging with five potential investors in this regard. And in 2022, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued

for the design, finance, and construction of the refinery at Crab Island, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Specifically, companies were asked to submit bids for the design, finance, and construction of the oil refinery, at the mouth of the Berbice River. According to the RFP that was issued, the project was expected to be completed within two years of construction starting.

The plan for the refinery’s construction ties into the Government’s vision of promoting value-added production and securing energy security both for Guyana and the Caribbean. It is also an integral part of the

Government’s developmental plan for Region Six.

An oil refinery is an industrial plant that transforms crude oil into various usable petroleum products, such as diesel, gasoline, lubricants and heating oils like kerosene. Refineries serve as the second stage in the crude oil production process, following the extraction of crude oil from the earth.

The Government foresees that Guyana would be able to sell crude oil components to various industries for a broad range of purposes, including fuels for transportation, heating, paving roads, and generating electricity and raw materials for chemical manufacturing.

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

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

DR Ambassador to Guyana, Ernesto Torres Pereyra

An example of an oil refinery

CANU searches are done with body cams – Director

Searches conducted by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) in pursuit of drug-related offences are done with full transparency, whereby ranks are equipped with body cameras for full accountability of these operations.

Director of CANU, James Singh gave insight into the operations of the entity, whose principal responsibility is to combat narcotics in the country. This came amid allegations of theft or destruction of property when searches are carried out by its agents.

“When we go into those locations, our officers have body cams, even to the point we have extra persons using their cellphones. We conduct a search and there is a statement, that declaration which the occupants sign, stating that nothing was taken from them, and no one was abused. So, it's

always funny afterwards, you hear people making all sorts of allegations [that] we went into their house and we stole this and we stole that,” he explained.

According to Singh, a warrant is secured before entering someone’s property if there is ample time. However, in a majority of cases, ranks are forced to act in the moment when information is provided that someone is on the move. Nevertheless, the proprietor of the home is usually present to answer for any drug discovery.

“Sometimes our operations occur on spur the moment acting on information someone may call in, or as a result of surveillance at that moment. The suspect is moving a large quantity of drugs either by boat and we have to act right away. For example, at the airport, we find someone with a large quantity of drugs.

We need to go to where they just came from and we want to make sure that those persons, when they find out that the person who gave the drugs to has been caught, they don't try to flee or get rid of any incriminating evidence.”

The CANU Director further emphasised that suspects are asked to cooperate with law enforcement in the first instance, should

they delay access to their property. He emphasised that the intention of the Unit is to avoid damage to property.

Singh told media operatives, “If there is a delay, they’re trying to hide something. Either way, he's preventing us from doing the job. We know it’s a ploy to flush the drugs down or hide it. We tend to persuade them and let them

know that if they continue, we can do forced entry. But we don't want to damage their property…When we're searching the house, you’re present. It's not as you’re kept outside. We want you to walk with us, because if we find something illegal, you have to answer the answer for it.”

Meanwhile, in light of concerns over the publishing of photos of persons who are yet to be charged, it was explained that this was done for transparency in CANU’s operations.

He said, “When someone is arrested and there's indication that we're going to charge that person, the information is released publicly. If I conduct an operation against someone's home and there's a large quantity of drugs, but CANU has not made a release, it lends to a lot of suspicion and conspiracies. We want to be transparent.

We're not here to embarrass anyone. But if we find a large amount of drugs in your house and you were home, we are going to process you and we are going to publish information, so the press can see we're being transparent.”

Meanwhile, there has been one internal case whereby photos from a drug bust were circulated inadvertently without being watermarked by CANU. The Director said measures were taken to ensure these pictures were not misused.

“We go to all extent and warn our officers that we don't have a problem people taking photographs. You're part of an operation. You have a sense of pride. You're happy. Everyone returned safely, no incident. But let us mark the photographs first, because we don't want it to be misused or end up in the wrong place,” the CANU Head said.

CANU officers at a drug eradication exercise (CANU photo)

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

THE MEDIA’S OWN ASSAULT ON PRESS FREEDOM IS AN ATTACK ON FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY

ODr Leslie Ramsammy

ne newspaper has had to pay-up for false stories peddled against prominent citizens, but, by-and-large, most of its lies go unpunished. On October 27, 2021, UG demanded that that newspaper retract a story accusing UG of spending $1.5B on maintenance for six months. UG explained that the sum was for its entire operations, including salaries, etc. In order to create drama, the newspaper misrepresented the facts. On June 2, three senior reporters of that newspaper revealed that they had to resign because the owner of the newspaper had forced them to tell stories based on inaccuracies and falsehoods about the oil and gas industry. They were forced to listen to the fulminations of the owner, and write stories as if those unhinged fulminations were stories of hard facts, but the reporters refused to compromise their integrity.

The Natural Resource Fund (NRF) requires approval from Parliament before funds are withdrawn. On February 10, 2022, this same newspaper carried a story that the Government had illegally withdrawn $126B from the NRF, and had submitted, after the fact, a motion for parliamentary approval to cover its tracks. They knew they were misrepresenting the facts; the truth is that the Government, in its Budget 2022, had provided for a sum of $126B to come from the NRF to support budgetary expenditures. The motion was simply to seek approval from Parliament to withdraw the sum of $126B, but readers of the said story would be under the impression that the total sum of $126B had already been illegally withdrawn.

The above are three examples of a newspaper that builds its reporting on dishonesty, twisting words and facts to support its tactics of poisoning the minds of citizens with false stories, so that it can nurture hatred for Government, certain agencies, and certain people.

Its one constant in its unhinged anti-government attacks is VP Bharrat Jagdeo. Really, VP Bharrat Jagdeo is a true nightmare for the owner of this newspaper and a handful of commentators whom the newspaper utilises with its daily dose of hate-filled fulminations.

One newspaper repeats the same queries relating to oil and gas at every press conference the General Secretary of the PPP conducts every Thursday. With the patience of a saint, the GS of the PPP, VP Bharrat Jagdeo, has never refused to answer any of the questions, even if he prefaces his answers sometimes with the reminder that the questions were asked and answered before. This newspaper then had the temerity to carry a full-page feature to condemn the GS for repeating the same thing week after week.

Every week it asks the VP if the Government would renegotiate the EXXON PSA.

Before Elections 2020, the PPP stated unequivocally that it would not renegotiate. The VP has been conducting press conferences every Thursday since August 2020, just as he had done before Elections 2020, except for a small number of Thursdays because of holidays and other special occasions. The questions have been asked, almost without any interruption, every Thursday, and even at other times. This particular newspaper is like a ferret, asking the questions every week so that it could use certain words in the answer given by the VP to twist the story, and then accuse the VP of repeating the same thing over and over.

Two Sundays ago, this newspaper, which is owned by the same owner who has a TV station, carried a huge blazing headline that was totally false. The headline stated that the Government was paid $75M between December 2022 and January 2024. The Government rebuffed the newspaper, and provided the newspaper, along with the total media community and the citizens of Guyana, with the answer that it paid only about $16.5M, some 78% less than the newspaper had reported. The newspaper, instead of correcting the wrong information, indicated in its follow-up story that the Government was lying unless the Government provided it with all documents to prove the accuracy of what the Government was saying. Did the newspaper provide evidence for its blazing headline that the Government paid $75M? It expects citizens to accept its story without any evidence, based on mere hearsay, but thinks that citizens cannot trust the Government with information the Government provides. The Auditor General will eventually verify that the Government was telling the truth. The PAC can also ask for the evidence.

This newspaper has carried stories and letters that give the impression that the boat that sank off the shores of Tobago, leaking oil, was a boat supplying oil to GPL, and was either owned by, or contracted by, a Guyanese businessman. After the Prime Minister rejected this story and it became clear that this newspaper was facing a massive libel case, it did a two-line retraction of the story.

Every week, in fact, VP Bharrat Jagdeo has to refute multiple headlines and stories. This newspaper twists the words of the President, the VP, other cabinet members and Government officials to misinform people.

Citizens in Guyana today are at the mercy of certain sections of the press, which bombard them with false, misleading stories; with misrepresentations and misinterpretations that twist people’s words and actions.

Post-independence, various machinations and intimidations were used by the PNC Government to restrict publication of the Mirror and other newspapers, while journalists were constantly living with fear. Some, like Ricky Singh, left their country because of threats on their lives. On the contrary, the present period is one in which freedom of the press is practised without any moral or legal restriction. But while the Government honours the Constitution and permits the media to practise without restriction, sections of this very media subject citizens to the vilest of lies, fabrications and misinformation.

While we watch in disbelieve the attacks against freedom of the press, as the Gaza war has killed more reporters than any other war in history, the media in Guyana is attacking freedom and democracy by bombarding citizens with lies every day.

Probe launched into fatal workplace accident at Pritipaul wharf

The Labour Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health Department is currently investigating an industrial accident at Pritipaul Singh Investments at Providence, East Bank Demerara, which led to the death of a mechanic.

Ravichandra Seemangal succumbed three days after the incident occurred on March 13.

From the investigation, it was revealed that on the day of the accident, Seemangal was riding his bicycle while a tele hoist operator was reversing the vehicle.

The tele hoist collided with the bicycle and Seemangal sustained injuries to his abdomen, feet, and hands. He succumbed to his injuries

Dead: Ravindra Seemangal

while receiving treatment at Woodlands Hospital on Saturday.

This industrial accident is currently being investigated by a Senior Occupational Safety and Health Officer and other members of the unit. The

investigation is ongoing.

Labour Minister

Joseph Hamilton shared his concern over the continued occurrence of workplace accidents, especially when workers are fatally injured. He recognised the suffering experienced by the relatives and loved ones of those who have passed away and, as such, extended sincere condolences to those affected, including the victim’s family, colleagues, and friends.

Earlier this month, a fatal accident occurred as a result of land caving in at Cowing Backdam, Upper Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). This led to the death of 60-year-old Bertram Willie, a dredge owner of Wisroc Housing Scheme, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Shortly after, a catastrophic boiler explosion gravely injured three young men at Hack Rice Mill, Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

In 2023, the Labour Ministry recorded a total of 20 occupational deaths due to accidents in the mining, construction, agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Of the 20 deaths recorded, nine occurred in the mining sector in Region Seven while six were recorded in the construction sector.

Additionally, the Ministry recorded 175 non-fatal accidents that were investigated out of the 577 reports received. Most of these reports emanated from the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. (G12)

Drainage and irrigation work to commence soon in Good Hope – Pres Ali

…says more enhancement projects are in pipeline

Major drainage and irrigation works will commence in the community of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), to clear 29 kilometres of drains across 24 streets.

This commitment was made by President Dr Irfaan Ali following concerns raised by residents during a community meeting on Monday.

The project, which is set to begin next week, will enhance the flow of waste water in the community and is part of efforts to counter flooding during heavy rainfall and improve the physical health and well-being of residents.

According to Ali, Government has taken a

ensures that all voices are heard and no one is purposely left behind.

equitable chance of advancing development, that is the priority of the Government…

proactive approach to governance, one which ensures relief is provided to citizens upon request.

This approach, he said,

“We are working to ensure that every single community become prosperous… in every community, we have an

We don’t wait on you to come to us. We go to every single community. We interact. We will try to find solutions for

the problems you have on the ground,” he told the gathering.

Currently, there are 297 infrastructural projects valued at $9.3 billion underway on the East Coast corridor and these projects are expected to be completed by April.

In Good Hope, work has been completed on 41 roads valued at some $1.2 billion, except for two structures which will be completed soon.

Responding to concerns about the projects, the Head of State underscored the importance of ensuring that development aligned with the priorities of the people.

On this point, he emphasised that Government’s proactive approach was resulting in development to every

community across the country.

“If there is anyone in this country who can look at me with a straight face and say that they are not aware or they don’t feel, or understand, or see development in their community, then something is wrong with your conscience,” the Head of State said.

In relation to the other issues raised by the residents of Good Hope, President Ali instructed that a team including representatives from the Guyana Water Inc (GWI), Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) return to the community on Tuesday to comprehensively address residents’ concerns.

These ranged from the need to rehabilitate roads and install street lights, to upgrading the community grounds.

In terms of water infrastructure, a new well is being drilled in the Mon Repos area, and upgrades are being made to the water treatment plant to better serve Good Hope and neighbouring communities. These projects represent a $600 million investment.

President Ali was accompanied by Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag; Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, and Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar and technical officers. (G1)

President Dr Irfaan Ali engaging residents of Good Hope

President Dr. Irfaan Ali alongside Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues, and Minister within the Ministry of Public Work, Deodat Indar

Corentyne River bridge

Guyana, Suriname to finalise financing this weekend

President Dr Irfaan Ali and his Surinamese counterpart, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, are expected to decide this weekend on the financing of the much-anticipated Corentyne River bridge, which would link the two neighbouring countries.

In a joint ministerial committee statement on Tuesday, it was stated that Suriname and Guyana met in Paramaribo to further elaborate on the financing modalities for the construction of the Corantijn/Corentyne River bridge.

This meeting was held as part of the ongoing process to pursue this project initiated by President Santokhi and President Ali in November 2020.

“Both sides reiterated the importance of a fixed connection between the two countries, not only to advance economic opportunities and connect the road network between Guyana and Suriname and ultimately enhance hemispheric connectivity with Brazil and the rest of the South American continent, but also to facilitate people-to-people contacts. In this regard, both sides reiterated their commitment to a timely construction of the bridge,” the statement read.

According to the joint statement, a number of specific recommendations regarding construction, financing, and management, emanating from the ministerial meeting set out a clear time-bound framework to take this initiative to the next level.

Following these decisions, it is anticipated that construction could commence before the end of 2024.

These recommendations, it stated, will be submitted to the Presidents of Suriname and Guyana for further consideration and decision at their anticipated meeting this weekend in Guyana.

At the meeting on Tuesday in Paramaribo, Guyana was represented by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, along with technical staff.

Suriname was represented by Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Minister, Albert Ramdin; Finance and Planning Minister Kermechend Raghoebarsing; Public Works Minister, Riad Nurmohamed and their technical teams.

Financing

In October 2023, two companies – Dutch engineering company Ballast Nedam and Chinese-owned China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) – submitted proposals to build the bridge over the Corentyne River to link Guyana and Suriname. However, those companies have since indicated that they

are unable to meet the pre-financing requirement.

Earlier this month, President Santokhi during an interview with Guyana Times on the sidelines of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government Conference, held in Georgetown, had said that a decision has been taken to have the team of Ministers from Guyana and Suriname, who are collaborating on this project, meet with the technicians and come up with a final proposal on the way forward, to be presented to him and President Ali.

President Santokhi had said there were financial institutions that were willing to fund the construction of the bridge across the Corentyne River, which would serve as critical infrastructure for regional integration. He noted that informal discussions were held with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which has indicated an interest in financing the project.

“The companies should come with prefinancing, but they are not interested in that modality, so we’re looking for other types of financing. There are institutions from the region and outside the region who are willing to finance it. It can either be [through] the company, or it can be the State; but, you know, our case is a little bit different, because we are bound by the IMF (International Monetary Fund) programme, so we cannot take the loan. So, we need to be very pragmatic in this, so that is the advice that we’re looking for,” the Surinamese Head of State had said.

The Corentyne River bridge is one of the first agreements between Presidents Ali and Santokhi, with both Heads previously underscoring the critical role the bridge would play in advancing cooperation and creating more opportunities for development for both countries.

In May of 2022, a US$2 million contract was signed in Paramaribo for several preliminary studies and research to be conducted on the Corentyne bridge by WSP Caribbean. The Expressions of Interest (EoIs) were also simultaneously launched.

Design

Then in June 2023, WSP Caribbean presented the design of the Corentyne River bridge to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and his Surinamese counterpart,

Minister Nurmohamed, of a two-section structure that is connected via an island (Long Island) to link Guyana and Suriname. The design also features a two-lane bridge with accommodation for a third lane in case of an emergency.

It has been noted that this presentation by the WSP technical team was made ahead of the final report, which will detail other aspects of their study, such as the cost of the bridge, traffic projections, design of the road, financial and economic evaluation, and environmental assessment, among other key elements.

This information would have helped the pre-qualified bidders to prepare and submit their proposals.

Six international companies – five Chinese firms and one Dutch company from The Netherlands – had submitted bids for the construction of the Corentyne River bridge. The bids were opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) in Georgetown back in August 2023.

The high-span Corentyne River bridge would be approximately 3.1 kilometres in length, and would connect Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname, with a landing on Long Island in the Corentyne River, where a commercial hub and tourist destination would be established. That free zone would see major infrastructural development, such as hotels, recreational parks, entertainment spots, tourist attractions, malls, and farmers’ markets.

Running from Moleson Creek to Long Island, the bridge would be a low-level structure, approximately one kilometre long, with a 2200-metre (2.2km) road across Long Island and a high bridge spanning 2100 metres (2.1km) thereafter.

The high end of the bridge would facilitate marine traffic and cater for 40,000 to 45,000 DWT (deadweight tonnage) capacity featuring a vertical (height) clearance of 43 metres and a horizonal (width) clearance of about 100 metres.

Upon completion, the bridge would not only link the two neighbouring countries, but would also open up access to greater economic opportunities beyond them, into French Guiana and, through the road network being developed, into Brazil, and eventually further into South America.

5 homeless after Rose Hall Town fire

Five persons are now homeless after a fire on Monday evening in the town of Rose Hall on the Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Despite efforts to douse the blaze, the fire completely destroyed the two-bedroom building at Lot 72 Two Twin Sister Street, Rose Hall Town.

Forty-nine-year-old Bhashkimuri Balkissoon said she and her two daughters were in the lower flat in hammocks about 20:30h when one of her daughters saw the flames in one of the rooms.

“When a-we come out in front, we see the fire. It catch on the wall. We run and get water to out the fire, but we can't make it. Everything is fire already;

so quick... Everything bun out, nothing saved – all my money, all my clothes, I don't even have underwear to wear. My jewellery and everything burn in the house.”

According to Balkissoon, her husband joined them and they formed a bucket brigade, but to no avail because of the thick billowing smoke.

Her husband, Mataura Sukraj said when he was awakened, there was not much he could have done but ensure his family was safe.

The cane harvester was asleep when family members first saw the flames.

“My ‘lil daughter run up and say fire in the house. I get up and tell them to pass a bucket and I start throw-

ing water and the fire catching more plenty. So, I tell them to run out of the house and we run out, and then neighbours come out to help and then the fire reel (fire truck) come a little later. We couldn't do nothing,” he recounted.

The cane harvester, who also rears poultry, said he will have to sell the birds since he has nowhere to keep them.

Balkissoon said they have been renting the property for more than two years now. “Me nah get one place right now. We get nowhere to go. We minding some stock and we got nowhere to go.”

Persons who are willing to assist the family can contact them on (592) 650-8356 or (592) 610-7193. (G4)

16 TIP charges against local pilot dismissed

The Bartica Magistrate’s Court has dismissed 16 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) charges against local pilot Orlando Charles.

The charges were dismissed against Charles on March 14 as a result of insufficient evidence.

On June 1, 2023, Charles, who is also a businessman, charged with 16 counts of human trafficking and was arraigned virtually before Bartica Magistrate Christel Lambert.

Charles, 45, of Main Street, Georgetown, had pleaded not guilty to the charges of human trafficking, contrary to Section 3(1i) of the Combatting of Trafficking in Persons, Act No. 2 of 2005.

Police had said that between November 1, 2022 and May 18, 2023, Charles trafficked 16 Venezuelan nationals between Mazaruni riverine communities in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)

and Georgetown. Charles was placed on $1.3 million bail. He was arraigned days after the Police had issued a wanted bulletin for him.

Shortly after, he issued a statement in which he claimed, among other things, that an issue had arisen between him and the foreign nationals over the payment

of wages.

“I am a pilot and businessman with various construction projects countrywide. A dispute (arose) over wages with 30 persons who were either employed by me or awaiting the availability of more work with my business so they can be employed. I had nothing to do with bringing them into Guyana, nor controlling their movement or where they were employed.”

He continued, “Indeed, a dispute arose with some of them over wages, and I agreed to resolve the matter to our mutual agreement, and some of the persons readily accepted the settlement while others wanted more money. The discussions with the latter are ongoing, and a reckoning was taking place. [I] will defend myself vigorously against these charges.”

Charles was represented by Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin.

Mataura Sukraj and his wife Bhashkimuri Balkissoon along with two of their three children after the fire

Orlando Charles

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Oil rises to multimonth highs on Russian supply concerns

Oil prices rose to multi-month highs for the second straight session on Tuesday as traders assessed how Ukraine’s recent attacks on Russian refineries would affect global petroleum supplies.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 75 cents, or 0.9 per cent, to settle at US$83.47 a barrel, the highest since October 27. Global benchmark Brent crude settled 0.6 per cent higher at US$87.38 a barrel, the highest since October 31.

Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian oil infrastructure this year, with at least seven refineries targeted by drones just this month. The attacks have shut down seven per cent, or around 370,500 barrels per day, of Russian refining capacity, Reuters calculations show.

While lower refining activity has led to an increase in Russian crude oil exports, it could also lead to crude oil production cuts as the country faces storage constraints, StoneX energy analyst Alex Hodes said.

Based on Hodes’ calculations, the attacks on Russian refineries could result in a decrease of around 350,000 bpd of global petroleum supplies and boost US crude prices by US$3 per barrel.

Even if the attacks do not lead to a direct loss of Russian crude supply, there is still a spillover effect for oil prices from surging refined product margins, SEB Research analyst Bjarne Schieldrop wrote on Monday.

Oil gained support from declining crude exports from Saudi Arabia and Iraq, as well as signs of stronger demand and economic growth in China and the US.

US single-family homebuilding rebounded sharply in February, the Commerce Department reported. Homebuilding could boost economic growth, supporting oil demand.

“Oil demand data surprising on the positive side and the extension of the voluntary [Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies] OPEC+ cuts until the end of June have supported prices,” UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

“Brent will likely trade in an $80-90 [US] per barrel range this year, with an end-June forecast of $86 [US] per barrel,” Staunovo added.

US crude oil stocks fell by 1.5 million barrels in the week ending March 15, market sources said citing American Petroleum Institute (API) figures. A Reuters poll of analysts expected stocks to rise by about 10,000 barrels last week.

Official stockpile data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) is due at 10:30h ET (1430 GMT) today.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

In Gaza, starving children fill hospital wards as famine looms

Six-year-old Fadi alZant is acutely malnourished, his ribs protruding under leathery skin, his eyes sunken as he lays in bed at the Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza, where famine is bearing down.

Fadi’s spindly legs can no longer support him enough to walk.

Photographs of Fadi from before the war show a smiling, healthy-looking child, standing in blue denims next to his taller twin with his hair brushed. A short video clip shows him dancing at a wedding with a little girl.

Fadi suffers from cystic fibrosis. Before the conflict, he was taking medicine that his family can no longer find and eating a carefully-balanced variety of food no longer available

Trump

in the Palestinian enclave, according to his mother Shimaa al-Zant.

“His condition is getting worse. He is getting weaker. He keeps losing his ability to do things,” she said in a video obtained by Reuters from a freelancer. “He can no longer stand. When I

help him stand up, he falls straight away.”

More than five months into Israel’s ground and air campaign, launched in response to Hamas’ October 7 attack, there are widespread shortages of food, medicines and clean water in Gaza, doctors and aid

agencies say.

The Kamal Adwan hospital, caring for Fadi, had also treated most of the 27 children the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says have died of malnutrition and dehydration in recent weeks.

Others died in Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital, also in the north, the Ministry said, and in the southernmost city of Rafah, where the United Nations relief agency says over one million Palestinians have sought refuge from Israel’s offensive.

Without urgent action, famine will hit between now and May in northern Gaza, where 300,000 persons are trapped by fighting, the world’s hunger watchdog, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), said in a review, on Monday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

urges US Supreme Court to endorse “absolute immunity” for ex-Presidents

Donald Trump on Tuesday filed a US Supreme Court brief in his bid for criminal immunity for trying to overturn his 2020 election loss, arguing that a former President enjoys “absolute immunity from criminal

prosecution for his official acts.”

The case is due to be argued before the Justices on April 25. Trump has appealed a lower court’s rejection of his request to be shielded from the criminal case being pursued

Famine looms in Sudan as civil war survivors tell of killings and rapes

Civilians caught up in Sudan’s civil war have given graphic accounts to the BBC of rape, ethnic violence, and street executions. Our journalists have managed to make it to the front line of the fighting close to the capital, Khartoum.

Top United Nations officials have said the conflict has plunged the country into “one of the worst humanitarian nightmares in recent history” and could trigger the

Scientists say they can cut HIV out of cells

Scientists say they have successfully eliminated HIV from infected cells, using Nobel Prizewinning Crispr gene-editing technology.

Working like scissors, but at the molecular level, it cuts DNA so “bad” bits can be removed or inactivated.

The hope is to ultimately be able to rid the body entirely of the virus, although much more work is needed to check it would be safe and ef-

fective. Existing HIV medicines can stop the virus, but not eliminate it.

The University of Amsterdam team, presenting a synopsis, or abstract, of their early findings at a medical conference this week, stress their work remains merely “proof of concept” and will not become a cure for HIV any time soon.

And Dr James Dixon, stem-cell and gene-therapy

technologies associate professor at the University of Nottingham, agrees, saying the full findings still require scrutiny.

“Much more work will be needed to demonstrate results in these cell assays can happen in an entire body for a future therapy,” he said.

“There will be much more development needed before this could have impact on those with HIV.”

(Excerpt from BBC News)

world’s largest hunger crisis. There are also fears that in Darfur, in the west of the country, a repeat of what the US called genocide 20 years ago may be beginning to unfold.

As if out of nowhere, a huge blast shakes the road in Omdurman. People scream and run in all directions, shouting: “Go back, go back, there’ll be another one.” Thick smoke blankets everything.

Moments earlier, the battered street had been dotted with pedestrians picking up rice, bread, and vegetables from the shops, which had only recently begun to reopen.

In mid-February, the Sudanese army retook the city – one of three along the River Nile that form Sudan’s wider capital, Khartoum.

Civilians have now started to return, but mortars, like the one that landed in the middle of this main street, still fall daily.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

by Special Counsel Jack Smith because he was serving as President when he took the actions at the centre of the case.

The filing advances arguments similar to ones Trump’s lawyers previously have made and echoes statements he has made on the campaign trail as he seeks to regain the presidency.

“The President cannot function, and the presiden-

cy itself cannot retain its vital independence, if the President faces criminal prosecution for official acts once he leaves office,” the filing said.

Trump, the first former President to be criminally prosecuted, is the Republican candidate challenging Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 5 US election. Biden defeated Trump in 2020. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine’s survival in danger, Pentagon chief warns

US Defence Secretary

Lloyd Austin on Tuesday warned that Ukraine’s survival was in danger and sought to convince allies that the United States was committed to Kyiv, even as Washington has essentially run out of money to keep arming Ukrainian forces.

Republican House of Representatives Speaker

Mike Johnson is refusing to call a vote on a bill that would provide US$60 billion more for Ukraine, and the White House is scrambling to find ways to send assistance to Kyiv, which has been battling Russian forces for more than two years.

Austin is leading the monthly meeting known as the Ukraine defence contact group (UDCG), held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, of about 50 allies that have supported Ukraine.

Officials say the lack of funding available is already having an impact on the ground in Ukraine, where

Russian troops are advancing and Ukrainian forces are having to manage scarce resources.

“I think our allies are acutely aware of our funding situation and the Ukrainians more so than anyone because of the shortages that are resulting from us not being able to supply them,” a senior US defence official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appealed to allies on Tuesday to supply more air defences, saying Russia had launched 130 missiles, more than 320 attack drones and almost 900 guided bombs in attacks this month alone.

Speaking later in his nightly video address, Zelenskiy said air defence remained Ukraine’s main concern and thanked participants for their efforts “so that this, our priority, is fulfilled in an appropriate manner”.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Malnourished Palestinian boy Fadi al-Zant lies on a bed at Kamal Adwan hospital, March 10 (Reuters/Osama Abu Rabee photo)

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Dream and believe. Take the power within and do something to improve your space and the world around you. Be brave, change what you don’t like and head in a direction that soothes the soul.

An intuitive approach will be necessary. Being able to adjust on the fly will encourage others to follow you. Understanding the dynamics of a situation will help you make better decisions.

Control your emotions; don’t overreact or participate in gossip. Focus on taking care of your responsibilities, finishing what you start and honing your skills.

Doing things your way is OK. If you follow your instincts, you’ll discover that something you enjoy doing can also bring in extra cash. Don’t let anyone goad you into something unwise.

Look closely at the changes occurring around you and plug into how you can use your skills to capitalize on what’s important to you. Choose the path that feels like home.

If you feel it in your heart and it fits your budget, carry on and don’t look back. Trust your instincts. A commitment will encourage stability, gratification and strength of character.

Initiate discussions that lead to knowledge, understanding and what you can do to improve your situation. Be willing to listen. Don’t let your emotions cost you.

Consider what’s best for you and protect your domestic environment from unwanted change. A shift in attitude will reflect your emotions and encourage you to let go of what’s holding you back.

Protect yourself from anyone trying to push you in a direction that doesn’t fit your timetable. Choose the path that encourages you to share your feelings and expand your horizons.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Do the work yourself. Fix up your space to suit your needs. Create an environment that promotes success, gratification and opportunity. Look for bargains and keep your overhead low.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Be careful who you trust. Not everyone will share your values or support your goals. Ask questions, verify plans and change what’s necessary to maintain financial stability.

Evaluate how you handle your relationships and money matters. Incorporating the latest trends into your everyday routine will give you an edge. Beware of falling into debt.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

ARCHIE

West Indies’ 4-Day Championships 2024…

– heading into final three rounds

The Windward Islands Volcanoes hold a narrow 3.2 points’ lead over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes as the 2024 West Indies’ 4-Day Championships enter the final three rounds.

Having suffered their first loss of the season in round four last week, when they went down by six wickets against the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at the Queen’s Park Oval,

the Windwards Islands Volcanoes go into their fifth-round tussle with 67.4 points to their credit.

They come up against the Guyana Harpy Eagles at Coolidge in Antigua, beginning today (Wednesday).

The Leeward Islands Hurricanes beat the Combined Campuses & Colleges by three wickets in round four of this tournament at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground.

They are now on 64.2 points, and are in second place on the points table.

The Jamaica Scorpions, who finished at the bottom of the table last season with 25.6 points, are currently in third place with 50.2 points, earned on the back of their second win of the season - a two-wicket win over the West Indies Academy at Sabina Park; and will face the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at

Bodybuilders impress at National Novices Championships

The Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation’s (GBBFF’s) annual Novices Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships were hosted over the past weekend, and more than 20 athletes competed therein.

Tublani Dehmart’s phenomenal ability to showcase his impressive physique ensured his copping first place in the Men’s Overall Category. Sweet Saja came in second, and Shemar Barrow occupied third place.

the Men’s Physique category, as it was a show of pure class;

However, Antowyn Bayley copped the coveted first place, and Grayson Forde–Lambert came in second, while Shemar Burrow occupied third place.

in second place.

Judging was hardest in

Grayson Fort–Lambert was in a special category of class as he copped the Mr Linden title; Jublani

Volcanoes lead Hurricanes by just 3.2 points

Sabina Park in round five.

The Barbados Pride, on the back of a 33-run defeat at the hands of defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles at Coolidge, are fourth with 48.2 points, one point ahead of the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, who are in fifth. These two teams will do battle at the Queen’s Park Oval in round five.

The standings are rounded out by the Guyana Harpy Eagles, who have scored 46.2 points; the West Indies Academy, who have scored 30.8 points; and the Combined Campuses &

Colleges, who have scored 19.8 points. The Academy will face the CCC at the Sir Frank

Memorial Ground in round five. All round five matches begin today (Wednesday). (Sportsmax)

GBA monthly schoolboys’ competition…

Pace & Power emerge as champion gym; Kenyon Britton as champion boxer

Pace and Power emerged as champion gym when the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) staged its monthly schoolboys’ championships at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis facility in Albouystown.

Keyon Britton of Vergenoegen copped the best boxer accolade in that competition;

Pace and Power trainer Clifton Barker was awarded the best coach; and Jermaine Craig was awarded the accolade for being the best referee/judge.

Pace and Power won a total of seven bouts, three of which were against fighters from rival gyms. They suffered two defeats to rival gym Vergenoegen, who finished in the runner-up position in the champion gym standings.

Delmart occupied first place in the 177lb-and-over category, and Sweet Sagar copped first place in the under-176lbs category. Tristen Williams clinched first place with his impressive showing in the under-165lbs category, and Shemar Burrowes was the top competitor in the under-154lbs category, while Orlando Valenzuela came in first in the under-143lbs category.

The Junior Men’s Physique was nothing less than exciting. Antowyn Bayley came out on top, and Jamal Pollydore took a worthy second spot.

The competition was sponsored by Fitness Express; New GPC Inc; and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS).

Kenyon Britton secured the top individual prize by defeating Yusuf Edwards of Pace and Power in the 4648kg division via a referee stoppage in round 3.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle has said, “The success of this initiative adds another important layer to our boxing philosophy. Our youth programme, or nursery, has always been the bedrock or foundation of our prolonged success in the region, and concepts such as this are directly linked to that competitive prosperity. The GBA understands that constant evolution is a fundamental element of the time, and the introduction of new gyms and the unearthing of new talents, which was the initial inspiration and objective of the programme, have proven to be the best example of how to improve the sport’s overall

quality.”

Terrence Poole, Technical Director of the GBA, who administers the initiative, has said, “The programme is important and, so far, we are making a lot of progress and seeing and discovering talents. We have some new gyms and new fighters, and that is what this programme is all about; which is expanding the sport.”

List of results

22-24kg

Ezekiel Barratt (Pace and Power) vs Komani Bacchus (Pace and Power)

Barratt won via abandonment in round 2.

25-27kg

Junior Madray (Pace and Power) vs Aaron Filleen (Vergenoegen)

Madray won via decision.

30-32kg

Akeem Quintin (Pace and Power) vs Ezekiel Witwright (Vergenoegen)

Quintin won via decision.

35-37kg

Dreshawn Willery (Pace and Power) vs Nicholas Ashby (Pace and Power)

Willery won via decision.

35-37kg

Isaiah Ashby (Pace and Power) vs Rayon France

(Vergenoegen)

Ashby won via walkover. 46-48kg

Keyon Britton (Vergenoegen) vs Yusuf Edwards (Pace and Power)

Edwards won via referee stoppage in round 3. 47-49kg

Akeem Johnson (Vergenoegen) vs Lennox Lawrence (Pace and Power)

Johnson won via abandonment in round 1.

53-55kg

Isaiah Ruiz (Pace and Power) vs Jaheim Ashby (Pace and Power)

Ruiz won via referee stoppage in round 3. 57-59kg

Ken Harvey (Pace and Power) vs Khumda Alexander (Pace and Power)

Harvey won via decision. 68-71kg

Shemroy Wintz (New Amsterdam Boxing Academy) vs Jofes Jackson (New Amsterdam Boxing Academy)

Wintz won via referee stoppage in round 3. 80-82kg

Daniel Denard (Bailey Boxing Gym) vs Shane Caesar (New Amsterdam Boxing Academy)

Denard won via decision.

Sabita Stephenson of Space Gym copped an impressive first place in the Miss Bikini competition; and Chrystelle Mervin, displaying a spectacular body in representing Lyft Gym, came

The Guyana Harpy Eagles have gained some momentum with two wins on the trot

The

Islands Volcanoes

Coach and members of the Pace and Power Gym (File Photo)

Worrell

Gayle lights up Empire State Building to launch CWC Trophy Tour

The ICC Men’s T20

World Cup 2024

Trophy Tour has been launched at New York’s Empire State Building, with two-time champion Chris Gayle and USA star Ali Khan lighting up the iconic skyscraper as fans count down to the biggest global T20 cricket event ever.

An official ceremony to launch the Trophy Tour was held at the Empire State Building, and Universe Boss himself, Chris Gayle, had the honour of pulling the lever down to light up New York’s most iconic building in the navy and magenta colours of the event.

Sitting atop the 381-metre skyscraper was the prize all 20 teams will be competing for across the West Indies and USA from 1-29 June, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy.

Following huge demand of more than 3 million ticket applications in the public ballot, additional tickets have been released to 51 of 55 matches, including fixtures where allocations were previously exhausted.

In the West Indies, tickets are now available to matches at all six host locations, including Group Stage, Super 8, and semi-final matches, ensuring as many fans as possible can attend.

Fans can now create an account and purchase tickets

at tickets.t20worldcup.com.

This is the fastest and easiest way for fans to get the tickets they want. All online transactions at tickets. t20worldcup.com are secure.

Also available now are a range of premium hospitality offerings, inclusive of food and beverage packages for all fixtures at Nassau County International Stadium in New York, and to all matches at West Indies venues at tickets.t20worldcup.com.

The event marks the first time an ICC World Cup will be held in the USA, including eight matches at the brand new, state-of-the-art, modular 34,000 capacity stadium in Nassau County, New York. Newly renovated existing venues Grand Prairie Cricket

Stadium in Dallas and Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill would each host four fixtures.

Co-hosts West Indies have a rich history in T20 cricket, having won the T20 World Cup twice, with popular Caribbean tourist destinations Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago all hosting matches.

The ‘Out of this World’ Trophy Tour will reach 15 countries across four continents as it visits iconic sporting teams and stadia, famous landmarks, and legendary cricketers, while also giv ing fans the chance to get a glimpse of T20 cricket’s big

GFF Women’s Development League… Police maul Potaro Strikers 9-0

gest global prize.

In addition to visiting all host venues across the West Indies and USA, the Trophy would also visit emerging Americas cricket countries Argentina, Brazil, and Canada - enabling new fans to connect with what would be a landmark event in the region.

Fans can follow the Trophy Tour from wherever they are via ICC’s social channels and t20worldcup. com.

Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager, Marketing

The Guyana Police Force FC claimed their first win of Round Two in the Women’s League Division One on Sunday, March 17, when they overpowered Potaro Strikers FC by 9-0 at the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Centre at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Tiandi Smith dazzled on the field in notching four goals in the respective 30th, 53rd, 89th, and a stunning strike in the 90th+6 minute. Her teammate Shante Greene demonstrated her skill by securing a brace with goals in the 74th and 76th minutes; and Lakeisha Williams, Akeelah Vancooten and Jamacia Hunt joined the scoring spree by each finding the net in the 39th, 55th, and 77th minutes respectively.

and the Guyana Police Force - have collectively scored an impressive total of 37 goals in their respective matches.

On opening night, the Guyana Defence Force FC decimated Pakuri Jaguars FC with a remarkable 28-0 victory, securing the top spot on the table in the early stages of the competition. Completing the roster of competing teams are Fruta Conquerors FC and Santos FC.

The Potaro Strikers’ scoring attempts were halted by the relentless offensive prowess of the Guyana Police Force.

Since the start of Round Two on March 14, two teams - the Guyana Defence Force

and Communications, has said: “With less than three months to go until the first ball of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, there is huge anticipation for what will be a historic event for cricket in the Americas. As we count down to the World Cup, the Trophy Tour provides fans with the opportunity to be part of the event in locations across the globe. The Tour will travel extensively across the Americas, igniting the passion of both new and existing fans to share in the excitement of T20 cricket’s pinnacle global event coming to the region, and what better way to kick it off than by lighting up one of the world’s most iconic buildings in one of the world’s most iconic cities?

“Cricket has more than a billion fans, and we want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to get up close with the trophy that will be lifted by the winning captain in Barbados on 29 June.”

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Tournament Director, Fawwaz Baksh, has said: “The start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour is an emphatic signal to fans worldwide that the World

Cup is coming. Throughout the Caribbean leg of the tour, fans can look forward to a plethora of engaging activities, including meet-andgreets with cricket stars and legends, Caribbean infused cultural entertainment, and the opportunity to see and take pictures of the trophy in person at some of the region’s most iconic locations.

“In addition to fan-facing engagements, the Trophy Tour will also serve as a platform to leverage the continued growth of cricket globally, and to drive positive change and leave a lasting impact on communities.”

The Trophy Tour schedule for March and April is as follows:

18 to 20 March: New York, USA

21 to 23 March: Houston, Grand Prairie and Dallas, USA

26 to 27 March: Buenos Aires, Argentina

28 to 29 March: Sao Paulo, Brazil

3 to 4 April: Jamaica

13 to 14 April: Barbados

17 to 18 April: Antigua and Barbuda

19 to 20 April: Saint Lucia

ExxonMobil Football Cup promises to be bigger this year

are participating in the Guyana Football Federation Women's First Division League. Cash prizes, trophies, and other incentives will be up for grabs in all categories.

ERegatta Committee to promote football activities of the annual Bartica Easter Regatta.

This year’s tournament, dubbed “The ExxonMobil Football Cup”, promises to be bigger than ever, owing to increased financial input and the projected participation of ten male teams and two female teams.

Committee, Chairman Kenneth Williams committed to providing high-calibre competition among the eight home teams and two visiting teams, while expressing gratitude to ExxonMobil Guyana and saying that a grateful region looks forward to a long-lasting partnership in sport with the company.

The Women’s League Division has a diverse range of players, including past champions, national players, and aspiring talents. It serves as a platform for players to exhibit their abilities, vie for selection in national team programmes, pursue scholarships, and even secure contracts with clubs beyond the borders of Guyana.

The next matchup in the League is on March 24, when Pakuri Jaguars FC take on Fruta Conquerors FC in St Cuthbert’s Mission from 15:00hrs.

In handing over sponsorship cheque for $2.9 million to the Regatta Committee, Ryan Hoppie of ExxonMobil Guyana reiterated the company’s firm commitment to supporting sport and other programmes that benefit the citizens of Guyana, and disclosed that as testimony to that commitment, the company has increased its investment in this year’s Regatta Football tournament.

Receiving the sponsorship on behalf of the Regatta

The ExxonMobil Football Cup will be played at the Bartica Community Centre Ground from March 23 to 30, and will comprise knockout matches among eight Bartica clubs, one team from the Middle Mazaruni and one team from Eteringbang, on the Cuyuni River.

Bartica's most prominent female footballers will be in action on the final night of the tournament, with Potaro Strikers taking on Rivers View in a much-anticipated matchup that would provide excitement for adoring fans, since the Potaro Women

The Guyana Police Force Women (white) in action (File photo)

Chris Gayle displaying the Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy in New York City

ExxonMobil’s Community Relations Advisor on Public and Government Affairs, Ryan Hoppie (left), handing over the cheque to Bartica Easter Regatta Committee Chairman Kenneth Williams

Milo U18 Schools’ Football Tournament to begin this weekend

After an unforeseen delay, the 10th edition of the Milo Schools’ Football Tournament -with some 25 teams hailing from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 participating -- will commence this Saturday, March 23rd, at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue, and at the Queen’s College Ground in Thomas Lands.

The Petra organization’s customary team briefing exercise was conducted on Tuesday afternoon at the National Library in Georgetown, and each team was presented with a quantity of balls.

Referencing the tournament’s delay, a ripple effect of the recent teachers’ strike, Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca shared the scheduling changes that had to be made to accommodate the late start.

“Because of scheduling challenges, we would nor-

mally do one round every two weekends, but this time around, we’re being forced to complete a round per weekend. So, there will be schedules for the Ministry of Education Ground and the Queen’s College Ground on both Saturdays and Sundays,” he revealed.

“We normally don’t like to do football during the holidays, but we’re all aware of the pushback, and so there will be games scheduled

during the school holidays, which is a challenging (situation, but) there’s not much we can do as it relates to that,” Mendonca explained.

The MoE’s Allied Arts Education Officer Joel Gonsalves was present at the exercise, and had encouraging words for the young ballers regarding the tournament’s potential.

Referencing the Golden Jaguars’ current stint in Saudi Arabia, he shared,

Hackett wins LGC tournament with exceptional display of talent

The Lusignan Golf Club proudly hosted an exhilarating club tournament over the weekend, highlighting the remarkable skill and sportsmanship of its members. In a day filled with excitement and friendly competition, participants showcased their prowess on the greens, captivating spectators with their precision and technique.

After a fiercely contested battle for the top spot, Brian Hackett emerged victorious by demonstrating exceptional skill and strategic play throughout the tournament. Hackett’s outstanding performance earned him the coveted first-place title, and reflected his dedication and commitment to the sport.

Mike Mangal secured the second-place position with a display of remarkable talent and finesse on the course; his impressive performance underscoring his mastery of the game and his ability to compete at the highest level.

Shanella London’s showcase of skill and determina-

tion secured the third-place spot with a stellar performance on the greens. Her remarkable achievement highlighted her talent and

events, the spirit of camaraderie and competition continues to thrive on the greens of the Lusignan Golf Club.

The results of the tourna-

perseverance in the face of tough competition.

The success of the club tournament would not have been possible without the dedication and support of the participants and organizers. As the golfing community looks forward to future

“You have the potential to do as they’re doing right now. So, do not take it lightly, and do not just see it as, ‘Okay, yes, there’s a tournament; and when the tournament ends, we come back to school, and back next year around this time’. It’s ongoing; it’s developing skills and developing capabilities, because you never know.

“I’m making a projection that, in another 2-3 years, we’ll be seeing some of you on our national team, and you’re going to remind us, ‘Remember when we had that Milo tournament, that is where it all started’,” Gonsalves added.

Schools slated to compete in this year’s Milo tournament are as fol-

lows: Region 1 - defending champions Santa Rosa Secondary, Waramuri Top Primary; Region 2 - Charity Secondary, Abram Zuil Secondary; Region 3 - Leonora Secondary, L’Aventure Secondary, Westminster Secondary; Region 4 - Hope

Secondary, President’s College, Ann’s Grove Secondary (East Coast), Yarrowkabra Secondary (East Bank); Region 5 - Bush Lot Secondary; Region 6 - New Amsterdam

Secondary; Region 7Bartica Secondary; Region 10 - Mackenzie High School; and Georgetown - Dolphin Secondary, Marian Academy, 2023 runners-up Chase’s Academic

Foundation, Carmel Secondary, West Ruimveldt Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, East Ruimveldt Secondary, South Ruimveldt Secondary, Queen’s College, the Bishops’ High School, North Ruimveldt Multilateral, and School of the Nations.

The 25 teams in the Milo tournament will be vying for a $300,000 grand prize, which would be used for a school project of their choice. The second- thirdand fourth-place finishers would be respectively rewarded with $200,000, $150,000 and $75,000 for the same purpose.

The tournament is tentatively set to conclude on April 29th.

“One Guyana” Basketball League

2024…

“We are gonna come out 110%” – Coach Adrian Hooper

The Stabroek Eagles have scored an exciting win to level the “One Guyana” Basketball League National Final Series against the Ravens last Saturday, and will attempt to capture the “One Guyana” Basketball League title on Saturday, March 23rd 2024.

ment are as follows:

1st Brian Hackett - Gross 82, HC 16, Net 66

2nd Mike Mangal - Gross 75, HC 9, Net 66

3rd Shanella LondonGross 78, HC 10, Net 68

Longest drive - Miguel Yunes

With national player Travis Belgrave leading the attack, Stabroek Eagles plundered the defence of the Ravens at the National Gymnasium last Saturday, March 9, leaving the scoreline reading 67-59 in the Eagles’ favour.

In a comment invited by <<Guyana Times Sport,>> Head Coach of Stabroek Eagles, Adrian Hooper, divulged the adjustments

made on the defensive end to maintain their lead. He said, “The adjustment that we made was on the defensive end and the more defense we played, thus making it harder for them to score on our end. We were just forcing (them to take) some loose shots, but we were there all the time in the lead, and we tried to maintain the lead and we got this victory”.

Hooper explained that a few adjustments had to be made, and he is confident his team would uplift the trophy. He said, “Some more adjustments are needed. I mean, we made them tonight, but we got work to do, and I'm certainly 100% sure that we are gonna win this tournament. The team,

we already figured them out, and they know we figured them out too; so, the only thing left for us to do is for us to play our game all over.

“Winning this game is the confidence that we needed, and the third game is only gonna get better, and it’s the last game of the tournament and we have nothing to lose and everything to win; so, we are gonna come out 110% and get this victory.”

A million dollars are at stake, the “One Guyana” Basketball League will come to an end at the National Gymnasium after months of basketball action, and the Stabroek Eagles will be looking to dominate the action against the Ravens in the final game. (Omar McKenzie)

The Stabroek Eagles are being led by Travis Belgrave

Winner of the tournament, Brian Hackett, standing alongside Mike Mangal and Miguel Yunes

Brian Hackett receiving the first prize from Patrick Prashad

Coordinator Lavern Fraser, Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca, and Education Officer Joel Gonsalves are flanked by players who would be competing in the Milo Tournament this weekend

Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca