Guyana Times -Friday, October 13, 2023.pdf

GAWU confers posthumous award on late Ashton Chase P13 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5521

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

Gas-to-Energy Project

Take advantage of dry season – Pres Ali tells contractors Page 3

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“Today is a culmination of years of P15 hard work, sacrifice and dedication” – new lawyer on Bar admission

...over 500 directly employed in various aspects of project

Draft Gas Utilisation Plan completed – VP Jagdeo ...to be published for consultation Page 7

4-year-old Fire inspection suffers report of Mahdia fractured skull dorm was not after beating from addressed immediately – fmr REdO drunken stepfather Deadly Mahdia fire CoI

Page 12

Unattended P12 toddler drowns during outing at Paruima Falls Prosecutor pushes for P19 hefty sentence for wife-killer

Page 11

Fire guts home of Reg 2 RDC Councillor Page 9

Stockpile of over 30,000 tonnes of aggregates causes damage to Providence Road Page 12

Berbice Fire Department overwhelmed with over 130 reports of fires for October P9 Cocaine found P8 onboard "Mathieu" loaded at sea – CANU intelligence ...vessel departed Guyana with clearance from MARAD

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gas-to-Energy Project

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, October 13 – 03:30h-05:00h and Saturday, October 14 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, October 13 – 15:50h-17:20h and Saturday, October 14 – 16:15h-17:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine is expected during the day interrupted by early afternoon showers with instances of thunder. Clear skies are expected at night.

Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 15:52h reaching a maximum height of 2.62 metres.

Low Tide: 09:29h and 21:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.64 metre and 0.55 metre.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2023

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Take advantage of dry season – Pres Ali tells contractors …over 500 directly employed in various aspects of project

A

s preliminary works progress on the much-anticipated Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project, President Dr Irfaan Ali conducted a site visit to get an update on the various components of works during which he told contractors that they needed to take advantage of the current dry season in order to get the project moving.

“You have to push a bit more during this dry season, because the weather is cooperating fully now. One of the good things is that you’re already off the ground, so the weather may not affect you, but you have to make full use of this current condition,” the Head of State charged during his early-morning visit on Thursday.

President Ali spoke with several contractors carrying out different components of works on the Project at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

During the visit, he

President Dr Irfaan Ali with GAICO CEO Komal Singh and other staff at the wharf facility

dated during the day.

Meanwhile, over at the gas facility site, about two kilometres away, earthworks are currently being undertaken.

While the US$759 million contract was award-

The Gas-to-Energy Project site where earthworks are ongoing

was updated on the progress of the US$25 million Nismes wharf and laydown yard development being built by GAICO Construction and General Services Inc to support the gas facility.

The wharf facility, which is located on the Demerara River, will be used as an offloading site for all the equipment and materials that will be brought in for the construction of the GtE Project, which will feature a 300-megawatt power plant and an integrated Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant at Wales.

According to GAICO Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Komal Singh, the wharf is completed to a stage where it can be used.

“The way the wharf is at this point in time, it can be used. Vessels can moor up in from here. There are bollards also to tie up the vessels when they come up,” he noted.

According to Singh, dredging at the wharf front is 80 per cent complete. Currently, they have a depth of five metres, but the plan is to go to six metres. Additionally, lights will have to be installed at the wharf site, so currently vessels can only be accommo-

ed to US-based partnership CH4/Lindsayca for the construction of the two plants, various aspects of the projects are being executed by sub-contractors.

The Project Manager for the earthworks informed President Ali that they were currently engaged in stockpiling activities at the site where the gas facility would be built.

“Basically, in this area, the soil needs to be further consolidated, so that construction can be robustly built on top of it. That will demand stacking sand all over… to a couple of metres in most of the areas.

“The sand will be used

to level the [surface and to] make the surcharge that will further consolidate the soil and then on this, the piles will be driven and the structures would be safely constructed for the Gas-toEnergy Project,” the Project Manager noted.

Ali further questioned the project official about the timeline for these earthworks to be carried out, and in response, the Project Manager indicated that the surcharge would be ready for construction work to commence in mid-2024.

“Middle to first half of the year or maybe somewhere around August. There is no exact fixed date, because there are still some designs and calculations going on…

It depends on how the surcharge will go and how the soil will react, we will have a good approximation, but this is always contingent on the actual conditions of the soil,” he explained.

Upon completion of these earthworks, Lindsayca will then take over for the construction of the power plant and NGL facility.

Currently, there are over 500 workers directly involved in the various aspects of the project and more are expected to be brought on as the work progresses.

With a timetable to deliver rich gas by the end of 2024 and the NGL plant to be online by 2025, works are progressing on getting the proj-

ect off the ground. As such, US oil giant ExxonMobil is expected to source the materials and the pipeline, so that they are available for when construction starts later this year.

Some 220 kilometres of subsea pipelines will run from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil, and land on the West Demerara shore, where another 25 kilometres of pipe will run to the Wales Development Zone (WDZ).

The pipeline would be 12 inches wide, and is expected to transport per day some 50 million standard cubic feet (mscfpd) of dry gas to the NGL plant, but it has the capacity to push as much as 120 mscfpd.

When it comes to the construction of a combined cycle power plant, this will generate up to 300 megawatts (MW) of power, with a net 250MW delivered into the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) grid on the East Bank of the Demerara River.

The US$900 million GtE Project will have a 25-year lifespan and is expected to employ up to 800 workers during the peak construction stage, as well as some 40 full-time workers during the operations stage, and another 50 workers during the decommissioning stage.

(G8)

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

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

El Niño

G

uyana’s Hydrometeorological Department has predicted a period of decreased rainfall, which could last for another six to 12 months; and as a result, the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) has begun sensitization programmes in all Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), as the country prepares for El Nino. For its part, the Hydromet office has said that, come next month, there will be increased rainfall; but until then, the extreme dry weather will continue.

As we continue to experience El Niño, which is intensifying, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) should also have a more robust campaign to educate the general public on water conservation. Only a mere six days ago, the water company appealed to the coastland, and more particularly the hinterland regions, to conserve water and report wastages where they occur. This should have started months ago.

Many years ago, when Guyana had extreme El Niño conditions, the now President of Guyana, President Dr Irfaan Ali, when he was at the time Housing and Water Minister, had said that despite depleting water resources, citizens were not serious about conservation; they were still wasting the commodity. This prompted him on a large-scale campaign to save water.

At the time, even alarming drops in the water levels in the East Demerara Water Conservancy and the Lamaha Canal, and threats of water shortage and rationing did not curtail extravagant usage.

At a recent training of Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) officials in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), CDC Director-General, Colonel (ret’d) Nazrul Hussain, is quoted as saying that the commission has been travelling countrywide and documenting feedback from its engagements as it relates to each region’s preparedness for any eventuality. To quote him, he said that awareness and preparedness “are two key words…and there is an education and informative process through short presentations on how El Nino can affect the population in terms of lives and livelihood.”

Water conservation, then and now, is an issue Guyanese are still to embrace. Our propensity to waste water may be largely attributed to GWI’s approach to the issue. There have been, and continues to be, considerable losses in the distribution systems, and unsatisfactory response to leakage reports are communicating to consumers that wastage is not a grave concern to the authorities. We must admit that there has been great improvement over the years at GWI. However, the precious commodity is still being lost due to leakage.

If consumers are to be more serious about conservation, GWI must first set an example. The company can no longer tolerate inefficiencies in its water distribution systems, and the resulting loss of revenue associated with it. Increases in pumping, treatment, and operational costs make these losses prohibitive. With a high-priced operation, the utility is losing valuable financial resources when volumes of water are lost through leakage.

A leak detection programme can be highly valuable, as it encourages people to think about water conservation before they are asked to take action to reduce their own water use.

We believe that the public must be encouraged more to conserve, but its efforts are still inadequate.

It is very challenging to convince Guyanese of the importance of water conservation. We feel, however, that more results would be achieved if authorities show consumers how serious they are about conservation by reducing leaks across the country. Then it may strategically target sections of the population with its message. The utility company’s educational programme should also include teaching children to conserve is crucial. However, despite its importance, it does not lessen the need for a nationwide public education programme to get the entire population to understand the concept and put it into practice. The utility may also want to dispel myths about Guyana’s water resources during its campaigns.

President Dr Irfaan Ali received a courtesy visit from the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman ahead of the CanadaCaricom Summit next week. During a brief interaction, the discussion focused on Guyana’s vision and position on current pressing regional issues and strengthening bilateral relations

President Ali has vowed to defend Guyana’s territory against Venezuela Dear Editor, On Saturday, September 23, 2023, something incredible took place in Guyana that did not happen when His Excellency Dr. Ali officially became President of the country three years ago. And many, including yours truly, were baffled when it was announced that President Ali briefed the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Aubrey Norton, on the new threats to Guyana’s sovereignty from the Maduro regime in Venezuela.

Despite Mr. Norton’s refusal to shake President Dr Ali’s hand on more than one occasion, it did not bother His Excellency, who cast aside partisan politics, put the country’s interest first, and acted like a mature statesman to discuss with the Leader of the Opposition Venezuela’s ominous warning to use force to prevent the Ali administration from auctioning the oil blocks.

Frankly speaking, Maduro’s ill-conceived and baseless intimidatory tactics are meant to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty and its right to develop its resources to benefit its almost 800,000 citizens. However, at the United Nations’ annual general meeting of Heads of States, a confident President Dr Ali rebuffed the Maduro regime for its vile and foreboding threats to use force against Guyana.

President Dr Ali did not only display statesmanship in communicating with the Leader of the Opposition, who has been antagonistic

towards him since he was sworn in as President on August 2, 2020, but has also exhibited courage and buoyancy by putting the country and its people ahead of self and discussing the menace posed by Venezuela.

President Ali has steadfastly and resolutely maintained that the oil blocks are within Guyana’s legally defined and internationally recognized boundaries, which were settled in the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899. His position has been supported by the Commonwealth of Nations, the United States, and our friendly neighbours in Caricom and the Organization of American States; all of which have rejected Venezuela’s illicit threats and called on Caracas to respect international law as well as await the decision of the International Court of Justice.

Instead of adhering to the advice of the United States and our neighbours, the Maduro regime is currently making plans to hold a national referendum on the border controversy. Not to be left out, South America’s economic and military powerhouse, Brazil, through its Ambassador in Guyana, has reiterated the urgent need for a peaceful solution to the border dispute through diplomacy and the International Court of Justice.

However, following the briefing by President Dr Ali on the current developments on the border issue, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Norton, congratulated

His Excellency and affirmed the Opposition’s firm support for Guyana’s long-held position: that the Arbitral Award of 1899 settled the border dispute, and that Essequibo belongs to Guyana.

Mr. Norton also reassured President Dr Ali that despite their differences on governance and politics, everyone in the Opposition is united in supporting the Government on all measures aimed at protecting the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Further, Mr. Norton indicated to the President that the Opposition fully supports the view that Guyana has the legitimate right to undertake all economic activities within its territory, opposes and condemns all forms of aggression

by Venezuela, and welcomes the unwavering support of the regional and international communities to protect the country’s borders against the aggressive Maduro regime.

While His Excellency was gracious and cordial with the Leader of the Opposition, and thanked him for his support, he was exceedingly blunt with the Venezuelan regime when he declared that the people and Government of Guyana will not be intimidated by, or be made afraid of, the hollow threats made

by President Maduro. His Excellency vowed to defend Guyana’s territory and sovereignty at all costs, and by all necessary peaceful means.

In highlighting the new threats posed by the Maduro regime against Guyana, President Dr. Ali

has done a brilliant job in amassing immense support from our Caricom and Latin American neighbours, the Commonwealth of nations, the United States, and South America’s economic and military powerhouse, Brazil -- which has warned the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela of the need for a peaceful resolution to the border dispute, and that any attempt to use force against Guyana would threaten peace and stability in the region.

While other presidents have received support on the border dispute, President Dr. Ali is perhaps the first Head of State to receive unanimous support from several international and regional organizations and heads of states on the border issue. In the face of the ominous threats from Venezuela, His Excellency has displayed quintessential grace and strength.

It is said that an authentic leader is real, genuine, compassionate, visionary, and one who is dedicated to a cause that is greater than self. And a hero refers to those who are brave, determined, inspiring and have a strong conviction.

It is the belief of most Guyanese that President Ali is endowed with all the above qualities. Not to mention, he is a formidable leader who is standing up to Venezuela, and regardless of political affiliation, we should support him in these challenging and difficult times.

Sincerely, Asquith Rose

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

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

Response to misinformation peddled in a published article Dear Editor, There have been several false claims in a published article titled “Manganese company sifting gold non-stop at Matthews Ridge”, and also on a televised programme on his Social Media page.

Please allow us to address those claims in chronological order, as follows: 1.

Our Guyanese employees are involved in all aspects of our operation. In fact, most of our departments are headed by Guyanese; e.g., Workshop, Mines, General Affairs, Warehouse, and

Security.

All our operators and drivers are Guyanese, and are involved in mining, milling, transporting and loading of manganese from the mine to the ocean-going vessels at the mouth of the Waini River.

2. The manganese ore is basically crushed and washed in our process plant, so there are absolutely no mechanisms in place to capture gold or “separating mills”, as is claimed by the article.

3.

Last year GMI shipped 107,230 tons of manganese ore, and paid to GGMC

royalties of G$21,450,000.

4.

Our fleet of trucks consists of forty 25-ton trucks, and not 60 tons as reported by the article 5.

The loading of the manganese barges is totally done by our Guyanese operators, both at Port Kaituma and at the transshipment point at the mouth of the Waini River. Guyanese are also employed on the barges as Able-Bodied Seamen.

6.

We are unaware of whether GWI is importing manganese for the purpose of water purification, but that

would be their management’s decision.

7.

The ships can only be loaded with the quantity of manganese ore that is available for export, due to our haulage bottleneck from Matthews Ridge to Port Kaituma. So as to save on the cost of the chartered vessel and to utilize the space available, bauxite may then be loaded onto the same vessel at the Waini Point, and not at Linden. These vessels are compartmentalized, or have different hatches so that the manganese and bauxite are

separated. GGMC and customs officers are involved in the loading process.

Our operation is inspected on a quarterly basis by GGMC. This inspection ranges from safety to environmental issues. There is no part of our operation that is inaccessible to our local employees or GGMC; we have nothing to hide.

In closing, Guyana Manganese Inc is not a gold mining company, and is absolutely not involved in the extraction, processing or exportation of gold.

We view this publication as an orchestrated attack on our company. In fact, Kaieteur News has, in the past, written several derogatory articles about GMI without seeking clarification or comment from the company.

The Company had taken a position to not lend any credence to these articles, as they were based on falsehoods.

We hope this brings some clarity to this issue and exposes the article's misstatements.

Guyana Manganese Inc

The operations at the GFS Dear Editor, Recent events have caused me to rethink a decision that I made: not to comment publicly on matters pertaining to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

I came to this position after a careful survey of both the external and internal dynamics affecting the Department.

Coming out of this survey, I thought it was the wise thing to keep my comments private, since it would be construed by the public that I was defending the GFS; and, on the other hand, the members of the department would construe that I was being too critical.

Clearly, from the above, it is my belief that the Department had its ups and downs in the recent past, which I dare say is not a surprise. Any trained, experienced, and honest firefighter would admit to this, since it's not unusual; it's the nature of the job.

No two fire scenes are the same. The fluidity prevailing under these conditions demands optimum levels of conduct and performance from firefighters, machinery, and equipment. Anything less would result in the ire of the public being unleashed, and rightly so.

This has now brought me to my change of mind and the reasons for commenting on issues pertaining to the Guyana Fire Service. On the matter of Fire Tenders' arrival at fires without water in the tank, it has been brought to my attention that there exists a letter threatening dismissal if this happens.

The Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) of the GFS instructs that water tanks on Fire Tenders (including those not working) must at all times be filled. All drivers and crews, whenever taking over or handing over such a vehicle, must ensure the tank is filled with water. Failure to do so has always been met with strong disciplinary actions, inclusive of dismissal.

However, there is always an unguarded or unexpected situation. The GFS, in its humanitarian role, supplies water to various entities during periods of water shortage. If after doing so, and before the tank is refilled with water, there is the need to respond

to a fire, the crew would be forced to seek open water supply from nearby trenches on arrival at the scene of the fire.

Further, whenever arriving at a large fire, even if the tank is filled with water, it would be downright incompetent to go into action using the tank supply, knowing it is inadequate. Seeking open water sources is the SOP in such a situation. This has been explained repeatedly by the GFS, but sections of the public refuse to accept it.

In regard to the letter threatening dismissal, I hope these factors are taken into consideration.

Now for some remarks in response to recent fires which attracted adverse comments from both members of the public and the media. My aim is not to debunk or challenge any of those comments, because, in all honesty, some may have merit. My purpose here is to bring more clari-

ty to some of the issues and challenges faced by the GFS. Having served 38 years as a firefighter, let me say that firefighting is a highly unique skill: danger, stress, tension, and both mental and physical fatigue all combine with other occupational hazards to confront a firefighter when on a fire ground. Please note that I have ignored the public and the pressure they bring with their presence.

To adequately cope under these conditions, a firefighter requires a large degree of CONFIDENCE. This is a fundamental tool for him/her at a fire scene. Unfortunately, it doesn't come easy. Confidence in a firefighter comes through optimum training, the possession of adequate equipment, and competent leadership on the fire ground. As a former head of this noble organization, I have maintained contact at all levels, and the feedback has caused me to believe that these are

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not at the required levels.

Kudos to the GFS for its expansion with new stations around the country.

However, what about the capacity to deal with this challenge? It's embarrassing to hear that there were no pickaxes and sledgehammers on a first-out fire truck. The quartermaster’s stores ought to be adequately stocked. These items can be acquired locally.

Further, fire trucks and equipment should be standardized, making it easier for personnel effectiveness upon transfer to other locations.

I recall that while coming through the ranks, the GFS's competence level was second to none in the Caribbean.

There was a structured training programme catering to all levels. It included both local and overseas training. The UK, Canada, the US, and later Japan, were where these

training institutions existed (1st World).

The then upper management of the Department was exposed to the highest levels of technical and leadership skills, resulting in a qualitative Incident Command System at local fire scenes.

From recent reports, this seems to no longer be the norm. My sources have indicated that in many cases there is no central command at major fires.

Instructions/orders come from different quarters, including those with no firefighting experience, which only complicates and worsens the situation.

I would recommend that GFS revisit the training of young officers overseas, especially in the UK, because of the historical connections.

Fire Engineering is a fluid science. The Department

needs to keep abreast for it to maintain its professionalism in this field.

Budget for at least two officers being trained each year. This will help tremendously in closing the existing gap.

Finally, activate the structural training assets at Leonora. Conduct live (fire) training employing the use of breathing apparatus sets and other firefighting equipment regularly. Involve all, especially those firefighters in remote locations. Exposure to this training would improve their confidence level, which is clearly lacking, and consequently also benefit the organization. Thank you.

Lawrence O David, DSM Chief Fire Officer (Retired)

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions Question 1

Thursday’s answers Figure 5

BY MARY ROSE O’REILLEY

In the northwest corner of Dakota, I saw a room someone had left, a plush sofa returning its buttoneyed stare to the glance she gave it over her shoulder, the dog, too, turning. In the next room, the mattress, with mattress stories one after another tumbling out of each spring, the window she opened first thing, its vista of mile after mile, and the windmill hauling its load.

I saw that, and nothing alive— green oil-figured linoleum laid on counters, nails of bad craft, the ripped blackening edge that scared her more than the bed and the sound of the windmill winning its will from the aquifer night after night, the whack of her blade on the block.

There are houses with too many knives sometimes she said,

1b) Figure 6 will have 11 buttons 1c) Figure 10

but when June ferned its way in she’d relent, take on its restraint, heave again on the stained sheets her burden of child, herself a torn girl again, combing her hair through fingers bruised by corn shocks, sweet juice in the cuts of her life.

She began to think of the border and mustangs without brand. At night they’d bend over the bed and nuzzle. One ride was enough.

She had sufficient magic to cling to a mane and fare over the windowsill. I see where the curtain fell and nobody mended the tear, I see where bare feet marked like fossils her pass in the rain.

Stab a potato force and motion experiment In this fun and easy force and motion science experiment for kids, we’re going to stab a potato with a straw.

Straw Potato

Materials:

Instructions:

Hold the straw in your writing hand.

Place your thumb over the top end of the straw.

Make sure your hand holding the potato is out of the way.

Now thrust the straw straight into the potato with one strong push.

The straw should stab into the potato without bending.

How it works:

Your thumb will trap air inside

the straw. By trapping the air, the air molecules will compress and give your straw strength that keeps it from bending as you stab it through the potato.

Make this a science project:

Try this experiment with different sized straws. Try this experiment with other vegetables and fruits. (sciencefun.org)

When he uncovers fiddleheads by the spring, why does he always think of that first sight of her thigh in the peachcolored dress, of his hand’s searching moss with its redgold stamens, the spring in that arid landscape like something from Canaan under his tongue? Even in old age he’d ponder the moment, lying under the moon forgiving himself, her, the world that bred their conundrum, washed in that rain.

Source: Poetry (March 2007)

WORD SEARCH

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Draft Gas Utilisation Plan completed – VP Jagdeo …to be published for consultation

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo has disclosed that the National Gas Utilisation Strategy has already been drafted and will soon be made public for consultations. He made this announcement during his weekly press conference on Thursday.

“We have also received the draft Gas Utilisation Strategy and hopefully, by next week it will be out in the public domain for consultation,” Jagdeo related.

Previously, the Vice President had promised that once the Government got through the first wave of reforms on future oil contracts, attention would be placed on this strategy.

Back in August, he had indicated that the focus

of Guyana’s national gas strategy would be looking at ways to monetise its gas reserves. He noted that the Government would be exploring the market with the aim of monetising excess gas reserves from offshore activities.

“So, we started now activating that and we’ve started looking… [to] see what interest there is in the market because if we await just Exxon moving at its own pace – this might not be a priority project for them, but for us monetising the gas reserves, probably building a petrochemical industry, maybe LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) that could yield significant value to Guyana… so we’re turning our attention to

those issues also,” the Vice President had stated.

In the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, US oil giant ExxonMobil and its co-venturers have found some 17 trillion cubic feet of gas – about a quarter of the 11 billion barrels in oil equivalent found. The Pluma and Haimara discoveries are proven gas fields.

Currently, the Aliled People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration is pursuing its model Gas-toEnergy Project, which 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 (WBD).

The multibillion-dollar transformational project will see gas being piped from the Liza Field in the Stabroek Block to Wales via pipelines that will be procured, installed, and operated by Exxon to the tune of US$1 billion.

Based on studies conducted, ExxonMobil would be able to produce up to 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mscfpd) of gas for this initiative without impacting oil production activities offshore.

Currently, Exxon reinjects the gas in order to maintain the pressure of producing oil wells.

The Guyana Government has already declared its intention to monetise the

country’s largely-untapped gas resources found offshore, which it said would help to open up new opportunities for trade and energy security between Guyana and its bilateral partners.

The National Gas Strategy, which is expected to be done later this year, will guide on the best way possible to do this. It will examine, among other things, the type of gas found, the economics of getting it out, the market, and also verify whether anything else can replace the gas to maintain the reservoirs.

The Government has already requested Exxon to prepare a utilisation plan this year for developing the gas discoveries.

The US oil giant had previously said that significant discoveries were made further to the southeast towards the Suriname border, where there is a higher gas

content in the fields that it has developed so far.

With significant gas discoveries also made offshore the Dutch-speaking nation – in Block 58 off the coast of Suriname, the Guyana Government believes there is a greater possibility for the two South American neighbours to pool resources for joint gas development.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has already been talking with his counterparts about establishing an energy corridor between Guyana and its two neighbours in the east, Suriname and Brazil.

In fact, the three nations have already held several discussions on combining to create an energy corridor and unlock the potential for a series of manufacturing and industrial developments.

However, while Brazil is already an established

oil producer and Guyana is nearly four years into producing oil, Suriname is not expected to have its first oil production until 2027.

Hence harnessing its gas resources would not be possible until then.

During a previous press conference, VP Jagdeo had made it clear that Guyana’s rapid progress would not be stymied.

“We’ve had talks about common infrastructure for joint exploration and joint development if it makes the project more viable.

But we’re not going to be constrained by the pace at which another country operates. But along the road, if we have a commonality and they move at the same pace – because you know we don’t need to be shy about the pace at which we’re moving… we will explore with any country,” the Vice President declared. (G8)

8 NEWS Labourer gets 2 years for malicious damage to property charge FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– student released on self-bail for similar offence

Sentenced: Shameer Juman

Charged: Alliah Gilliard

Wednesday slapped with a two-year sentence for a malicious damage to property charge.

Juman appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him and he pleaded guilty. He was accused of damaging the property of Egerton Baptiste on Sunday last at Diamond New Housing Scheme.

After the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge, the Magistrate imposed the jail sentence.

Meanwhile, Alliah Gilliard, 21, a student nurse of 19th Avenue,

Diamond Housing Scheme, was charged with a similar offence.

Police stated that the act was committed on property belonging to Michelle Laurie on Friday last at Diamond.

Gilliard appeared before Senior Magistrate Scarce at the Diamond Magistrate's Court, where the charge was read to her and she pleaded guilty with an explanation.

Following the explanation given, the young woman was released on self-bail and was ordered to return to court today, Friday, October 13, 2023.

F Cocaine found onboard “Mathieu” loaded at sea – CANU intelligence o r t y - nine - year -old Shameer Juman, a labourer of 13th

Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was on

…vessel departed Guyana with clearance from MARAD

I

n light of the recent discovery of 1000 kilograms of cocaine in a Guyana-registered vessel in the Atlantic Ocean

by Spanish authorities, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Thursday evening stated that the vessel “Mathieu” departed Guyana with the necessary clearance from MARAD. “There is strong intelligence that the vessel was loaded at sea coupled with the fact that when intercepted, there was equipment on deck that was used in the transfer of heavy cargo while at sea, as seen in other seizures,” the Unit said.

As such, Guyana is maintaining operational silence, including a media blackout deliberately, as this is an ongoing investigation on both sides of the Atlantic.

“We can say without fear of contradiction by our international partners that Guyana played an integral part in this operation and continues to be part of the ongoing investigation since it involved a trans-Atlantic drug trafficking network,” CANU stated.

The release further stated that the operation was one of a number for the year in which Guyana has played a crucial role that has resulted in the seizures of several tonnes of cocaine and the arrests of several individuals.

These operations, CANU stated, involved the transfer of drugs at sea using vessels that passed through our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and in one case,

The vessel “Mathieu” being escorted by Spanish authorities

the vessel collected cargo in Guyana and was then loaded with cocaine after it departed our waters.

The drug enforcement body contended that these operations were all coordinated with international partners, and it was a demonstration of the Government’s willingness to work to ensure that the country does not become a transshipment hub for narcotics, as well as the confidence in our law enforcement agencies to do complex operations of this nature.

“Guyana’s reputation as a place to avoid when trans-shipping drugs grows with every interdiction; these ‘drug busts’ are the best indicator of the true situation of the narco-trade in Guyana, and there is nothing to be gained by public gloating over present victories and possibly revealing information that would

be useful to narco-traffickers in their evolving efforts to avoid detection,” CANU added.

Meanwhile, it further stated that the Government of Guyana remained committed to improving relations with its partner nations in the fight against narcotics trafficking.

As a result, the Government has dedicated significant resources as well as both demand and supply reduction efforts to effectively address, disrupt, and dismantle these drug trafficking networks, winning the war on drugs one battle at a time.

It was reported that agents of Spain’s National Police and Customs Surveillance of the Tax Agency had seized some 1000 kilograms of cocaine off “Mathieu”, in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Verde.

Four Guyanese and two Albanians were arrested and transferred to the Fulmar Tax Agency patrol boat and the vessel was towed to the Port of Arrecife, the main port facility for Lanzarote, which is one of the Canary Islands off the coast of West Africa administered by Spain.

The vessel in question is registered in the Port of Georgetown and was sailing without a flag at the time of the interception.

The operation was carried out jointly with the Portuguese Judicial Police in collaboration with the Spanish Navy and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of the United States, which warned of the existence of an international criminal organisation that intended to transfer a large amount of cocaine from one ship to another on the high seas.

Silence of the…

I

…darkness

f there’s one positive aspect of the blackouts that have returned – with a vengeance – it’s the welcome silence that descends upon the land when the lights go out!!

Frankly, your Eyewitness has actually plotted all sorts of devious schemes to take out his neighbour - who insists on blasting his “music” until some very unholy hours of the morning!! Your Eyewitness used those scare quotes over the word “music” because the fella has a fanatic affinity for pumping out sounds that are more loud pounding noises bereft of any melody!!

But just when your Eyewitness is about to execute one of his carefully hatched plans -- as he climbs his wall that is actually vibrating with the booms as if with a knife -- the raucous cacophony is cut, and a blissful silence descends over the neighbourhood. OK…so your Eyewitness’s fans also conk out with the blackout, and the hot air they were circulating in a futile attempt to stave off the Saharan heat that has enveloped his dear mudland for months settles over his sweaty body!! Talk about jumping from the frying pan into the fire!!

But seriously, folks…about these blackouts. Obviously, because of the aforementioned heatwave, even the dogcatchers are installing air conditioners to survive. And they all pull electricity like there’s no tomorrow. But could the Government have predicted this heatwave?? A decade ago, they’d predicted that our overall electricity needs would’ve increased as their development plans kicked in – and announced a plan to address that need: the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project (AFHEP)!!

Remember that?? It was gonna generate some 165MW of power that would kill two birds with one stone – take care of our power needs, and simultaneously replace our polluting diesel-fuelled generators!! The developer was identified (Sithe); the construction company (China Railway First Group (CRFG), as well as the financing (the Chinese Development Bank). But at the time we had the Opposition with a majority in Parliament, and they snarled that if they were to get into office – which they did in 2015 - they’d scuttle the deal!!

And the developer Sithe – a subsidiary of the worldclass Blackstone Group – walked away, since they felt the political risk was too high. So, dear readers, if you wanna blame anyone for the blackouts – it’s the Opposition APNU and AFC!!

AFHEP was going to be the strategic move that any country’s electricity sector demands. Just buying generators - as we’re now forced to do - ain’t gonna cut it. There are the distribution lines and systems that are just as critical.

As it is, the resistance by the Opposition and the Woke Brigade over the Wales Gas-to-Shore Generating Plant – which is now our best bet for energy security – is criminal at best!! …naysayers During the 2020 elections campaign, the PPP promised to create 50,000 jobs by 2025. The Opposition and their lackeys scoffed and snickered so hard they almost choked to death!! Well, they must be wishing they’d croaked, because as the years passed, Government moved inexorably closer and closer to their promised goal! And yesterday it was announced that – with one and a half years to go, 50,000 jobs had been created!! How sweet it is!!

Because, you see, dear reader, while we mightn’t have solved the problematic of poverty yet –the sustainable way to do so ain’t by giving handouts. It’s by providing jobs.

Handouts create a culture of dependency – the recipients experience their lack of agency as a debilitating blow to their self-esteem. Whether we like it or not, we’re living in a neoliberal world, and success is defined by our achievements.

Receiving handouts ain’t no achievement!! We still have a far way to go, but salaries inevitably would be raised due to the present labour shortage. …Opposition to oil Seems the Opposition knew about the reduction of the expenses claimed by Exxon before the firestorm broke.

But they’re dancing between the raindrops by blaming the PPP (local politics) yet keeping on Exxon’s good side (intl. politics”)!

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

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

NEWS

9

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fire guts home of Reg 2 RDC Councillor

Residents at the scene after the fire was contained

A

fire of unknown origin completely gutted the home of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) member Verena Rasheed on Thursday evening.

Based on reports received, the fire started about 19:30h in the upper flat of the two-storey wooden and concrete building located

at Queenstown, Essequibo Coast.

Guyana Times understands the Councillor is currently overseas but her husband Adam Rasheed, and one of her sons, Javid Rasheed, were occupying the house. The duo were reportedly out and upon returning home, they observed smoke emanating from the ceiling of the building.

Upon seeing this, they reportedly panicked and raised an alarm. The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was contacted and arrived at the scene and sprang into action almost immediately. However, despite their efforts, the house was completely gutted.

There was no time to salvage any household items owing to the intensity of the

blaze and its rapid spread, with the house being engulfed within minutes.

It is suspected that the fire might have been electrical in origin, but this has to be confirmed by the Fire Service. There were no reports of injuries.

The family also owns the Jaz Lumberyard and Supplies, but according to reports, the firefighters were able to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings. An investigation is underway.

Just last week, a fire devasted a three-storey building at Lot 33 Lyng Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, leaving at least 15 homeless. Days after the fire, on Friday, the Fire Service stated that the blaze had been caused by a slack connection to electrical points which caused overheating.

In a statement following its investigation, the GFS said this resulted in a breakdown of the installation, leading to arcing and sparking and the subsequent ignition of

nearby combustible materials.

Firefighters, fire trucks, water carriers, and ambulances from the Central, West Ruimveldt, Alberttown, Campbellville, and Eccles

cluding a television set, a stereo set, and a refrigerator were also badly damaged. Other items, including another TV and a fan, and several windows and walls were slightly scorched.

Berbice Fire Department overwhelmed with over 130 reports of fires for October

Visibility is obscured as grass continues to burn at Brighton, Corentyne

A

s grassfires continue to erupt in Berbice, the Fire Department is being faced with several challenges, according to Station Officer Shannon Crawford, who works from the New Amsterdam Fire Service.

In an engagement with the press, Crawford said each fire has its own challenges, including the location of the fire and the risk and danger - including smoke danger - to residents and livestock.

Nevertheless, he is assuring that the Department would approach each fire as needed.

He said the Department is called out on a daily basis to deal with grassfires, and for September, the Department responded to 60 grassfires in West Berbice, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), while another 36 were in the New Amsterdam area, and an additional 57 occurred in Central and Upper Corentyne areas.

For October, the Fire Department has thus far responded to 131 calls, making it 650 calls for the year to date, he said.

“It is at an alarming rate, and should be of concern to everyone, because fire safety is everyone’s business. And so, we all should be very con-

cerned about this,” he said.

He pointed out that the prevailing dry spell brings with it an elevated temperature, and persons are as such advised to be extra careful, since the conditions make it easier for vegetation to be ignited.

A grassfire that erupted shortly after 13:00h on Wednesday at Brighton Village on the Corentyne Coast continues to burn currently; the western half of the Stanleytown Cemetery in New Amsterdam has had a grassfire, and the New Amsterdam Municipal dumpsite is still a cause for concern, he explained.

“Some of the major fires that are confronting us are: the Stanleytown Cemetery; the two municipal dumpsites; the New Amsterdam Municipal Dump Site. That fire started since September 18, and it has been propagating continuously, and we also have the Rose Hall Municipal Dump Site. That, too, has been propagating for a while.

What has happened at these two dumpsites is that the fires have undermined, because of the amount of garbage that was built up over the years, and you have gases that are there. So, it is

very difficult to extinguish,” Crawford pointed out.

As it relates to the dump site in New Amsterdam, he related that the Department has had to make regular visits there. “We are still looking for solutions with other stakeholders to kill that situation,” he added. Some residents say the thick smoke emanating from the grass has forced them to leave their homes.

Crawford is calling on residents to cooperate with the Fire Department and with officers when they are on the ground in operation.

He noted that the Guyana Fire Service Facebook page has advisories in relation to grassfires and bushfires.

The aftermath of the fire

Fire Stations were all part of the operation to contain and extinguish the blaze and to provide assistance to anyone who suffered injuries as a result.

By the time the fire was extinguished, the building and its contents were destroyed. Also affected by the fire was a building located at Lot 34 Howes Street, Charlestown, which suffered severe damage to a section of the southern internal wall. Several appliances within the home in-

Two additional buildings, a motor car and a motorcycle were also damaged as a result of radiated heat.

To prevent electrical fires, the Fire Service is urging persons to not overload outlets, to refrain from using illegal connections, to desist from putting electrical wires over curtains, underneath rugs or pinning them behind furniture and to plug heat-generating appliances directly into an outlet, not into a power strip or extension cord.

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CPG members trained to tackle TIP-related issues S

everal members of various Community Policing Groups

(CPGs) in several regions are participating in a twoday training exercise on hu-

man trafficking, facilitated by the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit of the

Human Services and Social Security Ministry.

The transformative

CPG members during the training

training is being held at Regency Suites October 12-October 13, 2023, bringing together dedicated individuals from various regions, to foster a united front against the scourge of human trafficking.

The event commenced with a comprehensive review of the legal framework surrounding Counter-Trafficking in Persons, courtesy of Cindy Sankar from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Sankar's insights and expertise shed light on the crucial laws and regulations that underpin the fight against human traf-

ficking, equipping attendees with the necessary legal knowledge.

The Coordinator of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit, Tanisha Williams-Corbin emphasised the critical importance of this training initiative.

She underscored the impact that CPG members could have in identifying and combating human trafficking within their respective regions. WilliamsCorbin's dedication and passion for this cause resonated throughout the event, inspiring all in attendance.

“Each year we try to extend our reach to CPG, because we do appreciate your invaluable contribution towards fighting crime and also assisting us with issues across Guyana…,” Williams-Corbin said.

“I want to underscore the importance of you being here today. It is important that us, as stakeholders, do this, because we are all in the fight against human trafficking. It is important that you understand what human trafficking is, you have a very good understanding of it, you are able to identify the indicators of human trafficking and more importantly, you are able to assist victims of human trafficking you come into contact with.”

The training saw officers from Regions One, Two, Three, and Four benefiting. They have committed to tackling human trafficking at the local and national levels.

This cross-regional collaboration further strengthens resolve to protect the most vulnerable members of our society and bring the perpetrators of human trafficking to justice.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry's overarching mission to prevent, prosecute, and protect against human trafficking in all its forms.

The Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit remains dedicated to raising awareness, providing support to victims, and working in close partnership with various stakeholders to eradicate human trafficking.

NEWS

11

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Deadly Mahdia fire CoI

Fire inspection report of Mahdia dorm was not addressed immediately – fmr REdO

Former Regional Education Officer for Region 8, Annesta Douglas

A

lthough the former Regional Education Officer (REdO) in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) Annesta Douglas received a fire inspection report on the Mahdia Secondary School dorms in February – months prior to the tragedy, it was not addressed with the urgency it required.

During Thursday’s public hearings conducted by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the fatal Mahdia dorm fire, Douglas revealed that she was preoccupied with other tasks and was not able

to give the report immediate attention, despite being urged to do so by its author, Officer-in-Charge at the Mahdia Fire Station, Ryan Scott.

In fact, Thursday’s hearing was the first time she perused the document altogether.

During his testimony last week, Scott had explained that his report detailed a number of deficiencies within the Mahdia facility, including a lack of fire alarms, smoke detectors, and exit signs, and the concerning presence of grilles on the

windows.

“Mr Scott delivered this report [among other reports] to me on February 7, 2023.

I received them and placed them into my urgent [pile] on my desk. When Mr Scott brought the report, he said to me, ‘Let’s see what we can do with the recommendations’,” Douglas recalled.

“So, it was there and I continued to work, because it’s a lot of work – we’re always understaffed and I continued to work,” Douglas said, noting that her duties at the time involved managing budgetary allocations, supervising schools, and training teachers within the district.

The following day, Douglas was informed of her reassignment to Georgetown, requiring her to hand over her duties to an incoming REdO in a matter of a week.

This was not the first time Douglas was transferred or reassigned and she stated that it brought her significant mental stress, thereby further preventing her from taking the fire inspection report into account.

“I put [the report on my desk], because I had lots of things I was doing. So, I had it there, hoping to maybe get

Deputy Regional Executive Officer for Region 8, Shaun Britton

an opportunity [to address it], but at that time…my focus shifted from the report to handing over the department in one week,” Douglas said.

She further explained that the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Peter Ramotar, who she reported to at the time, was out of the region, therefore affecting her ability to pass the report through the required chain of command.

Yet when prompted on her ability to instead deliver the report to the Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO), she was unable to recall if he was present at

that very time.

However, on Douglas’s final day as REdO in Region Eight, it was to DREO Shaun Britton she handed over responsibilities, during which she was able to present a handover statement and the documents she had on hand.

“When I was handing over to Mr Britton, I went through a number of documents. Some were not listed [in the handover statement], but they were right there. He signed over the office – the keys, the staff, everything and that [Fire Inspection Report] was handed over,” Douglas said.

Douglas, however, did

not specifically discuss the report with Britton or highlight its urgency.

When Britton later testified on Thursday, he explained that he was unaware of the fire inspection report until after the tragic May 21 fire occurred.

“This document was not part of the folder, it was not part of the handover, and none of the documents looked like it. The first time I saw this document was the day of the fire. When I received the call inquiring about this document, I started my own probe to find out whether or not a document like this really existed and if it was submitted to the office or not,” Britton said.

Unable to find a copy of the document within the Regional Education Department, Britton had managed to receive it directly from Scott.

If the report had been brought to his attention prior, Britton explained that he would have engaged with a regional engineer to conduct a site visit and prepare a bill accordingly, after which he would have determined how to accommodate the necessary improvements. (Pooja Rambaran)

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Stockpile of over 30,000 tonnes of aggregates causes damage to Providence Road T

he Public Works Ministry on Thursday sought to fix the massive destruction caused to Red Road, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) after a section of the road suddenly bulged more than five feet above surface level.

Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill and his team conducted an assessment of the roadway, making a preliminary pronouncement of the cause of the unusual occurrence.

“We have a bulge that has taken place that has raised that road almost between six and eight feet in some places.

My engineering team has examined what is taking place, and believes that it is as a result of the weight of the stockpile of aggregates that is on

Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill

the extension of the parking lot of the stadium that has caused the movement of the earth,” Edghill said.

Some 150 metres of the road were destroyed, as the total tonnage of aggregates in the stockpile amounted to

30,000. In order to ensure repairs are executed, the Public Works Minister advised that traffic along the roadway be restricted.

“The weight of the stockpile needs to be redistributed. That activity has started; the team is here moving the weight of the stockpile into different areas, so as to redistribute. We have already mobilised two emergency contractors who will be arriving on the scene shortly,” Edghill said.

“The equipment will begin to work, and the intent is that we'd have to do a full reconstruction of this section of the road,” Edghill said.

He noted that prior to the team beginning any digging, they will be engaging the Guyana Telephone and

Destruction of Red Road

Telegraph Co. Ltd. (GTT) and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to ensure there are no fibre optic cables that may be damaged in the process.

“For full disclosure, the

stockpile is maintained and owned by the Ministry of Public Works. So, we’re not blaming any agency for it, it's a Ministry of Public Works stockpile,” Edghill said.

“Lessons will be learned

from this, and you will agree with me that you have passed here before and you've seen stockpiles of aggregate and stone at this very same area before. This is an unusual event,” Edghill said.

Four-year-old suffers fractured skull after beating from drunken stepfather

P

olice are on the hunt for 29-year-old David Josiah, who allegedly beat and injured his 4-year-old stepson Travis Morrison at Parika Facade, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), on Sunday evening.

Police have said that on the day in question, at about 23:50h, Josiah went home under the influence of alcohol and a heated argument erupted between him and his common-law partner, Rebecca Premdas. This quickly escalated into a fight in the presence of the 4-year-old and his elder brother, thus causing them to run out of the home to seek assistance.

However, upon seeing the two boys running away from the home, the suspect went after them, and eventually managed to hold the 4-year-old, whom he dealt several blows to his body and head before he left the scene.

At about 08:00h on Monday, Premdas went to Parika Police Station with the injured child and reported that her son had fallen down the previous night, and that the suspect had never hit him. She was issued a form to seek medical attention for herself and her child.

At about 16:00h on Monday, checks were made for the suspect in Parika Facade, but he could not be found. “Several persons were questioned, and useful information was received. Continued efforts are being made to locate the suspect, whose whereabouts are so far unknown. No photos were obtained or any other address for him,” the Police have said.

Injured: 4-year-old Travis Morrison

At about 10:00h on Tuesday, Premdas returned to the Police Station and informed the Police that her son was admitted as a patient at West Demerara Regional Hospital. She added that he had to undergo a CT scan. As a result, a detective made checks at the said medical institution, and this information was confirmed.

At about 10:30h on Wednesday, the woman reported that her son had suffered a fractured skull and had to be hospitalised.

An investigation is underway, but the suspect is yet to be arrested.

Unattended toddler drowns during outing at Paruima Falls

T

he lifeless body of a toddler was pulled from the Kamarang River, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) hours after he went missing on Wednesday.

The dead child has been identified as one-year-old Romeil Delgado of Paruima Village, Upper Mazaruni Village He reportedly went missing about 18:00h on Wednesday at Top Side Paruima Falls, but his body was recovered about 23:50h the same day.

Upon the discovery of the body, it was examined

by a nurse who observed a piece of the penis was missing. It is believed to have been bitten by a crab or fish.

No other marks of violence were seen on the body.

Based on reports received, the child’s mother, Yasmin Delgado, 21, about 13:40h on the day in question, along with her boyfriend, her brother and several children, went to the Kamarang River to bathe.

There were five children in the group, including Romeil.

While there, Delgado told her brother to watch over her son and left him lying on

the sand at the river's edge while she went to check on her two-year-old daughter, who was sleeping in a hammock some 50 feet away.

She returned to the riverside about five minutes later only to discover her son missing. When she enquired about his whereabouts, her brother and her boyfriend claimed that they had not seen the child. As such, an alarm was raised and a search was initiated, but the child was not found.

A report was subsequently made to the Police who joined in the search until the body was recovered.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13,, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GAWU confers posthumous award on late Ashton Chase – recognised for his enormous influence in fight for workers’ rights

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) on Wednesday presented a posthumous award to Pauline and Serita Chase, daughters of the late Ashton Chase in recognition of their father’s outstanding and significant contributions in defending workers’ rights and strengthening the trade union movement in Guyana.

The Union had decided to honour the late Chase during its 22nd Delegates' Congress, which took place in August of this year.

However, the award could not be presented at that time.

During a simple ceremony on Wednesday at his Kingston office, GAWU President Seepaul Narine took a moment to reflect on his personal experiences with the late legal luminary.

He spoke about the genuine interest Chase had in the well-being of others, always asking about their families and ensuring they were doing well. Despite his enormous influence, he remained humble and encouraged his comrades to improve their skills and abilities.

Narine recounted numerous instances where Chase stood firmly with the Union, securing numer-

reminder of his significant contributions to the cause he held dear.

The GAWU has a deep appreciation and respect for the late Chase. Chase’s passion for social justice,

his influential writings, and his teachings will continue to inspire and guide workers and leaders as they navigate through new challenges and strive towards new milestones.

The award presented to the two women is a fitting tribute to a man whose lifelong dedication and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the labour movement in Guyana.

Primary school teachers undergo music workshop

Pauline (right) and Serita Chase (centre) receiving the award from GAWU President Seepaul Narine

ous victories and bringing honour and respect to the working class. He described Chase’s contributions as extensive, diverse, exceptional, and everlasting, and he emphasised that they would always be remembered.

Chase’s daughters expressed gratitude to GAWU for recognising their late father’s dedication and hard work.

Pauline Chase shared that her father consid-

ered trade unionism as his life's purpose, and he always put his heart and soul into working for the betterment of workers and political causes.

The late Chase was a staunch supporter of the trade union movement and firmly believed in the principles of the working class.

She related that her family was immensely grateful to GAWU for honouring her father’s legacy, which served as a poignant

The teachers and officials at the opening of the workshop on Thursday

T

he Education Ministry’s Unit of Allied Arts on Thursday launched a Music Workshop on Calypso and the Essentials of Composing for primary school teachers at the National Racquet Center, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

Over the next two days, 28 teachers from primary schools across the country will be exposed to the aspects of calypso and the essentials of composing music with a focus on calypso.

During the opening ceremony, the Head of the Allied Arts Unit, Nicholas Fraser related that the workshop is aimed at fostering an early interest in music in pupils.

He noted that the Unit of Allied Arts has embarked on numerous initiatives to enhance the music programme within the education sector.

This, he added is in keeping with the ministry’s vision to ensure each student graduates secondary school exposed to a TVET subject,

foreign language, musical instrument, and a sport.

However, in brief remarks, the Music Coordinator at the Unit of Allied Arts, Joel Gonsalves stated that the workshop aims to equip primary school teachers with the necessary skills.

He also encouraged the participating teachers to share the information with other teachers in their respective schools while adding that a programme as such would help propel his career.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

billed for October 21 & 22

T C

anje Ground is expected to come alive this evening as Digicel hosts a mega-concert on the opening night of the Berbice

Expo.

With a stellar lineup of Guyanese artistes and the dynamic Shakti Strings band, the show is anticipated to be a major highlight that would set the tone for the weekend of excitement.

“As the exclusive sponsor, Digicel is excited to bring this extraordinary experience to the Berbice community,” the company’s Communications Manager Gabriella Chapman has said. “At Digicel, we believe in connecting people, and this event is a celebration of unity and the joy of bringing people together.

“We’re committed to enhancing community experiences, and are delighted to host this mega- concert to celebrate the power of mu-

S

eishonen Guyana is an arts and entertainment business known for planning FumaCon - Guyana’s leading Anime and Comic convention.

FumaCon was held for the first time on November 27, 2022 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, and it saw close to 2000 patrons in attendance to support over 50 youth-led businesses. The event included scavenger hunts, cosplay competitions and lots more, to the excitement of the patrons.

FumaCon continues to encourage youths to pursue their

sic and togetherness with our valued customers and the entire community in Berbice,” Chapman added.

The star-studded lineup features Vanita Willie, Vicadi Singh, Tony Cuttz, AW Lyrical, and the Berbice community’s very own Carlvin Burnett, and will be hosted by Digicel’s longstanding Brand Ambassador and media personality Casual. The artistes will be backed by the Shakti String Band.

This Digicel Mega Concert is part of the larger expo and trade fair hosted annually in Berbice to celebrate the vibrant culture, arts, businesses and heritage of Guyana. This expo offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide array of exhibits, including special offers from Digicel. The show is slated to commence at 20:00h.

passions and profit from it by creating safe spaces for commerce and entertainment. The team fully supports the local creative arts industry by working directly with artists to develop a unique visual aesthetic.

The second edition of this much-anticipated event will be held this Saturday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

The second floor of the facility will be transformed into a commercial and entertainment hub. The event gets underway at 13:00h and ends at 22:00h.

As obtained last year, the event will feature a variety of young exhibitors showing and selling products and services, such as art, books, clothing, food, jewelry, merchandise, and many other novelty items. Its

he second edition of the “Rockstone Fish Extravaganza” is billed for Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22, 2023.

Dubbed “Rockstone Fish Extravaganza 2.0”, the event is organised by the Rockstone Village Council, and lots of fun and excitement are anticipated. Monetary prizes have been doubled this year, with $100,000 being offered to the winners of the biggest catch and a similar prize being offered to the person(s) catching the biggest fish.

The two-day affair is planned to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience. On the first day, coastlanders would have a chance to camp out in the open air and enjoy several planned activities, including the bonfire, football and volleyball competitions, and a rich cultural presentation.

The highlight of the event, the fish-catching competition, would be held on Sunday, and be followed by a stage show featuring one of Trinidad’s most exciting new entertainers, Yung Bredda, as well as Pimpin

cosplay competition is also regionally recognized for its approach in promoting local cosplayers and costume designers.

The best individual cosplayer will represent Guyana at next year’s Caribbean cosplay championship in Trinidad and Tobago.

Like many other comic cons around the world, FumaCon 2023 has a d d ed new elements in the form of introducing workshops, panels, gaming booths, and a debate room.

Also, for the first time, the organisers have planned workshops based on sword prop craftmanship, special effects (SFX), and calligraphy.

In fact, the Consulate General of Japan in Guyana will be facilitating a calligraphy workshop for children under the age of 12 years.

Seishonen Guyana is deeply appreciative of the support of its

and Hotty.

There would also be other exciting activities in which the entire family could participate, including a cooking showdown, bird watching, and fish cleaning competition.

Those who wish to participate in the “Rockstone Fish Extravaganza 2.0” would have to pay a fee to so do, and a maximum of three persons would be allowed in one boat. The fishing expedition starts at 5:30h on Sunday, and all boats are expected to return by 14:00h for judging and presentation.

There will be stewards on each boat to avoid any conflict that may arise with respect to the respective catch. Those travelling up to Rockstone on Sunday are advised that a small fee would be collected at the checkpoint. The day is expected to be funfilled, with lots of excitement.

Meanwhile, children 12 years and above will pay $1000 as entrance fee, while adults will pay $2500, and vehicle entrance would be $3500.

sponsors towards making this event a truly memorable experience for Guyanese of all ages.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Today is a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice and dedication” – new lawyer on Bar admission

Attorney-at-Law Ramkumarie Ramdass is flanked by Justice Nareshwar Harnanan (left) and Attorneyat-Law Manoj Narayan

I

t has taken Ramkumarie Ramdass 20 years to become an attorney-at-law; and now that she has accomplished this goal, she has called this feat the "culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication."

Attorney-at-law Manoj Narayan presented her petition to practise law in Guyana's courts before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan at the Demerara High Court on Thursday.

Ramdass is one of several Guyanese who graduated from the Trinidad-based Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) last month. She had earned the Legal Education Certificate (LEC), which is the last academic qualification to practise law in the Anglophone Caribbean.

Her path was not an easy one, as is the case for many law students. When Ramdass was worried about how she would pay for her tuition or relocate to a new Caricom member state, her mother Kawalpattie reassured her they would “make it happen."

“I remember the great relief, joy and excitement I experienced on the 1st of September, 2021, when I received a phone call from the Hugh Wooding Law School offering me a place to study for the Legal Education Certificate,” the newly admitted lawyer has said.

But this feeling changed quickly, she recalled. “I also remember how quickly this relief and excitement turned into anxiety and worry the following day, as I scrolled to the bottom of the offer letter to see the fee schedule.”

She started to doubt the size of this investment even though she was aware of the expensive fees from the start.

Without a scholarship or financial aid to fall back on, she began to wonder if this was a wise investment.

With assistance from many family members, she was able to get ahead.

Ramdass told the court that being away from family and being in unfamiliar territory was very daunting, “especially if you follow Trinidadian news”.

However, she said her worries about surviving in Trinidad turned out to be unnecessary, as she was very lucky to have had the best support system anyone could

ask for.

“I had my very own Trinbagonian dream team.

There is my Aunty Jules and Uncle Prak, who are my Trini Mom and Dad at this point.

They have taken me into their home, and they have cared for me and kept me safe,” Ramdass shared with a smile.

Being the first in her family to pursue a career in the legal profession, she did not have the benefit of guidance at her fingertips, but “I had Aunty Ruby on the phone, always checking in on my progress to becoming a lawyer, and ensuring I was on track”, she added.

However, later in her journey to complete law school, she met several lawyers who, according to her, “never hesitated to assist in whatever way possible”.

Ramdass referred to her bar call as a “new beginning”, and pledged to apply to her legal career the same diligence and commitment she had applied in her academic pursuits.

“I intend to exercise as I set out to make my mark in this profession. I will continue to be a student of the law, but at the same time, I recognise that my goal is no longer to achieve good grades; I now have a responsibility to this honourable court, my clients, and to my colleagues. I will take these responsibilities seriously. I will work hard and devote my time and energy to improving the legal system and access to justice, and I will live by the oath that I took…”

After attaining 18 Grade Ones and a Grade Two at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations in 2016, Ramdass went on to complete the Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level in Law, Sociology, and Business Studies at Nations University in 2018.

She attained her Bachelor of Laws (Pass with Distinction) from the University of Guyana in 2021. (Feona Morrison)

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man on trial for 2014 murder of Albouystown businesswoman

Murder accused Malcolm Culley

M

alcolm Culley is currently on trial for the murder of Albouystown businesswoman Sumintra Dinool, who was found dead in her home on June 19, 2014.

Arraigned before Demerara High Court

Justice Simone MorrisRamlall and a jury assembled to hear the case, the accused has pleaded not guilty to murder committed on the woman.

Reports are that, at about 04:00h on June 19, 2014, the son of this 65-year-old woman found her bound and gagged in her residence at Barr Street, Albouystown, Georgetown.

Her bedroom had been ransacked, and her hands and legs had been bound with telephone cord to the rails of her bed.

The media reported in 2014 that a quantity of electronic equipment, including a flat-screen television set and other items, were taken from the home.

However, some cash was reportedly found in the slain woman’s bedroom.

Dead: Sumintra Dinool

According to media reports, the Police had said there was no visible sign of forced entry into the home.

Dinool, a vendor, had lived at this Albouystown property for about 46 years.

The post-mortem showed she had died from strangulation.

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

19

News Prosecutor pushes for hefty sentence for wife-killer

By Feona Morrison

I

n the case of The State vs Wazim Perreira, in which the accused has entered a guilty plea for the murder of his ex-reputed wife, the prosecution concluded their arguments on Thursday by pleading with the court to punish Perreira severely for the "cold-blooded" crime.

Wazim Perreira, a 31-year-old father of two, of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, has entered a guilty plea to a murder charge that indicts him with the 2019 killing of 24-yearold Olivia DeFreitas, the mother of his two children.

Reports are that at approximately 13:00h on September 10, 2019, Perreira visited DeFreitas’s place of abode in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, and requested to speak with her. When the woman refused to entertain his request, he went away, but returned shortly after with a container of gasoline, which he reportedly threw on the woman and set her afire.

As the woman’s loud screams rang out, neighbours ran to her rescue and rushed her to the Georgetown Public Hospital

Confessed killer Wazim Perreira

(GPHC), where she was admitted and treated for second-degree burns to her face, chest, abdomen, and back. She, however, succumbed to her injuries a month later.

When DeFreitas was admitted to the hospital, Perreira had been slapped with an attempted murder charge; but after she passed away, the charge against him was upgraded to murder.

The evidence in the case unequivocally demonstrates that Perriera, by his acts, wanted to kill the woman or seriously hurt her, State Counsel Madana Rampersaud told Justice

Simone Morris-Ramlall.

This is “cold-blooded murder”, Rampersaud emphasised, as she added that Perriera had set the woman on fire in the presence of her then 14-year-old brother.

In describing the couple's tumultuous relationship, the prosecutor said DeFreitas had been compelled to return home to live with her mother, following Perriera's abuse of her.

Despite the fact that DeFreitas had spent several weeks in the hospital, Rampersaud noted that the woman's health had always been critical, because she had 40 per cent of her body burned. Physicians had come to the conclusion that her illness might result in disfigurement and impairment, the State Counsel highlighted in her submissions to the court. In this regard, she said, Perreira’s conduct on the day in question was careless and reckless.

In light of this, she begged the court to take into account an additional set of aggravating circumstances: the seriousness and frequency of the offence, the use of a combustible material, the nature of their relationship, and the frequency of intimate partner violence

ficer.

Dead: Olivia DeFreitas

and domestic violence.

Specifically, Rampersaud mentioned that more women who have left abusive relationships or have threatened to leave have been killed, and as such, a sentence that would serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders is warranted.

A probation report, meantime, revealed that the admitted murderer had a difficult upbringing, dropping out of school and taking odd jobs around his neighbourhood. He started engaging in delinquent behaviour, leading to the residents calling him "smokey", "ill-mannered," and "thief," according to a probation of-

According to the probation officer, Perreira had been previously charged with stealing and wounding, and had frequently got into verbal arguments with his partner's family. However, those matters were settled after Perreira had compensated the victims.

Through victim impact statements, DeFreitas's brother and mother said they miss her. Her mother reflected on the life she had shared with her daughter, and remarked that they had done everything together.

"I grieve a lot for her. Her children miss her," she said.

“I miss my sister,” DeFreitas’s brother cried.

“I’m really sad. I want justice for my sister. I want Wazim Perreira to go to jail for life. Every time I think about what happened, I does get angry.”

When asked by the Judge if he had anything to say, a shackled and handcuffed Wazim Perreira replied, "I am very sorry for what I do to my family, Your Worship." He then turned to the mother and brother of the deceased, who were seated in the courtroom, and said, "Please forgive

State Prosecutor Madana Rampersaud

me".

Meanwhile, Perriera’s lawyer Adrian Thompson, in a mitigation plea, asked the court to temper justice with mercy. In so doing, he emphasized, his client ought to receive credit for his early guilty plea, the time he spent on remand, and deductions for his heartfelt declaration of regret. Given his client’s relatively young age, Thompson said, he has good prospects of being rehabilitated for reintegration into society.

Justice Morris-Ramlall will deliver her sentencing remarks next Monday, before passing a custodial sentence on this killer.

Stakeholders’ stories of Barima Mora passage told through gripping “The March Onwards” documentary

A

s agricultural activity advances countrywide, the Barima Mora Passage – the country’s largest intact mangrove ecosystem, located in Region One (Barima-Waini), is set to undergo development, placing the Indigenous communities and local farmers at conflicting ends of the spectrum.

Through their new film, which is set to be released on Sunday, local documentary company REEL Guyana is seeking to highlight these very stories in what they’ve previously described as a contrasting look at the Indigenous communities who continue to engage in crab-catching activities and preservation of the natural environment, and local farmers who have an opportunity to exploit a state-sponsored drive for large-scale agriculture.

In partnership with the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS), and through the support of Republic Bank, REEL Guyana on Thursday showcased the 25-minute documentary through a private screening at MovieTowne Cinemas

Stephen Grell, Republic Bank’s Managing Director

at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

GMCS Project Director Annette Arjoon-Martins explained that while the area is populated by several Indigenous communities, it consists mainly of Warraus who, as indicated by carbon-testing, have been occupying the area for over 11,000 years.

“The Warraus depend on everything that is found in the mangrove forest for their survival, whether it’s the crab they catch for their main protein source, the non-timber forest products they use for their med-

Annette Arjoon-Martins, Guyana Marine Conservation Society’s Project Director

icine, or the fishes in the rivers and the creeks. It’s what they’ve been using for 11,000 years, and what they need to be able to continue using,” Arjoon-Martins said.

“We also have people other than Warraus who have moved into the area, who also use the resources of the area, (but) not as long as the Warraus have been using it; [and] in some cases, not in a sustainable manner,” Arjoon-Martins said.

Republic Bank Managing Director Stephen Grell commended the documentary, noting that is ensures there is public and institutional

understanding and engagement with the joint needs to conserve this unique ecosystem. “[The film] really highlights the varying ways people value and utilise their resources in order to pursue their livelihoods. Economic development, as important as it is, must be balanced with sustainability. The importance of this grows, as we’ve seen record heat around the world through the month of September,” Grell said.

Notably, the documentary was funded through the Bank’s “Power to Make a Difference” programme, which aims to encourage positive changes within society.

“The power to impact lives and change fortunes for the better is why we make these partnerships. It is why we see it as a worthwhile social investment. It is our fervent hope that this production will raise awareness, and ultimately add significantly to ongoing global climate action initiatives; gain national, regional and international interest; and facilitate advancing the valuable contributions of the Indigenous communities,”

Grell said.

“The March Onwards” will be available to the public

on Sunday at 18:00h on all of REEL Guyana’s social media platforms.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Take a breather and do what's best for you. Ask yourself tough questions and consider what brings you joy. Take responsibility for your happiness, and pursue the knowledge you need.

(March 21-April 19) Don't let an opportunity pass you by, and don't give up on someone or something because it takes work. Put your energy into making a positive lifestyle change. Believe in yourself.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

Explore new possibilities. Consider taking something you enjoy and turning it into a lucrative business. Reach out to people already involved in something you want to pursue. It's time to make a change.

Don't let temptation lead you astray.

Focus on learning and experimenting, and consider positive changes that initiate better and healthier lifestyles. Be careful with your money.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Pay attention to what's happening around you. Be observant, listen carefully and participate in what resonates with you. Refuse to get swallowed up by someone who wants to take charge.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Start something new and exciting or take your work to a higher level. Expand your interests, and be the driving force behind your success. It's time for a change and new beginnings.

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

Don't leave yourself open to criticism. Stick to the truth and build a life that makes you feel good about yourself.

Let your intelligence lead the way and your passion be your drive.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Use your creative skills and imagination to get ahead and stabilize your life, relationships and pursuits. The more you try to do what makes you feel comfortable, the better the results.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Keep your eye on your goal, and network your way to the top. Use your experience and dynamism to approach people who can help you reach your target.

Learn by watching experts.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Pay attention to detail, look at every angle and adjust what you are doing to suit what's current. Be wary of suggestions from competitive people eager to throw you off track.

YESTERDAY'S WORD -- CHARLATANS

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Set up guidelines, a budget and a practical timetable. A steady pace will get you where you want to go without letting outside interference slow you down.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Adjust your routine to fit what's changing around you. Staying current will keep you in the running and ward off competition. Pay more attention to your appearance, health and financial success.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

21

One Guyana Basketball Tournament in full force on Saturday T

he action returns at the National Gymnasium as the One Guyana Basketball Tournament commences on Saturday, September 12th,2023 with three exhilarating games.

The Jaguar Conference with ignite with a winless UG Trojans looking for points, currently being in fifth place. They will be coming up against the Third Place Lodge/ Meadowbrook Nets on 2 points at 17:00h.

This game will then be followed by Two winless sides of the Harpy Conference, both looking for their first win, with Plaisance Guardians currently in Fifth Place seeking to come back after a recent loss coming up against North Ruimveldt Black Caimans sitting in Last

A glimpse of what to expect

Place with a game in hand on at 19:00h.

The GDF Outfit despite facing two defeats will look to secure their first win against a dominant Wortmanville/ Werk-en-Rust Pacesetters

-- who is currently at the top of the Harpy League Conference to close the day’s action at the National Gymnasium.

The tournament will see 14 teams divided into two

conferences, the Harpy Eagle Conference and the Jaguar Conference, with a projected 56 to 63 games.

The tournament will see the teams from the Jaguar Conference and Harpy

Eagle Conference playing the teams within their conference twice with the top four teams qualifying for the playoffs.

The number one-ranked team plays the team ranked

fourth and the number two team plays the third-ranked team.

The winners of the playoff games will then advance to their Conference Finals, where they will play the best two-of-three games to determine who advances to the National Finals.

The tournament-winning team would receive $1 million along with trophies, while the runners-up would receive $500,000 plus trophies.

The Tournament was made possible by sponsorship from the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry; G-Boats Guyana; National Sports Commission, Guyana Basketball Federation, and Georgetown Basketball Federation.

ICC World Cup 2023…

De Kock leads South Africa's rout of Australia I

f South Africa really do want to move through this 2023 World Cup under the radar, they must do better than this. Because in wiping the floor with Australia in Lucknow, winning by a mammoth 134 runs for their second victory in as many games, they have put out one hell of a statement that is impossible to ignore.

As ever, Quinton de Kock made the most noise, crashing 109 up top as South Africa put up 311 for 7 having been asked to bat first. Australia's decision at the toss, and the moves to reinforce their batting with Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis drafted in for Alex Carey and Cameron Green, came to nothing. A lack of impetus with the ball and errors in the field spilled into their chase - dead and buried as early as the 18th over at 70 for 6.

Two straight defeats mean they can afford little room for error in the remaining seven games of the league stage.

It's not news that this tournament will be de Kock's last appearances in the ODI format, but it is worth remembering on nights like these. The 30-yearold is departing the scene at the peak of his powers, following a crisp 100 in the opening victory against Sri Lanka with this classy 91-ball jaunt to three figures. The 13 boundaries - five of them sixes - were crispy as you'd like against some of the most accomplished white ball bowlers on the circuit.

Hundred No.19 was as much a reminder of the stock of a modern limited-overs great, as a word to the wise that South Africa are gunning for their first world title.

As poor as they were, Australia have cause to lament two decisions against them. Steven Smith was given out LBW as an on-field decision was overturned on DRS despite the naked eye suggesting the ball was

on its way past leg stump. Of far greater doubt was the decision to send Marcus Stoinis on his way for a catch down the leg side.

Stoinis' bottom h a n d was off

Quinton De Kock celebrating a 90-ball century the bat when in contact with the ball, with television umpire Richard Kettleborough suggesting it was in contact with the top hand, which did not seem to be the case from the front-on view. Kagiso Rabada was the bowler to profit from both, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 33.

However, it will be far more productive for Australia to

assess their own mistakes, missing an eye-watering seven chances in the first half of this counter. Temba Bavuma was on the right end of three of them.

A top edge on 15 caught Adam Zampa lacking at deep third, b e fore an edge off the leg spinner was missed with the Proteas skipper on 19.

He was then lucky to continue his innings on 31 when a relay catch on the midwicket boundary could not be completed after substitute fielder Sean Abbott's overarm toss back into play went over the head of Mitchell Starc.

Pat Cummins then shelled a caught-and-bowled from Aiden Markram, allowing him to move on from 1 to 56 from 44 deliveries, before two more errors in the penultimate over of the innings; Starc shelled David Miller (on 10) at deep square leg and Stoinis botched a simpler opportunity at cover off Marco Jansen (25). Factor in a spurned run out of de Kock when looking for a single on 22 at the end of the sixth over, and the collective malaise tots up to a galling 170 runs.

The crux of de Kock's assault was the clarity of every shot in anger. The early swing and seam available to Starc and Josh Hazlewood, respectively, lent itself to a quiet start.

The opening batter soon turned up the volume with a flick for six over square leg off the former, followed by a brace of fours, guided then driven square, off the latter, across the fifth and sixth over.

His steady progress allowed Bavuma to go at his own pace, pitching in with 17 from the 53 managed in the powerplay,

then 35 in the overall opening stand of 108 before falling to Maxwell to a catch at deep midwicket. Though Maxwell was able to follow that up with a maiden against de Kock in the 22nd over, the left-hander made amends in the 23rd with a brace of sixes over backward square leg off Hazlewood.

A half-century stand for the second wicket ended with Rassie van der Dussen falling to Zampa, failing to clear straight, where this time Abbott had enough room between him and the sponge to complete the dismissal himself.

Eight deliveries later, de Kock heaved over the leg side for his fifth six to bring up his third ODI hundred against Australia.

With the score 171 for 2 and 20 overs remaining, the threat of an insurmountable total was taking its toll on Cummins, evident when he burned a review against de Kock - on 104 - for a speculative outside edge off his own bowling. But the wicket they craved would come, de Kock trying to force the issue with a reverse sweep that made its way onto his own stumps.

That was the second batter to fall to Maxwell, who would eventually close out his 10 overs without conceding a boundary as they continued to flow elsewhere. Markram and Heinrich Klassen combined to heap more misery on Hazlewood in the 38th, with three boundaries in an over costing 14. The pair brought up another fifty stand - this one off 41 deliveries.

Markram would take as many himself to bring up one of his own in the midst of Zampa's final two overs getting carted for 25.

At that point - 263 for 3 with seven overs to go - Australia began to pull things back with pace-off deliveries. Cummins nabbed Markram with a cutter guided to backward point, then

Klaasen top-edged Hazlewood's slower bumper through to Inglis - both in the space of seven deliveries.

Starc was struck for a six by Jansen, who then skewed over third up in the ring for four.

The left-armer then dropped Miller on 10, having seemingly caught a tough chance at backward square leg only for the ball to pop out as he bumped to the ground. Two balls later, Stoinis shelled an easier high chance at cover for Jansen's life.

Starc would close things out emphatically - Warner catching

Aiden Markram made 56 off 44 balls

Jansen, Miller yorked - in a final over which would reap just one run via a leg bye. Australia looked back in contention with the damage from the final seven overs limited to just 48 runs.

Unfortunately, South Africa's quicks had been taking notes.

And in among the movement with the two shiny new Kookaburras were variations that accounted for Australia's openers Mitchell Marsh and David Warner in seven deliveries up to the end of the seventh over. Marsh skied to Bavuma at mid- off after Jansen got a delivery to stop in the pitch, before Warner slapped a similar ball straight to cover in the second of Lungi Ngidi's two maidens in the first four overs of his 50th ODI. Then came Smith's contentious LBW appeal, having struck two crisp fours off Rabada, who left nothing up for debate when squaring up Inglis to take out the right-hander's off stump.

When Maxwell's leading edge gave Keshav Maharaj a simple return catch, Australia's goose was well and truly cooked at 65 for 5 with 247 still required from 33.5 overs.

A defiant stand of 69 - the second highest of the match was put together by Marnus Labuschagne and Starc after Stoinis fell. The aim was solely NRR preservation, clawing back what pride they could before extra bounce from Jansen and a chip to cover off Maharaj saw another two dismissals.

Cummins and Zampa heaved for 32 more between them, before Tabraiz Shamsi - playing instead of Gerald Coetzee - took two in three, Cummins and Hazlewood skying into the off side, to have something to show for his day.

The moment of victory arrived with 9.1 overs to go. But really, the match was done a long time before. (ESPNcricinfo)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

BCB 2024 Cricket Season…

BCB launches Dr Amarnauth Dukhi inter-club U15 tournament T

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday last officially launched its 2024 cricket season with an Under 15 tournament. Guyanese Neuro Surgeon Dr. Armnauth Dukhi joined hands with the Berbice Cricket Board to launch the Dr. Dukhi Berbice Under-15 Cricket tournament in the Ancient County.

The simple presentation took place in the office of the Brain Surgeon at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Georgetown.

BCB President Hilbert Foster hailed the launching of the tournament as another red-letter day in the recent development of the game in the county, and stated that the tournament would be used as the yardstick in the selection of the Berbice Under-15 inter-county team

for 2024.

The BCB President stated that the Guyana Cricket Board normally hosts the Under 15 Inter-County tournament in late January or early February and as such the county is preparing early. The BCB Under 17 2024 tournament would also be launched shortly with the same objective in mind.

The Dr. Dukhi tournament would be for players born on or after the 1st of September, 2008, and close to twenty teams are expected to participate. The teams would include Bush Lot United Sports Club, Bath Cricket Clubs, Rainbow Generation, Cotton Tree Cricket Clubs, Achievers Cricket Clubs, Tucber Park Cricket Club, Mt. Sanai Cricket Club, East Bank Blazers, Rose Hall Canje Community Centre,

Dr Amarnauth Dukhi handing over the sponsorship cheque to BCB President Hilbert Foster

Guymine Sports Club, Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Port Mourant Cricket Club, No 73 Young Warriors, Upper Corentyne and Radha

Krishna Foundation.

Clubs are encouraged to contact Foster on 657-3571, Leslie Soloman on 621-9474, or Angela Haniff on 333-2375 to register before the 25th of October. Rose Hall Canje

CC had defeated arch-rivals, Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes to win the BCB 2023 Under 15 finals and they would be seeking to defend their championship.

Players like Tameshwar Deonandan, Luke Amsterdam, Nathaniel Ramsammy, Gafoor, Leon Reddi, Rafel McKenzie are expected to dominate this tournament.

The BCB, Foster disclosed intends to have its Under 15 Inter County team ready by early January 2024.

The tournament shall be played 50 overs per side using the red ball, and shall be for Berbice players only.

The winning team would take home $80,000 and the championship trophy, while the runner-up would pocket $50,000 and a trophy.

Foster hailed Dr. Dukhi

for his contribution, and noted that the medical doctor has already committed to assisting in other ways towards the development of the game in the county. He would be financing the construction of sanitary facilities at the NO 69 Viking ground in the Upper Corentyne area, and would also be raising funds under the Dr. Dukhi Trust Fund project. The funds would be used to obtain coaching equipment for junior teams in Berbice.

Dr. Dukhi, in brief remarks noted that he was pleased to be associated with the development of Berbice cricket. A born native of the Upper Corentyne Sub Association, he stated that he was very impressed of the development of the game and was delighted to be of some assistance.

KFC Elite League Cup kicks off Sunday

T

he Guyana Football Federation KFC Elite League Cup will kick off on October 15 with ten top senior men’s clubs vying for glory and more than three million dollars in cash.

The six-week tournament was launched today, October 11, in the KFC boardroom in Georgetown to ensure teams are provided with ample playing time

in preparation for the imminent relegation playoff.

The simple ceremony was attended by GFF President Wayne Forde, KFC Guyana Marketing Manager Pamella Manasseh, GFF Director of Competitions Troy Peters, and players from the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, Santos, Fruta Conquerors, Den Amstel and Victoria Some of the faces to expect as the KFC Elite League Cup rolls out

On the other hand, Group B comprises of Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force, Den Amstel, Victoria Kings and Ann's Grove.

CLASSIFIED ADS KFC’s Marketing Manager Pamella Manasseh, GFF President Wayne Forde, and Competitions Director Troy Peters share a light moment wish the teams every sucKings.

GFF President Forde cess.”

The champions will be said the KFC League Cup boasts an extraordinary awarded $1.5 million while line-up of exhilarating and the second-place team will captivating matches in the receive $1 million. Third place and the fourth-place upcoming weeks.

“The KFC League Cup clubs will receive $500,000 will provide our loyal fans and $250,000.

The tournament will dewith a bonanza of exciting and entertaining match- liver an extraordinary dises over the next few weeks. play of talent, skill and The Elite League team are fierce competition, captivateager to get back to the pitch ing fans and enthusiasts and they have been putting alike.

At the ceremony, KFC in the hard work in preparaGuyana official Manasseh tion for this tournament.”

Opening day will feature said the fast-food chain recan exciting double head- ognises the immense poper with Victoria Kings tak- ularity and ability football ing on Ann’s Grove at 6 has to inspire and unite p.m., followed by a thrill- communities.

“KFC remains fully coming encounter between the Guyana Police Force and mitted to bolstering the Den Amstel at 8 p.m. at the growth and advancement of Eve Leary Sports Ground in football in Guyana. We are eagerly looking forward to Georgetown.

President Forde thanked experiencing an exceptional “the management of KFC level of competition and exGuyana for once again giv- tend our best wishes to all ing our best young talents the clubs involved.

The ten teams participata chance to express theming in the tournament have selves on a national stage.”

“While I am confident been split into two groups. that we will most definite- Group A consists of Guyana Force, Santos, ly witness a few upsets Defence United, Fruta and surprises, I would like Buxton to take this opportunity to Conquerors and Milerock.

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Caption: Evin Lewis and Rashid Khan were teammates at St Kitts & Nevis Patriots last season

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

Severe weather, track resurfacing affected Leonora pitch - Ramson Jr

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A look at the initial sprinkler system set up at the Leonora pitch

ast month, after the final whistle blew in an international encounter between Guyana and the Bahamas, there was much talk surrounding the condition of the surface at the National Track and Field Center (NTFC), that was utilized for the match.

So much so, that the Head Coach of the Golden Jags, Jamal Shabazz, lambasted the poor quality of the pitch.

Now, a month after Guyana’s current, lone international football ground was shown on the world stage in a deplorable state, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson

Jr., has spoken on the issue.

In a visit to the West Coast Demerara ((WCD) facility on Wednesday, Ramson Jr. shared a reason for the ground’s state while revealing that work has commenced to rectify such.

“Work has already started to commence in relation to that,” Ramson jr. informed media operatives on Wednesday morning.

He went on to reveal, “We had some severe weather conditions in the last six months that has affected all of the facilities in the country. In fact, many grounds, they’re struggling majorly and then also, because we had closed the facility

during the time when the resurfacing was happening, that was some of the challenges we were facing. But we’re committed to seeing that we get this part of it up to scratch so that wouldn’t become an issue again.”

Currently, a small sprinkler system has been constructed on the football pitch and while some of the greens are returning, some patches remain.

According to a separate source at the facility, a more permanent sprinkler system and a rolling will go into the restoration work.

In the meantime, while some may believe that the Guyana National Stadium,

Providence can be the answer to football’s prayers, the Minister explained why this may not be possible.

“It depends on what are our options. Our preference would be to have it played at the FIFA standard or the FIFA approved location, which we know has been here at Leonora.

We had challenges on the first occasion, when we hosted the year-end football because of what had happened in relation to the square, I think that was overblown,” Ramson Jr. explained.

“But because we have a fairly aggressive cricket programme, it takes a lot of time for that to repair. So, I’d prefer the other options that are available to us,” the

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Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr

Sport Minister added.

Following last month’s game, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) was fined

by CONCACAF regarding the state of the Leonora pitch. Both the Men’s and

Women’s Senior National teams have upcoming international fixtures within the next week, and will have to play their home games outside of Guyana. (Jemima Holmes)

Munisar is Vice Captain, and 6 Guyanese named in WIW ‘A’ team

23-man Golden Jaguars squad named to face Puerto Rico

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Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz he Guyana Football back from the UK, he’s also Federation (GFF), on free from injury. So, three Thursday morning, re- of them have been brought vealed the 23-member squad into the squad,” Shabazz dithat will suit up for the vulged.

He added, “In terms of Senior Men’s National team in the second leg of the 2023/ the local composition, we 2024 CONCACAF Nations see now we’re getting more work from Ryan ‘Bom Bom’ League Group stage.

The announcement of Hackett and that’s mainthe squad came two days be- ly the four additions to the fore the first game against squad basically.”

As such, the Golden Puerto Rico, which is schedsquad reads: uled to be played in St. Kitts Jaguars Goalkeepers: Quillan and Nevis.

In a recent interview Roberts Akel Clarke and Kai with the Guyana Times McKenzie-Lyle, Defenders: Sport, Head Coach Jamaal Jeremy Garrett, Curtez Shabazz shared some of the Kellman, Jalen Jones, Reiss changes to expect as com- Greenidge, Colin Nelson, pared to the September Leo Lovell, Raushan Ritch, Liam Gordon, Jonathan Squad.

“We have some changes Grant and Amos Ramsay, because Johnny Grant, our Midfielders: Daniel Wilson, Duke-McKenna, Right wing back who plays Stephen Moriah-Welsh, in Canada, he’s free of inju- Nathan ry. Nathan Moriah- Welsh, Darron Niles, Ryan Hackett Elliot Bonds and little beany midfielder, he’s and back from injury and Reiss Grenidge, left- footed center

Forwards: Omari Glasgow, Kadel Daniels, Deon Moore and Kelsey Benjamin.

With the team encamped in St. Kitts since Sunday, Shabazz also touched on the preparatory work and the team’s hunger to get atop their group.

“We’ve put in a lot of work with the local squad and we’ve monitored carefully, the overseas players playing in their clubs. It’s very important two matches for us, Puerto Rico is a formidable opponent but we’re confident that when we come together in St. Kitts with 4-5 days preparation with everybody together, we will do what it takes because we really want this,” the Golden jags Head Coach shared with this publication prior to their departure of local shores.

As a result of both Guyana and Puerto Rico having issues with their home pitches, both games will be played in St. Kitts on Saturday, October 14 and Tuesday, October 17.

Guyana is currently second in Group D of League B with 6 points from 2 games, as Puerto Rico leads the group, only on the account of goal difference. The backto-back fixtures will both be played at the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) Technical Center.

(Jemima Holmes)

This is the first-ever West Indies Women’s “A” Team Away Tour

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he Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s Selection Panel announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming West Indies Women’s “A” Team tour to Pakistan from 17 October to 8 November. The West Indies Women’s “A” Team will be led by Head Coach Shane Deitz and captain Rashada Williams, the top-order batter and wicket-keeper, while Ashmini Munisar the off-spinning allrounder has been named as vice-captain.

The Squad boasts a whopping 6 Guyanese women.

This is the first-ever West Indies Women’s “A” Team Away Tour which will feature three 50-over matches against Pakistan “A” at the Lahore Country Club in Muridke, followed by a tri-nation T20 Series with Pakistan “A” and Thailand. The preliminary matches will be played at the Lahore Country Club with the final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Lead Selector for Women’s and Girls’ Cricket Ann Browne-John said: “The ‘A’ Team tour to Pakistan is a welcome addition to the calendar. It is a perfect opportunity

for the developing players to get some international experience. The team is a combination of players who participated in the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup and players who have just started to establish themselves in the Senior Team set-up, some of whom are in Australia for the ongoing series.”

Browne-John added: “The captain Rashada Williams has shown good leadership during the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup and Women’s T20 Blaze earlier this year and recently had some good performances during the Women’s CPL. This tour, coming just after the Australia series, is a great opportunity for players to grow and improve.”

FULL SQUAD

Rashada Williams (Captain) Ashmini Munisar (Vice Captain) Jahzara Claxton NaiJanni Cumberbatch Cherry Ann Fraser Shabika Gajnabi Jannillea Glasgow Sheneta Grimmond Trishan Holder Zaida James Djenaba Joseph Qiana Joseph

Nyia Latchman Mandy Mangru Shunelle Sawh

TEAM MANAGEMENT UNIT

Shane Deitz (Head Coach) Sheena Gooding (Team Manager) Robert Samuels (Assistant Coach) Samantha Lynch (Assistant Coach) Tajay Grant (Physiotherapist) Yvonne Arthur (Strength & Conditioning Coach)

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE

October 24: 1st 50Over match at Lahore Country Club, Muridke October 26: 2nd 50Over match at Lahore Country Club, Muridke October 29: 3rd 50Over match at Lahore Country Club, Muridke November 3: 1st T20 match vs Pakistan “A” at Lahore Country Club, Muridke November 4: 2nd T20 match vs Thailand at Lahore Country Club, Muridke November 5: 3rd T20 match Pakistan “A” vs Thailand at Lahore Country Club, Muridke November 8: 4th T20 Final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

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

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