Guyana Times -Sunday, June 4, 2023.pdf

Candidate who faced child molestation allegations returns to APNU slate

…despite party withdrawing support in 2016 LGE

Despite the child molestation allegations and charges that were once levelled against him and the public withdrawal of his party’s support from his candidature in 2016, a surprise name has resurfaced as an A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) candidateWinston Harding.

Harding was unveiled a few days ago by the APNU themselves as a candidate for constituency #13 (Georgetown-West and East Ruimveldt) for the June 12 Local Government Elections (LGE).

This is despite the fact that in 2016, pres -

sure was brought to bear on the former APNU/ Alliance For Change Government by persons

and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to remove Harding from his constituency seat after re -

ports arose that Harding had been charged with child molestation.

Harding had at the time refused to resign, with the backing of his constituents. The fallout had even touched the central executive, with then Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence facing intense criticisms after she was quoted referring to the accusations as a “family matter.”

The APNU as a party, had at the time made attempts to distance themselves from Harding. They had issued a statement in which they noted that the accusations of child molestation levelled against their candidate were a grave matter.

“In light of the alleged behaviour of Mr Winston Harding and the pattern of accusations over the years, his candidature cannot be supported at this time. APNU is cognisant of the fact that Mr Harding has not been convicted of any offence, but the gravity and nature of the accusations cannot be ignored or condoned,” APNU had said in their

2016 statement. It is unclear what would have caused APNU to change its stance on supporting Harding and efforts to contact People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) leader and APNU Chairman, Aubrey Norton, were futile.

APNU is an active participant in LGE 2023, though it 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

in a total of 318 constituencies.

Following the April 17 Nomination Day, GECOM had approved the List of Candidates for political parties, individuals, or groups who are contesting the June 12 Local Government polls. GECOM has already announced that there will be no voting in 13 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) because there is no one to challenge the incumbent.

LGE, which is constitutionally due every two years, was last held in 2018. At the last LGE in November of that year, the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition had secured 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs). This followed the holding of the LGE in 2016, when the PPP/C had also claimed most of the LAAs. Already, ranks of the Disciplined Services turned up across polling stations countrywide on Friday last to cast their ballots in the customary early fashion for Local Government Elections 2023.

APNU Chairman and PNC leader, Aubrey Norton

APNU candidate Winston Harding, who is contesting in constituency #13

SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, June 4 – 04:30h – 06:00h and

Monday, June 5 – 04:15h – 05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, June 4 – 16:40h – 18:10h and

Monday, June 5 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

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 skies and light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 16:51h reaching a maximum height of 2.61 metres.

Low Tide: 10:23h and 22:36h reaching minimum heights of 0.42 metre and 0.64 metre.

“Come and join us!” – Ali urges more APNU candidates

LOTTERY NUMBERS

Anumber of candidates from the Opposition have already joined the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) ahead of the June 12 Local Government Elections (LGE), and according to President Dr Irfaan Ali, his party is willing to welcome more Opposition candidates who share the party’s vision of developing Guyana.

The President made this call while on the campaign trail in Kwakwani, Region 10, urging A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) candidates to join the PPP and leave the “lane of shame” behind, presumably a reference to the Opposition.

“We have a responsibility to awake those who are sleepwalking into the future. To awake them and bring them along on the vision of good governance. So, I call upon all the APNU/ AFC/PNC candidates. To come and join us! Come! We are welcoming you with open arms.”

“Join us, in the interest of the people. Join us, in the interest of development. Join us, in the interest of Kwakwani. We’re not telling you to join us in the interest of politics. Join us in the interest of the people if you so love them! Walk away from the lane of shame!” Ali said.

President Ali also used the opportunity of the cam-

paign in Kwakwani to roll out his Administration’s plans for the community and what they have already done.

For instance, Ali revealed that since coming to office, the PPP/C has already spent some $700 million on roads in the community. He also assured that the infrastructure works in the community will be just one of the ways the Government provides jobs for them.

“We have spent more than $700 million on roads alone! And what is our plan? Our plan is to use the labour from this community, so we will create the jobs right here to have the remaining roads completed and worked on by the time we get to 2025.”

“We have spent tens of millions of dollars in agriculture. And what is our plan? We want to open up the agriculture sector in this region. We want to push honey production and get the Guyana Marketing Corporation to come here and work with you, so we can advance the honey industry. And we can help in the marketing of the product,” the President further said.

According to the President, residents of Kwakwani will see even more investment in this area in the coming years in an effort to make the com-

munity a major producer of honey in Guyana and the Region. Help may even be coming from Cuba.

“We’re already discussing with the Cuban Government, a specialised team that will come here to help us develop this industry. You’re voting for the future. You’re voting to advance these projects. In health, we’re investing in a new ultrasound machine. New ambulance. Biochemistry facility. More than $100 million investment. And we will continue to make these investments.”

“Here in Kwakwani, we have returned this year alone to the more than 619

children, the $40,000 cash grant to the children of Kwakwani. That is putting back almost $25 million, this year alone, in the pockets of 619 children here…,” the President said.

President Ali also noted that his party has been there for Kwakwani regardless of whether they supported the party or not. He highlighted the fact that when in Government, PPP/ C’s Cabinet Ministers made over 100 visits to the community. He contrasted this with the APNU’s lack of visits to the community and urged voters and candidates to make the right choice.

President Dr Irfaan Ali on the campaign trail

A section of the attendees at the Kwakwani rally

Views

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Crimes and punishment

The DPP’s decision to recommend that the 15-yearold who committed the act of arson that resulted in the death of 20 youths at the Mahdia Secondary School Girls Dorm be charged for murder has raised the question of the wisdom of that choice. While in this specific instance the age of the arsonist – she is a minor of fifteen – is the concern, it also raises the utility of punishment for crimes writ large. This is an issue that has troubled Western society, especially after the European Enlightenment.

Back in 1850, the Times asked, "Do we lock up a man to make him better, / or prevent his getting worse -/ to keep him from doing more mischief, / or solely as a retribution for the mischief he has done? On these points there would be no securing any unanimity of purpose." That is still the position, especially with social scientists, who look at empirical evidence to declare that imprisonment is futile without addressing social problems such as unemployment, homelessness, poverty, discrimination, inadequate health care, and unequal education (Selke 1993).

The Encyclopaedia Britannica has a useful summary of “Penology”, which “concerns itself with the philosophy and practice of society in its efforts to repress criminal activities. The principal aims of penal science are: to bring to light the ethical bases of punishment, along with the motives and purposes of society in inflicting it; to make a comparative study of penal laws and procedures through history and between nations; and, finally, to evaluate the social consequences of the policies in force at a given time.

Modern penology dates from the publication of Cesare Beccaria’s pamphlet on “Crimes and Punishments” in 1764. This represented a school of doctrine born of the new humanitarian impulse of the 18th century, with which Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire and Montesquieu in France, and Jeremy Bentham in England were associated. This - afterwards known as the classical school - assumed every criminal act to be a deliberate choice determined by a calculation of the prospective pleasures and pains of the act contemplated. All that was needed to overcome the criminal purpose was to provide for each and every crime a penalty adequate to overbalance its assumed advantages. Excessive penalties such as death were unnecessary, and therefore unjust.

The classical school was followed, a generation later, by the “neoclassical school” of the revolutionary period in France, which modified Beccaria’s rigorous doctrine by insisting on the recognition of varying degrees of moral -- and therefore of legal -- responsibility, as in the case of children and the insane, as well as of mitigating circumstances in general. The doctrine of the “individualization of punishment” — that is to say: of the punishment of the individual, rather than of the crime committed by him, which is of commanding importance in present-day penology — is only a development of this fundamental principle of the neoclassical school.

This normal historical development of penology was interrupted during the last quarter of the 19th century by the widespread acceptance of the theory of crime and its treatment, promulgated by Cesare Lombroso and his disciples. This, at first known as the Italian, or continental, school of criminology, was later named the positive school, so called because it pursued the positive methods of modern science. Its fundamental doctrine was that the criminal was doomed by his inherited traits to a criminal career, and was therefore a wholly irresponsible actor. Society must, of course, protect itself against him, but to punish him as if he were a free moral agent was as irrational as it was unethical.

Although the enthusiasm for the doctrines of the positive school waned, and the alleged facts on which they were based were largely discredited, it nevertheless left a valuable legacy of influence. To it must be given much of the credit for the present active tendency to make the mental study of the criminal an essential part of his diagnosis, a fact that has given the psychologist, and particularly the psychiatrist, a leading place in the development of modern penological theory.”

Dear Editor,

The PPP seems poised to capture a historic landslide victory in the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

The PNC, battered by a leadership crisis and lacklustre campaigns, has already lost dismally, unable to field candidates in many areas. The icing on the cake for the PPP will be victories in Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Linden. All things considered, I would say these three municipalities would be better off under councils in which the PPP controls a majority.

Someone said, “The PPP at its worst will still be better than the PNC at its best.” Georgetown under continuous PNC control has been an abysmal failure. Their trademark has been a stink and dutty, congested city, where lawlessness abounds. Had it not been for ongoing rescues by the PPP Government, the

Amsterdam may

under PPP control of councils

city would have collapsed. Central Government has had to intervene and build/ repair roads, do flood abatement, do ongoing bailouts, and pay the city’s debts for trash collection, etc. City Hall became decrepit in front of our own eyes, and everything needs upgrading and fixing.

Transparency and accountability have been missing. If there is a PPPcontrolled Council, you can expect that the Government will make sure the Mayor and Council are well supported and resourced to show that, under the PPP, Georgetown made dramatic progress. That seems to be a win-win for the citizens and the city. What is there to lose? Now might be Georgetown’s best chance to change the direction of their city, under PPP leadership.

While there are a few independent candidates worthy of consideration, it’s a fight between the PNC

and PPP. So, the people of Georgetown must consider if they want more of the same, or if they want dramatic change under a PPPcontrolled Council with a diverse list of candidates.

In Guyana, the Government plays an oversized role in the economy. Alignment with central Government is essential for resource acquisition. Already the Government is involved in numerous projects across the city, and these are likely to accelerate dramatically under a PPP City Council.

The same can be said for the towns of Linden and New Amsterdam. The PPP has been working valiantly to woo these two towns with several projects and winning new supporters. The PPP candidates seem quite energized, and are working the streets to win hearts and minds. The PPP claims it is winning over many PNC supporters in these areas.

Truth be told, the Government had been running as fast as possible to build roads, bridges, parks, health clinics, and various infrastructural projects. People are seeing roads where there were no roads before. They are seeing bridges being repaired or built. They are now getting Titles for land, getting house lots, and assistance to build their homes.

The 10-day job program seems to be a big hit with people who did not have a full-time job before. Now the Government has announced it will give out cash grants just days before the LGE elections.

My prediction is that if it does not win outright, the PPP will win more seats in Georgetown, New Amsterdam, and Linden. The voters have the final say. We will know on June 12.

Sincerely, Dr

Jerry Jailall

President Dr Irfaan Ali, during an impromptu visit to Tiger Beach, along Shell Beach in Region One (Barima-Waini), on Friday met and interacted with researchers conducting a project with turtles. A team of 15 persons comprising representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Guyana Marine Conversation Society (GMCS), and other stakeholders are involved in the project, which will collect data on the turtles while in the ocean (Office the President photo)

Georgetown, Linden, New

do better

Guyana commits to fostering peace, prosperity ahead of UN Security Council election

…lobbies support for non-permanent seat bid

Ahead of the United Nations Security Council’s elections next week, Guyana has been doing final rounds of lobbying to garner support in its bid for a non-permanent seat at the UNSC 2024-2025 term.

On Friday, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd attended a reception hosted by the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations in New York in the lead-up to the United Nations Security Council elections, which will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

There are five non-permanent seats up for election, covering various regions across the world. Guyana is the lone candidate seeking election for the one Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC) seat, which is currently held by Brazil. The country has already received the backing of the GRULAC members for its candidacy.

In delivering the keynote address at the reception, Minister Todd outlined Guyana’s vision and priorities for membership on the Council. He also expressed Guyana’s commitment, if elected to the Security Council, to continue upholding the rule of law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

Todd further noted that Guyana has always played an active role in United Nations and, as a Small State, is ready to contribute to the work of the Security Council in partnership with all Member States for peace and prosperity.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond; Guyana’s Permanent Representative

to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett; other UN Permanent Representatives; Ambassadors, and other representatives in New York were also at Friday’s reception.

Challenges faced

Meanwhile, earlier on Friday, Minister Todd met with Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ahmed Attaf, in New York.

Algeria is also seeking election for one of two seats for the African Group at the UNSC.

The two Foreign Ministers expressed that they look forward, if elected, to working together on the Security Council.

Todd noted that, as developing countries with a common understanding of the challenges faced, the two countries can make a valuable and purposeful contribution to the Council and the United Nations as a whole.

On the other hand, Minister Attaf said, if elected to the Council, this will be another opportunity for Guyana and Algeria to work together, noting that the two countries have a shared history in the NonAligned Movement and Group of 77 and China. He acknowledged that currently in the world, there is a complicated international order, including political and economic orders that have been severely shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

The Algerian Minister also stated that membership to the Council would allow for the promotion of issues of development and international cooperation as well as contributions to peace and security.

Back in April, Minister Todd formally presented Guyana’s candidature for the UNSC seat to the Permanent Representatives of the GRULAC nations at the UN Headquarters in New York. During his presentation, the Guyanese Minister underscored the fact that the Latin American and Caribbean family have made significant contributions to international peace and security, including through the establishment of the region as a Zone of Peace.

Additionally, he noted that countries from the Region, big and small, that have served and are currently serving on the Council, have proven that the Region punches above its weight in this regard.

The Minister identified several priority areas that would engage Guyana’s attention as a non-permanent member of the Security Council including climate change, food insecurity and conflict; children in armed conflict; youth, peace and security; women, peace and security and; peacebuilding

and conflict prevention.

Thanking the members of GRULAC that offered to share their experiences on the Council, the Minister stated that Guyana’s term will not be a national flag waving moment but a continuity of GRULAC’s contribution to peace and security. He emphasised the primacy of the United Nations Charter and the importance of multilateralism in safeguarding the independence and security of States, especially for Small States like Guyana.

Guyana, which has previously served at the UNSC for the 1975-1976 and 19821983 terms, has received the confirmed support of all 32 members of GRULAC.

UNSC Briefing Series

Last month, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett participated in the 2023 UNSC Briefing Series for non-contested candidates, where she presented Guyana’s vision and priorities for its term on the Council.

The Ambassador stated that Guyana’s service on the Council will be guided by a people-centred approach and will be informed by a firm commitment to multilateralism, collective action and to the noble principles and objec-

tives of the United Nations Charter. She pledged that Guyana will work collaboratively with all Council members and the wider UN membership in addressing the issues on the Council’s agenda. She further outlined five areas that will be given special focus during Guyana’s tenure: (i) climate change, food insecurity and conflict; (ii) peacebuilding and conflict prevention; (iii) women, peace and security; (iv) protection of children in armed conflict; and (v) youth, peace and security.

According to a recent UN Security Council report, the five new members elected at next week’s election will serve from January 1, 2024 until December 31, 2025.

The report recognised

that “As a member of GRULAC, Guyana could play an important role in Council discussions on Haiti and Colombia.”

The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression. The Council also calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement. In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorise the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd speaking at the reception held ahead of Guyana’s UNSC bid

The Foreign Ministers of Guyana and Algeria meeting in New York ahead of the UNSC elections

DOG BREEDS AND MIXED BREEDS IN GUYANA

Siberian Husky

There can be not much debate that, of the new breeds arriving on the shores of Guyana and across our porous borders recently, the Husky must be #1; most probably because the adult Husky, with its long, double-layered coat, is just simply gorgeous. And we must not forget those enticing blue eyes.

Husky, of

East Asia, the Chow Chow (China), the Akita (Japan) and the Malamute (Alaska) – the Spitz breeds - developed. We do know that a great mass of humans and their animals also moved over the Bering Strait from Siberia to North America.

The large Spitz-type dogs have characteristics of animals bred specifically for living in extremely cold climates. It is for this reason that Siberian Huskies have a thick double coat of hair. One would also notice that the Huskies’ ears are

small and pointed, which scientists argue is to prevent heat loss associated more with dogs bred and living in the tropics, where the animal needs to give off heat instead of conserve it. Remember, too, that dogs do not perspire. Huskies also possess well furred feet - something that is not needed in the Tropics, and the topic which will be discussed next week. The Siberian Huskies are quite peaceful by nature, and make lovable companions; but let me warn

ten called a Siberian Husky, belongs to a group (breed) called the Spitz. In fact, this group comes in varying sizes according to its diverse usage, including herding, hunting, guarding, and pulling sleds.

The smaller variants are kept solely as “lap dogs”, those pets sitting happily on the caregiver’s lap, Huskies have a double layer of long hair, which needs

grooming once or twice a week.

Scientists have decided, and it seems apparent, that the larger exemplars, which include Huskies, have descended from wolves. Measurements of the skull, the shape of the head, the typical wolf coloration, and its constantly alert expression are brought into this discussion to support the hereditary argument.

I should mention in passing that, as the early migrations took humans to

you that they need plenty of exercise. If one does not have the time to spend exercising the Husky, then do not choose this breed as a companion animal.

add that it has been keenly observed, over the centuries of association with hu mans, that the Husky still possesses an inde pendent nature, even though, like wolves, they are pack animals. In oth er words, they need to be with humans and oth er dogs, but they need, from an early age, to be managed/led by a strong human hand.

that Huskies tend to see small animals as prey. It is therefore incumbent on the owner to socialise their Husky puppies with other pets in the house hold.

the Alaskan

Malamute above. Malamutes are coming into Guyana as well. In fact, the names “Husky” and “Malamute” are often used interchangeably. This is wrong. The two are similar, but different. They both possess an abundance of stamina, energy, strength, tenacity, and a heightened sense of direction and smell. Also, the literature documents that the Malamute is an extremely friendly dog, especially towards humans. That latter consideration would logically not make the Malamute to be reliable as a guard dog. Having said that, allow me to add that I (and I dare say most veterinarians) warn against having large, strong, energetic dogs being left alone with a small child.

Male Malamute dogs have been known to exhibit intolerance to strange dogs, especially those wandering into the former’s territory. This means that more than the usual socialization and training must be administered to this breed, even as early as during the puppy stage.

With all of the data documented above, and the effort it will take to care for and monitor these large Spitz breeds (Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute), why would one

Disbursements of $900M Forestry Revolving Fund to begin in 2 weeks

for pre-fab home

The Government has announced the impending rollout of the first disbursements from the $900 million revolving fund, a fund set up last year to provide much needed capital to persons looking to launch or expand their operations in the forestry sector.

This announcement was made by President Dr Irfaan Ali, who was at the time making an address to residents of Kwakwani (Region 10) on the campaign trail ahead of the 2023 Local Government Elections (LGE).

Kwakwani is well known as both a mining and logging village on the Berbice River in the Upper Demerara-Berbice region. And according to the President, the first set of disbursements from the fund will occur within two weeks.

“In two weeks, Demerara Bank has assured me that they will be disbursing the first 40 loans for the community forestry organisation and foresters, in the $900 million revolving credit facility,” the President said.

“We will be continuing our investment in forestry. We will be investing in facilities that will allow you to bring value added production to your forest products. We will be engaging you on the materials for the wooden pre-fab homes.”

President Ali noted that even now, Guyana is supplying thousands of pre-fabricated homes across the Region. He contrasted this with the lack of support for the forestry sector

during the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change’s (APNU/AFC) time in Government.

Last year, with assistance from Demerara Bank Limited, the Guyana Government set up a $900 million revolving fund that is aimed at boosting the forestry sector to meet market demands. President Ali had announced that some $300 million from the State’s coffers has been set aside for this revolving fund.

This sum will be further supplemented by $600 million more provided by Demerara Bank Limited.

It had been explained that this $900 million revolving fund will carry a low interest rate of four per cent.

According to the Head of State, through a partnership with the Guyana Forestry Commission under the Ministry of Natural Resources, a committee will be established to ensure that persons are ad-

hering to and abiding by what is expected of them, that is, the sector itself and its various associations.

The Government, through the GFC, has committed to continue working with all forest stakeholders to increase productivity in keeping with sustainable forest management practices. When the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration took office in August 2020, it inherited a “grossly mismanaged” forestry sector that was on the “verge of collapse. However, through various interventions and initiatives implemented by the Government, this industry has made a turnaround.

In 2020 alone, the Aliled Administration injected $350 million into the then cash-strapped Guyana Forestry Commission to cover operational costs and wages for staff for the remainder of the year.

Strategies aimed at

– Ali

boosting the financial performance and management capabilities of the GFC were undertaken and in 2021, the forestry sector was able to make a positive turnover and manage on its own.

One achievement of the sector in 2021 included getting stakeholders, particularly small-scale loggers back into the business which resulted in the construction boom, and an increase in log production, with over 400,000 cubic feet declared.

Meanwhile, the GFC’s monthly revenue collection was increased from $70 million in 2019 to over $90

million in 2021 while over 100 new concessions were issued to small loggers. Additionally, monitoring capabilities were advanced with the procurement of more off-terrain vehicles to venture into the hinterland for exercises. Further, roads crucial to the development of the forestry sector were rehabilitated and new hinterland roads were constructed in Regions One (BarimaWaini), Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Eight (PotaroSiparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) to the tune of over $3 billion. (G3)

…foresters to be engaged directly

materials

CANU busts Pomeroon man with $1M in ganja

Asignificant discovery was made by Customs

Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks at Charity Stelling as authorities seized a box containing multiple parcels suspected to be cannabis.

The operation unfolded on Friday, leading to the arrest of Rocky Mangra from Grant St Joseph in Lower Pomeroon, Essequibo, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Following the search of a boat in the presence of the 42-year-old man, CANU officers said they uncovered the box of imported cannabis, commonly referred to as "creepy."

The seized narcotics amounted to 6.9 pounds (3.128 kilograms) with an estimated street value of around $1 million.

Mangra was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters for further questioning and processing.

Less than a week ago, a total of 1070 rounds of ammunition of varying calibres were unearthed in an abandoned house at Avocado Square in East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The discovery was made by agents of CANU who were conducting a raid in the area. The cache comprised 600 rounds of .40mm ammunition; 330 rounds of .380mm ammunition; 33 rounds of .45mm ammu-

nition, and 107 rounds of .22mm ammunition.

Moving on…

…with politics

t’s said that “life must go on”. And if life goes on, so will politics. You just can’t get around that!! And your Eyewitness isn’t talking about esoteric views of politics like it’s present in every type of relationships, since they’re all about power - and politics is about power. Nah…in Guyana, the regular garden variety of politics, that involves parties hustling for voters to elect them to office, is a 24/7/365 kinda activity!! We might just be the most politicised spot on planet Earth – and we ARE just a spot!!

Everyone says that Local Government Elections (LGEs) don’t attract much attention from voters – and the numbers since 1994 - when they were returned - tend to support that view. But somebody forgot to tell the PPP that!! They’ve been going all out – and then some! – to canvass voters all across the country – with officials from all levels holding meetings, making house-to-house visits, and nailing party flags on anything that doesn’t move!

On Friday, VP – but more importantly, PPP’s General Secretary - Jagdeo convened a massive meeting in Leonora that matched anything held during the General Elections. Held at the Kowsilla Community Park to evoke a critical moment in the party’s history, the faithful – and the new converts – came out in droves in a sea of red, waving their flags to make waves in that sea!! That the incumbent President is from Leonora – with his house a stone’s throw away – couldn’t have hurt!! If that wasn’t a rally, then your Eyewitness would like to know what is!!

Then there continues to be the steady handout of titles to house lots and turnkey houses. Plus the announcement that “Because we care” cash grants to schoolchildren that will be made on June 5 – a week before the LGE!! And whatever’s said with a straight face, we know that wasn’t serendipity – that was politics, baby!! The $40,000 grant will be distributed to each child registered in the school system – public or private – 214,000 of them!! That’s $8.6 billion that’ll go into the hands of parents to end up in the cash registers of the businesses catering to school paraphernalia!!

Now, some may say – and the Opposition CERTAINLY will! – that this ain’t fair. But all is fair in love and war –and politics is war by other means, ain’t it?? All incumbent governments direct their spending with an eye towards harvesting votes – and don’t let ANYONE tell you otherwise. Some say the tragic arson at Mahdia might cause some interior votes to wander. But your Eyewitness thinks not –and it has nothing to do with the fact that the school was grilled by the PNC Government.

The PPP went all out to show they cared: concretely!

…with the LGE

While the LGE is scheduled for June 12, it’s traditional for the Joint Services to vote earlier, so that they can be available to carry out their duties on that day. The Joint Services comprise the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Fire Service. GECOM announced that 9,093 persons were eligible to vote.

From the numbers available, there are 4150 in the GDF; about 5000 in the GPF and 500 in the GPS. The number in the GFS is unknown, but gotta be at least 300. Seems the 2000 Police Constabulary and 2000 Guyana Peoples Militia aren’t included.

So, your Eyewitness wonders why so many from the Joint Services weren’t “eligible”. This early voting invariably causes some confusion, because the ballots have to be disaggregated to be sent on June 12 to the polling stations where the personnel reside!!

Some folks get all bassidy when they see all these ballots being dumped into the mix to be counted!!

…or not??

It doesn’t look like the squatter-Government confrontations will cease. Imagine, there were some evictions by a private owner executing a Court Order authorising her to reclaim her land - yet the Govt was blamed for Police support actions!!

The large cache was

transported to CANU Headquarters, and an investigation was launched.

Arrested: Rocky Mangra

The parcels of drugs unearthed by CANU

Many more will cross over with PPP’s inclusionary policy – Jagdeo

The final days are being counted down for the highly-anticipated June 12 Local Government Elections, and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Bharrat Jagdeo anticipates that many more persons will cross over.

Jagdeo cited the party’s inclusionary policy as among the reasons for many persons to join the party, as well as no confidence in the People’s National Congress (PNC). While many have openly come out in support of the PPP, the General Secretary disclosed that many others have shown their support.

“I know that a number of prominent APNU activists who have been with that party for a very long time have come and I have met with them right here at Freedom House. There are tens more people than you see who have come out openly, but others have come here. They speak of several things; that they don’t recognise the PNC any longer… With the policy of inclusion, many more will cross,” Jagdeo told media operatives at his recent press briefing.

Meanwhile, he pointed to

significant progress to gain support in PNC strongholds, through grassroot engagement with all communities. This, he added, will prove an advantage when the country heads to the General and Regional Elections in 2025.

“I acknowledge that it is difficult in the APNU strongholds but our campaign has been well received by the residents…People are getting hold of our message and the mood in those communities are very receptive to the PPP campaigning in those areas. That is a huge advance from in the past and would serve us well in the national elections too.”

Jagdeo pointed out that APNU will win definitive-

ly in one constituency in the Corriverton area, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) where the candidate for the PPP/C would have passed away.

Former Georgetown Mayor and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) candidate Patricia ChaseGreen was among several to openly join hands with the PPP/C, where she will be contesting in Georgetown under the Proportional Representation (PR) system.

Businessman and former cricketer Steven Jacobs, who was also with the party on Nomination Day is also a candidate. Another sports personality, national footballer Jeremy Garrett, will

also be a PR candidate for the PPP/C in Georgetown.

Well-known political activist Don Singh, who is the son of the first ever General Secretary of the People’s National Congress (PNC) Jai Narine Singh, was also unveiled as a PPP/C candidate for Georgetown on the PR list. Mikhail DaSilva, the son of Attorney-at-Law Bernard DaSilva, was also listed as a PR candidate.

Over in Linden, where the PPP/C won just one of 16 council seats in 2018, the

party also unveiled a list of 24 candidates. One notable inclusion on the list is former Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford.

Rutherford, who resigned from the party in October 2020, was among the exodus of senior AFC members who left the party citing their disillusionment. According to the former MP, the AFC had lost its independent voice and with it, its principles.

The PPP/C had indicat-

ed its intention to contest all 610 constituencies in the 80 LAAs across the country.

It was reported that the Opposition PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity (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 in a total of 318 constituencies.

(G12)

PPP/C General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

33 of 367 cases completed during Demerara April Criminal Assizes

…266 cases to be heard in June

The April session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes had commenced with a total of 367 cases listed to be heard – of which 33 matters were successfully disposed of.

Justice Sandil Kissoon, Justice Navindra Singh and Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry presided over these assizes.

Of the cases heard, 17 were presented in the High Court. Of these, 10 were for the offence of murder, one for attempt to commit murder and four for sexual offences. The remaining 18 matters were nolle prosequi by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

There were four convictions, four verdicts of not guilty, five guilty pleas, two formal verdicts of not guilty and one mistrial. Two matters are ongoing. A total of 18 accused appeared in these matters.

State Counsel Cicelia Corbin, State Counsel Simran Gajraj, State

Counsel Rbina Christmas and State Counsel Madana

Rampersaud presented 10 matters before Justice Kissoon. These included 10 for the offence of murder, one for attempt to commit murder.

ln three of the murder cases, the trial Judge upheld no case submissions and directed the juries to return formal verdicts of not guilty; in another four, the accused all pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and are awaiting sentence.

ln another one, the accused was acquitted by a unanimous jury verdict of not guilty. Two matters are in progress.

ln the Sexual Offences Court, State Counsel Tiffini Lyken, Nafeeza Baig, and State Counsel Praneeta Seeraj prosecuted four cases. In two of these, the juries returned not guilty verdicts; in one other, the Court declared a mistrial and ordered the accused, who was charged

with five counts of sexual offences to face a retrial. This was after the jury failed to reach a decisive verdict.

ln the other case, the accused, who was indicted on two counts: rape and assault causing grievous bodily harm, was acquitted on the first charge by a majority 10 to two jury verdict, but found unanimously guilty of the latter. He is awaiting sentencing.

State Counsel Caressa Henry, State Counsel Latiffa Elliot; State Counsel Alicia Lowe and State Counsel Mikel Puran completed one matter with three accused indicted together for the offence of murder before Justice Priya Beharry.

All three accused were found unanimously guilty by jury verdict and will be sentenced on June 27, 2023.

Of the 18 matters nolle prosequi by the DPP, seven complainants submitted written statements

that they did not wish to proceed with their cases; in two others, the accused had died. The other complaints could not be located.

Court of Appeal

During the months of April and May, the DPP Chambers appeared in two appeals in the Court of Appeal for the offences of simple larceny and rape of

a child under 16 years.

The court denied one appellant his application for bail pending his appeal against conviction and sentence; while it allowed the appeal in the sexual offence matter and ordered a retrial for the appellant.

During this time too, it appeared in two appeal matters at the Demerara Full Court for the offences of sexual assault and pos-

session of narcotics. Both appellants were granted their applications.

The Demerara June 2023 Criminal Assizes will commence on Tuesday, June 6, with 266 cases listed to be heard.

Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Justice Navindra Singh and Justice Sandil Kissoon are rostered to sit during this session. (G12)

Digicel Guyana appoints new CEO

Deonarine Gopaul was on Saturday announced as Digicel Guyana’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

How to be Guyanese

Guyana is a culturally plural society that its foremost West Indian theorist, M.G. Smith, had to defend against criticism from both sides of the sociological spectrum –conflict-oriented Marxists and cultural uniformity theorists like RT Smith. Their main charge was the plural society model was ‘static’, and did not incorporate a mechanism of change. But MG pointed out that, invariably, the different cultural segments - like our African, Indian and Amerindian Guyanese segments - were ‘differentially incorporated’ into the power relations of the polity, and this fact in and of itself initiated change.

He brings to the post more than a decade of experience in the telecommunications industry, having made his entry into telecommunications with CelStar in the early part of transition to Digicel in 2007.

Gopaul has since worked for Digicel markets in senior roles in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, and most recently in Suriname, where he was appointed the CEO in 2018, a role in which he will continue to serve.

When he assumes his new

Dev

I’ve always felt that the political scientists and economists who pontificated on our national policies ignored MG’s insight at our general peril. As citizens of polities that signalled equality (via the state), their lived experiences inevitably determined how they felt about the attainment (or not) of that egalitarian promise. Their experiences were filtered through their different cultural lenses, and it should not have surprised any if the several groups (defined culturally) were differentially integrated into the power structure their political consciousness would cleave along cultural (read ethnic) lines.

After decades of focusing on an economistic notion of equality, there is still not an appreciation of the need for cultural equality also. So much for the politics of ‘identity’ and ‘recognition’ in Guyana. There are some that posited if we had (or have) economic equality among the various ethnic groups, our troubles would be over. I’d like to vehemently disagree. We are not homo economicus…but more like homo culturalicus. Each group in Guyana has an economic elite, but we have not seen these elites making common cause over the past half century.

An indicia of the ‘power relations’ is who gets to define what is the “national culture” – to which all groups have to genuflect. And it is the differential incorporation of the various cultural groups in this equation that our policies on “multiculturalism” have to address.

“Multiculturalism” demands that society presents a full range of prospects, membership, and respect to all its members – regardless of cultural and religious differences – while also creatively accommodating them in a fashion that is both morally persuasive and practically effective for the majority of society.”

We have proposed that the “Ministry of Culture” be changed to the Ministry of Multiculturalism. Culture in the singular suggests pushing a monolithic, overarching “culture” as a stalking horse for assimilation through the back door. We suggest our motto be changed to “Unity in Diversity through Equality in Diversity”.

One definition of ‘multiculturalism’ suggests that it is “a systematic and comprehensive response to cultural and ethnic diversity with educational, linguistic, economic and social components and specific institutional mechanisms”. This suggests areas in which we initially pursue equality.

Now, we want to stress that we certainly are not emphasising any ‘separatist ideal’, in which each group lives in hermetically sealed enclaves. We are suggesting that the ‘equal treatment in culture’ imperative, if implemented and becomes real, would eliminate the barriers of hauteur and exclusion that set off their inevitable reactions of resistance. We believe when we deal with each other as equals, there would be the inevitable cross-cultural fertilisation (in all directions), and not one-way, that is seen as top down.

With the state out of ‘culture’, it should focus on promoting a feeling of “Guyaneseness” among our people through the conscious construction of a democratic state – the creation of conditions where we are all treated as one, equally, by the state. Equality of opportunity: human rights, encouragement of diversities, due process, justice and fair play, and rule of law, may seem dry compared to the warmth of the blood ties of “nation”, but they can engender the unity of public purpose and the recognition of individual worth where we can be proud of our common citizenship. Citizenship of Guyana has to become something that has concrete meaning to all of us.

For Guyana, then, our ethnicities would be defined outside our “Guyaneseness”; and to be African-Guyanese, AmerindianGuyanese or Indian-Guyanese would not be contradictory in any sense. The first part of our identity would be specific, while the latter universalistic. The “national” will now be a space which ethnically imagined communities can live and share. To be Guyanese would be to share moral precepts – norms, values and attitudes – rather than shared cultural experience and practice.

A “good Guyanese” would be one who is loyal to this country, and strives to practice the secular universalistic ideological values it extols.

position as Digicel Guyana’s CEO on June 7, Gopaul will lead the telecom service provider’s comprehensive longterm vision, strategy and expansion plans. These are inclusive of expansions to mobile and fixed services that customers are already enjoying, and the landing of Deep Blue One, the new subsea fibre in ear-

ly 2024.

“I am excited to be involved with the delivery of our ambitious plans for the Guyanese market, and to lead this team of highly talented and experienced professionals,” Gopaul has said.

Gopaul takes the reins from Gregory Dean, who has been with Digicel Guyana for the past 16 years, and will

Ravi

continue to serve in an advisory capacity on the board of Digicel Guyana.

Digicel Guyana’s new Chief Executive Officer, Deonarine Gopaul

Health adviser calls for ban on tobacco use

Responsible for millions of premature deaths each year and contributing significantly to climate change, Adviser to the Health Ministry, Dr Leslie Ramsammy believes the next move should be to ban tobacco use.

In this week’s edition of the Health Matters programme, the glaring effects of tobacco use was drawn into focus. The tobacco industry’s carbon footprint from production, processing and transporting tobacco is equivalent to one-fifth of the carbon dioxide produced by the commercial airline industry each year, further contributing to global warming.

More than eight million people die prematurely from tobacco use every year and it is a product which utilises thousands of hectares of agricultural land.

Taking these factors into account, Dr Ramsammy positioned, “Tobacco is a killer and we should not diminish that fact…It is unfathomable that a global system will still support the utilisation of 200,000 hectares of land that could grow food to feed the hungry but we grow tobacco that kills eight million of us prema -

turely…It is not just a talk about reducing the use of tobacco but that we ban tobacco; that tobacco is not an agricultural product.”

According to the health official, while it has been years since nations signed onto the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, there has been little control on cigarettes, with a growing number of youths smoking.

“Tobacco contributes to the existential threats that face the world. It is time we do more. Long after, coming up to 20 years since we signed the FCTC, we have made little progress towards controlling cigarettes. We can’t have 24 per cent of the global population smoking.”

He added, “We still have very poor to none regulations when it comes to e-cigarettes. Vaping and hookah are practices now

that are now gaining popularity in the young population and we seem oblivious to the dangers.”

In 2017, the National Tobacco Control Act mandated the adoption of a series of tobacco control policies. These include 100 per cent smoke-free environments in all indoor public spaces, indoor work spaces, public transportation and specified outdoor spaces; a ban on all forms of advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products; health warnings featured on 60 per cent of tobacco product packaging, including images. It also includes a ban on the sale of tobacco products to minors.

During an earlier statement this past week for World No Tobacco Day, Dr Ramsammy as Chairperson of the Presidential Commission on the Prevention and

“Come and join...

June 12.

Control of the NCDs recognised, “Six years after the Act was enacted, Guyana is yet to fully implement the provisions of the Act. We urge the Ministry of Health and other implementing agencies to ensure the full implementation of the Act.”

Technical Officer at the Chronic Diseases Unit, Dr Shelieza Gopie underscored that some persons do not know this piece of legislation exists.

“We can still say that the legislation is fairly new but persons are still not aware of the Tobacco Control Act. When we go into the hinterland regions, they do not know about these rules but are very happy to learn about them when we do our sensitisation.” (G12)

“Walk with your heads high up, in support of a system that supports democracy and freedom. In support of a system that sees our people as one. I will not rest as a President until we bring this country together. Every single community, village and town… there is no stopping this train of unity!’” the President said.

The Opposition has been rocked by a number of defections of notable figures in their party who have gone over to the PPP/C over the past few months. Former Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and then sitting APNU Councillor Trichria Richards were among the new personalities who have gone over to the PPP/C as the party vies to take control of Georgetown at the Local Government polls.

They were among the large crowd of PPP/C members and candidates who arrived at the Critchlow Labour College last month to submit the party’s candidate lists for the LGE polls set for Monday,

Chase-Green and Richards are both former members of APNU on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council. Chase-Green had expressed confidence in both the vision of her party of choice and the list they submitted.

In an interview with this publication, Richards had said her decision to join PPP/C stemmed from her lack of confidence in her former party. According to her, she has confidence in the PPP/C’s plans.

The most recent defections have been longstanding PNCR member Ronald Backer, who has thrown his support behind the PPP. At one time, Backer was the political advisor to former Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon.

And over in Linden, Region 10, where the PPP/C won just one of 16 council seats in 2018, a notable inclusion on the party’s list of candidates is former Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford. (G3)

Adviser to the Health Ministry, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Pride Month 2023

Guyanese couple defy odds, homophobia against LGBTQ+, get married

Earlier this year, social media was abuzz when photographs of the wedding ceremony of 21-year-old Daniel Greenham and 30-year-old Navin Hoolas appeared on Facebook. The images were widely shared, and drew mixed reactions.

The couple had, a month earlier, celebrated their love by getting married, but not in Guyana. Given that same-sex marriage ceremonies are not legal on these shores, the LGBTQ+ couple journeyed across the Atlantic to Costa Rica to tie the knot and celebrate their union.

Many same-sex couples have been travelling to that Central American destination to get married, as its laws permit two people of the same sex, who do not necessarily reside there, to marry.

How it started

The couple shared that they met on social media platform Facebook in August 2020, in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It all began after Hoolas replied to a story that was posted by Greenham on the platform. Reflecting on their journey of togetherness, Hoolas said that their conversation started with a comment about Daniel’s eyes.

“Daniel had posted a picture on his story, and he had big green eyes, and I had commented on the

picture saying ‘Damn!’ So, his eyes were the first thing that caught my attention…and that’s when we started talking, and he said, ‘Hello, good night’, and I responded, ‘Wow! Finally, someone with manners.”

According to Greenham, that same evening they spoke for hours, until around 06:00am the following morning, and he immediately knew that the friendship was evolving.

“So, after the first time he actually messaged me and I responded, we ended up calling each other the same night…around 11. We talked the entire night, until six- thirty/ seven the next morning. From then I knew I met my person…it was truly amazing,” he said in a cheery voice.

According to Hoolas, he and his partner maintain a healthy relationship by communicating frequently and constantly giving reassurances about their commitment to each other. He said he often works in the United States of America, and he is away from his newlywed husband a lot. However, he still manages to make communication his top priority to maintaining a healthy relationship.

“A healthy relationship honestly is having [an] understanding of each other; because, as a gay couple, sometimes we tend to be in our own mood. We both have our moods, so the thing that we do to

help each other is talk to each other on a daily basis,” he added. “We are both busy, so the understanding of each other and supporting each other for our jobs and helping each other on a daily basis of our lives help us attain that secret to a healthy relationship,” he said.

Age gap and coming out Hoolas said the two sometimes are not on the same page because of their age differences.

“Our relationship has a lot of challenges. Daniel is 21 (and) I am 30, so there’s an age difference. So, him being younger, me being older, we tend to not be on the same page at times. So, some of the challenges we’ve faced is: when we first started dating, I told my parents about him, and I know he was the one, but he had not come out to… his siblings…so I had to help him overcome that.”

Hoolas said the two have had to address the proverbial elephant in the room, the issue of homophobia within the family circle. He reiterated that keeping the communication line between them active is a major priority.

The public’s reaction

Guyanese society is still adjusting to the social evolution of marriage, and, as such, the couple have had their fair share of public scruti-

ny, most of which was hatred early up in their relationship.

Hoolas has said, “In 2022 we posted our first couple pictures we took in Guyana. It was at the Marriott Hotel on Valentine’s Day. We had posted a couple photoshoots

of us at the Georgetown Marriott, (and) that’s when we went viral for the first time, because it’s not normal to see two guys taking pictures, making love and posting it on social media in Guyana.”

…“life is too short to hate,” – couple

Daniel and Navin holding a rainbow flag, also known as the Pride Flag TURN TO PAGE 21

INTEGRATING BIODIVERSITY IN YOUR BUSINESSES

There has been increasing growing global recognition of the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Guyana, with its rich and diverse ecosystems, is uniquely positioned to harness the benefits of integrating biodiversity into its business practices. It is simple to think that sectors with significant environmental effects -- such as mining, forestry, and agriculture -- are the only ones where biodiversity hazards exist. Unsustainable business practices in these sectors can result in environmental damage, supply-chain disruptions, price fluctuations, lower crop yields from overused land, and the extinction of pollinators. However, numerous sectors rely on natural resources, resulting in potential impacts to the environment. By adopting strategies that promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, Guyanese businesses can not only contribute to global efforts in environmental preservation, but can also enhance their competitiveness, brand value, and long-term profitability.

Understanding the value of biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth at the different levels of biological organisation – genes, individuals, species, and ecosystems. Guyana’s pristine rainforests, savannahs, rivers and mountains are home to an abundance of unique and valuable species. A crucial element in ensuring the long-term viability of a business is biodiversity. Businesses depend on genes, species, and ecosystem services as vital inputs into their production processes. Additionally, they depend on healthy ecosystems to handle and dispose of waste, maintain the quality of soil and water, and assist to regulate the composition of the atmosphere.

Agribusiness, for instance, uses a variety of wild relatives of important food crops as a resource to guarantee crop resistance to disease and pests.

Practical steps for integration

Integrating biodiversity into businesses requires a holistic and proactive approach that considers the environmental, social and economic dimensions. Firstly, businesses that rely directly on the natural environment should conduct thorough biodiversity assessments to understand the local ecosystems, species, and their dependencies. This information should be used to guide the development of strategies and action plans for biodiversity conservation. They can also ensure to look out for biodiversity in their day-to-day operations, and work out relocation strategies for animals.

Secondly, businesses should implement sustainable land and resource management practices that prioritise biodiversity protection. This can include adopting responsible sourcing policies, reducing habitat destruction and fragmentation, and implementing reforestation and habitat restoration programmes. Additionally, businesses should strive to minimize pollution and waste generation, as these can have detrimental effects on biodiversity.

Further, fostering collaboration and partnerships with relevant stakeholders is crucial. This can involve engaging with local communities, indigenous groups, Government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to ensure their participation and input in biodiversity conservation efforts. Collaborative initiatives can include capacity-building programmes, knowledge sharing, and the establishment of protected areas or wildlife corridors.

One community in Guyana has made strides in the area of incorporating biodiversity into its business model. One of the key ways Surama Village has integrated biodiversity into its business model is through community-led ecotourism. The village operates a communityled lodge that is owned and managed by the residents. This ensures that the economic benefits directly accrue to the community, but it also fosters a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards the surrounding biodiversity. The community practises rotational farming techniques and reforestation which allow natural regeneration of the land, minimizing the ecological footprint of agricultural activities. Additionally, the community supports research and education programmes that promote biodiversity awareness and conservation. It is wildly practised for businesses that have the greatest impact on the environment and biodiversity, like mining, to do comprehensive planning, impact assessments, and implementation of mitigation measures. This typically involves conducting biodiversity surveys, identifying sensitive areas, and implementing conservation strategies to minimise the impact of mining on ecosystems and wildlife.

Examples of such measures can include habitat restoration, land rehabilitation, and the establishment of protected areas or biodiversity offsets. By integrating biodiversity into their operations, and collaborating with stakeholders, businesses in Guyana can contribute to the preservation of the country’s unique ecosystems, enhance their social license to operate, and create long-term sustainable value for both nature and society.

Benefits of Biodiversity Integration

a) Brand enhancement: Adopting biodiversity-friendly practices can enhance a business’s reputation and brand value, attracting environmentally conscious customers and investors who prioritise sustainable businesses.

b) Regulatory compliance: Many countries, including Guyana, have established laws and regulations aimed at conserving biodiversity. Integrating biodiversity into business practices ensures compliance with these regulations, reducing legal risks and potential fines.

c) Risk management: Businesses that rely on natural resources are vulnerable to disruptions caused by biodiversity loss. By integrating biodiversity into their operations, businesses can mitigate risks associated with resource scarcity, climate change, and social pressures.

d) Economic opportunities: Biodiversity-based products and services can create new market and investment opportunities. Guyana’s rich biodiversity can inspire innovation and the development of sustainable products, ecotourism, and nature-based solutions.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Sources 1. https://asana.com/resources/project-integration-management

2. https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/f094c1bc-en/index. html?itemId=/content/component/f094c1bc-en

3. https://www.cscp.org/ubi-biodiversity/

Guyanese couple defy odds...

He said their posting drew many comments, and persons even reached out to them on Facebook messenger.

“At first, when we posted those, we went viral, and we had gotten a lot of hatred comments. And even in our inboxes, both of us, most of the comments were horrific, and we both had to take moments to cool ourselves down and to help each other understand that it’s going to be okay, because Daniel had gotten multiple death threats from commenters, saying they’re going to shoot us down or they’ll set fire to us. It was tough.”

But all was not lost. Their friends, family and ordinary people reached out to the couple. “As people message and talk to us…and most of our friends and majority of our family had come to closure…and they accepted us. But, throughout the process, it hasn’t been easy.”

Hoolas said being accepted remains a tough scenario to deal with. “Most of the times it’s sad, it’s truly sad. It’s 2023 and there’re certain individuals that can’t come to terms with LGBTQ couples and their belonging in society, so it can be tough.

But we have support from our friends and our families.”

Recounting his personal journey, Hoolas said the death of his sister took a toll on him, and in 2016, he made the bold step. “So, my first time coming out was in 2016. After my sister had passed away from suicide, I decided that it’s been so many years just living in a closet,

so I wanted to come out, and the first person I came out to was my cousin. After I came out to her, I needed to come out to my family.”

This August, the couple will commemorate three years of being together, and they remain optimistic about their union progressing fruitfully in the years ahead.

The law

As for being accepted by Guyanese society, the couple are optimistic. “At the end of the day, we just want acceptance and society to have an understanding of LGBTQ+. Life is too short to hate,” Hoolas said.

According to the laws of Guyana, same-sex intimacy between men is criminalised under sections 351 to 353 of the Guyana Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

In fact, Section 351 penalises the act as ‘gross indecency’ between two males, while Section 352 outlines the punishment for anyone who attempts to commit buggery, assaults another with the intention of committing buggery, or a male who ‘indecently assaults’ another male.

“Guyana is slowly developing, and one day, (I) hope to see changes with its law against homosexuality,” Hoolas said.

The couple are encouraging other LGBTQ people in Guyana to live their best lives and be the best in everything. They urged that such people hold conversations with their families, and be themselves. “Nothing is more important than living free and take off the mask,” they have said.

Guyanese couple Daniel and Navin

Golden Rincon Restaurant serving up best Chinese foods in Moruca

By AlvA Solomon

It has been the talk of Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini) since the start of the year. In fact, since December last year, the name Golden Rincon Restaurant has been at the centre of most food conversations in the North West District sub-region of Moruca.

The destination of fine Chinese cuisine is the brainchild of brothers Lanzer and Mario Fernandes, and according to the young proprietors, it has been a dream which was finally realized in December 2022.

Started on Regent Street Lanzer Fernandes told Guyana Times that he and his sibling were born and raised in Albouystown, Georgetown, and from as early as age four, he wanted to learn how to cook Chinese food.

Fernandes’s mother hails from Moruca, and he noted that, some 15 years ago, she moved the family back to that area. “My mom is from here, so she’s the reason we moved to Moruca,” he said. Lanzer related that he had to find employment, and in 2011, he found what he was looking for: a job at a Chinese restaurant. He was elated when he received a call from the popular Seiko Restaurant, then based at the corner of Regent

and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown. He said he and his brother worked at that restaurant, and from there they moved to three other Chinese restaurants in the city.

“Our desire was not merely for the salary, but learning how to prepare good food. We worked until we learned all the ins and outs of Chinese cooking, and developed our own techniques,” Fernandes said.

In 2018, the boys’ mother

encouraged them to go home to Moruca, and cook and sell food at the village of Rincon, which sits within walking distance of the busy Kumaka Waterfront. The brothers took their mother’s advice.

“We bought some utensils and a few Chinese ingredients and came back to Moruca with nine thousand dollars in our name,” Lanzer related. He added, “That’s all the capital we had to start the business.”

Constant improvement

“The first day, we sold six boxes of fried rice, and it kept improving from there,” Lanzer said, noting that from that day it was always a hustle. He said initially they hadn’t a location “in which we could distribute our food.”

He said they walked and sold their food from wood-

handled market bags. He said they undertook the exercise from August 2018 until December 2022.

“We walked every day and did our sales on the road through rain and sun, never missing a day,” Lanzer said as he beamed with pride. “We saw that everyone who bought food from us always wanted somewhere to sit and eat, but there was no place available, so we decided to do something about it,” he noted.

In December 2022, the brothers built a place for their customers to sit and eat at Rincon. They had to find a name for the building, and decided to go with “Golden Rincon Restaurant and Bakery”.

What’s on the menu?

He said the restaurant serves only Chinese dishes,

no creole food. Among the dishes are chicken fried rice, mixed fried rice, pork fried rice, chowmein with various meats, sweet and sour chicken, and spicy pepper wings, among other dishes.

Fernandes said the business also does catering for weddings and other special events. In addition, they sell cakes and pastries and pizza - the latter being a favourite of their growing customer base.

Fernandes said the plan was then, and still is now, to give people value for their money. “To provide good quality food at an affordable price, that leaves the customers satisfied,” he added. Fernandes said he often refers to his favourite quote, by Henry Ford, which reads, “Produce the best quality goods at the lowest cost possible.”

Customers enjoying their meals at the open-air restaurant at Rincon, Moruca

A serving of Chinese Chicken Chowmein available at Golden Rincon Restaurant and Bakery at Moruca

Electronic health records, telemedicine sites to boost health sector – Minister

assistance from those working in Georgetown.

In addition to a computer connected to the internet via satellite technology, these sites will include a digital stethoscope, a pulse oximeter, an infrared thermometer, a blood pressure monitor, mobile ultrasonography, exam cameras and other equipment.

“With the help of a community health worker in a very remote community, we will be able to monitor our patients in a more effective way,” Dr Anthony said.

added.

The National Telemedicine Programme, a pilot project, was officially launched in December 2022 in Masakenari “Gunns Village” in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Electronic health records

In addition to increasing the prevalence of telemedicine sites across the country, the Health Ministry is also making efforts to digitalise the patients’ record system.

vacy of data,” Dr Anthony said.

“It’s a very comprehensive piece of legislation but that would lay the legal foundation of the electronic health record system,” he said.

Anthony added that close to US$9 million is being invested to move this system forward, with a recent arrangement with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) lending to the funding of the first phase of the project.

public sector would have one record. You'll have one unique identifier,” Anthony said.

“And you can go in any part of the system, whether that's in Charity or Skeldon or Lethem, and once you present your unique identifier, we will be able to pull up your record in any part of the system,” the Minister explained.

Expanding on the telehealth infrastructure in Guyana, the Health Ministry is looking to establish four more telemedicine sites in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) in the coming weeks and will soon start implementing an electronic health record system across the country.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony made this disclosure on Friday during the launch of the National Expansion of the HEARTS Initiative for the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases.

“By the end of June, we’ll have 20 [telemedicine] sites in remote communities. We’ve just established four sites in Region One (Barima-Waini) and built

three sites in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). We're going to put, in another week or so, another four sites in Region Seven,” Dr Anthony said.

These telemedicine sites aim to bridge the gap between the hinterland and the coastland by allowing medical personnel in the hinterland to get real-time

The Health Minister clarified that this system allows medical personnel in Georgetown to perform a host of activities including remotely listening to a patient’s heartbeat or completing an electrocardiogram (ECG) or an ultrasound.

“[Patients] can stay in their village 500 miles away and a doctor from Georgetown–or one of the regional hospitals–can be talking to them,” Anthony

“We have just completed the law that is going to go to Parliament that talks about data, confidentiality and pri-

“Once we start putting that in place, what that will ultimately result in is that any patient coming into the

While the Minister noted that it will likely take a few years for this system to be fully realised, when it does come on stream, it will help to better quantify how many patients experience specific conditions.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

Mysterious death of pensioner prompts consultation with DPP

The investigation into the suspicious death of 75-year-old Oudit Narine of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), whose decomposed body was found in his home last Sunday, has reached a critical stage as law enforcement have now sought the legal expertise of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Narine's family, raising suspicions of foul play, re-

mains eager for progress in uncovering the truth behind his demise.

Since the distressing incident unfolded, investigators have been piecing together the puzzle surrounding Narine's untimely death. With the case file now in the hands of the DPP, her guidance will play a pivotal role in determining the next course of action.

According to a relative interviewed by Guyana

Times last Saturday, Narine resided in the upper flat of a two-storey home, with his son and brotherin-law living in the lower flat.

Prompted by concerned neighbours reporting a foul odour emanating from Narine's house, the family conducted their own investigation. Upon arrival, they discovered Narine's partially decomposed body in the bathroom, bearing signs of

violence and bloodstains.

The relative described finding Narine's body in a kneeling position, resembling a prayer stance, indicating a considerable period of time since his passing due to the advanced state of decomposition. The fam-

ily grew suspicious as neither Narine's son nor brother-in-law, who reside in the lower flat, had checked on him despite the strong stench from the upper part of the house.

Adding to the family's concerns, conflicting infor -

mation allegedly emerged from Narine's son regarding the events leading up to his father's death. Initially, the relative claimed the son stated that they had cooked and eaten dinner together on Saturday.

However, the family member said they found this account inconsistent with the strong odour present in the house. The son's statements continued to vary, deepening doubts.

Following the discovery of the body, both Narine's son and brotherin-law were initially taken into custody but were subsequently released. A post-mortem examination revealed that Narine had suffered a fractured skull due to blunt trauma to the head, further intensifying suspicions of foul play.

In light of these circumstances, the family is demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Narine's death. (G9)

Dead: Oudit Narine

Child labour sensitisation conducted in Regions 2, 5

respective friendly society group, after which the group was converted into a Co-op in accordance with an agreement among the members.

An outreach was also held at Anna Regina Car Park, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), covering similar topics as the previous initiative.

Labour Officer with responsibility for Region Two, Ravi Persaud, led this exercise alongside OSH Officer Naipaul Persaud, BIT Officer Lokenauth Rooplall, and Recruitment Officer Davendra Singh.

Commemorating World Day Against Child Labour, and aiming to empower the public with information on workplace protocols and labour legislation, the Labour Ministry has embarked on a vigorous Sensitisation Campaign, thus far tackling Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has named June 12 as World Day Against Child Labour, with this year’s theme being “Social Justice for All. End Child Labour.”

On Friday, the Labour Ministry held its outreach at Region Five (Mahaica-

Berbice), engaging Moraikobai residents and farmers in conversations regarding how they can help fight against the detrimental effects of child labour, as well as the national minimum wage, overtime payment, annual leave, workers’ rights, the Labour Act, termination and severance, and safety and health requirements in the workplace.

Those residents were also informed about the Ministry’s services, such as Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), Co-operatives and Friendly Societies (Co-ops), Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA), National Job Bank, and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

Labour Officer Hardat Malchan facilitated this exercise with the assistance of Assistant Chief Cooperatives Officer Suresh Jaigobin, Regional Co-ops Officer Vikash Budhoo, and Recruitment and Manpower Officer Deopaul Pitamber.

Pitamber shared details about the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency's (CRMA) services, and how individuals can acquire access to the National Job Bank to view opportunities.

The team also dealt with several issues concerning the

They also distributed pamphlets and booklets from the various departments.

Labour Ministry holding sensitisation outreach in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice)

Labour Ministry holding sensitisation outreach in Region Two

Human Services Min seeking new cohort of “young influencers”

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry has opened applications for their “Young Influencers” programme to youths eager to participate in community building activities and encourage positive change in the country.

Twenty-five young, diverse men and women between the ages of 15 and 25 from across the country can apply to work with the Ministry to tackle social ills youths face within society and become a voice for young people in Guyana. Spearheaded by Human

Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, this programme also provides education and training pathways for career development and integrates public engagements, communication and outreaches promoting young people’s competencies and skills.

Selected young influencers are offered opportunities for development through engaging community projects, activities and forums nationwide and on the international level.

2022 Young Influencer Nandita Singh shared on social media that not only was

she able to learn about the work the Human Services Ministry does but also actively contribute to their initiatives.

“I was able to be part of various events and causes, including visiting children’s homes, being a part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and [participating in] Guyana’s largest women expo- We Lift,” Singh said, adding that throughout her year, she also interacted with new faces countrywide.

“The experience has been a wonderful one and I greatly encourage anyone who is

interested to take up the opportunity,” Singh said.

Also part of the 2022 Young Influencers cohort, Terriann Wright said within her year-long stint with the Ministry, she represented her youth group at the Youth Parliament and worked alongside Minister Persaud to launch several campaigns and participate in activities hosted by the Ministry.

“If you’re interested in being a voice for the voiceless, you should apply for this as a chance to contribute to international efforts and help others nationally,” Wright said, in a social media post.

In May, three young influencers–Amrita Naraine, Delisa Quintyn and Raquel Meenkum– had the chance to travel to Brussels,

Belgium for the European External Action Service’s (EEAS) youth campaign #OurVoiceOurFuture engagements.

Recognising that the youth are the future leaders and policymakers, this campaign invited young people globally to be part of the conversation as it relates to human rights and freedoms.

Naraine, who previously spoke to Guyana Times while she was in Belgium, had said this event closely related to the work she was doing as a young influencer.

“Being a part of the campaign aligns very well with the mission of the Young Influencers in Guyana which is sharing, connecting, influencing and empowering,” Naraine said. “[This opportunity] ensures that I can exact what that slogan reads

and I can make a sizable impact, not only in Guyana but on a wider level, to contribute to globalisation.”

To be considered eligible for the 2023 Young Influencers programme, applicants must be between 15 and 25 years old, Guyanese, of good character, have a sense for community development and able to dedicate at least 12 hours monthly towards working with the Young Influencers project.

Applicants will also be required to describe the charitable/activism work they’ve previously done and showcase their skills by producing a 30-second promotional video on one of the Ministry’s pre-existing programmes.

The deadline for applications is set for June 15.

The previous cohort of Human Services and Social Security Ministry-led Young Influencers

Int'l Building Expo 2023

“Our focus will be more on quality, not more so quantity” – Minister

Individuals seeking to attend International Building Expo 2023 which is slated for August can expect to have nothing short of an elevated experience, as the Housing Ministry aims to have an improved quality of businesses within the construction sector occupy booths at this year’s event.

Speaking with this publication on Thursday, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal noted that the goal of this year’s expo is not necessarily to increase the number of booths, but rather to provide more options for quality businesses that add value to the construction sector.

"This year our focus is not on increasing booths, it will be more on what we're showcasing. It's providing options and providing in the sector, new options that are available in the construction sector, existing possibilities. So, our focus will be more on quality not more so quantity, but we know that whence we make available the space and we advertise for persons who can be part of the booths, I’m sure we would have an overwhelming response,” the Minister remarked.

The Minister noted that this expo caters specifically to all that the construction sector entails and does not cater to businesses outside of that category, as he highlighted the negative response of a business that was unable to put its products on display at last year’s event.

"We have to understand what's the purpose of this expo and what is it we want to showcase. It's international building expo...there are different types of expos. We want to keep this within the confines of what the sector has to offer and [when] we

talking about the building and construction sector, all the services that are formed within our sector whether it's financial institutions, banking institutions, insurance companies etc,” Croal explained.

Nevertheless, the Minister recalled the success of the last expo as he shared how overwhelming the response was, even after transitioning back to normalcy after the global COVID-19 pandemic which hindered several annual events for 2 years.

"The last building expo you would recall [was] a re-

turn of the expo because it was not held for many years. Coming out of the COVID period too, it has its initial challenges in terms of preparing and getting persons to understand that we're moving back to normalcy. [But] we had a successful expo and even so, we had it held over for one day. And all the participants, [and] those who had booths…said the response was overwhelming," the Housing and Water Minister boasted.

Last year the Ministry saw over 300 participants including individuals as well as both local and international companies. The Minister told Guyana Times that even though the official launch of the event has not occurred yet, several companies have already indicated their interest in being part of the sponsorship.

According to previous reports, Building Expo 2022 attracted some 350 participants, of which at least 25

were foreign companies, including some from the Caribbean – Suriname, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados along with others from the United States, Canada, and Ghana. During the expo, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) also executed its allocation of 5000 house lots through its “Dream Realised” programme as well as the distribution of over 500 land titles and transports.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

World Environment Day…

EMC Foundation hosts panel discussion on plastic pollution

Ahead of the 50th Anniversary of World Environment Day, EMC Foundation has hosted a panel discussion on plastic pollution, to raise awareness of its impacts and seek solutions to mitigate same.

That event, hosted in collaboration with GTT and Herdmanston Lodge on Thursday, had a panel comprised of Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Guyana, Yesim Oruç; Honourary Secretary of the Private Sector Commission, Paul Cheong; Managing

Director of Environmental Management Consultants Inc, Shyam Nokta; Senior Private Sector Leader Ramesh Dookhoo, and Executive Director of the EPA, Kemraj Parsram.

The discussion was moderated by Kandila Ramotar of the EMC.

World Environment Day is observed on June 5 each year.

The event, which was livestreamed on the EMC Foundation Facebook Page, attracted participation from several organisations and individuals, and provided an opportunity for the pan-

elists to share views and interact with each other, as well as respond to questions from the audience.

The panelists discussed the international attention and urgency of addressing plastic pollution, and the efforts through the United Nations to mobilise countries to take action. There was recognition that there are opportunities in Guyana for recycling, re-use, and replacing plastics, and initiatives are already rolled out in these areas, but they need to be supported.

In a release on Saturday, EMC said that one of the

key outcomes of the discussion was the need for a holistic approach, involving not only Government organizations, but Private Sector and Civil Society. There was general agreement that a coordinated and continued effort should be undertaken to address this important national and global issue. Several areas for action were highlight, including policy and legislation, improving solid waste

management systems and practices, monitoring and enforcement, public awareness and education, as well as incentives for consumers and companies.

In an effort to ensure that this issue of plastic pollution continues to receive attention, the EMC Foundation will continue to organize activities aimed at bringing stakeholders together to find solutions.

EMC Foundation was

established by Shyam Nokta, winner of the 2022 Anthony N Sabga Award for Entrepreneurship. The foundation works to support environmental awareness and education in Guyana by promoting activities which encourage a greater understanding of the environment, creating a network to connect like-minded people, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.

Panel discussion on plastic pollution hosted by EMC

Windies Women to host Ireland Women in Saint Lucia

The West Indies Women will oppose Ireland Women in both T20I and ODI series

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) on Friday announced the match schedule and venue for the West Indies Women’s international home series against Ireland Women. The highly anticipated series will feature three CG United One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is) at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St. Lucia from 26 June to 8 July.qualified for.”

West added, “Ireland have shown great improvement in recent times, and the game between the two sides in February at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa was a thriller. We will need to prepare well for both series, with very clear game plans. The squad will get time in St Lucia pri-

Sunday, 1 July: 3rd CG United ODI – 3pm (2pm Jamaica Time)

Tuesday, 4 July: 1st T20I – 5pm (4pm Jamaica Time)

Thursday, 6 July: 2nd T20I – 5pm (4pm Jamaica Time)

Saturday, 8 July: 3rd T20I – 5pm (4pm Jamaica Time)

Results of the series will impact qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India

The first two CG United ODIs will bowl off at 10am (9am Jamaica Time), with the third being a day/night game that starts at 3pm (2pm Jamaica). The three T20Is will commence at 5pm (4pm Jamaica).

The ODIs hold significant weight in this series, as they contribute crucial points to the ICC Women's Championship, and the results will therefore directly impact qualification for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 in India.

CWI High Performance Manager Graeme West has said: “The Ireland Series is the only engagement in the region for the Senior Women in 2023, and it’s critical we maximise ‘home’ advantage in the three CG United ODIs as we continue our qualification campaign towards the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2025.

“The three T20Is will kickstart the preparation towards the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, which the team has already

or to the first ODI to establish the key roles and focus areas that each player will be required to execute in order to play winning cricket.

“It’s exciting to be taking international Women’s Cricket back to St Lucia. The island is developing a number of exciting young female players, and we hope the Ireland games can inspire more girls to get involved and start their own cricket journeys.”

Fans worldwide can join the excitement as all six matches will be streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel. Furthermore, live ball-byball scoring will be available on the Match Centre at www. windiescricket.com, ensuring fans do not miss a single moment of the action.

Full match schedule:

All matches at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, St. Lucia

Monday, 26

June: 1st CG United ODI –10am (9am Jamaica Time)

Wednesday, 28

June: 2nd CG United ODI –

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BCB investing heavily in cricket in riverine communities

- Foster pledges more assistance in the future

Berbice Cricket Board

(BCB) President Hilbert Foster last weekend reassured cricket teams in Berbice riverine communities that the BCB would continue to invest in the area and make sure that they benefit from the massive development taking place in the county.

Foster, who resumed duty as BCB president only a few weeks ago, after a profound illness, has said the riverine area is very important to the overall development of Berbice Cricket, and no stone would be left unturned in the quest for overall development.

The BCB last week hosted two major cricket finals between teams from the area, between Wiruni Cricket Club and the SandHills Friends team, at the Area H Ground in Rose Hall Town. The two finals were for the Dave West Indian 40 overs and the Sir

James France 20/20 tournament.

Both finals attracted large crowds, with residents of the area travelling out to the coastland in their numbers to support their respective home teams. Foster met with the leadership of both teams and expressed delight at the huge support that cricket has in the area.

Among the areas the BCB President committed to assisting are hosting of training

programs for youth players, and umpires and scorers in the area. The BCB President handed over a set of the BCB historic coaching manuals and youth information booklets to the two teams for them to work with their youths. In the meanwhile, arrangement would be put into place for a BCB coaching team to visit the area during the summer holidays.

The BCB also handed a large quantity of cricket gear

to the clubs, along with scorebooks, as the effort continues to assist as much as possible.

The Berbice River Cricket Association also received two boxes of white balls to assist in the preparation of a first division team for the upcoming BCB/Speaker’s Cup 20/20 tournament. It would be the first time that the riverine area would participate at that level in the 84-year history of the Berbice Board, and Foster urged the three teams in the

area to work together to select the best possible team for the knockout tournament.

The BCB has already donated a full set of coloured clothing for the teams, and clubs in the area would shortly receive red balls to play in future tournaments at the second division level. A practice net was also handed over to the Wiruni Cricket Club to assist them to organise better sessions for their members, while the Sand Hills team received a set of white uniforms for members who do not have

any. Foster also committed to hosting the area in inter-zone levels at the under-15, under-17 and under-19 levels once a team is selected to play. A commitment was also made for the area to obtain a bowling machine by the last quarter of this year. Representatives of the clubs expressed thanks to the proactive BCB executives for their interest in the area, and committed to communicate more with the parent body despite the distance.

BCB Leslie Solomon handing over gear to one of the clubs

Floyd Benjamin handing over practice net to Wiruni Cricket Club

Developments in local boxing…

Poole completes IBA Cut Technician Course

The Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) Technical Director Terrence Poole is now part of local boxing history, following his successful completion of the International Boxing Association (IBA) Cut Technician Course.

With this achievement, Poole is now only the second Guyanese to attain such a prestigious certification.

IBA Development Officer Chris Roberts, OBE, has communicated Poole's accomplishment to GBA President Steve Ninvalle via an official release.

Poole participated in the programme during his coaching assignment at the recently concluded Men’s World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from May 1st-4th. He becomes the second Guyanese to acquire the certification, after three-star trainer Sebert Blake attained the qualifi-

cation during his involvement at the Women's World Championship in New Delhi, India from March 15-31.

Poole is also the third GBA technical official to successfully acquire IBA certification in 2023, following Clifton Moore's recent acquisition of the 1 Star certification.

The Cut Technician

Course was eligible only for officials affiliated with the national federation, and who were already registered for the Men’s World Championship from April 30th-May 14th in the capacities of team coaches, doctors, and/or physiotherapists respectively. The programme comprised one theoretical section and extensive prac-

tical segments, which were followed by respective assessments.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle has said, "The acquisition of knowledge is a permanent endeavour. This is what the association wholly comprehends as we aim to empower and educate our technical officers through quality international educa-

tion and certification.

“Poole is the third official under the jurisdiction of the GBA to have attained IBA certification in the space of two months, which is indicative of the developmental drive and direction currently being undertaken. That is our mandate, and it shall continue for the foreseeable future as we aim to create

an ecosystem and environment that is beneficial to the advancement and long-term sustainability of the sport."

He added, "Certification of our coaches and trainers is essential, and it is a proven element and coefficient in the creation of an architecture that will foster growth at every level of the discipline. As the technical director of our sporting landscape, Poole's role is pivotal in this regard, as he is at the forefront of our technical aspirations and overall agenda. As such, his continued certification, as well as that of our other technical personnel, will be a perpetual reality and objective of the GBA.

“This methodology, which is an established global point of reference, will afford Guyana the ability to maintain its dominance within the English-speaking Caribbean."

GBA President Steve Ninvalle

GBA Technical Director Terrence Poole

Scores of persons turned up at the National Aquatic Center at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara) on Saturday afternoon for what would be the commencement of Guyana’s inaugural adult ‘Learn to Swim’ programme.

Similar to the children’s programme, the initiative is a col-

Inaugural adult ‘Learn to Swim’ initiative commences

laborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) and the National Sports Commission (NSC), and has attracted over 1500 registrants.

During the official opening ceremony on Saturday, subject Minister Charles Ramson Jr had words of encouragement for the prospective swimmers while promising the Ministry’s support.

“So I want to congratulate you guys; this is a big step for you. We

are going to hold your hands while you’re doing this programme, and in the end, you’re going to get out of it what you put in,” the Minister shared with registrants gathered at Guyana’s premier aquatic facility. Ramson Jr. added, “Don’t just come today and if you find it hard you give up. Everything about learning takes time, and at the beginning sometimes it is very hard; and because it’s hard you can also get discouraged. So, I’m saying, stick with it.”

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, touched on the number of safety measures that have been

employed for the smooth hosting of the programme. Ninvalle revealed, “Now, we are having you become swimmers under very controlled circumstances, and we have 32 coaches that would be charting your course over the next month, and we do hope that you grasp this chance that we’ve given, the MCYS and the NSC, and you make full use of it.

“We want to make sure that you’re safe, and that’s why you will see an ambulance is here even at this opening, and we’ll make sure an ambulance is at every single session that is being had,” Ninvalle promised.

The adult ‘Learn to Swim’ programme is set to run on weekends in June at two locations: the Aquatic Center and the Colgrain Pool in Georgetown.

Additionally, the Minister, in his remarks, promised the expansion of the initiative in future.

“We are going to be having in Berbice and in Linden, expanding this programme in July. So you, the 1500 people that are here participating in this programme today, you are going to be part of another wider pool in other parts of the country,” the Sport Minister declared.

The United Arab Emirates will host West Indies in a historic three-match ODI series, starting today, Sunday June 4. All three matches will be played at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium from 8:30am Eastern Caribbean Time.

It is the first-ever bilateral series between the two sides, and the hosts would be raring to make a significant mark. WI might be challenged in spin-friendly conditions.

The two sides have met just twice in ODIs so far, with WI emerging victorious on both occasions. The 2015 ICC ODI World Cup marked the maiden meeting of

the two sides, and the Men in Maroon walked away with a six-wicket triumph.

In 2018, the two sides met in the World Cup Qualifiers. WI comfortably won that match by 60 runs.

West Indies will view this se ries as a preparation opportuni ty ahead of the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

Four uncapped players have been named in the squad.

WI squad for UAE series: Shai Hope (captain), Brandon King (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase,

Dominic Drakes, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Kevin Sinclair, Keemo Paul, Raymon Reifer, Odean Smith, Johnson Charles.

UAE squad for WI series: Muhammad Waseem (captain),

Vriitya Aravind, Basil Hameed, Ethan D'Souza, Mohammed Faraazuddin, Jonathan Figy, Muhammad Jawadullah, Aayan Afzal Khan, Asif Khan, Matiullah Khan, Zahoor Khan, Karthik Meiyappan, Rohan Mustafa, Ali Naseer, Fahad Nawaz, Rameez Shahzad, Junaid Siddique, Lovepreet Singh, Aryansh Sharma, Sanchit Sharma, Adhitya Shetty, Ansh Tandon.

West Indies skipper Shai Hope's (50.02) average is the highest among WI batters with at least 1,000 ODI runs. Shamarh Brooks

has smoked 712 runs at 32.36 since the start of last year. Johnson Charles slammed a 39-ball T20I century against South Africa earlier this year. All-rounder Keemo Paul owns 266 runs and 25 wickets in 23 ODI appearances so far.

UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem owns 1,021 runs in 38 ODIs at an average of 26.86. Karthik Meiyappan took a hat-trick versus Sri Lanka in last year's ICC T20 World Cup. Left-arm spinner Aayan Afzal Khan has returned with 24 wickets in 17 ODIs at an economy of 3.46. Rameez Shahzad averages 45.50 in ODI cricket after 21 matches.

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr.

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr, DoS Steve Ninvalle, and NSC Commissioner Cristy Campbell are flanked by participants in the adult ‘Learn to Swim’ programme

West Indies will be led by Shai Hope Team UAE