Guyana Times -Sunday, June 11, 2023.pdf

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, June 11 – No retraction and Monday, June 12 – 00:30h – 02:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, June 11 – 10:40h – 12:10h and Monday, June 12 – 11:50h – 13:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect clear thundery showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 10:51h and 23:40h reaching a maximum height of 2.31 metres and 2.32 metres.

Low Tide: 16:55h reaching a minimum height of 0.88 metre.

LGE 2023 Choose PPP/C’s philosophy

of

LOTTERY NUMBERS

unity &

In what are the closing stages of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) Local Government Election (LGE) 2023 campaign, President Dr. Irfaan Ali contrasted his party’s founding philosophy of development with the People’s National Congress’s (PNC) founding philosophy of divisiveness. Contrasting philosophies, he said, are evident even today.

During his address to party supporters at Industry, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Saturday, President Ali gave the audience a brief history lesson to impress on them the different foundations on which both the PPP and the PNC were built. The PPP, he said, was founded by former President Dr Cheddi Jagan in 1950 as the first mass party of unity in the country; and the PNC was founded by former President Forbes Burnham in 1957 in a move that divided the PPP.

“What I felt in New Amsterdam was what the PPP felt in 1950 when we were formed with a common goal and a common vision. That was to bring every single Guyanese on a common platform of development, freedom, and advancement of human dignity. That is what the PPP felt in 1950. That is the founding philosophy of the PPP/C,” Ali said.

And what happened when external forces (intervened)?

The PNC was formed on a founding philosophy of dividing the PPP, of dividing the people; of using race and ethnicity to divide the people here in Guyana. That is the foundation, the political philosophy through which the PNC was formed, as against the philosophy through which the PPP was formed,” he explained.

President Ali has urged voters to make their rejection of the PNC/R’s divisiveness clear, when they cast their ballots on June 12, by voting for the PPP/C. According to him, the elections are also about choosing between two philosophies.

“Today, with every single ounce of energy that reside in myself and this government, the stronger they come with their divisive politics, the stronger they come with their use of race and ethnicity, the stronger we’ll fight them, the stronger we’ll push against

development – Pres

Ali …says voters should reject PNC/APNU’s ideology of dividing people

them. And I assure you that we will dismantle their efforts of dividing the people of this country,” he said.

“The only thing that must drive the people of this country must be the facts, must be reality, must be those who do in the interest of the people. And today you’re choosing between two philosophies,” President Ali further said.

President Ali further recalled an experience he had while walking through Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara (WCD) when he was locked out from a community ground by the APNU-controlled council.

It was not the first time that a senior PPP/C Government

official had been locked out of a community building by the Opposition, as, in November 2022, Public Service Minister Sonia Parag was locked out of the Belladrum Community Centre by APNU officials, despite the minister being there at the request of residents.

“I am the President of the country, and they sought to lock the gate of the Community Centre. And why? Because I was there to speak to the people directly about their development, their interests, their priorities. What did we do? We did not allow them to succeed. We continued on the journey of talking to people directly,” he said.

“In Plaisance, they sent all kind of messages that the President dare not walk in that village. With ease comrades, we walked it! And today, the people of Plaisance listened to us. They gave us the opportunity to tell them our message. Our message is about love. It’s about unity. It’s about prosperity. We

don’t need to mount any campaign and carry a message of race and division, because we would be betraying the founding philosophy of the PPP/C,” he explained.

The current ruling PPP/C is contesting all 610 constituencies in the 80 LAAs across the country. Reports are that the APNU is only contesting 260 of the 610 constituencies, while groups and individuals are contesting, outside of those 260 areas, in another 58 constituencies. This means that APNU and other groups

or individuals are contesting a total of 318 constituencies in 67 LAAs.

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo had said that his party has essentially won those 292 uncontested constituencies and 13 LAAs.

At the last LGE, held in November 2018, the then PPP/C Opposition had secured 52 of the 80 LAAs. This had followed the holding of the 2016 Local Government polls, wherein the PPP/C had also claimed the majority of the LAAs. (G3)

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing supporters at Industry Market Square, ECD

A scene from the PPP/C’s Community Meeting at Industry Market Square, ECD

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Multi-level democracy

Tomorrow, across the country, we will be voting in our Local Government Elections (LGEs), to take power closer to the people in Municipalities, Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), National Democratic Councils (NDCs) and Amerindian Village Councils. The governing party at the Central level, the PPP, have made no bones about seeking to win as many of these local organs as they can – which is their democratic right. In fact, they have explicitly declared that, with these organs controlled by their personnel, relations will be much more collaborative, and, as such, more productive and beneficial for local residents.

As we have seen from our recent history, the Opposition used its control of these local governing bodies to oppose the Central Government even in projects beneficial to the local communities. For instance, consider the Opposition’s exploitation of the removal of squatters at Mocha in the path of a new Highway to connect the ECB to the EBD and CJIA. These squatters were given due notice; alternative house lots; alternative new housing; alternative new lands for farming and livestock; yet the Opposition leaders fomented a stand-off to force the Government to enforce the law and evict the squatters.

The reality is that all governments – including the PNC under Burnham and Hoyte, as well as the APNU/AFC - have evicted squatters in order to proceed with national development.

But the tenets of democracy – such as the need for an Opposition to keep the incumbents on their toes – is as applicable to the local as well as the central level. And at the local level, because of the closeness of the people to the representatives – who will invariably originate from their communities – the Opposition should be much more direct, because the issues will affect everyone directly. For instance, these voters will not be grappling with esoteric issues like monetary policy or liberalization of the financial system, but concrete challenges such as garbage collection or cleaning of drains. In the past, because the political parties did not give much attention to LGEs – focusing instead on General Elections for the Central Government – this led to the people also discounting their importance. Most residents might not have been able to even identify their local representatives.

The extraordinary efforts of the PPP to prevail in tomorrow’s LGE, however, for the first time has stirred a reciprocal interest in the people. The Opposition’s hysterical rearguard actions to prevent a massive PPP sweep of even their “strongholds” have ironically increased that interest. The people reason that, if the LGE were not important, the Opposition would not have come out so vehemently. This may have the unintended consequence of placing local government once more at the centre of the ordinary citizen’s interest.

As we all know, in the aftermath of the abolition of slavery, many ex-slaves bought complete abandoned estates like Victoria to create villages and lots from other estate owners to create what were then dubbed Proprietary Villages, like Den Amstel. The residents then organized themselves into Village Councils that managed the affairs of the villages and intermediated relations with the plantocracy and the Colonial Central Government. As such, democracy at the local level was introduced organically in Guyana by these Village Councils, and immeasurably helped the fight for full democracy in the ensuing century.

It is this interest in issues that affect residents locally that must be fostered again in all villages and NDCs. For the indentured labourers, who replaced the freed Africans on the sugar plantations, they were kept outside of politics into the modern post WWII era because the majority of them continued living in the plantations’ “logies”. Housing Settlements intended to keep them near the plantations to provide their labour were paternalistically run by appointed “overseers”. Even when extra-nuclear housing schemes through a SILWF facility were initiated in the 1950s, Village Councils were not created, and the residents generally did not experience this democratic imperative.

It is quite likely that after this LGE, government of the people will become a reality.

Govt spent over $10B on Georgetown – Finance Minister to Ubraj Narine

Dear Editor, Government has noted, in the Friday, June 9 edition of the daily newspapers, a letter with the headline “The PPP Government owes City Hall more than $1 Billion in rates and taxes and the Administration is not paying” by Mayor Ubraj Narine – abject failure as Mayor of Georgetown, in which he attempts to mislead the people of Guyana through deliberate misrepresentation of facts pertaining to the management and accountability of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

Ubraj Narine’s letter on June 9, 2023 pathetically attempted to distort and discredit the facts stated in the Guyana Chronicle article of June 8 titled, “An accountable City Hall stands to gain massive support from central gov’t – Jagdeo”.

In the Mayor’s letter of June 9, he poorly attempted to cloud the facts surrounding audits of the finances of City Hall by claiming, “I have written to the Auditor General requesting an audit of the accounts of the Municipality… I have never received a response to my repeated request”.

This is a blatant lie, given that the Auditor General would have informed the Town Clerk (ag.) of the status of the audits.

The 2021 Auditor General’s (AG) report, on page 95, states that the last time financial statements were audited for the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown was in 2004. The Auditor General also highlighted that he has not received financial statements for a number of years, including 2020 and 2021. In addition, the Special Audit Report of the Auditor General for the years 2019 and 2020, sent on

28 April 2022 to Ms. Candace Nelson -Town Clerk(ag.), states, “Financial statements were submitted for the year 2018 and 2019. However, they were subsequently returned to M&CC on 27 August 2021 for non-compliance with International Accounting Standards”. It must be noted that these periods directly relate to Ubraj Narine’s tenure as Mayor. How can one reasonably expect the Auditor General to perform his duties if the M&CC fails to supply the information necessary to carry out the audit?

In his letter to the press, the Mayor made the outlandish claim that Central Government has provided paltry sums of money to maintain the capital city. This is farthest from the truth. In fact, the PPP/C government has provided significant support to the citizens of Georgetown, some of which include:

During the period 2020 to 2022, the Government expended over $6 billion to construct and rehabilitate roads in Georgetown

Between 2020 and 2022, the Government expended $155 million to reconstruct and rehabilitate bridges

During the period 20202022, the Government expended $1 billion to enhance the Old Railway Embankment, $1.6 billion on enhancement works along Independence Boulevard, Cemetery Road, and Internal Roads, Albouystown, Georgetown; and $250 million on enhancement works along Kingston Seawall

Between 2021 and 2022, expended $678 million to operate and maintain the main drainage system in the municipality

Between 2021 and 2022, the Government expended $600 mil-

lion to upgrade the water transmission lines in Georgetown

The Government expended $510 million on Solid Waste Management that benefitted the citizens of Georgetown

The Government has committed $779 million for the restoration of the iconic City Hall Building.

And the list goes on. The lack of accountability by M&CC necessitated these interventions be undertaken directly by Central Government, as it was clear that resources for these developments would have otherwise been squandered and mismanaged by the Mayor and his team.

Ironically, in terms of the Mayor’s accusation that Government owes the M&CC rates and taxes, the Mayor has failed to mention that the M&CC in fact owes the following to Government agencies:

Guyana Power and Light Inc. – $3.2 billion

Guyana Revenue Authority – $1.7 billion in taxes for the period 2016 to 2023, representing outstanding PAYE which was deducted from employees but never remitted to the GRA. As an employer, M&CC has a legal obligation to deduct and remit such to GRA in a timely manner.

National Insurance Scheme – $387 million owed in NIS contributions as at end of April 2023, jeopardising workers’ benefits.

Further on in his letter, Ubraj Narine ranted that the PPP/C Government has wilfully refused to do property valuations that would have resulted in the citizens paying higher rates and taxes. Here he exposes his party’s plans, some of which have been coyly used as reverse psychology in his party’s Local

Government Elections (LGE) campaign utterances. In examining this statement, and based on the APNU/AFC’s accusation in its current LGE campaign that the PPP/C will increase rates and taxes, this statement clearly indicates that it is instead the APNU/AFC that intends to do this.

This is the nature of APNU/ AFC, to repeatedly claim that they will cut taxes when, to the contrary, as has been demonstrated in their previous term in office, they instead did the opposite and imposed over 200 taxes and fees, including taxes on electricity, water, medical supplies, education services, and construction materials and equipment.

We should not be surprised at the dishonesty of Ubraj Narine and the APNU/AFC, who have demonstrated their blatant disregard for the principles of transparency and accountability, pillars upon which democratic governance in modern societies are based.

The General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, highlighted the support that Central Government has provided to the citizens of Georgetown; and, with a supportive Georgetown Council, the lives of the citizens of Georgetown can be improved at a faster rate. The PPP /C Government has stood, and will always stand, on the side of transparency and accountability and safeguarding our sacred Constitution. Our record is clear to see.

Regards,

Dr Ashni Singh, MP Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance

Local artist Ransford Simon has been hired by Trans Guyana Airways to showcase Guyana’s beauty, culture and heritage on their Beechcraft 8R-EAR and Caravan 8R-GEA (Trans Guyana Airways photos)

A movement to break the backbone of race and ideology

Dear Editor,

The current LGE 2023 campaign conducted by the PPP/C sends a powerful message that politicians must work hard at the grassroots level to win votes.

The act of voting is one of the most formidable and inalienable rights accorded to citizens in a democracy, and the exercise of this right should no longer be dependent upon considerations of ideology and race, but must, at a minimum, be based

upon immediate bread-andbutter issues. A smarter electorate has evolved out of the prevailing technological and mass communication age, including social media, and it increasingly wants to embrace reason.

Over the past 6 decades up to 2020, the country had not made any significant progress in the reduction of youth unemployment (30%) and the poverty level (34%). This traditional approach to politics had also failed to

heal the gaping divisions in the country’s racially-bifurcated state. Historically, ethnic tensions/conflicts, rivalry, and sometimes violence had dominated the political landscape, while the salience of issues had been diminished. Despite gallant attempts, previous political leaders had been unable to overcome the divisions resulting from ideology, race, gender, religion, and region.

The current PPPC leadership believe that they

have produced an answer to these gaping problems. After methodical analysis, they have grabbed the concept of a 21st Century Movement (21CTMOV) to transcend barriers of ideology, race, religion, gender and region. From the 1942 Quit India campaign led by MK Gandhi, they recognize that, for a movement to succeed, it requires: (i) transcending boundaries of race, ideology, region and other differences; (ii) must have a

Let us be a united force for real change

Dear Editor,

The persistence of race as the predominant factor in the Guyanese political process, and the role which the country’s political leadership in the PPP/C is playing in healing the ethnic divide, is bearing bountiful fruit, despite coalition miscreants’ attempts to exacerbate disunity in the nation.

If one reads our history, and if one is au fait with the history of the colonisers, one would recognise that the predominant factor driving the power of the colonial elitists in every country they have occupied is a ‘divide and rule’ policy.

Whether they create ethnic cleavages, exacerbate religious intolerance, or cause political divides, it was their strategy to conquer and rule countries that they occupied, primarily for the extraction and appropriation of the wealth of occupied territories. Today Haiti is still under siege by its former colonizers.

Guyana fell prey to this vicious strategy because the

viability of the sugar estates under British rule was threatened subsequent to emancipation, when freed African slaves refused to be subservient to the ‘massa’ anymore, and preferred to pursue agricultural activities for survival. When their demands for humane conditions of employment were not met, the British plantocracy was forced to import indentured labourers from various sources, but all except Indians refused to be held hostage to the exploitative plantation owners; hence the pitting of one exploited race against another for pecuniary interests.

When a Commission of Inquiry was established to investigate the treatment of indentured labourers by the plantation owners, it was freed slaves who testified on behalf of the Indian labourers, and forced concessionary measures that created some degree of alleviation in the ill-treatment that was similar to what had been dealt to the slaves

by the colonial elitists.

So, at human levels in our country, descendants of African slaves and Indian indentured labourers have always co-existed in harmony. However, when the oppressive governance of the colonials was threatened by the strident calls of Dr Cheddi Jagan and the PPP for independence, they invoked their ‘divide and rule’ policy, and created rifts in Guyana’s first mass-based political party.

We have never recovered from the ensuing rancorous consequences in our nation, which have been exacerbated and exploited by opportunistic politicians whose only agenda is self-enrichment, self-empowerment and self-aggrandizement. However, the leadership of the PPP/PPPC has never wavered in its commitment to creating a united nation, and today Guyanese are well on the way to becoming “One Guyana” because, finally, we – individually and collectively -- currently recognize and accept the reali-

ty that, instead of consideration of issues, race-based politics will always leave this nation vulnerable to the exploitative strategies of neo-colonizers who covet our wealth, and who are still using ‘divide and rule’ strategies to conquer us and appropriate our wealth through various strategic measures, but mainly by purchasing the favours of key players in the political divide. We will forever be held hostage to the manipulators of our destiny.

The PPP will always be the people’s party, because the welfare of the people is the genesis on which the Party propelled its struggles to win independence and a democratic culture for this nation, and so PPP/C leaders continue to urge all our people to come aboard with us and let us be a united force for real change in the socio-economic dynamics of this country.

Yours sincerely, Alvin

Hamilton

These are meritless allegations

Dear Editor,

The People’s National Congress has failed in its bid to halt the local government elections of June 2023. These elections will be highly contested, and in most local authority areas that are controlled by the People’s National Congress, gross neglect and mismanagement exists.

From Nomination Day to date, the overwhelming support shown for the PPPC has shattered the feeble prospects of an electoral victory for the PNC. This is made worse by their track record of failed management, dysfunctionality, and wanton neglect. As such, they failed miserably in several efforts to hinder, postpone, or stop the hosting of LGE 2023.

In my opinion, the PNC’s reluctance to engage in the electoral process indicates a lack of vision, their dismal failure, and an acceptance of being politically outmatched in this 2023 electoral contest.

The Chief Justice dismissed the frivolous cases brought by the highly controversial APNU Chief Scrutineer Carol Joseph against the Guyana Elections Commission. These cases were vexatious, and again sought to besmirch the integrity of the Elections Commission. I believe this to be so because the same boundaries used in the 2016 elections were the boundaries in place since the 1990s, and were only changed in 2018 by the APNU+AFC.

The boundaries were reverted to the pre-2018 changes by Minister Dharamlall.

There was no evidence to suggest or support any of the claims made by APNU, and, as such, we have seen another attempt by the PNC at abusing the judicial process to advance or advocate its partisan politics. The CJ, in her ruling, said, “In my view, that has turned out to be the most unmeritorious application that has taken up a lot of judicial time…

The People’s Progressive Party Civic has been receiving tremendous support in the capital of Georgetown. The residents in various constituencies have expressed dissatisfaction with the state and overall management of their communities.

clearly defined objective; (iii) must have staying power; (iv) must be led by charismatic leaders who also have a track record of accomplishments; and (v) must revolve around a particular philosophy.

A young and energetic leadership recognizes that the importance of traditional approaches to politics had not resulted in demonstrable advance in the quality of living, the narrowing of regional resource disparities, and any significant reduction of poverty (34%). Winning state power is not enough. They believe that they must rise above ideology, race, and other barriers to lift Guyana into the 21st century and provide the good life for every Guyanese. And the vehicle for this transformation is 21CTMOV.

The PPPC leadership know that citizens have been moving away from race-based to issues-based voting, as evidenced in the 2006, 2011, 2015, and 2020 national polls. For example, in 2006, the new AFC party won 5 seats, and in 2011 it won 7 seats. These were at the expense of the PNCR. At the 2015 polls, about 10% of traditional PPP/C voters cast their franchise for the PNCR-led coalition. The PPP/C would have not won the 2020 polls had it not

been for crossover voters. These crossovers were influenced by issues. This emerging trend has integrated well within the 21CTMOV and added momentum to it.

The force of the 21CTMOV has been resonating well at the PPP/C’s LGE 2023 campaign. The proverbial ‘red wave’, built around grassroots governance and mobilisation, has been sweeping across the country, and has been shown also on TV and podcast screens in Guyana and in the diaspora. These powerful signals indicate that Guyana is on the path to breaking away from the shackles of racism, ideology, and other barriers which have historically tormented citizens and stymied the country’s development. This movement finds its full expression in the philosophy of ONE GUYANA (where commonalties take precedence over differences, where race is demystified, and where nationalism is paramount).

The 21st Century Movement is poised to put Guyana and Guyanese in the best socio-economic place they have ever been. And the results of LGE 2023 will test the efficacy of the 21st Century Movement.

Sincerely,

Dr Tara Singh

Persons have even taken to social media to highlight the state of their communities.

These local government elections are important. As a citizen of the capital, I urge all Guyanese to exercise their constitutional right and vote. I also implore that we vote to change the current council and bring about a change.

I need a change in my area, and will be voting for it. In other areas of Georgetown, I sincerely hope that the city can be rescued from the destruction it has endured under the 57 years of People’s National Congress Council leadership, which has been a dismal failure.

Yours truly, Brian

Azore

DOG BREEDS AND MIXED BREEDS IN GUYANA (continued)

Last week we used an inordinate amount of column space discussing the qualities of the new breeds of dogs entering Guyana from climes and environments distinctly different from those which exist in Guyana, and which we thought might be inimical to their wellbeing, especially their longevity, if not nurtured correctly. We chose to do the larger Spitz breeds –the Siberian Husky and the Alsakan Malamute, both beautiful dogs. Today, we shall discuss the inherent characteristics and physical structure of the Chow-Chow, which arguably is the most handsome of the other larger Spitz breeds (Huskies and Malamutes). Of course, I won't get involved in the debate relative to that subjective concept of beauty. But, yes, the Chow-Chow has an endearing coat of a teddy bear (loving owner’s description).

The Chow-Chow Speaking of coats, there are two types of Chow-Chows. There is one variety that has a thick, long-hair coat, and one with his smooth coat of short dense hair. As an interesting note, and relying on the Dog Encyclopedia, I should mention that the Chow-Chow, like dogs, have been around in China for at least 2000 years. Not until the late 18th century were these dogs brought to the West. The

English gave this breed the name Chow-Chow. In China, it was called the Songshi Quan (translated as “Puffy Lion Dog”).

One would think that here in Guyana -- below sea level on the coast, only a few degrees away from the equator, and with a tropical temperature ranging between (20) 25 to 35 degrees Celsius (40+), with humidity levels often in the 90s –Chow-Chows would not fare well, and therefore would not be kept as pets. Unless the caregiver and his/ her veterinar -

ian keep this breed in an artificially (but optimally) composed environment, this breed will not enjoy continuous good health.

The point I am mak ing is that the ChowChow is a high mainte nance companion animal. It would require frequent interactions with the Veterinarian and more than usual visits to the Groomer.

How does one construct an environment that is adequately optimal for the happiness and wellbeing of this particular type of pet? This is not an easy undertaking. The ChowChow is not a pet that can be kept outside, in a kennel under a shade tree. That will not suffice. This advice is also valid for the Chow-Chow's cousins -- the Husky and the Malamute. Many of the caregivers of these breeds will keep them in air-conditioned rooms. But let's face it: living perpetually in an environment of packaged air cannot be good for man or beast. It has been shown that the AC units do discharge elemental ions which are inhaled, albeit in

doses, by the pets. This leads to further respiratory distress and other consequential ailments later on. Every small animal practitioner can attest to this fact.

Moreover, because the ambient temperature and humidity levels can reach uncomfortable and ailment-producing proportions, the animal’s general immune system could be seriously compromised.

Furthermore, since all dogs do not perspire, there is no other way of removing their body heat, save by panting. Try to imagine the buildup of internal body temperature in a thick -haired dog like the Chow-Chow. Such a condition can lead to heat stroke. It is not a singular occurrence for a densely hair-coated dog to collapse from an excessive buildup of heat in its body. Some patients need to be wrapped in ice packs. At times it may be necessary to place the entire animal in cold water bathtub. I know of cases where the Chow-Chows actually

available, or for the nearest stretch.

A colleague of mine, Dr. Ozaye Dodson, brilliantly documented, almost six years ago, other dimensions which must be considered when caregivers wish to acquire a ChowChow/Husky/Malamute as companion animal in their forever homes. Such considerations, in addition to those mentioned above, include the ‘ripping off” of local purchasers by breeders of those large Spitz breeds. Also, Dr. Dodson strongly advocated for Guyana’s Animal Welfare act to specifically introduce discussions on the issue of the suffering these and (other) breeds have to endure, because it is well-nigh impossible for caregivers to optimally even partially reduce the punishment and cruelty meted out to these canine wards in a country with high, humid and very hot weather patterns.

I hope to soon have in my possession Dr. Dodson's admirable treatise and suggestions rela

APNU-led City Council has failed to account for millions of tax dollars – Dharamlall

…no audited financial statements submitted; vouchers misplaced

Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall has debunked recent claims by Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine that he has been sending letters to the Auditor General requesting audits. On the contrary, so bad are Georgetown’s financial records, that there is very little that can be audited.

According to Dharamlall in a missive, the People’s National Congress (PNC)/A Partnership of National Unity (APNU)led Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has grossly mismanaged the financial affairs of the city for years and has failed to submit any audited financial statements. Dharamlall challenged Narine to present to the country, audited financial statements of the Council.

“Can the Mayor present to the citizens of Georgetown and the country by extension the Audited Financial Statements of the Council? The answer is a resounding no. Why? There is none. How can City Hall properly account for monies when there is no record of their spending of it? What is there to audit? Yet the Mayor, in his fine fashion, continues to masquerade publicly with spurious claims and calumny,” Dharamlall said.

Referring to PNC/A Partnership of National Unity’s (APNU) tenure as “gross mismanagement and grave misconduct”, Dharamlall noted that they have not only failed to give documented account for their spending of taxpayers’

millions, but they have also failed to set up systems to collect rates and taxes.

“They have failed to implement systems and strategies to ensure that the more than one billion dollars in rates and taxes collected annually are properly documented and accounted for. Vouchers are misplaced, schemes of fraud are unearthed, Auditor General queries are left unanswered all because of unaccountable/ misplaced financial records at the hands of the APNUled Council. The list of financial improprieties is a long one.”

Garbage city Dharamlall questioned Narine’s accomplishments for the city during his tenure as Mayor. The Minister pointed out that instead of Georgetown being able to reclaim its title as the “Garden City”, it continues to degenerate into a “garbage city”.

“A simple walk through any street of Guyana’s Capital is evidence of the gross mismanagement of

the city under the PNC. For many years, the Council has failed in upholding its mandates as enshrined in Chapter 28:01. The result: clogged drains which are only cleared whenever there is a reported blockage, roads which are not maintained, parapets unkept, the municipal markets and buildings slowly crumbling, garbage is evident in every ward of the city,” Dharamlall noted.

“Yet, the Mayor and his cohorts find the time to lease to his fellow party comrades and confederates every known piece of reserve within the city without even getting a valuation done. Some of these prime lands are leased for a little as twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) annually. Just recently the Council was taken to court for leasing a portion of reserve to a company which does not belong to the Council. This company is now claiming damages in excess of thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) from the Council. Does this not constitute mismanagement?” the missive from the Minister on Saturday read.

Unilateral decision

The Minister pointed out a number of instances of alleged mismanagement, including the Mayor’s “unilateral decision to grant permission to friends to restrict access to alleyways and to occupy the Council’s reserve.” He also made reference to what he described as “reckless and deliberate damage” to a Council vehicle by the Mayor, as well as decisions made to grant permission to fellow APNU

party members to build stalls on Merriman Mall, even while others continue to toil on the streets.

There have also been instances where City Hall made controversial decisions to pay millions of dollars without proper verification being done to another APNU member who claimed the city owed money to him. Mention was also made of discussions on leasing the Council’s abattoir and the City Constabulary training school to persons affiliated with APNU, as well as a unilateral decision to permit a friend to operate a

vulcanising shop next to a place of worship.

Transparency

The PPP throughout its LGE campaign has said that if they win a majority in the Georgetown M&CC, Council meetings will be livestreamed in the interest of transparency. Since then, the Mayor has claimed that efforts to get permission from the Local Government Commission (LGC) in 2020 to livestream Council meetings were rejected. However, Dharamlall pointed out that the LGC back in 2020 was appointed by APNU themselves.

“I shudder to respond to this pathetic excuse except to say that the PPP/C Government only swore in the current Commissioners in April 2021. It was under the APNU/AFC Government that the Local Government Commission was enforced. Therefore, the decision-making power was within the broken cradle of leadership, or for better phrase, ‘lack of leadership’, of the then APNU/ AFC Government.”

This move, the Minister said, will ensure “citizens of Georgetown are aware of the level at which the Council functions and how their elected constituency members are making representation for their rights, a move which accentuates accountability. The APNUled Council rejected this motion because implementing it would expose their unaccountability, incapacities, inabilities, callous, crooked and cunning nature and it would further reveal the perpetuity of all uncanny ulterior motives to the public.”

For consecutive years, Auditor General Deodat Sharma has repeatedly flayed City Hall for not submitting financial statements and documents necessary to fully audit the Council’s books. In fact, City Council did not submit financial statements to the Audit Office for 2006, 2008 to 2011, 2017 and 2020, making it impossible to effectively edit the millions of public funds that has passed through the Council’s hands. (G3)

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall

Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine

Cocaine, ganja unearthed during raids in Regions 2, 3 & 4

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force have unearthed quantities of cocaine and marijuana during several operations carried out in three policing divisions on Friday.

Acting on information received, Police visited the residence of a female sexagenarian at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo Islands– West Demerara) and conducted a search of the premises in her presence.

A bulky, transparent plastic bag seen on her kitchen counter was examined, and several small, bulky, silver foil wraps and white paper parcels were found therein. The white paper parcels contained leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis, while the silver foil wraps held a hard, whitish, rock-like substance suspected to be cocaine.

Confronted with the find, the woman admitted to selling the drugs, and explained that she did so to support her sickly husband.

She was arrested and taken to the Leonora Police Station, along with the seized narcotics, which when weighed amounted to 10.3

grams of cocaine and 28.6 grams of cannabis.

Simultaneous to this discovery, another Police team, conducting a cordon-andsearch operation at a popular gathering spot on Spliff Street at Buxton Middlewalk, East Coast Demerara, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), saw several males scattering in different directions as the officers arrived.

The men who scattered left three haversacks where they had gathered, and upon inspecting same, the Police unearthed 72 transparent Ziplock plastic bags containing cannabis; a compressed, transparent plastic containing cannabis; two Ziplock bags with a whiteish substance suspected to be cocaine; and another compressed transparent plastic with cannabis and a sum of cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales.

The seized narcotics, when weighed, amounted to 677 grams of cannabis and 0.5 grams of cocaine, while the cash recovered amounted to $6,640.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, Police ranks searching the residence of a 29-yearold male of Charity Housing

Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) discovered in the kitchen a white paint bucket containing 60 small, transparent Ziplock bags, two medium-sized transparent Ziplock bags, and a large transparent plastic bag all filled with leaves, seeds,

…on undemocratic turn

There are sore losers and there are SORE losers. Sure, no one likes losing – and everyone gets miffed when they do. The homily that it’s not about winning or losing but just about running the race falls flat for ‘most everyone. But, surely, losers shouldn’t bruk-up the place and the game; but rather should examine why they lost, and take steps to correct where they went awry. There’s always a tomorrow to fight another day!!

Your Eyewitness, of course, is thinking about tomorrow’s LGE and the attitude of the Opposition and some of their camp followers. Seemingly unable to stem the red tsunami unleashed by the PPP – a veritable first for the formerly unheralded political exercise – the Opposition’s blaming the system, rather than their internal leadership meltdown. Hey!!! The game of politics is to secure as many votes as is possible, ain’t it?? So how can you blame the PPP for their full court press??

and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The suspect was promptly informed of the offence, cautioned, and arrested; and the seized cannabis, when weighed, amounted to 165.5 grams.

Investigations are ongoing in all of these cases. (G9)

Should the Lakers place LeBron James on the bench just because the Celtics ain’t doing so good this season?? What a crock!!

Politics isn’t a game of Checkers – and even in Checkers, you play to win. What the PPP’s doing is what all incumbents do – using their “home court” advantage. Even if they tried, they can’t stop executing their manifesto projects, can they?? So just because they might pick up some grateful votes from the West Side, should they postpone the new DHB?? Or nix those bypass roads from the East Coast to the Airport?? OK…bringing forward the “Because We Care” cash grants for schoolchildren might’ve been a bit obvious – but hey, it ain’t illegal, is it? Maybe a tad unfair - but since when is politics played by Marquess of Queensbury Rules?? We have the ERC rules, which ain’t been violated, have they??

The PNC gotta staunch the bloodletting from their internecine leadership warfare, that’s what. Either Norton’s the leader or he ain’t. He was picked by a democratic process that the PNC boasted was far superior to that of the PPP. So now that some think he should be all “brute force and ignorance” - and he ain’t – the power brokers think it’s wise to undermine him?? This isn’t 1997, when Guyana wasn’t of any strategic importance to the US and Desmond Hoyte could execute his “slow fyaah; mo’ fyaah” strategy. This time around, the US has to protect Exxon’s interest, which goes far above corporate interests!!

Norton’s forte isn’t just being a street enforcer – but a foreign policy aware leader who’s au fait with the new realities. A leader’s supposed to lead - not just take instructions from back-seat power brokers. How can Norton fight when his hands are shackled because of no funds??

…on pride

In the poem “Ozymandias”, Shelly reflected on the folly of rulers who believed they’d live forever and treated their subjects with cruelty and harshness to fulfil their oversized egos. Ozymandias was actually Ramses II of ancient Egypt, and the poet was looking at his massive statue, fallen in ruins in the sands of the desert - but with his characteristic sneer still visible on his stone lips.

“Nothing beside remains. Round the decay/ Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare/ The lone and level sands stretch far away.” The poet then quotes the ironic inscription: “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;/ Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair”!! But even in the time of Ramses, wasn’t it said, “Vanity of vanities…All is vanity”?

So what brought on this bleak reflection on the delusion of leaders about their mortality? Mostly the constancy of the tendency into the present!

From Burnham in his mausoleum to those who now seek power – by any means necessary!!

…on flooding

Governments gotta think about both the short and long terms – and plan accordingly. So, let’s face reality: with Global Warming raising seas, there ain’t no long-term solution to flooding in Georgetown.

We can just hold the fort – and prepare to depart!!

The illegal drugs that were discovered by Police

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Husband dead, wife critical after Rupert Craig Highway crash

Alate-night accident on the Rupert Craig Highway at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on Friday has resulted in the death of a Health Ministry staffer and his wife being critically injured.

Dead is 30-year-old Rabindra Surujdin, known as ‘Robin,’ who was manager of the Institute of Health Sciences Education (IHSE) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). His wife, 33-yearold Sophia MacDougal, has been injured in the crash, and is a patient at the GPHC’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The accident occurred at about 22:30h on Friday, as the couple, who resided at Lot 464 Block 8, Mon Repos, East

Coast Demerara (ECD), were reportedly heading in an easterly direction along the northern carriageway of the Rupert Craig Highway in their motorcar, PAE 1926.

According to reports, Surujdin was driving the vehicle, and while in the vicinity of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention at Liliendaal, he lost control of the vehicle and it collided with the concrete median.

The impact caused the car to spin out of control, resulting in another collision with a concrete culvert on the northern side of the roadway before the vehicle eventually came to a halt in a nearby drain.

Public-spirited persons pulled both Surujdin and MacDougal from the heavily

damaged vehicle, and an ambulance from the GPHC was called. Emergency Medical Technicians pronounced Surujdin dead on the spot, while MacDougal, who sustained head injuries, was transported to the GPHC. The Police are currently conducting further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Meanwhile, GPHC, in a statement issued on Saturday, expressed deep sadness over the untimely

passing of Surujdin. ‘Robin’ was described as a beacon of light who had brought warmth and humour to those around him.

“Robin was pleasant and always willing, and made any project he was a part of an enjoyable and easier experience for others: he was an exceptional human being who was respected and loved by all who knew him. This is a great loss for our institution, our country, and humanity,” part of the statement read. (G9)

Disaster was averted at Lot 4095 Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, on Friday morning as the quick response of the Linden Fire Service prevented a major fire from engulfing a house.

The incident unfolded when a 34-year-old woman, known to be suffering from mental illness, attempted to set her home ablaze.

The woman’s 12-year-old daughter, who has special needs, was present at the residence during the incident.

Guyana Times was informed that the woman attempted to ignite the wooden structure located in front of her house, how -

ever, her attempts were unsuccessful.

In her distraught state, she managed to ignite several personal items.

Reports are that the Linden Fire Service was called to the home, and upon arrival, they extinguished the blaze.

The woman was transported to the Linden Hospital Complex.

This incident comes days after two children, three-year-old Shameena Hardat and a nine-yearold girl, Animika Hardat, who was differently abled, were killed in a fire at Belmont, Mahaica, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

Mentally-ill woman sets house afire with differentlyabled child inside

The damage caused by the fire

Dead: Rabrindra Surujdin, called “Robin” Injured: Sophia MacDougal

Undermining Democracy

Cellular phones allowed in polling stations – GECOM …photos, cameras prohibited

is misinterpreted.

Tomorrow Guyana goes to the polls for the Local Government Elections (LGEs) to elect representatives for our 7 Municipalities; 10 RDCs; 65 NDCs) and 75 Amerindian Village Councils. The devolution of governance away from the center appears quite impressive in this adumbration and was the result of initiatives following the Constitutional Reform process in 1999 that had been precipitated by violent PNC street protests and ethnic violence. That reform process had introduced several “power sharing” mechanisms in the National Assembly, such as the Parliamentary Sectoral Committees.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has clarified that cell phones will be allowed in polling stations for Local Government Elections on Monday, amid a recently published notice that was “unintentional”.

Previously, the Commission had stated in a June 9th notice that the use of cameras and/or cell phones inside of a polling station or voting compartment during the conduct of LGE is “strictly prohibited”.

Ravi Dev

The PPP and PNC then instituted a Special Committee on Local Government Reform for further power sharing by devolving more autonomy than articulated in the 1980 Constitutional enactments on Local Government. It took sixteen years for five new pieces of legislation—the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act 2009, the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Act 2013, the Fiscal Transfers Act 2013, the Local Government Commission Act 2013 and the Local Government (Amendment) Act 2015—to be passed. While I have advocated for further devolution back to the old Village Council levels, it must be admitted that with further training of officials and funding through realistic rates and taxes plus Central Government subventions, we have a realistic opportunity to witness genuine grassroots democracy being practised.

But democratic governance has meant “representative government” after the size of the polities outgrew the Greek Citystates and this demanded a mechanism for the selection of those representatives. This was the introduction of the franchise that was gradually expanded after much struggle to include all adults over eighteen. Political parties were formed to secure a majority of votes within a geographical constituency (FPTP) or an entire country (PR) to select those representatives. And it was accepted that the political parties could pretty do whatever it took to woo those voters. In ancient Greece, Plato worried about demagogues beguiling the masses and in the modern American democracy, “Tammany Hall politics” and “boondoggles” entered the political lexicon to signal material inducements for votes. All was fair in love and war – and politics was war by other means.

In Guiana, by 1949, Cheddi Jagan and the PAC carefully crafted a multi-ethnic executive body for their about-to-be-launched PPP. They even had African Guyanese Executive member Ashton Chase move aside for the newly-minted lawyer and Guyana Scholar, Forbes Burnham, because he was seen as more popular among African Guyanese. It was therefore accepted in the newly democratising colony that citizens would tend to vote along ethnic lines. When Burnham split the national movement PPP in 1955, he was aware that his support was ethnically based and the following year, Jagan acknowledged that the former took most of the African support with him.

But to their credit, both leaders took great pains to signal they desired multi-ethnic support by enlisting other ethnic leaders in their executives. In one instance, Jagan actually manoeuvred to ensure African Guyanese Brindley Benn be elected as PPP chairman over the Indian Guyanese Balram Singh Rai. In the 1992 elections, the PPP adopted a “Civic” component and in 2001 the PNC followed suit with its “Reform” appendage to present multiracial appeal. At the 1992 elections the ethnic voting continued and with the reintroduction of LGEs in 1994, it extended to this level. As such, with the municipalities Georgetown and New Amsterdam having overwhelming African Guyanese majorities, the PNC retained control of their town councils. At no time did the two major parties desist from insisting they were “multiracial”, not only in their Executive makeup – notwithstanding accusations of “tokenism” – but also their programs.

With a change of demographics after 2006, it was accepted that since no single ethnic group now commanded an absolute majority, efforts to attract cross-over ethnic votes intensified. The PNC coalesced with some minor parties to form APNU and in the 2011 they and the multiracial AFC checkmated the PPP. For the 2015 elections, the coalesced APNU and AFC campaigned heavily in “Indian” strongholds to secure crossover votes. Their efforts were successful.

It was David Granger who shot the new dispensation in the foot when he arbitrarily and unilaterally fired 7000 mostly Indian Guyanese sugar workers. The PPP’s return to government was thereby facilitated by them. It is therefore quite astonishing for the PNC/APNU and other opposition elements to be accusing the PPP of “raiding” their enclaves for votes as the “slave catchers” of yore. This represents a dangerous turn in Guyanese democratic politics that is based on securing majorities from voters.

However, on Saturday it clarified stating, “GECOM takes this opportunity to state categorically that the inclusion of cell phones in that notice was erroneous and unintentional. Accordingly, the general public is hereby informed that cell phones are not prohibited in polling stations.”

Chief Election Officer Vishnu Persaud informed at a press conference on Friday that photographs and the use of cameras are prohibited. As such, cell phones were included in the notice. However, he pointed out that it can disincentivise persons if this information

“This carries the potential of being misinterpreted and misused to the extent where voters may be told that you cannot bring a cell phone into the polling station. That in itself could be a disincentive insofar as persons coming to vote is concerned. We want to make it abundantly clear that this was never the intention,” Persaud informed the media.

Persons will cast their ballots on Monday and in the meantime, they can find out which polling station they are required to vote on the GECOM website.

A voter is entitled to vote by proxy at the upcoming elections if they might be unable to go to the Polling Station listed to vote. These circumstances include if they are a member of the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force or constabulary officer; an employee running a vessel for the Transport and Harbours Department; if they are a candidate at the elections and would be unable to make it.

This is also open to voters who are

election officers in a Local Authority Area other than the one which he/she is listed to vote; or for persons with a disability.

LGE, which is constitutionally due every two years, was last held in 2018. At the November 2018 local government polls, the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition had secured 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs). This had followed the holding of the LGE in 2016, during which the PPP/C also claimed the majority of the LAAs. (G12)

3-year-old hospitalised after driver forgets him in locked vehicle

Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances which led to a three-year-old child being left locked in a vehicle for hours.

Reports are that the child has been hospitalised after he was left for over three hours in a car which usually transport him to a private daycare facility at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Friday.

Relatives of the child took to social media and shared the distressing details of the child being found unresponsive in the locked vehicle.

According to the relative, the car driver would usually collect the child and other students to take them to school and transport them home afterwards.

However, on Friday morning, a tragic oversight occurred, leading to the child unintentionally being left inside the vehicle for several hours - from approximately 8:30h to 12:00h.

Relatives said that the driver, unaware of the child’s presence, locked the vehicle before leaving and it was only at the end of the school session, during the midday dropoff that the child was discovered unresponsive inside the vehicle.

However, Police in a statement late Saturday evening said that the taxi driver reported that as is customary, he picks up children and drops

them off to school in his motorcar “and on the day in question he made several trips and about 09:15h, he secured his car on the road and went into his house. “

The driver claimed that he returned 30 minutes later he observed the child in the back seat of the car in tears and he immediately rushed the child to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital for medical atten-

Significant improvements in Den Amstel Primary students’ literacy skills

Following the implementation of the Literacy and Robotics Programme in February at Den Amstel Primary School, the students have shown significant improvements in their literacy skills.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Friday met with parents whose children attend the West Coast Demerara (WCD) school, during which Assistant Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Literacy, Samantha Williams, remarked on the students’ vast improvement.

The Literacy and Robotics Programme is a joint initiative between the Education Ministry’s National Literacy Department and the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) that provides intensive remedial intervention to fast-track learners’ literacy skills, especially their ability to read.

el, during which assessments are done periodically to track the students’ progress.

reading and comprehension skills.

tion.

“Doctors determined that the child was dehydrated and needed oxygen and as such he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he is presently receiving oxygen,” the police said in a statement.

Police have since taken the driver into custody for questioning, as investigations continue. (G9)

Prior to the programme’s commencement, a literacy diagnostic assessment was conducted at the school which revealed that 45 out of the 67 learners enrolled at the school were reading below their age and grade level, which represents 70 per cent of the school’s population.

This programme’s threetiered approach begins at the basic level, moves on to the intermediate level and culminates at the advanced lev-

Manickchand stated that the Education Ministry is committed to ensuring that each child is literate. She reiterated that while support will be provided to build on the pupils’ progress, parents must be actively involved in their children’s academic development.

She further stated that each child must be encouraged and supported to make full use of the opportunities available in Guyana’s transforming economy.

Parents present during the meeting expressed their satisfaction with the programme, noting that they have witnessed improvements in their children’s

It was announced that during the August vacation, a Literacy Camp will be hosted at the Den Amstel Primary School for learners. In addition to building literacy skills, the pupils will participate in other activities such as arts and crafts, storytelling, puppeteering, drama and poetry.

First implemented in the Den Amstel Primary School, the Literacy and Robotics Programme is now also being executed in Kawall Primary School, La Retraite Primary School and Blankenburg Primary School in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), and Enterprise Primary School in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).

The child at the hospital after being locked in the vehicle at Mahaicony

Parents gathered at Den Amstel Primary School to discuss progress in students’ literacy skills

Tax-free mobile phones

Decision a progressive stride towards bridging digital divide – telecommunications providers

…as CANTO congratulates Guyana’s President for tax removal

Local telecommunications providers - the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), Digicel, and ENethave welcomed the decision of Government to remove all taxes on cell phones, calling it a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in Guyana.

One day prior, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that from Monday, all taxes and duties on mobile phones will be removed. He was speaking about technology, telecommunications, and bridging the digital divide in the country during a public meeting in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

On Saturday, the companies issued a joint statement in support of the announcement as it would improve information access for citizens.

“This announcement will transform the communications sector by enabling greater access to pursue educational opportunities, conduct business, and fos-

ter personal growth,” the companies outlined.

As society becomes increasingly connected, the providers noted that it is essential to remove barriers that hinder access to vital technological resources.

enhanced communication networks across the nation, especially our rural and hinterland communities.”

The companies have pledged to assiduously –with the Government and other stakeholders – facilitate the seamless implementation of this tax exemption.

solutions for Guyana.”

“By exempting taxes on cell phones, President Ali has taken a progressive stride towards bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusivity in all of Guyana. This initiative will undoubtedly result in a multitude of positive outcomes for the people of Guyana, including improved educational prospects, expanded economic opportunities, and

Their joint statement promised, “Customers can look forward, in the near future, to revised prices reflecting the removal of taxes on all cellular devices. These changes will be communicated to the public in tandem with the Government’s lifting of taxes on such products. GTT, Digicel, and ENet look forward to continued efforts to promote digital equity, as we build a platform to deliver the best services and

As he engaged residents of Region Six, President Ali had zeroed in that the future will rely heavily on technology, and even today, persons are using smartphones to complete their degrees.

“A phone is no longer just to make a phone call. People are doing degrees on a phone. They are conducting business on a phone. A phone is an integral part of the transformation of our country,” he underscored.

CANTO congratulates

Meanwhile, the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Operators (CANTO) in a statement on Saturday congratulated President Ali on his Government’s decision to remove all duties and taxes on mobile phones.

The decision to eliminate taxes on mobile

phone comes as part of the Government’s commitment to the further promotion of digital inclusion, and the empowerment of citizens with improved access to communication technologies. A removal of these taxes emphasises the Government’s aim to stimulate the growth of the telecommunications sector and facilitate greater connectivity among Guyanese citizens. CANTO said that it has worked closely with the Prime Minister of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to advance the progress of various projects. The most recent being the launch of the procurement E-platform, that has been endorsed by CANTO’s members in Guyana, Digicel, E-Net and GTT Inc.

Since it took office in 2020, Government has implemented a series of tax relief for Guyanese, including the removal of ValueAdded Tax (VAT) on residential and individual data use.

Efforts have been tak-

en to reverse the heavy tax imposition by the former APNU/AFC Government on areas such as education, healthcare, water, and electricity among other areas that affect the livelihood of Guyanese.

During their four-year stint in office, there was major depletion of resources at the Central Bank, with an overdraft of over 500 per cent. At that time, the deficit in Central Government moved from $9.3 billion to almost $30 billion.

Government has noted the introduction of over 200 new taxes and the destruction it wreaked on private businesses and consumers. The effective tax rate in 2015 was 15 per cent, but was raised by seven per cent, meaning the average person had to pay an average of 22 cents earned on every dollar. (G12)

World Blood Donor Day Collection has increased to 1000 units per month – Blood Bank Director

…urges persons to donate plasma in aiding chronic disease patients

As Guyana gears up to celebrate World Blood Donor Day, emphasis is being placed this year on plasma and the patients with chronic diseases whose lives depend on the donation of this critical substance.

In this week’s edition of the Health Matters programme, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service, Dr Pedro Lewis underscored that plasma is used to make a series of derivatives.

Plasma makes up approx-

imately 55 per cent of your blood, and contains antibodies, known as immunoglobulins, which fight infection. These antibodies are made into medicines to help people with cancers, rare diseases, immune disorders and genetic conditions.

“Plasma, which is the prime product, comes from the blood bank. From the plasma, they could make derivatives which are very critical in chronic diseases. This year also, with the World Health Organisation’s focus,

Latin American countries and Guyana is focusing on how we support persons with chronic illness that depends on the blood banks for these products,” Dr Lewis underscored.

World Blood Donor Day will be celebrated on June 13 under the theme: “Give Blood, Give Plasma, Share Life, Share Often.” The Director underlined that those who donate should be celebrated on this day.

“It is very important that we celebrate the persons who

give us these products, who take their time off and give blood. We also use this day to give awareness to individuals who have never donated before to start donating blood.”

Apart from the central Blood Bank at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), there

locally, Dr Lewis emphasised that blood products are easily used up.

He noted, “These units go rapidly because now, Guyana is developing. We have a lot of advanced procedures being done like cardiac surgeries, not only being done by GPHC but privately. Those type of persons utilise a lot of

are collection sites in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Before blood is donated, the donor is screened to ensure the person is not at risk for infection. This blood will last for about 35-42 days depending on the anticoagulant used. Every component of the blood is stored differently until it is ready for the recipient. Given the progression of Guyana’s health sector and new procedures being done

blood and blood products. We got to keep collecting so that we could have a healthy nation.”

The health professional also pointed to the need to make donors comfortable when they show up to donate. Once a person has donated blood, they can return in about two months should they want to do so again.

“This year, our focus is on chronic diseases but we also have trauma patients that come frequently at the hospital. Very importantly, we also have obstetrics patients. A mother will not only need one unit of blood.

Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service, Dr Pedro Lewis

Donating blood

In search of a better life, 2 Venezuelan biomedical technologists moved to Guyana with US$20 …overcame

economy had tanked and was in deep turmoil, and prices for basic goods and necessities were drastically high.

They said they had heard about life in Guyana from their friends and colleagues, and during the initial stages of their plans, had decided to take the legal route to settle here.

“We went into the Guyanese Embassy in Caracas to find out how we can come here, and we got the six-month tourist visa,” Vargas said.

She said they contacted a travel agent, who informed that they could travel to Guyana via Boa Vista in Brazil and Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). They then boarded their transportation, said goodbye to their families and friends, and headed for Guyana.

“It was my first time leaving Venezuela,” Leal said.

By Alva Solomon

When they arrived in Guyana on February 18, 2019, two Venezuelan women had only US$20 between them. The following day, they started scouring the city in search of employment, and found same in stores, offices, and later the hospitals, in the weeks and months which followed.

Today, with an established company bearing their names - ElectroBio - Nathaly Vargas and Mercedes Leal are determined to settle on these shores, and explore their electrical talents while contributing to the country’s development in the biomedical and electrical sectors.

Nathaly Vargas is a biomedical engineer by profession, a career in which she has been involved for

more than 12 years. She studied electro-medicine at the Francisco de Miranda National Experimental University in Venezuela.

Her colleague Mercedes Leal studied computer science engineering in Venezuela and at the IUTLL de los llanos Altagracia de Orituco university.

These two friends have combined their efforts to form this company, which provides biomedical services to hospitals and private entities in the city. They also can fix any electrical device, including smartphones, electric bikes and drones.

Making the move

The women told Guyana Times that, prior to 2019, they had thought about moving to these shores in search of a better life. At the time, they said, the Venezuelan

Vargas said that when they arrived in Boa Vista, she recalled her friend crying as they prepared to head onward to Lethem. “She start to cry in Boa Vista, and she said, ‘I left my country’,” Vargas said.

The trip from Caracas to Georgetown lasted three days, the duo revealed.

Vargas said their custodian arranged a place for them to rent for two weeks after their arrival. “When we just arrived, during that first week, we started looking for work,” she said, adding that they were not sure how much time they would have taken before finding jobs. Their main concern was finding a job to offset their living expenses, since they only had US$20.

Finding work and learning to speak English

Vargas said she first found a job at a mobile phone/ electronic store on Regent Street, Georgetown. There she repaired phones, but the job lasted only two weeks, since the salary was not enough to sustain her. She then found another job at a mobile phone store on Robb Street, Georgetown, where she also repaired phones. She stayed there

for three months before moving to work at a Chinese store. Several weeks later, someone mentioned that there was a job opening at a biomedical company on Brickdam.

“That was my field of work,” she said. She said she worked several months for that company, during which time she heard about another job opening in the biomedical field at another company in the city.

great challenges, & looking towards rewarding future

Nathaly Vargas and Mercedes Leal at their office in Queenstown

Venezuelan nationals Nathaly Vargas and Mercedes Leal, a biomedical engineer/ electrician and computer engineer respectively, testing an equipment at their office in Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown

The Amaya Milk Company has now introduced fresh milk in glass bottles to the local market, which can be purchased from leading supermarkets.

On Saturday, the dairy company announced that the milk will be available in other locations in the future. Amaya Milk

can be found at Mattai’s Supermarket, Chand’s Service Station (Shell Gas Station) Ogle, Massy Megastores, Coss Cutters, Freshco, and Foodmax supermarkets.

Chief Executive Officer of Amaya Milk Company, Omkaar Sharma indicated that their milk is highly nutritious and can be con-

FROM PAGE 14

She might need six, seven or even eight units. Also, these are the patients that they will activate a massive transfusion protocol because a lot of platelets, plasma and precipitate is needed for these patients. Every so often, he will get these patients.”

In Guyana, over 400 organisations participate in blood collection. In most cases, these agencies contact the NBTS to collaborate and facilitate the collection of units after a sensitisation session with stakeholders.

Dr Lewis expressed, “I think at this point of time, we have collected the most amount of blood than any other year to date. We’re averaging about 1000 units per month, which puts us on an excellent platform. This is something we want to main-

tain going forward.”

Since 2001, Guyana has adopted a 100 per cent voluntary donation programme for blood. Since that time, family members are not asked to donate blood before blood products are provided for transfusion.

The World Health Organisation recommends that all activities related to blood collection, testing, processing, storage and distribution must be coordinated at the national level through effective organisation and integrated blood supply networks. The national blood system should be governed by a national blood policy and legislative framework to promote uniform implementation of standards and consistency in the quality and safety of blood and blood products. (G12)

sumed straight from the bottle.

“I am extremely pleased that we can finally bring our milk to market. It has been a long but rewarding process and I am excited about the positive impact our milk will have on the local market and the local dairy industry. Amaya’s

Milk is fresh, creamy and tasty. It is the purest and most nutritional milk on the market, filled with essential minerals and vitamins, to deliver a healthy refreshing drink to all,” Sharma disclosed.

Milk is valued as a complete protein source as it contains all the nine essen-

tial amino acids. Milk is abundant in minerals like calcium and phosphorus that are required for strong bones and teeth. Milk is imbued with essential vitamins including B12.

Sharma noted that the company chose returnable glass bottles because they

are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

“Customers will need to pay a bottle deposit the first time they make a purchase, but for subsequent purchases, they only need to bring back their empty and they will be credited the bottle deposit on that purchase,” he said.

Amaya brings fresh bottled milk to local market Collection has increased...

In 2021, it was first announced that Canada-based Amaya Milk Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and the Ministry of Agriculture for the establishment of a milk plant to process, bottle and sell high-quality pasteurised cow’s milk in the local market.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had disclosed at that time that the company had already secured agreements with five large-scale cattle farmers in the Mahaica-Berbice region to deliver approximately 100 gallons of fresh cow’s milk every day to the plant when it is operationalised.

The Amaya Milk Company first established a $150 million facility at Onverwagt, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), in order to commence production of paneer – non-aged, non-melting soft cheese made by curdling milk with a fruit- or vegetable-derived acid. (G12)

Amaya Milk is now available in leading supermarkets

Eradicating child labour requires collaboration from all – Persaud

work for children

Ministry, Bishram Kuppen shared that this walk complements the Government’s comprehensive policy that strives to ensure the well-being of every child including the Because We Care cash grant, Grant for Each Child with Disability and National School Feeding programmes, among other initiatives.

Kuppen also urged employers to play an important part in the Government’s

efforts to eradicate this scourge in society by opposing the use of child labour in businesses.

In June, the Ministry initiated a series of programmes aimed at 25 secondary schools around the country to educate students and teachers about child labour, and child labour inspections will be undertaken throughout the year.

Friday’s walk saw the

participation of about 400 participants including students, teachers and representatives from the various Ministries as they began at Parliament Building and concluded at the Labour Ministry on Brickdam Street.

Throughout June, similar awareness walks will be held in Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Ahead of the global observance of World Day Against Child Labour on Monday, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud stressed the need for consistent efforts to eradicate child labour that involves not only recognising its signs but also reporting on it.

The Minister made this remark during the Labour Ministry’s annual walk on Friday to commemorate the upcoming World Day Against Child Labour, which this year is held under the theme “Social Justice for All – How to End Child Labour.”

dren of their childhood, potential and dignity, and is harmful to their physical and mental development.

The ILO sets the general minimum age for admission to employment at 15 years and the minimum age for hazardous work at 18, though it may be 16 under certain strict conditions.

Persaud noted that Guyana has comprehensive legislation that address the rights of the child and what constitutes as child labour.

Echoing the ILO’s age limitations, the Employment of Children and Young People Act 1999 also strictly prohibits chil-

their rights? As we seek to tackle an issue that is serious, morally wrong and unlawful, I’d like to encourage our teachers to ensure that children are educated on their rights,” Persaud said.

“If we are to protect the rights and those persons who these rights relate to, those children must be very familiar themselves with what their rights are,” she added.

As such, she encouraged both children and teachers to participate in activities and seminars that highlight what the rights of the child are and how to uphold them.

“We can only stop child labour if everyone is involved, if everyone understands and if everyone’s involvement is of such magnitude that it involves not only recognising child labour where it exists but reporting on it – intervention. Once intervention happens, then there comes the process where work must be done with the child and with those persons who have employed the child or put the child into a forced labour situation,” Dr Persaud said.

Reporting – the responsibility of all citizens – can be done by contacting the relevant Ministries, according to Persaud who noted that the Human Services Ministry’s 914 hotline is one place to start.

Child labour, as described by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is work that deprives chil-

dren from working in industrial services aboard ships and from working in night services.

“Where do we tend to see the highest propensity of child labour? We tend to see that happening in the hinterlands, in remote and rural communities. But in the urban areas, we find children very much in industrial services and we find them in places where they ought not to be,” Persaud said.

Meanwhile, she noted that the Convention on the Rights of the Child 1991 is another important piece of legislation that drives home the point that children have rights, though more efforts need to be made of informing children of said rights.

“While the Convention has been ratified, the question must be asked – how many children know of

Pocket money

Persaud added that there are positive forms of work that children above the minimum age of employment can still be involved in as it ensures they earn valuable life skills prior to entering the formal workforce.

These can include doing chores at home and earning pocket money while working part-time at a family business.

“Pocket money is allowed under the legislation. I’m not saying you can’t do that, but when it becomes the other thing and you are placed in an industry [or] entity where you are earning a salary like an adult and doing work that an adult should do, those are things that children should not be involved in,” Persaud said.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary at the Labour

…says pocket-money jobs, chores allowed, no adult

The Labour Ministry’s annual “walk to spread awareness of child labour”

In search of a better life, 2 Venezuelan...

She said that, through networking, she received an offer to work voluntarily at the Georgetown Public Hospital for a month. She said it was tough working without pay, but she noted that it was an aspect of the job requirement. Later, she said, she found a job at a popular private hospital, and it was there that she explored her knowledge of the field. She said it was a rewarding experience.

Different journey

Leal, a qualified computer engineer, had a different journey. She said she first found a job at the Georgetown Seawall at a fast-food outlet which sells burgers and hot dogs. “Everything you needed, I made it: burgers, hot dogs, good food, but my English was very slow”, she said. She then worked at several stores in the city, and at one point, the duo worked at the same store.

Leal said she then landed a job at the private hospital with Vargas, in the biomedical service department of the

company. The women said that one of the challenges they faced after landing here was learning the English language. Vargas said that within three months she had learnt the language through interactions and via online studies. Leal noted that she had a difficult time adapting, and at the moment she is still learning.

Vargas speaks fluent English, even as she continues to learn more about the language. For her, learn-

ing the English language is of great importance, since the equipment which she handles are programmed in English. “All the menus are in English, standby power and applications, everything is in English,” she said.

Fixing devices

Vargas said she believes any task the male gender can do can be done by the female, such as working in the electrical field. She said she can fix any electrical device, such

as mobile phones, tablets, electric carts, drones, as well as appliances and household electrical circuits. She also repairs and services her electric bike, which is the duo’s main means of transportation around the city.

“My profession is inter-disciplined. You had to study electronics, physics, mathematics, electrophysiology, biology, different aspects of science,” she added. “So, 60% of the biomedical profession is fixing equipment. So, in Caracas, they send you to hospitals, clinics, medical centres and so, and you have to fix equipment with people who had the knowledge before you,” she said.

Leal said her field of work includes providing diagnostic and maintenance services to computers and computerized equipment. She also undertakes training others, such

as people at the private hospitals, on how to undertake day-to-day servicing of computerized equipment.

Her line of work also includes webpage designing, and as such, she designed the entity’s website -Electrobiocompany.com. She functions as the community relations official of the entity.

Feedback

Since the formation of their company a year ago, the women said, many people who utilised their services have given positive reviews of the entity. In addition, members of the public have declared themselves impressed by the women’s talent, including their ability to fix various electrical equipment.

Vargas and Leal have said they fell in love with Guyana since arriving here in 2019, and they noted that

Guyanese have been very welcoming and helpful to them. They also fell in love with the local cuisine, cookup rice is one of their favourites. They said they plan to apply for naturalization status in the years to come, once they meet the requirements to undergo that process. Both women said they have no plan to return to Venezuela to live; however, they wish to travel back to the Bolivarian Republic to see their families for a few days.

“We want to continue to expand our company here in Guyana, and also to become naturalized Guyanese,” Vargas said.

They said they will continue to provide their biomedical and electrical services to the public with the same hunger as they did when they first started working here.

Venezuelan biomedical engineer/electrician examining an electrical equipment

$800M in contracts signed for road works in Regions 4 & 5

…contractors told to employ residents in community

The Public Works Ministry has signed multiple contracts totalling $809,118,688 million for the rehabilitation of 10.642 kilometres of miscellaneous and urban roads from the East Coast of Demerara to Mahaica, Region Four.

During the contract signing ceremony on Friday, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said that the over$809 million in road works are set to be completed within a 12-month duration. He also highlighted the importance for contractors to employ persons within the communities they are working.

“All contractors are being urged to employ labour from the communities where you are executing your contract, that’s a public policy of the Government. When you’re doing a job in a community, engage people from that community,” the Minister stressed.

Additionally, Minister Edghill also unveiled that three roads will be constructed in Sophia under the Urban Roads Programme. He added

that the Government aims to construct a total of thirty roads in Sophia throughout this year.

“Under our Urban Roads Programme (URP) today we are awarding contracts for three roads in Sophia. The intent is that we will be doing about thirty roads in Sophia in 2023. We’re awarding three roads today that has already been evaluated and ready,” Edghill noted.

Minister Edghill also emphasised the Government’s commitment to bringing development to various communities across the country.

Projects intended for good

Meanwhile, on Tuesday the Ministry also signed eighteen contracts totalling $1.3 billion for the construction of roads in Yarrowkabra, Kuru Kururu, and Swan, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Fifty-eight contracts totalling over $2.8 billion were also signed for road works across Region Three.

Speaking at the contract signing, Minister within the Public Works Ministry

Deodat Indar urged contractors to cooperate and communicate with the residents during the execution of the project.

“These projects are intended for good. The way communities and contractors communicate with each other is very important,” he said.

Additionally, Indar pointed out that the majority of the contractors for these projects are new contractors, and this diversity indicates that new persons are being awarded opportunities to contribute to their communities as well as to gain employment.

“This country is building at an explosive rate, and a lot of contractors are required to build out this country. This is the opportunity for new people to come onboard—many of them bid, and many of them got work,” the Minister noted.

Additionally, on Wednesday contracts for the rehabilitation of roads across Region Six totalling in excess of $1.9 billion were also signed.

The contract-signing ceremony on Friday

Georgetown, Linden & New Amsterdam in the spotlight

By Andrew CArmiChAel

As Guyanese prepare to go to the polls on Monday, much focus will be placed on three main towns – Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Linden. These towns are traditionally controlled by the PNC-led Opposition, but the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic has declared its intention to take over the reins of these townships.

In the 2018 Local Government Elections, the Georgetown municipality saw some 28,436 valid votes cast, of which 18,127 went to APNU, 7,050 to the PPP/C, and 3,059 to the AFC. There were also two other parties that contested those elections in Georgetown, and they pulled a combined total of 200 votes. Of the 40 available seats on the City Council, only 15 were taken up: 9 by APNU;

4 by the PPP/C and 2 by the AFC. However, the AFC has since given up its two seats, leaving them vacant. For this year’s local government polls, the PPP/C is fielding two crossover candidates from the APNU: Patricia Chase-Green and Trichria Richards. In 2018, ChaseGreen won Constituency 12 on the APNU ticket with 2,212 votes, against PPP/C’s 92 votes in that area. This time, she is now a candidate for the PPP/C in that constituency.

Similarly, Richards had won Constituency 13 with

1,830 votes for the APNU, against PPP/C’s 213 votes in 2018. She is also now contesting as a PPP/C candidate at Monday’s polls. Results will show how effective those cross-overs have been in Georgetown.

Outside of the capital City, the interest in these elections is in New Amsterdam in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and the Municipality of Linden in Region Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

The PPP/C seems to have garnered more interest in New Amsterdam, as clear indica-

tions have been given that it is going to take control of a town that has been under the leadership of the Peoples National Congress (PNC) and later PNC-led APNU for close to six decades. In fact, the PPP/C closed its campaign with a rally in New Amsterdam at which President Dr Irfaan Ali and the party’s General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo addressed residents of the town, while APNU also closed its campaign with a rally in the town of Saturday, at which its leader, Aubrey Norton, addressed residents of the town.

TURN TO PAGE ►

Georgetown, Linden & New Amsterdam in ...

constituencies 6 and 7 respectively. Former Coalition Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford is now also a candidate on the PPP/C slate in Linden. Meanwhile, in New Amsterdam, there was a very low voter turnout at the 2018 LGE, and only 4063 valid ballots were cast; 2272 going to APNU and 1070 to PPP/C.

seen on the campaign trail.

to do so.

Only recently, President Ali, while on a visit to the town, said what is happening in New Amsterdam would be replicated in other communities across the country. This was after a number of persons who previously had supported APNU had thrown their support behind the PPP.

In 2018 in Linden, the voter turnout was strong, and 5132 valid ballots were

cast. Of that number, 3306 were for APNU and 402 were in favour of the PPP. The AFC got 1075 votes back then. That Town Council is made up of 16 seats, with APNU having 13, the AFC 2, and the PPP/C one.

In Linden, there are several PPP/C candidates who have crossed over from APNU. These include Errof Roetham and Keith Ferrier, who will be contesting in

New Amsterdam has one crossover candidate, Esan Vanderstoop, who is currently a sitting APNU Councillor on the Town Council. He won Constituency Five at the 2018 Local Government Elections with 280 votes, while the PPP was only able to pick up 72.

This time around, Vanderstoop is also contesting, but he is wearing the PPP colours, being a candidate on the PPP slate.

Interesting is the fact that there are two independent candidates contesting in that constituency: Dr Mark Fraser and Kenroy Henry. Dr Fraser, who works out of the town, has not been

However, Henry told this publication that he wants to be part of the developmental process of New Amsterdam. He said he has the potential

“Persons can expect transparency, accountability and consistency, because that is something that has been lacking in Constituency

5 and in New Amsterdam generally. Those aspects I will provide when I am elected,” he said.

Polls open across the country at 06:00h on Monday.

Around the World Ukraine counter-offensive actions have begun, Zelensky says

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky appears to have confirmed that his country’s long-awaited counter-offensive against Russia has started.

But he added that he would not talk in detail about which stage or state the counter-offensive was in.

The comments come after an escalation of fighting in the south and east of Ukraine and speculation about progress of the widely anticipated push. Ukrainian troops are reported to have advanced in the east near Bakhmut and in the south near Zaporizhzhia, and have carried out long-range strikes on Russian targets.

But assessing the reality on the front lines is difficult, with the two warring sides presenting contrasting narratives: Ukraine claiming progress and Russia that it is fighting off attacks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a video interview published Friday that Ukrainian forces had certainly begun their offensive but that attempted advances had failed with heavy casual-

Four Colombian children found alive in jungle weeks after plane crash

ties.

Speaking in Kyiv, after talks with the Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Zelensky described the Russian leader’s words as “interesting”.

Shrugging his shoulders, raising his eyebrows and pretending not to know who Putin was, Zelensky said it was important that Russia felt “they do not have long left”.

He also said that Ukraine’s military commanders were in a positive mood, adding: “Tell that to Putin.”

Trudeau announced 500 million Canadian dollars (£297m) in new military aid for Ukraine during the unannounced visit.

A joint statement issued after the talks said Canada supports Ukraine becoming a NATO member “as soon as conditions allow for it”, adding that the issue would be discussed at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July.

The news conference followed an overnight Russian strike in which three people died and dozens were injured in the southern city of Odesa. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Four children from an Indigenous community in Colombia were found alive in the country’s south on Friday more than five weeks after the plane they were travelling in crashed in thick jungle, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro said.

The siblings were rescued by the military near the border between Colombia’s Caqueta and Guaviare provinces, close to where the small plane had crashed.

The plane - a Cessna 206was carrying seven people on a route between Araracuara airport, in Caqueta province, and San Jose del Guaviare, a city in Guaviare province, when it issued a mayday alert due to engine failure in the early hours of May 1.

Three adults, including the pilot and the children’s mother Magdalena Mucutuy, died as a result of the crash and their bodies were found

inside the plane. The four siblings, aged 13, 9, 4, as well as a now 12-month-old baby, survived the impact.

Narcizo Mucutuy, the grandfather of the three girls and one boy, told reporters he was delighted at the news of their rescue.

“A joy for the whole country! The four children who were lost ... in the Colombian jungle appeared alive,” Petro said in a message via Twitter.

Petro initially reported that children had been found on May 17 in a message on Twitter but later deleted the post, saying the information was unconfirmed.

“They were together, they are weak, let’s let the doctors assess them. They found them, it makes me very happy,” Petro told journalists on Friday, adding the children had defended themselves alone in the middle of the jungle. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky

World cricket Test Championship final 2023…

Kohli, Rahane keep India alive in hunt of 444

Under bright skies, and on an Oval pitch that seemed to ease out against all expectations, India's batters have set up a potentially thrilling final day, racing to 164 for 3 at more than four an over to keep alive their pursuit of a world-record fourth-innings

target. Australia remain favourites to win the match, with India needing a further 280 on the final day, but with the second new ball 40 overs away, they may have a lot of hard work ahead of them to take the seven remaining wickets.

SCOREBOARD

Australia 2nd Innings

BATTING R B

Usman Khawaja c †

Bharat b Yadav 13 39

David Warner c †Bharat

b Mohammed Siraj 1 8

Marnus Labuschagne c Pujara b Yadav 41 126

Steven Smith c Thakur

b Jadeja 34 47

Travis Head c & b Jadeja 18 27

Cameron Green b Jadeja 25 95

Alex Carey † not out 66 105

Mitchell Starc c Kohli

b Mohammed Shami 41 57

Pat Cummins (c) c sub (AR Patel)

b Mohammed Shami 5 5

Extras (b 9, lb 9, nb 2, w 6) 26

TOTAL 84.3 Ov (RR: 3.19) 270/8d

Did not bat: Nathan

Lyon, Scott Boland

Fall of wickets: 1-2

(David Warner, 3.3 ov), 2-24

(Usman Khawaja, 14.1 ov), 3-86

(Steven Smith, 30.1 ov), 4-111

(Travis Head, 36.3 ov), 5-124

(Marnus Labuschagne, 46.4 ov), 6-167

(Cameron Green, 62.6 ov), 7-260

(Mitchell Starc, 82.6 ov), 8-270

(Pat Cummins, 84.3 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Mohammed Shami 16.3-6-39-2

Mohammed Siraj 20-2-80-1

Shardul Thakur 8-1-21-0

Umesh Yadav 17-1-54-2

Ravindra Jadeja 23-4-58-3

India 2nd Innings (T: 444 runs)

BATTING R B Rohit Sharma (c) lbw b Lyon 43 60

Shubman Gill c Green b Boland 18 19

Cheteshwar Pujara c †Carey b Cummins 27 47

Virat Kohli not out 44 60

Ajinkya Rahane not out 20 59

Extras (lb 1, nb 5, w 6) 12

TOTAL 40 Ov (RR: 4.10) 164/3

Yet to bat: Srikar Bharat †, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav,

Mohammed Shami,

Mohammed Siraj

Fall of wickets: 1-41 (Shubman Gill, 7.1 ov), 2-92 (Rohit Sharma, 19.5 ov), 3-93 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 20.4 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Pat Cummins 9-0-42-1

Scott Boland 11-1-38-1

Mitchell Starc 7-0-45-0

Cameron Green

2-0-6-0

Nathan Lyon 11-1-32-1

India may have still felt a little cross with themselves at stumps, though, losing perhaps a wicket more than they would have liked by then, two of them to aggressive shots.

Rohit Sharma was lbw to Nathan Lyon when he missed a sweep from a stump-tostump line, and Cheteshwar Pujara toe-ended an attempted ramp over the slips off a Pat Cummins bouncer.

Both batters will argue, though, that these are shots they usually play well. They will also argue that the same positivity had helped them stitch a second-wicket stand of 51 in 77 balls. The two wickets, however, fell in the space of five balls, turning 92 for 1 to 93 for 3.

It was the perfect opening for Australia to bulldoze through, but Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane were having none of it. They ended the day reprising the same positivity that had gone before, putting on an unbroken 71 for the fourth wicket, with both batters looking in excellent ball-striking rhythm. Conditions also didn't seem to test them, with the pitch showing far less tendency to produce inconsistent bounce than it had done through the first three innings of the match.

Kohli and Rahane ended the day with control percentages of 93 and 97 respective-

ly. As they safely negoti ated the last over of the day, a largely Indiasupporting crowd was in fine voice, a section of them belting out this number from the 1975 blockbuster Sholay: "Yeh dosti, hum nahin todenge [we'll never break this friendship]." Australia would want to break it as soon as possible when day five dawns.

The crowd had been far less pleased some two hours earlier, though, after India lost their first wicket off what ended up as the last ball before tea, following a near-run-a-ball opening partnership of 41. Scott Boland got one to straighten and kick in the corridor, Shubman Gill pushed at it with hard hands, and Cameron Green dived low to his left to pluck out a superlative gully catch, his second of the match.

Richard Kettleborough, the third umpire, adjudged Cameron Green's catch that dismissed Shubman Gill to be a fair one Virat Kohli creaming the cover drive

Gill stood his ground, though, and the decision went up to the third umpire. As is often the case with these low grabs, replays seemed inconclusive, but the decision went in Australia's favour. Chants of "Cheat! Cheat! Cheat!" continued to follow Green through the rest of the evening, particularly when he bowled. A World Test Championship that had been full of quality cricket

now had the one ingredient it had been missing: controversy and needle.

During the first session of the day, Green had had a far different effect on the crowd, keeping them quiet as he added 18 runs in 87 balls to his overnight score of 7. His dismissal was in keeping with the tone of his innings: he attempted to pad away a Ravindra Jadeja delivery from over the wicket, only for the ball to hit his pad and roll onto the wicket.

(ESPNCricinfo)

GCB Cricket Academy bowls off new frontier in Moruca

Moruca became the latest addition to the long list of growing communities across the country as the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) new frontier Cricket Academy continues to reach newer heights.

The GCB team continued to venture into uncharted parts of Guyana, this time making the prestige Amerindian settlement. This academy follows those in South Essequibo, North Essequibo, Leguan, Wakeenaam, Pomeroon which bowled off their camps within the past 2 months.

The team also took a different dynamic, adding Guyana Harpy Eagles National Head Coach Ryan Hercules to the core, alongside Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) President Deleep Singh and his executive crew and coaches from Cinderella County.

With the aim being to bring cricket to uncharted parts of Guyana which possesses some of the country’s most hidden talents, Moruca was the ideal place, as almost 60 students from the Santa Rosa community came out with teachers, parents, coaches, members of the executive regional committee including Toshao Stavros Stanley.

Moruca Cricket Board

President Earl Richards, ECB Competitions Chairman Kumar Das, Chairman of Selectors in Essequibo Dinesh Joseph and others also featured in part of the groundbreaking venture, held at the Damion Marvin

Recreational Ground. During his feature re-

the likes of Ronsford Beaton, Keemo Paul, Anthony Adams

level 1/2 course, which was held at the Guyana National Stadium, a few weeks ago.

The Eagles coach called on the instructors and players to focus on working hand- in-hand and practicing discipline when it comes to training, being timely for weekly sessions and being disciplined when on the cricket field.

speaking on behalf of their plans, Ernesto DeMattos Head coach of the Region, told his teammates that the task ahead will be grueling but it’s up to them to ensure that the academy and the player reach their peak.

marks, Mr. Singh, a Director at Cricket West Indies (CWI) told the residents that this specific visit was geared towards finding and developing some of the Region 1’s immense talent, something he said will be a focal point as Moruca undoubtedly remains one of the premier zones in Essequibo. He said the uprising of Essequibo cricket is a huge part of the overall structure of building for the future, because a number of top talents

and other Guyana and West Indies players hail from Essequibo. As a result, it is crucial to keep producing athletes from what can be described as a premier reservoir for cricket.

Richards, the Moruca Cricket Board president immediately thanked the GCB and president Bissondyal Singh and his team for putting Moruca in a position to progress as a community and as a way to keep their youths further engaged in sports but

noted that cricket played a huge role in the daily lives of the younger generation of Morucans.

Hercules’s inclusion was part of a new initiative to have Academy members who are primarily between the ages of 7-17, to have early exposure to elite coaching. Young cricketers, although shy, managed to open up and eventually exhibit immense talent on the pitch.

Off-field, although camera-shy due to the lack of exposure and a more familial, rustic way of living, most of the students were smart and placed heavy emphasis on school, which played a significant role in their overall development.

During his interaction with the students, Hercules, a Level 3 Coach and former player, acknowledged the natural athletic build and raw physical talent, which is a hallmark of the youths from the region.

The coach proclaimed that Region 1 has arguably one of the highest concentrations of talent as it relates to cricket and he’s pleased to witness such a massive turnout by the players who hail from the various satellite villages like Kabukalli, St. Peters Hall and other areas.

Hercules, who was born in Region 2, said it’s important to have proper coaching for students who are filled with potential but lack the necessary guidance in order to unlock their true potential.

Calling on the local coaches to continue their hard work, especially after most of the coaches in Essequibo recently completed their

Urging the youths to take full advantage of the GCB and their plans to develop cricket across Guyana, Hercules further told the young Morucans that it was important to remain dedicated to their craft, regardless of coaching.

He noted that honing one’s craft can also be done through work with oneself. Hercules elaborated that cricket must be practised as often as possible, while strength training and keeping fit alongside eating correctly are key aspects to being an athlete, more specifically a cricketer.

Toshao Stanley called the moment “Ground-breaking day for Santa Rosa’. He asked for a real cricket pitch for the sport while requesting a facility which he said will go a long way.

“I know we have potential in Moruca because sports is the way to go, and we have developed more than before”. Essequibo leads the way in academies being launched. It has been a historic and important exercise for ECB and GCB. I know a lot of talent is here in the community with a lot of talented players”, said Toshao.

He further pointed out that Essequibo has more camps than Demerara and Berbice at the moment, adding that Football and cricket complement each other, the two main sports of the community. He also called on community figures as well as parents and teachers to show support to the academies and players, as it would help tremendously with the expansion of the sport in Essequibo, more specifically Moruca.

A few of the coaches from the area, both male and female will be tasked with overseeing the weekly progression of the academy and

Man City claim...

Man City grind out greatest night

This was a night when only the result mattered to City, not the manner in which their greatest victory was achieved. This was not a win secured with the dazzling style and creation that is usually their hallmark. In fact, for long periods, it was a scrappy, sloppy performance in the face of a welldrilled Inter side, who were right in this Champions League Final until the whistle went.

None of that will matter now. All that will be recalled forever about this game by City’s fans was the moment when Rodri arrived on the end of build-up play from Manuel Akanji and Bernardo Silva to send that precise right-foot finish away from the reach of

He thanked the GCB president Bissondyal Singh for ensuring that cricket thrives in a major way across such isolated parts of Guyana. DeMattos also thanked ECB boss Singh for reviving cricket in the Region and ensuring that no zone in Essequibo is not without cricket gear or an academy set up.

Meanwhile, some students and residents of the area thanked both Boards for making such a historic move while bringing cricket gear to their community. The turnout by young women in the area was by far the largest of the academies launched, with more than 15 girls present during last Saturday’s launch.

Closing off the opening, Navika Narine, the ECB Public Relation Officer, thanked the young women and the community for being involved, more specifically the young ladies who showed huge interest in becoming the next batch of women’s cricketers.

Speaking on the progression of the Academies across Essequibo and those to be launched in other zones like region 4 and 10, GCB President Bissondyal Singh said he was thrilled to see that cricket had been developing rapidly outside of the common areas.

The GCB President believed that the GCB could continue to churn out top talents from across these hidden zones as they are more sports oriented and natural athletes with a high drive for cricket. Singh, who too is CWI Director, said the academies in Essequibo will play an integral part in the future of Guyana’s cricket.

FROM PAGE 29 ►

Inter’s outstanding keeper Andre Onana. And, of course, the triumphant Champions League trophy lift.

City lived dangerously in the closing minutes, and when it was all over, Guardiola, so agitated in his technical area, was relatively calm as he sought out opposite number Simone Inzaghi for consoling words.

John Stones was again outstanding for City, while keeper Ederson made key contributions when required.

The celebrations at the final whistle reflected a magnificent season, as City finally got their hands on the Champions League trophy and prepared to parade it around the streets of Manchester along with the Premier League and FA Cup on Monday. (BBC Sport)

A demonstration being done by Coach Ryan Hercules

ECB President Deleep Singh Toshao Stavros Stanley

Man City claim treble with Champions League win

MCYS, NSC commission refurbished Tennis Court

Aspanking new lawn tennis surface was on Friday afternoon unveiled at the National Racquet Center on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, much to the delight of the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA).

The court’s surface, stands and washrooms were completely redone while lights were also installed for play at later times. The project was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Manchester City’s long quest to win the Champions League has finally ended in triumph against Inter Milan in Istanbul, as Pep Guardiola’s side completed the Treble.

After winning the Premier League and FA Cup, City emulated Manchester United’s triple-trophy haul in 1999 as they became only the second English club to achieve the feat after Rodri’s crisp 68th-minute strike settled an attritional final.

Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side were never at their best against a brilliantly organised Inter, and had to cope with the loss of Kevin De Bruyne to injury in the first half. But the massed ranks of City fans inside Ataturk Stadium did not care about that, as they joyously celebrated the greatest night - and season - in the club’s history.

And for Guardiola, it seals his status as one of the managerial greats, as he added a third Champions League to the two he won at Barcelona,

the last coming in 2011. This was never the walkover many predicted, and City had to survive a few scares: when Federico Dimarco’s header bounced off the bar and Ederson made a stunning late save to deny Romelu Lukaku, but ultimately, this was all about the victory. Now Guardiola and his players can take their place in history.

Guardiola & Man City claim Holy Grail

The Champions League has brought suffering to City and Pep Guardiola - especially when they lost to Premier League rivals Chelsea in the 2021 final - but all the pain disappeared just before midnight on a sultry night in Istanbul.

City survived late anxiety, especially when Inter substitute Lukaku headed straight at Ederson with the goal at his mercy, but there was an explosion of joy on the pitch and in the stands at Ataturk Stadium as they finally secured the giant trophy that

has remained so elusively beyond their grasp for so long.

Guardiola admitted, whether it was fair or not, that his time at Manchester City would be judged on whether he was able to bring the Champions League to the club. Now that judgement can be made.

The Catalan, who won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011, will now be an iconic figure at City as well as Barcelona.

It is a simple fact that many outside the Abu Dhabiowned club will always view their triumph through the prism of the charges of 115 financial breaches brought against them by the Premier League, charges they fiercely deny.

For City’s owners, with Sheikh Mansour attending only his second game since taking control in 2008, this was the night they have planned for, and the one when they finally claimed that Holy Grail.

During the official unveiling, GTA President Cristy Campbell spoke of the promise made by Minister Charles Ramson Jr., which has now come to fruition.

“A mere 14 hours (after) Minister Ramson was sworn in as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the GTA received correspondence to meet in the boardroom of the National Racquet Center, just up there. At that meeting, Minister Ramson made two promises to the executive of the GTA. The first promise was, and I’ll quote him: ‘I will not repair this facility, I’ll completely redo it with a new surface, new stands, washrooms and lights for your players to train longer hours, because this facility is in a horrible state and patchworks cannot correct it’,” Campbell recollected.

She continued, “Today we’re here at the commissioning of these courts, and witnessing the manifestation of that promise.”

Meanwhile, Director of Sport (DoS), Steve Ninvalle,

touched on the number of sport facilities being established -- a testament to Government’s commitment.

The Director of Sport shared, “The fact that this facility is being opened says a lot about where sports is going in Guyana, and it says a lot about Government’s commitment to making sure that we have such facilities that will enable us to not only host local tournaments, but to host major international tournaments and competitions.

“It would be remiss of me if I say this is the only such facility that is being opened. In a few weeks, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport will be opening a similar facility at the National Gymnasium, whereby you’ll have futsal,

RHTY&SC/BCB/GBTI Inter Secondary School Say Yes/No Cricket tournament… Port Mourant defeat Lower

It was one of the greatest cricket finals to be played at the secondary school level in the history of Berbice Cricket.

Port Mourant Secondary School came back from the verge of defeat to lift the 2023 Say Yes/ Say No Cricket tournament. the tournament was organized by the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and the Berbice Cricket Board and sponsored by the Port Mourant branch of the Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry (GBTI)

Four schools participated in the one-day tournament- Lower Corentyne, Port Mourant, J.C Chandisingh and Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary. The main aim of the tournament was to promote the Say No to Drugs, Crime, Suicide, Racism, Alcohol and Yes to Education, Sports, Life and Religion message to over 3000 youths attending the schools in the Lower Corentyne area.

The tournament was delayed by two hours due to heavy morning rainfall, and was played in front of a large and colourful

crowd of students and parents. In the first semifinals, Port Mourant defeated J.C Chandisingh by 39 runs.

Batting first, Port Mourant scored 87 for 6 from their allotted ten overs with Romesh Bharat hitting 36 and Ravin Boodwah 19. Bowling for JCCSS, Sohail Shirkisson took 2 wickets or 11 while Faraz Moses, James Latcha, Nicholas Saul and Kemo Samsarran grabbed 1 wicket each.

In reply, JCCSS reached 48 for 5 with James Latcha hitting 20.

In the second semifinals,

tennis and basketball; and this augurs truly well for the vision that Government has for sport in this country,” Ninvalle added.

In addition, Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr. had some words of advice for those who would be utilising the national facility.

“We’ve built, we’ve made this investment for you, it is a National facility. First, take care of it. If you see some of the kids doing some of the things they shouldn’t be doing to destroy it, parents here, treat it as though it is your own. The second is, the facility is open for everyone in a structured way, but it is also important that you make optimal use of it,” the Sport Minister advised.

Corentyne to clinch title in super over thriller

Lower Corentyne got past Corentyne Comprehensive by eight wickets CCHS scored 43 for 4 from 10 overs with Joel Trim scoring 12. Lower Corentyne then achieved victory at 45 for 2 in 7.4 overs. Berbice junior players Damion Cecil 15 and Ari Afrizal Kadir 17 not out were the principal scorers despite Joel Cort bowling 2 wickets.

In the finals, Lower Corentyne, batting first after losing the toss, amassed 72 runs for the loss of four wickets, as skipper Nyron Hicks stroked 28 and Damion

Cecil 27. Off Spinner Mario Butcher took 2 wickets for 6 runs off 2 overs.

Needing to score 73 runs from ten overs to lift the trophy, Port Mourant Secondary struggled to 30 runs from six overs before aggressive batting from Ravin Boodwah (24) and Mario Butcher (18) led them to needing two from one delivery in the 10th over to win. They could only manage a single.

Damion Cecil was LCSS best bowler with 2 for 12 and Afraz Kadir 1 for 3 from one over. In the super over, Port

Mourant managed to score 10 runs, with National player Matthew Pottaya scoring 7. Much to the disappointment of their numerous fans, LCSS only scored six runs from the super over, to lose by four runs.

Foster, who is also President of the BCB, hailed the one day as a resounding success, and urged the players to develop a formula of hard work, dedication and discipline. He told the attentive students that drugs destroy the human mind, and that education is the best asset a human can have.

Special thanks were extended to the management and staff of the GBTI for their support of the tournament. Branch Manager of the GBTI Port Mourant branch, Andre Yhap, said he was delighted at the success of the tournament and the promotion of the messages to the large crowd. GBTI, he stated, fully understands its duties as a public institution, and would continue to support such events.

The four teams and the Man of the Finals received over one hundred thousand dollars in prizes.

It was just Rodri’s second Champions League goal in 48 appearances in the competition

GTA President Cristy Campbell (ASTP Photo)

Several little ones getting a feel of the refurbished courts (ASTP Photo)

The winning Port Mourant Secondary School

Man of the Finals - Mario Butcher

Five Guyanese in Windies 18-member training squad

WI WOMEN

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s Selection Panel today announced the preliminary squad of players who will participate in a training camp in preparation for the upcoming six-match Series against Ireland Women.

The training camp will be held at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St. Lucia from 14 to 21 June, where the players will have training and fitness sessions as well as strategic preparations for the three-match CG United One Day International (ODI) Series. The CG United ODI Series will be played from 26 June to 1 July, and is the West Indies Women’s third series in the ICC Women’s Championship, where the top five teams in the tenteam league qualify automatically for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

The preliminary squad includes a mix of experienced players and promising young talents. Cherry-Ann Fraser returns to add depth and experience to the team’s bowling attack, after missing the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup due to injury. Lefthanded allrounder Qiana Joseph, who last played international cricket in 2021, also returns to the training camp squad. She was among the leading players in the recent Women’s CG United Super50 Cup and the T20 Blaze played in St Kitts.

Several West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 players have been included in the preliminary squad. Zaida James, Jannillea Glasgow, Djenaba Joseph, Shunelle Sawh and Under-19s captain Ashmini Munisar have all earned their place in the squad. Their inclusion reflects the CWI commitment to developing younger talent and expanding the Women’s talent pool by providing opportunities for younger players to showcase their skills at the international level.

CWI Lead Selector for Women’s cricket, Ann

Browne-John, said: “The series against Ireland is an important one for the West Indies Women, as the team seeks to build points to qualify directly for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. It also serves as a perfect opportunity to continue to expose younger players to international cricket.

“This was a policy that the CWI embarked upon, which resulted in Under-19 players being selected to the team for the England Series in December and the ICC T20 World Cup in February.”

Browne-John added: “This is now being taken one step further, and there are five players

who participated in the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in January now in the squad preparing for the series against Ireland. This means that there are some senior players who are not able to get a place in the squad at this time. The Selection Panel, however, believes that this squad has a good mix of youth and experience as we continue to build the West Indies team of the future.”

The Women’s Selection Panel will announce the official West Indies Women’s squad ahead of the threematch CG United ODI Series, with the T20I squad announced later.

* Hayley Matthews – Captain

* Shemaine Campbelle

Vice Captain

* Aaliyah Alleyne

* Shamilia Connell

* Chinelle Henry

* Afy Fletcher

* Cherry-Ann Fraser

* Shabika Gajnabi

* Jannillea Glasgow

* Chinelle Henry

* Zaida James

* Djenaba Joseph

* Qiana Joseph

* Mandy Mangru

* Ashmini Munisar

* Karishma Ramharack

* Shunelle Sawh

* Stafanie Taylor

* Rashada Williams

The five Guyanese women who will feature in the 18-member training squad