Guyana Times - Wednesday, May 17, 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Wednesday, May 17 – 03:00h – 04:30h and Thursday, May 18 – 03:00h – 04:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, May 17 – 15:10h – 16:40h and Thursday, May 18 – 15:40h – 17:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers during the day. Expect light rain showers and thundery showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 15:10h reaching a maximum height of 2.58 metres.

Low Tide: 08:43h and 20:58h reaching minimum heights of 0.57 metre and 0.64 metre.

Economic, political & cultural ties to deepen as Guyana Embassy opens in Qatar …“momentous

– President Ali

Guyana on Tuesday inaugurated its embassy in Qatar, in a move that President Dr Irfaan Ali said would help both countries embark on a journey of enhanced bilateral relations.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and a high-level delegation are currently on a State Visit to Qatar, where they have so far engaged in a number of discussions with top officials, aimed at deepening the relationship between the two countries.

One of the highlights of the trip so far is the official opening of the Guyana Embassy in Doha.

The event was attended by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi as well as ambassadors of other countries in the Gulf state.

In brief remarks at the ceremony, President Ali expressed, “I want to thank all of our friends who are here to

Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for his support to Guyana. “We are truly grateful and, as a nation, we pray for the continued prosperity and good health for the Government, leadership and the people of Qatar,” Ali said.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

celebrate this momentous occasion.”

The Guyanese Head of State also thanked Qatar’s

Meanwhile, Al-Muraikhi affirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' keenness on providing all possible facil-

ities to further support and strengthen bilateral relations at all levels, especially in the economic, political and cultural fields.

Qatar and Guyana established diplomatic relations in 1996.

Meanwhile, President Ali has so far held bilateral discussions with the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and members of his Cabinet.

He has also met with the Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Group CEO of Qatar Airways Akbar Al Baker. The Head of State and the airline’s CEO discussed enhancing Guyana’s reach and the country’s tourism product.

The Guyanese Head of State further held discussions with Qatari Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani. During the engagement, Guyana’s global leadership in climate change was highlighted and the potential role Qatar can play ensued.

Ali also held talks with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce where discussions focused on

investment opportunities in Guyana. The Chamber was represented by its First Vice Chairman, Mohamed Bin Ahmed Bin Twar Al-Kuwari. Meetings were also had with Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani in Doha and Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Engineer Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi in Doha, and the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari.

During his bilateral engagements, President Ali was joined by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Guyana’s Ambassador to Qatar, Safraz Shahood; Presidential Assistant and Personal Envoy to Greece, the Middle East and Africa, Ambassador George Hallaq and Director of Presidential Affairs, Marcia Nadir-Sharma.

occasion”

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi as well as Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh cut the ribbon to signal the opening of the Guyana Embassy

The Guyana Embassy in Doha, Qatar

Editor: Tusika Martin

News Hotline: 231-8063

Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761

Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Social ills and young population

There are many social ills affecting the Guyanese society, especially the younger segment of the population; and programmes and support services to help address these issues could never be enough. For example, the use of illegal drugs and alcohol, crime, suicide, domestic and other forms of violence are having a huge negative impact on communities across Guyana. And now more than ever there is need for a genuine collaborative approach, with inclusive planning and coordination, where volunteerism is a key element, to help find practical and lasting solutions to these many ills.

We are well aware that sometimes young people may feel there is no end or solutions to the problems they are facing and hence they turn to various forms of anti-social behaviours, thereby creating more challenges for an already burdened society.

While the Government must play a crucial role in designing the relevant policies and putting in place the necessary legislative framework and other support mechanisms aimed at addressing these issues, this burden must also be shared by various actors within the society, such as religious groups, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), etc, since such problems affect everyone. For example, there is hardly any family in Guyana which has never been touched directly or indirectly by suicide. Experts have pointed to the fact that about 90 per cent of people who die by suicide had some sort of mental illness at the time of their death.

Many people die by suicide, because depression is triggered by several negative life experiences and the suffering person does not receive effective treatment or support. In many communities across the country, persons are crying out for attention; they need guidance or simply someone to speak with; many want to find a way out of their misery. However, sometimes accessing that source of help is very difficult.

At present, there are quite a few NGOs, faith-based organisations, etc, offering such support services; but there is need for more to get involved. Those who are already on board should be commended for the work they are doing. Such work is invaluable and must be supported and encouraged. A few new organisations are also coming on board and some are expanding their services offered.

The role of the Private Sector should also never be underestimated. There is need for funding for many crucial programmes aimed at creating better opportunities for young persons and businesses should step up to the challenge. Such programmes once effectively implemented would see our children and young people become well-equipped with the necessary skills to develop themselves and in turn contribute to the overall development of the country as a whole.

Former Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, some time ago, had said the majority of victims as well as perpetrators of crimes reported by the Police are young males 18 to 35 years old. This is surely reason to be concerned, as right away one would begin to worry about the kind of future these persons would have, and the contributions they would make to their societies, if any at all.

Certainly, there is a great need for intervention in order to combat the current challenges facing young people. In order to prepare young people for workplace success; job training programmes need to go beyond technical instruction and also teach “life skills” such as communication, reliability, and teamwork. This push to teach youths life skills has been validated by employers who have consistently reported that, above all, they want to hire employees who possess workplace-ready skills, such as communication, teamwork, motivation and responsibility. Technical skills, they say, can be learned on the job.

We believe that if our young people are to move from the less mature and irresponsible ways of thinking and acting to making more mature and responsible judgements and engaging in activities that are the hallmark of a sociallyproductive adulthood, certain support systems must be provided.

Caribbean universities should preserve and teach Caribbean Bhojpuri languages

Dear Editor, Universities in the Caribbean contain language units, centres or departments, some of which teach Hindi, the traditional language of about one million persons of Asian Indian descent in the region.

However, the Hindi that is taught is standard Hindi. None of the local varieties unique to the Caribbean are taught. University curricula should include subjects such as Sarnami Hindustani, Trinidad Bhojpuri, or Guyanese Bhojpuri, the last of which is an important part of Guyanese culture and heritage, which should be preserved and taught.

Guyanese Bhojpuri is a Creole language spoken in Guyana mainly by the elderly descendants of Indian indentured labourers who came to the former British colony between 1838 and 1917. Guyana Bhojpuri has been studied by numerous scholars, such as Surendra Gambhir, Rajiv Mohabir, Rakesh Rampertab and Rajendra Saywack. This initiative is crucial, espe-

cially as Guyana is commemorating 185 years since the first arrival of Indians to the country.

Teaching Guyanese Bhojpuri ensures the survival of an important aspect of the Indo-Guyanese identity, once stifled by the colonialists. Including it as university courses will foster a living connection to Guyana’s history and the struggles and triumphs of its people.

Structured lessons in Guyanese Bhojpuri would ensure that future generations can understand and appreciate this fundamental part of the country’s heritage. It has its own unique vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, distinguishing it from other languages spoken in Guyana.

A fluent generation will enrich the linguistic diversity of Guyana while promoting multilingualism and cultural continuity. Speaking and understanding Guyanese Bhojpuri would be a source of pride for members of the Indian diaspora, and it may even strengthen their sense of

identity and belonging. Including it in the curriculum would be an additional step towards celebrating Guyana’s cultural diversity.

If you know anyone who still speaks Trinidad or Guyanese Bhojpuri, please

contact me at dmahabir@ gmail.com or WhatsApp: +1-868-756-4961.

Sincerely, Dr Kumar Mahabir, Anthropologist, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean

Election a stormin-a-teacup issue

Dear Editor,

The long awaited and overdue election was held. The outcome was expected amidst tinges of controversy, manoeuvres and shenanigans. The re-elected president, by a landslide, and core group executive (all re-elected) outwitted and outsmarted basic standards of elections conduct. Since when is the Voters List a confidential document? Whatever happened to claims and objections? Isn’t that a requirement, like paid dues?

Some antics on full display dispelled any notion that this election would uphold the hallmarks of

an election. It's over, done and dusted. Time to move on.

As an aside, what was so terribly wrong with having a cutoff date for the paying of dues and other voting eligibility criteria? This particular requirement, new in its introduction, was perceived as being a sinister move. A cutoff date was announced for persons to get themselves in order for upcoming elections. What was wrong with that? This particular issue was a storm in a teacup.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi cut a cake to mark the opening of Guyana’s Embassy in Qatar. Also in photo are Guyana’s Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and George Halak (Qatar News Agency photo)

Brothers among 3 busted with ganja in Berbice

Two brothers were among a group of three persons who were arrested by the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), on Monday.

CANU said the operation was carried out on Pitt Street, New Amsterdam.

The western half of Pitt Street is considered the main shopping area in the town. However, the eastern half consists of several derelict buildings in one section.

According to CANU, a search was conducted on a building which led to the discovery of a quantity of suspected cannabis and the arrest of three.

The persons arrested are the siblings – a 42-year-old and a 49-year-old – and a 31-year-old woman.

The trio was escorted to CANU Headquarters in the capital city, Georgetown, some 56 miles away along with the suspected narcotic.

The narcotic tested positive for cannabis and weighed approximately 1.2kg, with a street value of $400,000.

Investigations are ongoing.

There have been numerous reports of the use and sale of illegal drugs at the corner of Main and Pitt Streets, New Amsterdam. Local law enforcement has not been actively trying to make that section of the town more people-friendly, despite its popular use. (G4)

The ganja that was found by CANU

CXC Questions: Maths

Questions: What type of poem is it? What is it all about? How did you know what it was about?

WORD SEARCH

Guyana Marriott Hotel sale Companies rebid at US$90M and US$86.1M

Only two of the six companies that initially vied to purchase the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown have resubmitted bids to meet the base price of US$85 million as set out by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

These firms are X, LLC at US$90 million and Integrated Group Guyana Inc at US$86.1 million.

During the initial bidding round, the highest bid of US$65 million was received from X, LLC, an American investment group founded by Ramy El-

Economic, political & cultural...

FROM PAGE 3

Last October, Al Kaabi had led a delegation to Guyana to explore various opportunities here.

During Al-Kaabi’s visit, discussions between the two countries centred on potential collaboration in the areas of energy, food, infrastructure and aviation. In April 2022, President Ali and his team also met with a delegation from the Qatari Investment Mission to advance discussions on investment opportunities in the country.

The Qatari Investment Mission representatives were the Group Chairman of Power International Holding, Moutaz Al Khayyat; the Group Chief Venture Officer of Power International Holding, Ali Kazma and the company’s Chief Business Development Officer, Mazen Alsbeti.

Also, in November 2021, President Ali had met with senior officials of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) – the sovereign wealth fund of the Middle Eastern State. The visiting team comprised of two QIA Executives, Abdulhadi F A Al-Hajri and Dany Farah

Nakhoul. Their visit was a follow-up to talks started by President Ali and the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

During that meeting, the Guyanese Head of State had highlighted Government’s desire to make Guyana the hub for agriculture and food security within the Region and further afield. He also pointed to the numerous opportunities in other sectors that would promote the overall growth and development of Guyana.

The State of Qatar is among several Middle Eastern nations that expressed serious

interest in investing in various sectors in Guyana during President Ali’s visit in 2021 for the Dubai World Expo.

In February this year, it was announced that Guyana would be receiving help with the oil and gas sector from Qatar. Specifically, Qatar would be helping Guyana create a gas utilisation and monetisation plan, which will be applicable when the gas-to-energy project is commissioned.

It was also reported that Guyana was in talks with Qatar, among other countries, on the possibility of directly allocating offshore blocks for oil and gas exploration. (G11)

Batrawi. The company’s website says its primary focus is to invest in and enhance target industries.

Among the other bidders were Pegasus Hotel Guyana, which bid at US$55.5 million; Georgetown Investments and Management Services Inc, which bid at US$50M; Muneshwers Ltd at US$25 million, Integrated Group Guyana Inc at US$55 million, and NCB Capital Markets Limited at US$33 million.

The Guyana Government had publicly stated that the six bids that were originally submitted for the acquisition of the Guyana Marriott Hotel came in at a figure that was not acceptable.

As such on May 2, 2023, all six bidders were contacted and advised by NICIL that their submitted bids had been rejected. All six bidders were then invited to resubmit a new bid with a minimum bid price of no less than US$85M and the deadline for submission was Tuesday.

The bidders were advised that their bid must be submitted in a sealed envelope and deposited in the tender box located at NICIL’s Office. All bidders were also invited to attend the bid opening on Tuesday in NICIL’s boardroom.

At the bid opening, representatives of one bidder were physically present, while a representative of another attended virtually via Zoom Video Conference; NICIL representatives were also present.

A decision will now be made on the next steps forward regarding the sale of the hotel, which was constructed to a tune of US$58 million.

A feasibility study conducted by a Miami-based firm, HVS Consulting, back in 2010 had outlined that the Marriott Hotel, which opened in 2015, is likely to be sold ten years after its operationalisation at some US$76.1 million.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had contended that the Marriott Hotel would not be sold until an “appro-

priate offer that mirrors” its true value is made.

We know what a true value will be in the current context. So, that matter should be put to rest that we will not proceed with any of the bids because we believe that they’re too low based on the value of that asset now and its capacity to earn,” Jagdeo stated last month in response to the initial six bids.

The Government’s rejection of the initial bids submitted had attracted criticisms from some quarters. In response, however, the Vice President argued that Government is not obligated to accept the highest bid.

In a notice back in December 2022, NICIL had announced its intention to sell the State’s shares in Atlantic Hotels Incorporated (AHI), the State-owned holding company for the Marriott Hotel.

AHI is the NICIL special purpose company that fully owns the Marriott Hotel, a 197-room hotel that opened in 2015, the same year ExxonMobil first found oil in Guyana’s waters. The hotel has since gone on to play an important part in Guyana’s developing oil and gas sector, as it is used to accommodate local and overseas offshore workers. It is also a prime venue to host numerous private and Statesponsored events. (G11)

President Dr Irfaan Ali delivering remarks during the opening of the Guyana Embassy in Doha

Magistrate failed to uphold judicial precedent – AG

…as misconduct charge against Winston Jordan dismissed

“might very well be the end result”, the source said.

Representing SOCU were Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers and Attorney-at-Law Ravindra Mohabir.

The former Finance Minister had always professed his innocence, maintaining that the charge against him was “politically motivated” and “trumped up”.

dicial authorities, including, a written ruling delivered by the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, SC, in the matter of Winston Brassington and Dr Ashni Singh v Munilal Persaud, Commissioner of Police; Ann McLennan, Chief Magistrate and Shalimar Ali-Hack, Director of Public Prosecutions 2018-HC-DEM-CIV-FDA-757.

We’re all...

…family

The case against former Finance Minister Winston Jordan regarding the sale of a State-owned wharf to BK Marine Incorporated at a price way below the market value was on Tuesday dismissed after Senior Magistrate Leron Daly upheld a no-case submission.

The wharf which once valued over US$40 million was sold to BK Marine Incorporated with the State only receiving US$100,000.

Jordan, who had served under the previous A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government, had been charged with one count of misconduct in public office concerning the selling of the Stateowned wharf to BK Marine Incorporated.

This publication understands that the dismissal of the charge came after the presiding Magistrate determined that although Jordan was a Government Minister at the time the property was sold, his appointment in that portfolio did not amount to that of a public officer.

In giving a brief synopsis of Tuesday’s ruling, a usually reliable source told this publication that Magistrate Daly held that “the Minister [Jordan] did not fall under the public [sector] as a public officer because of his appointment...”

Jordan, who was initially taken to court on December 28, 2021, after the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) – an arm of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had instituted the charge against him, had been released on $3M bail pending the determination of the matter.

The source disclosed that Magistrate Daly commenced a Paper Committal (PC) into the matter on Tuesday, after which she ruled that a prima facie case was not established.

Accordingly, she upheld the no-case submission made on Jordan’s behalf by his lawyers Roysdale Forde, SC, and Dawn Holder-Cush.

The PC involves the Magistrate reviewing witnesses’ statements and documentary evidence without the witnesses being present and marked as exhibits. After this is done, the statements and other evidence are inventoried. Minutes of Cabinet meetings and some 28 witnesses’ statements were among the evidence adduced by SOCU.

Information reaching this publication is that SOCU, which is tasked with inter alia, investigating financial crimes, intends to review the Magistrate’s decision and make a decision soon on the way forward. An appeal

Particulars of the charge had read that Jordan, being and performing duties of Finance Minister, and being the concerned Minister for the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), a company owned by the Government, between February 26, 2020 and July 31, 2020, at Main Street,

In this case, Dr Ashni Singh was charged with the identical offence regarding certain acts he performed while he was Minister of Finance and placed before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The validity of the charge was challenged in the High Court on the identical ground, that is, as Minister of Finance, Dr Singh was not a public officer for the purposes of the charge.

The matter was heard by Chief Justice George who, after hearing detailed submissions from both counsel for Dr Singh and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), ruled that Dr Singh may be charged with the offence of Misconduct in Public Office notwithstanding that he was a Minister. This ruling was delivered on November 18, 2020, and was never appealed. It remains the law on the issue.

There’s now eight billion of us in the world…and growing so fast it’s projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050. That’s another 1.8 billion more in just 27 years!! And to think that less than 100 years ago – 1927 to be exact - the world had only 2 billion people! Maybe we should quit talking about “breeding like rabbits”!!? Well, to be fair, and not exaggerate our copulating prowess, most of the increase was due to better living conditions and medicine etc!! But maybe because of the skyrocketing increase, the theme this year is “The impact of demographic trends”. Exciting, huh??!

Georgetown, wilfully miscon-

ducted himself by acting recklessly when he signed a NICIL Transfer of Property Order, which was published in the Official Gazette, transferring to, and vesting to BK Marine absolutely, all buildings, erections, stellings, platforms and further appurtenances; that is to say, Mudlots 1 & 2F of Mudlot 3A, B & D, situated at North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, being over 2.553 acres for payment of $20,260,276, the property being valued at over $5 billion, a price that was grossly undervalued to such a degree that it amounts to an abuse of the public’s trust without reasonable excuse or justification.

Judicial precedent

Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, in a statement on Tuesday evening said that in recent times, he has been forced to undertake the unfortunate task of offering genuine critical commentary on the manner in which certain criminal cases are being adjudicated upon in the Magistracy.

“My attention was drawn to a ruling delivered today (Tuesday) by a learned Magistrate presiding at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court in which the learned Magistrate upheld a no-case submission and discharged former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, in respect of the charge of Misconduct in Public Office relating to an act he allegedly committed while he was Minister of Finance. The learned Magistrate predicated her ruling on a finding in law that as Minister of Finance, Mr Jordan was not a public officer, an important ingredient in the offence.”

According to the Attorney General, based upon inquiries made, he was informed that the learned Magistrate received from the State, written submissions supported by ju-

Nandlall in his statement on Tuesday said that first-year law students are taught that the doctrine of Stare Decisis, by virtue of which the decision of the High Court on a particular principle of law, is binding precedent on a Magistrate, to the extent, that the Magistrate has no jurisdictional freedom to depart from that High Court’s decision.

“The two cases are almost identical in both issues of facts and law, and the decision of the learned Chief Justice in the Singh and Brassington case constitutes a binding precedent on the learned Magistrate. Clearly, the learned Magistrate erred in law by refusing to follow the decision of the learned Chief Justice. Such an elementary egregious error has excited great public concern within a few hours and inevitably will shake the public confidence in the administration of justice. For to the public, it appears that there are different standards being applied to different persons by the administration of justice” the Attorney General said.

According to Nandlall, by this decision of the Magistrate, Jordan walks free after “vesting title of a State asset valued at over US$40 million to a private company for which the State received a mere US$100,000; worse yet, this was done months after the Government of which he was part, had already lost the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections but remained in Government for five months thereafter.”

Background

Back in December 2021, Jordan was arrested by SOCU as part of investigations into alleged instances of corrupt governmental transactions between 2015 and 2020.

According to SOCU, BK Marine’s principal, Brian Tiwarie, had paid only 10 per cent of the purchase price; that is, $20.2 million, and Jordan had gone ahead to issue a vesting order, passing the title to the purchaser without the purchaser making payment of any

further sums of money.

The vesting order stated that the property is being sold free from encumbrance and liabilities, and no further sum of money is owed by the purchaser, SOCU had said.

It had said that the transport was subsequently issued for the property, and the value strangely stated on the transport was $400,000,000. Further, SOCU had said, the agreement of sale stated that the title must be passed only upon full payment of the purchase price.

SOCU had contended that investigators have evidence to establish that a facility located some seven miles upriver, being a mere fraction of the size of the State property under investigation, was sold by a private company for US$17 million. It had pointed out that this was only one of several investigations that implicated former Minister Jordan.

While Jordan had previously denied any wrongdoing regarding this transaction, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Nandlall had announced that there were active investigations into a number of suspected shady dealings under the former APNU/AFC Government and the former Finance Minister had been implicated in a number of “nefarious transactions”.

On behalf of the State, the Attorney General had also filed civil proceedings against Jordan at the Demerara High Court over the sale of the river frontage to BK Marine. In that case, Nandlall was seeking to overturn the contentious sale of the State property.

To this end, he had asked the court to declare the agreement of sale between BK Marine and NICIL illegal, unlawful, null, void, repugnant, and contrary to public policy.

However, last September, Justice Brassington Reynolds dismissed the lawsuit on finding that while the Attorney General is authorised to bring an action for misfeasance in public office against Jordan, he did not, in the case at bar, satisfy the elements of the tort.

Referencing a plethora of case laws, he held that the pleadings in Nandlall’s Affidavit in Support were misconceived, and therefore ruled that the case was an abuse of the court’s process, before striking it out. As such, he had awarded costs of $2 million each to Jordan and BK Marine.

Describing it as “one of the most shocking decisions I have ever witnessed in my brief career at the Bar”, Nandlall had signalled his intention to appeal the decision of that High Court Judge. (G1)

But with all of that, we can’t take things for granted - as shown by countries with declining populations, like Japan, that needs to be reminded there’s still the need to breed - and ensure we at least keep our species going. And to do that takes two - not only to tango, but tangle and make babies. While there’s a growing tendency in certain societies to have a growing number of single mothers, there’s still a consensus that the family’s still the best arrangement to make babies. This was a social innovation even before we were walking on our knuckles! No matter how you cut it, slice it or dice it, human babies really can’t raise themselves and remain “human”!

And it’s why, in 1993, the UN decided we need to be reminded to commemorate the “International Day for Families” every May 15. But you didn’t notice any “commemoration” here, did you, dear reader?? It doesn’t look like we think much about families here in our dear old mudland. And it shows!! Somewhere along the line, it seems, we’ve lost the plot about families. To a large extent, that’s because parents seem to’ve forgotten they’re the members of the family who’re supposed to socialise their children to be responsible members of society. These parents want to remain infantilised more than their children!!

So, the next time you feel like complaining about crime, or bad drivers, or bad anything that’s done by people –remember much of it goes back to the failure of the family and their heads – old Mom and Dad!! They used to say that “it takes a village to raise a child” – but that’s tough when there’s a failure of the child’s parents! Some of this estrangement comes from the newfangled ideas about “parenting” that forbids disciplining children. Now, your Eyewitness ain’t saying you gotta be like Matilda’s parents - the Wormwoods – but still, kids gotta know that society got rules!!

Anyhow, your Eyewitness is miffed that the authorities ignored the UN’s Family Day. We may have to discipline them with the rod of correction on June 2!!

…oil producers’

Have you noticed the number of officials schlepping up to the Middle East recently?? Well, while we mightn’t be members of OPEC, we’re all members of the oil producers’ club!! Birds of a feather stick together!! But each flock have their own nuances, don’t they?? Eagles, for instance, have different rules than Hummingbirds!! So, what should we know about these Middle Eastern oil producers?

Right off the bat, there’s their rivalries!! Take Qatar, which the President is presently visiting. They’re quite at odds with the grandaddy of oil producers – Saudi Arabia!! Until recently being a thumb sticking out of the Saudi mainland, they were treated like a vassal state. But the present rulers started asserting themselves since the 1990s. They leveraged their massive gas deposits to act independently, and actually opposed the Saudis on a number of fronts. For instance, they support Islamist leaders who’re the bane of the Saudi Monarchy!!

Then they’re quite cozy with the Saudi’s bete noir – Iran. Gotta step carefully up there, Mr President!!

…invested

Back in the day B.M. (Before Money!), there was the gag that gynaecologists would send women for a drive up the East Bank Road to Timehri if they had problems with delivery!! We’ve returned there recently – but relief’s been promised!

Winston Jordan

Senior Magistrate Leron Daly

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

ExxonMobil pumped over $80B into Guyana’s economy in 2022

…Guyanese comprise over 65% of O&G workforce …Local Content Annual Plans approved

The Natural Resources Ministry, through the Local Content Secretariat, has approved the 2023 Local Content Annual Plans for operator ExxonMobil as well as four major subcontractors: Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Technip, and Saipem.

The Local Content Act obligates contractors, subcontractors or licensees to submit Local Content Annual Plans for approval, in keeping with the legal obligation on companies and persons engaged in petroleum operations or related activities in the petroleum sector to prioritise Guyanese nationals and Guyanese companies in the procurement of goods and services for the enhancement of the value chain of the sector.

Speaking with this publication, Director of the Secretariat Martin Pertab said that the review and approval process will continue over the next week with the remaining eligible companies.

“The review process was thorough, with multiple iterations, to ensure maximum participation of Guyanese suppliers in the supply of goods and services to the oil and gas industry,” Pertab explained.

“The approval means that companies will commit to paying local suppliers within 30-45 days. This year our focus will be on, among others, monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the respective approved local content plans.”

Pertab noted too that the approval of these plans signifies that companies have agreed to help with the building of local capacities through training, scholarship and other forms of direct interventions.

As per the Local Content Act, these annual local content plans are required to outline, among other things, programmes for ensuring that first consideration is accorded to Guyanese nationals for employment; programmes for ensuring equal treatment of Guyanese; and programmes for enhancing the skills of Guyanese nationals.

Companies must also detail its criteria for the supply of goods and the provision of services as well as its supply chain management strategy and procurement strategy.

ExxonMobil Guyana, in a statement on this development, revealed that its 2023 plan describes how the company intends to execute projects and implement systems to promote the development of local content this year.

“ExxonMobil Guyana’s evolving strategic plan for operational growth includes balancing meeting the needs of the business while developing Guyanese content in a phased approach. It is

assessed annually to ensure objectives are met in a sustainable and systematic manner,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil Guyana and the subcontractors also received certificates of compliance for the year 2022.

In addition to this year’s Local Content Annual Plan, ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), as well as some subcontractors have had their Five-Year Master Plans approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources in October 2022.

Pertab highlighted that a key distinction between the Local Content Annual Plan and the Five-Year Master Plan is that companies are required by law to implement the former.

The Ministry of Natural Resources had explained that the Five-Year Master Plan is intended to provide the Minister and the Local Content Secretariat with an insight into the contractor, sub-contractor or licensee’s projected activities with regard to employment, procurement and capacity development of Guyanese suppliers.

ExxonMobil Guyana is on record saying that it takes a multi-tiered approach to building local talent and capabilities in the country.

“ExxonMobil Guyana is committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to develop opportunities for nationals and local businesses in a structured and sustainable way, consistent with the terms and conditions of the Petroleum Agreements, the Local Content Act, and related guidelines,” the company emphasised in an article dated December 2022, on its official website.

In addition to aggressive recruitment drives to ensure Guyanese nationals are hired for positions within the workforce, ExxonMobil Guyana says it also aims to utilise Guyanese suppliers for goods and services.

More than $180B

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil Guyana has revealed that

itself and its reporting contractors have spent more than $80 billion (US$400 million) with more than 1500 Guyanese businesses in 2022 alone.

That is part of the more than $180 billion (US$900 million) spent with locals since the first discovery in 2015.

By the end of 2022, the company and contractors had employed over 5000 Guyanese workers, representing more than 65 per cent of the overall workforce in the local oil and gas industry.

The company noted too that the numbers of Guyanese working offshore continued to grow. Among the 2700 personnel committed to supporting ExxonMobil Guyana's operations, over 1300 were Guyanese, constituting approximately 48 per cent of the offshore workforce.

ExxonMobil Guyana assured that these numbers will continue to increase as more projects come onstream, providing opportunities for businesses and individuals alike,

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat presented ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge with a Letter of Approval for the company’s 2023 Annual Local Content Plan (ExxonMobil photo)

Sarah-Ann Lynch’s term as US Ambassador to Guyana comes to an end

Administrator and acting Assistant Administrator in USAID’s Latin America and Caribbean Bureau. She is a career member of the senior foreign service, a graduate from Mount Holyoke College and holds Master’s degrees from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and the National War college. She also served with USAID from 1993 to

2018 and was posted overseas in Bangladesh, Peru, Afghanistan and Iraq where she was the USAID Mission Director in Baghdad. In Washington, she served in the Regional Bureaus of Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance.

Lynch played a critical role in the development of Guyana since she took office and continues to build

and strengthen bilateral relations between Guyana and the United States of America.

The US Ambassador had also played a keen role in securing Guyana’s democracy in the March 2020 General and Regional Elections by placing pressure on the previous APNU/AFC Administration to allow the smooth transition of the current elected Administration. (G11)

ExxonMobil pumped over...

Career diplomat

Sarah-Ann Lynch’s term as United States Ambassador to Guyana has come to an end, with a farewell reception being hosted by the Embassy in Georgetown on Friday.

Lynch was confirmed by the US Senate on January 2, 2019, and sworn in on January 7, 2019, as Ambassador to Guyana. She presented her credentials in Guyana on March 13, 2019.

Lynch is expected to be replaced by Nicole Theriot, who was nominated for the position by President Joe Biden. However, the US senate has not voted to confirm the new nominee. Lynch will

however continue to serve until her replacement arrives here.

Theriot graduated in 1983 from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s degree and in 1998 with a Master’s in International Relations from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

She is a career member of the senior foreign service and previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Portau-Prince Haiti, she served as Director for Immigration and Visa Security Council in the executive office of the President. She was also Senior Advisor to the Deputy

Assistant Secretary of State for Overseas Citizens Service in the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Theriot was also a Political Counsellor at the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, Principal Officer in Casablanca Morocco, and Bureau of Consular Affairs Supervisory Regional Consular Officer in Frankfurt, Germany, and many other overseas assignments. She is also the recipient of numerous state awards including a senior foreign service performance award.

Meanwhile, Lynch previously served as Senior Deputy Assistant

“We believe that the true measure of our success lies not only in the barrels produced but also in the positive impact we create for our people and the communities in which we operate. By prioritising local talent, partnerships, and investments, we aim to cultivate a thriving and sustainable environment that benefits everyone,” said President of ExxonMobil Guyana Alistair Routledge.

Background Guyana, with ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the Stabroek Block. Guyana’s oil revenues are being held in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) at the New

York Federal Reserve Bank, where it is earning interest.

The oil rich Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres).

ExxonMobil, through its local subsidiary holds 45 per cent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027. Production has already started in the second phase, with the Liza Unity FPSO vessel in operation.

The third project –the

FROM PAGE 9

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

Meanwhile, the Yellowtail development, which will be oil giant ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, will target a mammoth 250,000 bpd. ExxonMobil has also only recently received approval for Uaru, its fifth project in Guyana’s waters.

The joint venturers plan to submit its Field Development Plan (FDP) for its sixth project, Whiptail, for governmental approvals later this year. (G11)

Sarah-Ann Lynch

Nominated for the position: Nicole Theriot

Energy mixer encourages industry leaders to network, collaborate

and networking.

In attendance were Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar; Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Georgetown Adrienne Galanek, Member of the US Embassy’s commercial arm, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency, Dr Mahender Sharma; Investment Officer at the Guyana Office for Investment Kegan Howard and representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Energy SubCommittee of the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana hosted “Energy Exchange: An AmCham Guyana Energy Mixer” on Monday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, with AmCham acting as a catalyst

for networking and collaboration in the energy sector.

The event brought together AmCham Guyana’s membership, industry leaders and key stakeholders within Guyana’s energy sector, providing a platform for discussions, information exchange

In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of pursuing sustainable energy as part of Guyana’s development, noting that “If we are to transform Guyana, we need to have energy security.”

Meanwhile, Indar briefed

attendees on the imminent gas-to-energy project and the necessary infrastructure that will be built to support its operations, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to reducing electricity costs.

The multibillion-dollar project includes the construction of an integrated Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant and a 300-megawatt (MW) combined cycle power plant at

Wales, West Bank Demerara, and aims to reduce the cost of energy by at least 50 per cent through an energy mix, thereby potentially saving Guyana US$150 million on power generation annually.

Indar clarified that this diversified energy mix will benefit both the coast as well as hinterland and riverine communities.

“AmCham Guyana is com-

mitted to providing its members and the wider business community with opportunities to connect, network, and build relationships, enabling them to stay at the forefront of developments in the energy sector and drive sustainable growth in Guyana’s business landscape,” an AmCham press statement shared.

“The participation of industry leaders and Government representatives reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and cooperation in driving Guyana’s energy sector forward,” it added.

Chair of AmCham’s Energy Sub-Committee Shyam Nokta and President of AmCham Devindra Kissoon noted that the firstof-its-kind event provided an invaluable platform for energy leaders to exchange ideas and allow persons to meet in a non-business setting.

TURN TO PAGE 19

Attendees at the AmCham Guyana Energy Mixer

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips and President of AmCham Devindra Kissoon at the mixer

1 found; 2 still missing after Cuyuni River boat mishap

Lawyer summoned to appear before Legal Practitioners Committee

Attorney-at-Law

The body of boat captain Lloyd Obermuller, one of the three men who went missing after a collision in the Cuyuni River on Monday, has been recovered. The search operation, which lasted for several hours, finally led to the discovery of Obermuller's body.

An autopsy is expected soon.

However, the search efforts continue for the two remaining missing men, whose identities have yet to be officially confirmed. These individuals were passengers aboard Obermuller's boat, a 19-foot wooden vessel powered by a 75Hp Yamaha

Outboard Engine, at the time of the tragic incident.

According to authorities at Police Headquarters, the collision occurred between 03:47h and 04:30h on Monday. The other boat involved in the mishap was a 17-foot wooden vessel operated by Crees Boyde, a miner, which was equipped with a 40Hp Yamaha outboard engine.

It has been revealed that Obermuller and Boyde regularly transported persons from Eteringbang Landing in Guyana to San Martin Landing in Venezuela. On

that fateful Monday morning, Obermuller was en route to San Martin, accompanied by two passengers. Simultaneously, Boyde had departed from San Martin, heading towards Eteringbang Landing.

As both boats made their way across the river, the collision occurred, resulting in the passengers, Obermuller, and Boyde being thrown into the water. Prompt response from compassionate bystanders led to the rescue of Boyde, who suffered severe injuries to his right leg and minor in-

juries to his hands. He was subsequently transported to Venezuela for medical treatment.

The boats involved in the accident, along with their engines, have been secured at the Eteringbang Police Station, where an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is underway.

As authorities persist in their search for the two missing men, the community remains hopeful for a swift resolution to this tragic event. (G9)

Lesley Benjamin has been summoned to appear before the Legal Practitioners Committee (LPC) on Thursday, June 1 at 14:00h, according to a notice published in the dailies by Registrar of the Supreme Court of Judicature Sueanna Lovell.

The LPC is a body established under the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Act which is charged with hearing and determining complaints made against attorneys-at-law.

A complaint has been filed against Benjamin by one Andrew Thomas.

According to the notice addressed to Benjamin’s office at Maraj Building, Charlotte and King Streets, Georgetown, and to her relatives and friends, if she fails to attend the hearing of the matter at

the Court of Appeal, Kingston, Georgetown, it will be determined in her absence.

On March 16, 2022, acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards reconstituted the LPC with the following attorneys: Robin Stoby, SC; Rafiq Khan, SC; Andrew Pollard, SC; Rajendra Poonai, SC; Carole Boston, SC; Teni Housty; Horatio Edmondson; Onassis Granville; Kim Kyte-Thomas; Mandisa Breedy; Tracy Gibson; Lyndon Amsterdam; Dionne McCammon; Konyo Sandiford; Nikhil Ramkarran and Kashir Khan.

The Committee’s members shall hold office for three years.

Members of the public who want to lodge complaints against practicing members of the Bar can do so with the LPC at the Court of Appeal’s Registry.

Dead: Lloyd Obermuller

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

GPA divides the media community while President Ali pushes the

One Guyana message

The Guyana Press Association has selected an executive, largely continuing with those who served in the previous executive, which sat for almost three years since the end of its term. To say there were serious misgivings in the “electoral process” which culminated with voting last Sunday would be an understatement.

A cursory look at the executive tells an important story. Anyone looking at the GPA executive that was put in place last Sunday would see immediately that the executive of the GPA is far from the ideal of representing the media community in Guyana. Significant parts of the media community in Guyana have been relegated to a corner. It is an insult to the dozens of media practitioners for the GPA executive that was put in place last Sunday to say that the media community elected them to represent the media.

In a country where the President and the Government insist on aggressively promoting a ONE GUYANA message, those who, in their wisdom, took the path they did last Sunday in effect seriously poked their fingers into the eyes of the ONE GUYANA movement.

In a country where there is ample evidence that the ONE GUYANA movement has gained traction, those who took control of the GPA took a position that they stand apart from the movement. Indeed, those in control of the present GPA find better congruence with another part of our history. Elections using a list of electors padded with ineligible persons and which excluded eligible voters are not something Guyanese are unfamiliar with. Between 1968 and 1992, the list of electors in general elections in Guyana fitted that mould.

The list of electors for the 1968 elections gained international infamy for registering horses and children who were just months old. When the President, Desmond Hoyte, called elections for December 1990, the elections had to be cancelled when the Guyanese people under the leadership of the PPP succeeded in gaining international condemnation of a rigged list of electors.

When the GPA refused to publish its list of electors, and refused to follow standard guidelines established, they showed their intention, and that intention was not for the media family and media community to walk in step as one. The whole sordid affair smacked of divide-andrule. Given Guyana’s recent experience from the 2020 elections, one would have thought that the GPA would be very cognisant of the perception they would create by playing games with the list of electors. Hiding the list until just before the election was a sure sign that something unholy was in the works.

Refusing to share a hard copy even at that late time added to the perception of skullduggery. At general elections, we have Continuous Registration, and even Claims and Objections, just before elections, to ensure everyone has a chance to vote. In the case of the GPA, everything was done to limit the voice of practising media practitioners. In effect, the GPA, which want to make the claim they speak on behalf of all media practitioners, have now sabotaged that claim because they only speak for some of the practitioners.

Media practitioners tend to be in three groups, one sympathetic to one political side, a second group prejudicial to another side, and a third group that tries to be impartial in Guyana today. This is not new. There was a time in the 1980s and early 1990s when two organizations existed and spoke on behalf of media practitioners – the GPA and the Union of Guyanese Journalists. The shenanigans of last Sunday might very well return Guyana to that time, when more than one organization speak on behalf of media practitioners. We already have two umbrella groups representing trade unions. It would be a shame that we regress towards two media practitioners’ organizations again.

But the fight is about to become even more complicated, because there is controversy as to who is a media practitioner. In an age where online news and commentary has become a critical component of the news and information industry, how can anyone reasonably argue that online newscast and programs do not qualify? Some of the largest news outlets in America today are purely online.

TV, radio, and newspapers do not represent the total home of journalists and reporters anymore. In Guyana, some of the online practitioners have been embraced by the GPA; others have been cast aside. Fairness is not a hallmark of what happened in the last few weeks with the GPA.

Unfortunately, in Guyana, too many media practitioners conduct themselves in a biased manner, hiding behind the cloak of impartiality but carrying out the agendas of political groups. Some of them claim they are impartial because they report accurately only part of a story.

When reporters, during the election fiasco in 2020, reported that the Foreign Affairs Minister at the time met with the international observers, they reported accurately that part of the story. But some of them omitted to also include that the then Foreign Affairs Minister threatened to withdraw the observers’ credentials. That was the real story. That is the kind of bias that is detrimental to a society that wants to live in freedom and in a democracy. The media cannot cherry-pick its role. It is an utter shame.

Deadly home invasion

Bullet remains in survivor’s chin as injured man shows signs of recovery

Injured:

Denzil Roberts, the courageous 20-year-old who fearlessly fought off armed invaders during a brutal home invasion in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on May 13 has shown encouraging progress in his recovery.

Medical updates reveal that he was successfully taken off the ventilator on Monday and is currently listed in stable condition. However, doctors are patiently awaiting the subsiding of swelling before proceeding with the removal of the bullet lodged in his chin, a painful reminder of the harrowing incident.

In a significant development, investigators have made substantial headway in their investigation. Just days after the incident, Police apprehended two suspects in connection with the harrowing home invasion.

Further, within a short span of time, law enforcement discovered the lifeless body of an unidentified man, believed to be the third suspect involved in the tragic incident that resulted in the untimely deaths of Johnson Bowen, 87, and Manuel Dos Santos, 58, both of Wismar, Linden.

The lifeless body of the unidentified suspect was found bearing the gruesome marks of five chop wounds. This chilling discovery unfolded at a residence in Block 22, Wismar, Linden, sending shockwaves through the community.

Meticulous examination by crime scene investigators revealed the severity of the injuries, including chop wounds on the right shoulder, forehead, upper right back, centre of the back, and lower right back.

Commander of Regional Division 10, Assistant Commissioner Kurleigh Simon confirmed on Monday that Police are still in the process of confirming the identity of the deceased bandit, an essential step in the ongoing investigation.

According to reports, the family fell victim to armed bandits wearing black masks during the terrifying ordeal. Dos Santos’s wife vividly recounted being jolted awake by a disturbing sound emanating from the living room. Rushing to investigate, she was confronted with the distressing sight of her elderly father being forcefully handled by the intruders, while one of her sons lay defenceless on the floor.

In a display of incredible bravery, Roberts, Dos Santos’s nephew and a resident in the neighbourhood, swiftly responded to the commotion,

rushing to the aid of his family members. Against all odds, he managed to overpower one of the attackers, while Manuel Dos Santos and Valdeir Dos Santos, Manuel’s son, armed themselves with cutlasses, fearlessly confronting the remaining assailants.

A fierce struggle ensued, resulting in serious chop wounds inflicted upon the suspects. The situation rapidly descended into a chaotic bloodbath as the invaders opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic and chaos to engulf the scene.

Tragically, the lifeless bodies of Dos Santos and Bowen

Wanted:

were later discovered, their lives brutally cut short by a hail of bullets. Amidst the violence, Roberts sustained injuries and was swiftly transported to Georgetown Public Hospital in critical condition, where he continues to receive medical attention.

Wanted

As the investigation presses forward, Police have issued a wanted bulletin for two suspects believed to be connected to the brutal murder. The wanted men have been identified as John Ross, also

known as “JR,” with his last known address as Five Corner Wismar, Linden, and Troy Bruce, also known as “Blacka,” residing at Lot 26 Wismar Hill, Linden.

Meanwhile, the Police are urging members of the general public who may possess any information regarding the whereabouts of the wanted men to come forward and assist in the investigation. Individuals can contact the authorities at telephone numbers 225-6940, 225-8196, 226-7476, 225-2317, 227-1149, or visit the nearest Police station. (G9)

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Murdered: Johnson Bowen

John Ross and Troy Bruce

Denzil Roberts

5 months after toddler’s death

Firewoman charged, released on $400,000 bail

the accident were outside the courtroom protesting as they expressed displeasure at the pace of the investigation and the fact that she was released on bail.

Police had said that motor car PGG 278 was proceeding north along the western lane at a fast rate of speed when the driver lost control of the vehicle and it skidded onto the eastern lane, colliding with a motorcycle.

It was reported that on the day

in question, 28-year-old firewoman Chandani Mohabir lost control of the vehicle in which there were several children, and crashed it into the motorcycle being operated by Marley Ross. Ross had his three-year-old daughter as the pillion rider.

Less than one week after the accident, Mohabir was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, placed on $100,000 bail and ordered to lodge her passport at the court by Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh.

However, she was not charged for causing death until Tuesday, almost five months after the incident.

Afirewoman was on Tuesday placed before the courts for causing the death of a toddler almost five months ago in East Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Charged was 28-year-old firewoman Chandani Mohabir of East Canefield, East Canje, Berbice. She appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate

Renita Singh on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

It is alleged that on December 23, at Cumberland Village, East Canje, she drove motor car PGG 278 in a dangerous manner, causing the death of Jasmine Ross.

Mohabir was not required to plead to the indictable charge. The prosecution did not object to bail and it was set at $400,000.

The case has been transferred to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court and will continue on June 2.

Even as Mohabir appeared in court, family members of the dead child and others who were injured in

The dead child’s father, Marley Ross, had been featured in sections of the media including Guyana Times over the lack of justice or seemingly slow justice system.

On Friday, he took his concerns to President Dr Irfaan Ali, who was in New Amsterdam on an outreach.

At the time of the accident, Police had stated that 11-year-old Shavine Laundry, 10-year-old Shaveh Laundry, eight-year-old Javeer Blair, and five-year-old Shaniah Blair, who were in the car driven by the firewoman, were also injured.

On Tuesday there were no charges stemming from the injury to the children. Their mother, Sharron McDonald, also attended the court proceedings on Tuesday.

During the proceedings, she informed the court that there were children who were injured in the accident and the charge before that court does not reflect that.

Ross, on the other hand, told this publication that the bail is small compared to a $1.4M a Berbice contractor was placed on for allegedly driving into a crowd and killing an elderly man, also in East Canje.

McDonald said she might also have to approach higher authorities, noting that her 13-year-old daughter is still suffering from the accident and is unable to attend school. In fact, she said the girl is currently using diapers. (G4)

Parents of the dead child Jasmine Ross leaving the court on Tuesday. Marley Ross (with walking stick) was injured in the accident

Sharron McDonald holding up a medical report on her injured daughter

Accused Chandani Mohabir leaving the court in company of a relative

Dead: Two-year-old Jasmine Ross

“Sir Mars” laid to rest

Comedian and educator, 51-year-old Kirwyn Mars, popularly known as “Sir Mars” was laid to rest on Tuesday, leaving an indelible void in the hearts of hundreds who gathered to bid farewell.

The atmosphere was tinged with both sadness and gratitude as people from all walks of life paid their final respects.

“Sir Mars”, known for his infectious laughter, quick wit, and wisdom, was not only a master of comedy but also a dedicated teacher who inspired countless individuals. Through his unique blend of humour and educational insight, he had the remarkable ability to make learning an enjoyable experience, leaving an everlasting impact on generations of students.

As news of his passing spread, an outpouring of grief swept across the nation. From students who had been uplifted by his words to fellow comedians who considered him a mentor and friend, the tributes poured in, painting a vivid picture of a man who had left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who knew him.

The funeral service, held on the tarmac of the National Cultural

Centre in Georgetown, and later to Vergenoegen, Greenwich Park, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, adorned with flowers and photographs capturing the vibrant spirit of “Sir Mars”, was a testament to the impact he had on the lives of so many. The atmosphere was both solemn and celebratory, reflecting the joy he had brought to countless individuals throughout his illustrious career.

Eulogies and speeches filled the air, painting a vivid tapestry of memories and shared experienc-

es. Friends, family, and colleagues took turns expressing their admiration and gratitude for the man who had become a beacon of light in their lives. Tears flowed freely, mingling with laughter as stories of his comedic genius and compassionate nature unfolded.

As the casket was lowered into the ground, a collective sigh resonated through the crowd—a poignant moment of realisation that a luminary was lost. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there was also a prevailing sense of gratitude for the time they

had spent in the presence of him.

The body of “Sir Mars” was found pinned between his car and the fence of an apartment building at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara (EBD), last Sunday.

An autopsy revealed that he was stabbed eight times, including to his chest, right shoulder, collarbone, left hand, and right elbow, and given the cause of his death as injuries to the chest as a result of being crushed, compounded by “multiple cutaneous wounds.”

It has been reported that two

days after committing the crime, the suspect, 24-year-old Brian Richards, was apprehended at his workplace in Georgetown. He subsequently allegedly confessed to the murder.

He detailed that, on the day in question, he and Mars arrived at the Green City Bar in Georgetown, where they consumed about two cases of beer altogether before departing the bar to travel to Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), via the Mandela-Eccles Highway.

TURN TO PAGE 19

Scenes from “Sir Mars’s” funeral

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2023| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US$117M IDB-funded EBD development project launched

The US$117 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded “Programme to Support Climate Resilient Road Infrastructure Development” was launched on Tuesday to support climate resilient road infrastructure along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) corridor. This comes after the loan contract between the IDB and Guyana was signed in March to advance Guyana’s safe, efficient and climate resilient road and associated infrastructure.

Under this project, US$100 million is being funded by the IDB, while US$17 million is from the Government of Guyana.

Aimed at improving road service quality and utility service, this programme is particularly important as the East Bank corridor

is connected to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Project Manager within the Public Works Ministry Mark Greene explained that the main focus of this project is to rehabilitate the approximately 24 km of roadway encountered upon exiting the airport.

“More or less, after exiting the airport, you’re going to enter the East Bank Public Road which was rehabilitated under a loan almost 30 years ago,” Greene said.

“Unfortunately, it hasn’t reached its design life and the intervention that we’re focusing on under the loan would be to rehabilitate, maintain and also improve the roadway especially for safety of all road users,” he explained. Within this road rehabilitation, the Ministry will

be adding in facilities for safe road usage by non-motorised traffic, specifically pedestrians and cyclists, as well as improving street lighting and drainage, and relocating utilities.

The loan also covers the updating of the transport sector plan with provisions for funding two pre-investment studies of infrastruc-

ture works, strengthening of the Work Services Group (WSG) and improving of gender involvement from females through internships at the Ministry.

Road safety also forms a key component of this programme, with provisions put in place to improve the measurement of traffic through more speed cameras and li-

cence plate recognition cameras, as well as road safety awareness campaigns.

“Under the loan, there’s a lot of measures in place to ensure not only there’s adherence to environmental and social safeguards, but also ensuring that there’s continued consultations with stakeholders,” Greene added.

According to Greene, there are more than 62,000 vehicles using the East Bank roadways on a daily basis, with 26 per cent of that being truck traffic.

Traffic congestion

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill emphasised the need for the development of this corridor as traffic congestion is a major issue, adding that the Ministry is taking a comprehensive approach towards this project.

“This project entails fixing some other ancillary roads, the bridges and culverts and structures to ensure that we get a comprehensive approach,” Edghill said.

He added that this project is also crucial as the country’s tourism sector expands, with the country seeing some 660,000 arrivals last year.

“We are developing our tourism potential. We are working on establishing our ecotourism activity and lots of that will take place along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. It really is good for [to] facilitate that,” Edghill said.

“I believe US$100 million investment is a worthwhile investment, because it’s an investment towards the development agenda of a massive transformation that is taking place in Guyana,” he said.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill at the launching on Tuesday

Energy mixer encourages...

Also present at the AmCham event were representatives from member companies, including ExxonMobil Guyana, Baker Hughes, MACORP, Halliburton, Mid Atlantic Oil and Gas, Guyana Logistics and Support Services,

Expro Guyana, Scotiabank, Excel Guyana, N&S Algoo, PS Shipping & Customs Brokerage, BM Enterprise, Kojac, IRP Fire and Safety Guyana, Praetorian Executive Protection Services, TechnipFMC Guyana, ActionINVEST

FROM PAGE 11

Caribbean, Arrow Oilfield Services, M Sookhai & Co, Bechtel Limited, V-Net Communications, MBW Energy Support Services, Republic Bank Guyana Limited and Guyana Oil & Gas Support Services.

“Sir Mars” laid to...

But on their way to that location, a misunderstanding arose between them and a scuffle ensued.

The murder accused related that, during the argument, he picked up a bottle and struck Mars to the head, but in retaliation, Mars collected a knife that was in the car and attacked him. He alleged that he managed to relieve Mars of the knife, and in turn, stabbed him several times.

He further told investigators that after receiving the stab wounds, Mars brought the car to a stop at a location in Providence, EBD, then exited from the driver’s seat and walked to the back of the vehicle.

Richards said while he was trying to retrieve his phone, which had fallen in the car during the scuffle, his hand touched the lever and accidentally put the car in reverse, ultimately crushing Mars. After re-

FROM PAGE 17

alising that Mars was motionless, he said, he panicked and fled the scene.

He was later charged and appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce for the capital offence. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge. He was represented by Attorney-at-Law Bernard DaSilva and was remanded to prison until June 23.

The preliminary inquiry (PI) into the matter will commence on August 7. (G9)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Refuse to let anger or interference distract you from your goal. Rise above criticism, adjust whatever isn’t working and keep a low profile until you can offer a flawless presentation.

(March 21-April 19)

Harness your skills and implement changes to make your life easier. Don’t put up with what or who holds you back. Set guidelines and take the road that satisfies you. Romance is apparent.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Set a path that takes you to your destination. Leave nothing to chance or up to someone who isn’t invested in what you are trying to achieve. Momentum is what you need.

Do your best and see what happens. Take care of responsibilities. Be adventurous and let your imagination work overtime. What you discover will pave the way to success.

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Stand still, observe and evaluate your options. A creative experiment will help you get ahead. Present your intentions to someone you trust, and the help you receive will speed up the process.

You’ll see things clearly and be able to identify how to take advantage of an opportunity. Help others or call on those who can help you. Put together a team that shares your standards.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Don’t take unnecessary risks. Concentrate on what you can do to improve your home life. Use your imagination; what you decide to do will help you find your niche and teach you much.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

You’ll attract people who can offer information and guide you to a better place or lifestyle. Promising partnerships will lead to stability, a better understanding of what’s possible and a timeline to finish what you start.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Don’t share your ideas with anyone likely to interfere with your plans. Work alone to avoid overspending, and go the distance by taking your idea a step further than the competition.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You are in a better position than anticipated. Leave no room for failure, take care of all the details yourself, and alter where and how you work to maximize productivity.

Don’t stop because someone pulls out of a promise. Anger will slow you down, but taking ownership and following through with your plans will get you where you want to go.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Your insights about earning or investing money will be spot-on. Selfimprovement projects will help build confidence. Your precise sense of timing will be crucial.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

YESTERDAY'S WORD --

Tata IPL 2023: Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians…

Stoinis brings the muscle in Lucknow's thrilling victory

Mthe first half of IPL 2023 with a shoulder injury. In fact, Lucknow Super Giants' head coach Andy Flower had "written him off" for the season. Still, LSG didn't release him and bring in a replacement player.

On Tuesday night, Mohsin repaid that trust. Chasing 178 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Mumbai Indians needed 11 from the final over, with Tim David and Cameron Green in the middle. Mohsin, though, denied Mumbai's big-hitters. Bowling a mix of hard lengths and wide yorkers, he conceded only five, to take LSG closer to the playoffs.

Earlier, Marcus Stoinis had scored an unbeaten 89 off 47 balls - his highest IPL score - to lift LSG to a competitive total on what looked like a difficult pitch to bat on. After being sent in, they lost three early wickets, but Stoinis and Krunal Pandya revived the innings, before Stoinis went berserk at the death. He smashed 44 off his last 12 deliveries.

Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma started the chase at rapid pace, adding 90 in 9.4 overs, but Ravi Bishnoi dismissed both to

give LSG an opening. With Suryakumar Yadav getting out cheaply - scooping on to his stumps - and Nehal Wadhera struggling, the home team were suddenly favourites.

Mumbai needed 30 from the last two overs. David hit Naveen-ul-Haq for two sixes to reduce it to 11 from six

Behrendorff’s early wickets

With LSG bringing in Naveen for Kyle Mayers, it was Deepak Hooda who opened the innings with Quinton de Kock. But the move didn't work. After be

nings, Hooda charged Jason Behrendorff in the next over. It turned out to be a slower one, and Hooda mistimed it to David at mid-on.

Prerak Mankad then bagged a firstball duck, edg ing Behrendorff to Kishan, but De Kock and Krunal took

Piyush Chawla

de Kock caught behind off a googly. It was the fourth time this IPL that Chawla had picked up a wicket with his first ball of the match.

LSG revived Stoinis and Krunal then took control of the innings, and used the dimensions of the ground to their advantage: Stoinis targeted the short boundary, and Krunal placed the ball in long pockets to pick up ones and twos. The pair took the side to 100 in 14 overs, but by then Krunal was feeling discomfort in his leg, and eventually retired hurt for 49 off 42 balls.

Stoinis in Hulk mode

on, but if you yourself some got much easier. Kishan didn't need any sighters, though. He hit three fours and a six in his first 12 balls. Rohit faced just four balls in the first three overs. In the next three, he smashed three sixes to power Mumbai to 58 for no loss. It was the highest powerplay total of the season in Lucknow.

balls, but Mohsin's excellent over sealed a crucial win for

International football…

ing dropped off Chris Jordan in the second over of the in-

the side to 35 for 2 at the end of the powerplay, before

Inter reach first Champions League final since 2010

InterMilan have reached the Champions League final for the first time in 13 years, with Lautaro Martinez's goal sealing victory over fierce rivals AC Milan at San Siro.

Three-time winners Inter, who led 2-0 after the first leg, will face either Manchester City or Real Madrid in Istanbul on 10 June, after a disciplined second-leg display ensured their progress.

Heavily backed at a feverish San Siro as the designated home team, Inter were made to absorb early pressure, as a determined start by Milan ensured the match began at a frenetic pace.

Theo Hernandez fired marginally over with a ferocious strike, and Brahim Diaz was denied by Andre Onana, as Stefano Pioli's side attempted to undo the damage done by conceding two goals inside 11 minutes last week.

The talented Rafael Leao, absent for Milan in the first leg because of a thigh injury, displayed flashes of inspiration on his return, but shot agonisingly wide of the far post, after driving in from the left.

Inter asserted themselves as the first half progressed, and the tie would have been effectively over before the interval, had it not been for Mike Maignan's stunning reaction save from Edin Dzeko's closerange header.

ball under Maignan and into the bottom corner with 16 minutes remaining, to send the Inter fans into raptures. The full-time whistle was greeted by a deafening noise as Inter's first shot at Champions League glory since their 2010 success was confirmed.

Disciplined Inter handle occasion to reach final Simone Inzaghi was happy to accept that Tuesday's second leg represented "one of

the same 11 that arguably should have ended the tie as a contest a week earlier. He and his players would have expected a different match - including an intense start from their historic rivals - as they returned in front of a feverish 80,000-strong San Siro crowd to play out the conclusion of the first Milan derby in European competition for 20 years.

That was exactly what they faced, as seven-time winners Milan pressed for an early goal in an attempt to ignite a mem-

orable comeback, with Diaz and Leao both going agonisingly close. However, they had to rely on goalkeeper Maignan to keep alive their hopes at the other end of the pitch, with the alert France international also producing a superb stop to deny Nicolo Barella, before seeing the offside flag raised.

But any hopes of a late fightback were extinguished by Martinez's well-taken finish, and for just the second time ever, the Inter supporters were able to enjoy a fourth win over Milan in a single season, as their side comfortably managed the closing stages.

Inter will go into the final against Real Madrid or Manchester City as underdogs, and they will require a near-perfect performance to overcome either. But Inzaghi's side will be quietly confident of causing an upset, having not trailed in any knockout-stage match in this season's Champions League, and keeping a competition-leading eight clean sheets.

When is the Champions League final?

The 2023 Champions League final, featuring Inter Milan and either Manchester City or Real Madrid, will take place in Istanbul, Turkey on 10 June at 20:00 BST. (BBC Sport)

Stoinis was on 45 off 35 balls at the end of the 17th over when he went on a rampage. He hit Jordan for three fours and two sixes to take 24 runs off the 18th over, then he hit Behrendorff for back-to-back sixes off his slower balls, before wrapping up the innings with yet another maximum off Akash Madhwal.

Mumbai gets a great start

At halftime, Stoinis said the pitch was not easy to bat

LSG fight back It started with Bishnoi breaking the opening stand by dismissing Rohit, and then removing Kishan in his next over. Mumbai were still ahead in the game, but a couple of quiet overs pushed the required rate above ten. With 63 needed from six overs, Suryakumar scooped Yash Thakur onto his off stump.

Two overs later, Nehal Wadhera's laboured innings - 16 off 20 balls - came to an end when he pulled Mohsin to deep-backward square leg.

Vishnu Vinod didn't last long either, leaving David and Green to get 33 from 14 balls. David put Mumbai ahead once again with a 19run penultimate over, only to be denied by Mohsin in the end. (ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Lucknow Super Giants (20 ovs maximum)

BATTING R B

Deepak Hooda c

David b Behrendorff 5 7

Quinton de Kock †c †

Ishan Kishan b Chawla 16 15

Prerak Mankad c †

Ishan Kishan b Behrendorff 0 1

Krunal Pandya (c) retired hurt 49 42

Marcus Stoinis not out 89 47

Nicholas Pooran not out 8 8

Extras (lb 5, w 5) 10

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.85) 177/3

Did not bat: Ayush Badoni, Naveen-ul-Haq, Ravi Bishnoi, Swapnil Singh, Mohsin Khan

Fall of wickets: 1-12

(Deepak Hooda, 2.1 ov), 2-12

(Prerak Mankad, 2.2 ov), 3-35

(Quinton de Kock, 6.1 ov), 3-117*

(Krunal Pandya, retired hurt) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Jason Behrendorff 4-0-30-2

Chris Jordan 4-0-50-0

Hrithik Shokeen 3-0-20-0

Piyush Chawla 3-0-26-1

Akash Madhwal 4-0-30-0

Cameron Green 2-0-16-0

Mumbai Indians (T: 178 runs from 20 ovs)

BATTING R B

Ishan Kishan †c Naveen-ul-Haq

b Ravi Bishnoi 59 39

Rohit Sharma (c) c

Hooda b Ravi Bishnoi 37 25

Suryakumar Yadav b

Yash Thakur 7 9

Nehal Wadhera c sub (K Gowtham) b

Mohsin Khan 16 20

Tim David not out 32 19

Vishnu Vinod c Pooran

b Yash Thakur 2 4

Cameron Green not out 4 6

Extras (b 4, lb 1, nb 2, w 8) 15

TOTAL

Chris Jordan over

The Inter Milan supporters celebrated their victory inside San Siro long after the full-time whistle

Mohsin Khan is congratulated by team-mates after his final over

Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League 2023… Trinbago Knight Riders appoint Phil Simmons as new head coach

Trinbago Knight Riders

(TKR) have appointed former West Indies coach Phil Simmons as their new head coach. He replaces Abhishek Nayar, who is currently the assistant coach for Kolkata Knight Riders.

TKR, the most successful team in the history of the Caribbean Premier League, with four titles, finished bottom of the league stage last year, and failed to make the playoffs for the first

time. Simmons has previous coaching experience in the CPL as well, and in his most recent stint, he won the title with Barbados Royals, who were then known as Barbados Tridents.

Simmons has had two stints as head coach of West Indies, with his most recent one ending with their tour of Australia in December last year. He then went on to coach Dubai Capitals in the inaugural season of the

International League T20, leading them to the playoffs.

"As captain, I'm very excited to have Coach Phil with us. We have a great chemistry working together as a pair," Knight Riders captain Kieron Pollard has said. "We've done it in the international scene, and it's great that we are getting the opportunity to work for TKR. Hopefully, this combination will bring smiles and some exciting results back to TKR," he

International cricket… Archer ‘distraught’ after being ruled out of Ashes summer, says Rob Key

Jofra Archer has been left “distraught” after yet another injury nightmare saw him being ruled out of England’s entire Ashes summer with a new stress fracture in his right elbow.

Archer has not played Test cricket for more than two years, but had high hopes of returning to face Australia after a long and arduous journey that has seen him undergo several bouts of surgery on his elbow, as well as a stress fracture of the back, which derailed his planned comeback last year.

The 28-year-old is now facing another extended period on the sidelines, and there must now be grave doubts as to whether he would ever again be available for the demands of the five-day format.

He made his first tentative steps towards full recovery earlier this year, featuring in England’s limited-overs tours to South Africa and Bangladesh, but his body has once again broken down, following a stint in the Indian Premier League. Archer appeared just five times for Mumbai

Indians, bowling 20 overs in total, and made a mid-tournament visit to Belgium for further treatment on his elbow.

He reacted angrily on social media when news of that trip was reported in the media, and managed to bowl at express pace after returning to the IPL. But he was sent home injured soon afterwards, and England’s worst fears have now been realised.

He was seen as a key figure in ruffling Australian feathers, as he did during his Test debut at Lord’s in 2019, when an unforgettable duel with Steve Smith left the batter concussed by an unplayable bouncer.

Rob Key, Director of Men’s Cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board, said: “He’s got another stress fracture in an elbow that’s been trouble for a long time.

I’m hoping at some point Jofra deserves a bit of luck with this, because the poor lad is pretty distraught about what’s happened, and it’s only just happened recently. You just hope that luck turns for him at some point, as I’m sure it will. I’m

sure we will see Jofra back to his best, and winning games for England, whatever the format.”

Whether he has a chance of featuring in October’s ODI World Cup, helping to defend the title he delivered in 2019 by closing out the super over in the final, remains to be seen.

Archer’s stellar abilities with the white ball, allied to his long history of fitness problems, means there have been longstanding worries over his Test career.

Key made it clear he has no concerns around the player’s desire to succeed with the red ball, but accepted it was impossible to predict how the future will now play out for him.

“Sometimes you get the feeling that the people think he’s going to go down the white-ball road and he’s not going to be interested in Test cricket, that there’s other things on his mind that come first. That’s absolutely not the case,” he said.

“He is desperate to play all forms of cricket. He’s been desperate to play Test cricket as well, and I hope that he gets the chance to do that.

“But, at the moment, all

added.

Apart from the West Indies, Simmons has coached Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan.

Republic Bank CPL 2023 gets underway on August 16, with Knight Riders playing their first game on August 19 against

cricket’s been too much for his body to cope with, and we need to get past that. You just hope that down the line he will over come this, that body will get robust enough to be able to deal with the rigours of everything. I wouldn’t sit here now and rule any thing out.”

It seems fanciful to think his modest workload in the IPL has forced an injury that would not have happened had he been playing firstclass cricket with Sussex, where he would have bowled more in a solitary LV = County Championship fixture.

Even so, Key has promised to pore over how England managed his return to playing over recent months. “We’re going to look at every single thing we’ve done,” he said.

“Everything we’ve done has been what we thought was the right thing for the player first – not actually for anyone else – to say what’s the best way for him to be able to have the best career

he can possibly have.

“The fact is that he’s not been able to bowl more than four more overs without feeling any sort of pain; so, regardless of the way that we’ve gone, whether it’s been right or wrong, I don’t think I’d change anything.”

Archer played the last of his 13 Tests against India in February 2021, and went on to have two separate operations to try to resolve the stress fracture in his elbow. He has since missed two T20 World Cups, including

Western Tigers elated with Elite League opening victory

we had one mentality to come out and grab three points, but the goals flowed as well, so I think it’s a boost for us, entering this league,” Kellman shared with media operatives following the game.

England’s victory in Australia in October, as well as the previous Ashes tour Down Under in 2021-22. (Sportsmax)

the first game of the 2023 Guyana Football Federation (GFF)- KFC Elite League tournament, Western Tigers FC humiliated Milerock FC in a 10-0 affair.

Following the entertaining display against that

Linden team, midfielder Curtez Kellman, who also added his name to the scoresheet, described the massive win as a boost for his team.

“Definitely! You know, this is what we came out to do as a unit. The first game,

Quizzed about the preparation of the West Ruimveldt-based outfit, Kellman noted that it has been affected by inclement weather, but the team remained committed. The Golden Jaguars midfielder explained, “I mean, it’s a short notice. We have been preparing, but the weather hasn’t (permitted) us to train as we usually do, but preparation has come. Whenever we get a chance to work, we do so; and you see the players put out the intensity in the session and we work hard as a team because we know our aim for

this.”

Kellman went on to share his team’s optimism of doing well in this year’s Elite League. “I think so. Yes!

Definitely! In the group, we have a mixture of older folks along with young players as well, and that cohesion will help us to compete in this league,” Kellman said about Western Tigers’ chances of topping the Elite League this time around.

Western Tigers’ next game is against Buxton United Football Club on Tuesday at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground at Camp Ayanganna. That match is set to begin at 19:00hrs. For the third round of the League, Western Tigers will oppose Victoria Kings at the Eve Leary venue on Tuesday, May 30th.

Western Tigers (blue) have started the Elite League season with a resounding victory

Phil Simmons

England’s Jofra Archer is out with an injury

10-member team off to South American U20 Games

…Met with Sport Minister as part of new protocols

Aten-member team heading to the South American U20 Games were the first to engage in new protocols being explored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) in regard to athletes representing Guyana abroad.

The athletics team earlier this week met with Sport Minister Charles Ramson prior to their departure for Bogota, Colombia, and are expected to meet with the Minister upon their return. The athletes were accompanied to the meeting by President (ag) of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Amanda Hermonstine, and officials who would travel with the athletes. The new protocols for travelling teams were agreed upon by sport

associations following the CARIFTA Games fiasco last month.

The team competing in Colombia includes CARIFTA Gold medalist Tiana Springer (200M, 400M), Karese Lloyd (100M, 200M), Erin Leitch (Long Jump), Ezekiel Newton (100M, 200M), Jaheel Corvette (100M, 200M) Wesley Noble (800M) and Isaiah Trim (High Jump). Officials accompanying the team are Manager Kenisha Headley, Coach Johnny Gravesande, and Massage Therapist Akeem Stewart.

The team’s travel to Colombia has been supported by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS).

The games will run from May 19th to 21st.

West Indies ‘A’ tour of Bangladesh…

Chanderpaul, McKenzie set the pace before rain ends Day 1

from 42 balls) looked good at the crease, before he was caught behind off the bowling of Mushfik Hasan.

Mushfik Hasan and Saif Hassan, who got

McKenzie, were the two Bangladeshi bowlers to pick up wickets on the day. Rain ended the day’s play prematurely in the final session of the day, with West Indies A ending

on 220-2 off 68 overs. The match will resume on Wednesday (today) at 9:45am Bangladesh Time (11:45pm Tuesday Eastern Caribbean Time/10:45pm Tuesday Jamaica Time).

West Indies Academy

standout Kirk

McKenzie was given the opportunity to partner Test opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul for the opening stand in the West Indies ‘A’ team’s first outing of the Bangladesh tour. Both left-handers produced half centuries in a fruitful partnership of 130, which has set the platform for the visitors to get a solid first inning score on the opening day.

SCOREBOARD

West Indies A 1st Innings

BATTING R B

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

not out 70 190

Kirk McKenzie c Nayeem

Hasan b Saif Hassan 86 124

Raymon Reifer c

†Jaker Ali b Musfik Hasan 26 42

Alick Athanaze not out 35 52

Extras (lb 2, w 1) 3

TOTAL 68 Ov (RR: 3.23) 220/2

Yet to bat: Gudakesh Motie, Jair

McAllister, Kevin Sinclair, Akeem

Jordan, Brandon King, Joshua Da Silva (c)†, Yannic Cariah

Fall of wickets: 1-130 (Kirk McKenzie, 39.6 ov), 2-160 (Raymon Reifer, 51.6 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W Musfik Hasan 11-3-15-1 Ripon Mondol

Captain Joshua Da Silva won the toss and decided to bat first.

McKenzie made 86 from 124 balls a variety of exquisite shots in his first first-class knock outside of the Caribbean.

Chanderpaul closed the day on 70 not out from 190 balls, as he played his usual anchor role which has brought him success.

Raymon Reifer (26

Sport Minister Charles Ramson and DoS Steve Ninvalle met with athletes and executives of the AAG earlier this week

Tagenarine Chanderpaul celebrating his half century

Kirk McKenzie also hit a half century