Berbice fisherman busted with 3.8kg ganja in house Infant dies after greatgrandmother feeds her 'milk tea’
breaking” arrivals to reach 36,000 for September Sand Creek cassava germplasm bank to advance crop breeding, conservation efforts
Issue No. 5502 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana THE BEACON OF TRUTH PRICE $140 VAT INCLUDED guyanatimesgy.com SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 WHAT'S INSIDE: Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana THE BEACON OF TRUTH See story on Page 7 Pages 3&11 P21 P8 P23 P23 P24 P25 Page 22 Page 21 Experience Guyana like never before with virtual tours through Virtual Estate 360 Man pleads for justice after wife, son injured in Hope, EBD accident
Deadly Mahdia fire CoI “No
…convinced
– Pres Ali briefs Opposition Leader, House Speaker on situation …OAS condemns “illegal” Venezuelan referendum – as Commonwealth, CARICOM throw support behind Guyana Guyana stands united against Venezuela’s threats to its sovereignty President Dr Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali on Saturday hosted the Guyana Amazon Warriors team and management for brunch at State House, Main Street, Georgetown 11 students awarded GYSBI scholarships to pursue technical studies Guyana, Maldives ink visa-waiver, cooperation agreements United approach necessary to eliminate child abuse, bullying – Min Persaud Mother of 1 crushed by lorry after falling off e-bike Page 19 P14
“Record-
chance” fire was electrical in nature – Fire Inspector
it was maliciously set
2 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, Sep 24 – No retraction and Monday, Sep 25 – 00:30h – 02:00h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, Sep 24 – 11:50h – 13:20h and Monday, Sep 25 – 13:10h – 14:40h.
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 at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres.
High Tide: 12:05h reaching a maximum height of 2.09 metres.
Low Tide: 17:58h reaching a minimum height of 1.16 metre.
LOTTERY NUMBERS
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Guyana stands united against Venezuela’s threats to its sovereignty
– Pres Ali briefs Opposition Leader, House Speaker on situation
President Dr Irfaan
Ali has assured that Guyana is unified against any Venezuelan threats, also revealing that he has spoken with Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir, to update them on the situation.
Last week, Venezuela issued a communique that threatened Guyana and protested against Guyana’s efforts to auction its oil blocks, even though all the blocks are in Guyana’s sovereign territory.
According to President Ali in a video broadcast on Saturday, September 23, he has since updated not only the Speaker of the House but also Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, on the Guyana-Venezuela controversy, as well as the support Guyana has gotten from the international community including the Organisation of American States (OAS).
“I had the opportunity to speak with the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Leader of the Opposition, updating them on all that we’ve done and the circumstances,” President Ali said.
“And I’ve also shared with the Speaker, all the statements from the Commonwealth, the OAS, the US State Department, on this matter. And I want to thank the international community for its strong and consistent support for Guyana.”
He also assured that Guyana will continue to defend its rights to its own exclusive economic zone (EEZ). He noted that Guyana is fully aware of its boundaries and promotes peace and thus, rejects Venezuela’s attempts to disrupt that peace.
“I want to assure all Guyanese that we’re going to consistently defend what is ours, Essequibo. In a strong way, in the framework of international law and peace. And we are together on this as a nation. Make no mistake. Guyana is together on this,” the Head of State further said.
Meanwhile, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) issued a statement on the Opposition Leader’s conversation with the President. According to the statement, Norton reaffirmed the Opposition’s support for Guyana’s position on the 1899 Arbitral Award during talks with the President.
“He (Norton) informed the President that we are united on this issue and reassured him of the Opposition’s support of all measures aimed at protecting our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Mr Norton also indicated to the President that we sup-
port the view that Guyana has the right to undertake economic activity within our territory and in our appurtenant maritime territories.”
“The Opposition opposes and condemns all forms of aggression by Venezuela against Guyana. We also welcome the support of the international community in protecting our territorial integrity and sovereignty,” the statement added.
The Opposition, through Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Amanza Walton-Desir, had previously sent out a statement throwing their support behind the Government’s denunciation of Venezuela following the issuance of the communique.
In the Venezuelan communique issued last week, the Spanish-speaking country said “Guyana does not have sovereign rights over these maritime areas and consequently any action within their limits. It is a violation of in-
ternational law, as long as they are not carried out through an agreement with Venezuela.”
Venezuela further said that “Any illicit and arbitrary concession that Guyana grants, has granted or intends to grant in the areas in question is unacceptable and violates its sovereign rights, and warns that these actions do not generate any type of rights to third parties who participate in said process.”
Venezuela is laying claim to more than twothirds of Guyana’s landmass in Essequibo. The Spanish-speaking country is also claiming a portion of Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in which more than eleven billion barrels of proven reserves are estimated to exist.
United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, in January 2018, had decided that the case should be settled by the International Court of
Justice (ICJ), after exercising the powers vested in him to decide how the controversy should be settled by the 1966 Geneva Agreement between Guyana, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom.
He resorted to judicial settlement after the good offices process between Guyana and Venezuela failed. Within the framework of the 1966 Geneva Agreement between the two countries, the Secretary General conducted good offices from 1990 to 2017 to find a solution to the border controversy.
Among other things, Guyana is asking the ICJ to adjudge and declare that the 1899 Award is valid and binding upon Guyana and Venezuela, that Venezuela is internationally responsible for violations of Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, and for all injuries suffered by Guyana as a consequence. (G-3)
3 NEWS
COMMODITIES Indicators US$ Change % Crude Oil $93.27/barrel -0.03 Rough Rice $285.08/ton +0.27 London Sugar $731.20/ton -0.22 Live Spot Gold USD Per Ounce Bid/Ask $1924.80 $1925.80 Low/High $1922.50 $1930.10 Change 0.00 0.00
DAILY MILLIONS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902 LUCKY 3 FREE TICKET 01 05 06 17 22 25 O 17 22 18 26 4 19 9 20 0 16 09 10 06 09 Bonus Ball 15 DRAW DE LINE 12 16 09 04 02 13 18 10 02 01 PAY DAY SUPER PAY DAY 18 0 4 9 Afternoon Draw Evening Draw FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 8 4 5 7 Afternoon Draw Evening Draw 2X 2X Afternoon Draw Evening Draw
President Dr Irfaan Ali (left) and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton
Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir
Views
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A Chinese way?
With China inexorably moving to catch up economically with the US – now predicted to occur by 2036 – many countries are, not surprisingly, giving its Marxist-based economic system, giving China another look. And also not surprisingly, they are taking another look at Das Capital, the book that started it all by critiquing the dominant paradigm of capitalism and proposing an alternative path to economic success, while avoiding its negative downsides. While most would have thought the “fall of communism” in 1989 in the USSR and its “Eastern Bloc” would be the death knell of Marx’s relevance, the 2008 collapse of the neo-liberal paradigmwhich was supposed to have done the job, in accordance with Marx’s theory and the rise of China - gave Das Capital a new relevance.
Das Capital grounded Marx’s theory of capitalism onto an excruciatingly detailed development of the English working class. But this fact in and of itself should signal that, with the passage of time and the historical development of capitalism, some of Marx’s conclusions might not necessarily be wrong, and may even be quite relevant in the present.
One of the fundamental Marxian ideas developed in Das Capital is his particular interpretation of “labour theory of value”, which was proposed earlier by the economists Adam Smith and David Ricardo to explain the different prices at which goods were bought and sold. These pioneering economists proposed that the value of a commodity could be measured objectively by the average number of labour hours necessary to produce it.
Marx’s contribution was to query: if this were so, then where do “profits” come from? His simple answer was that workers were being paid less than the true worth of their labour, and profits were therefore squeezed from the latter. This was the essential exploitative relationship between those who owned “capital” - “capitalists” - and those who provided their labour to produce commodities - “the proletariat”.
He said, “Capital cares nothing for the length of life of labour power. All that concerns it is simply and solely the maximum of labour-power that can be rendered fluent in a workday.” But in so doing, the “labour” of persons becomes a commodity like any other that is sold and bought like any other.
In their urge to extract increasing amounts of profits, Marx proposed, capitalists would always seek to reduce the price of labour, and those who are most successful at this manoeuvre can sell more commodities and acquire more profits. We witnessed this when US businesses moved en masse into China. This resulted in the number of capitalists decreasing as the fittest (most exploitative of labour) survived while the number of unemployed or underemployed increased. But that also sets the seed of inevitable crises in this “capitalist mode of production”: with the increasing unemployed, there are less customers to purchase the commodities, and with the piled-up surpluses, the market periodically “crashes”.
“Along with the constantly diminishing number of the magnates of capital, who usurp and monopolize all advantages of this process of transformation, grows the mass of misery, oppression, slavery, degradation, exploitation; but with this, too, grows the revolt of the working class, a class always increasing in numbers, and disciplined, united, organized by the very mechanism of the process of capitalist production itself.”
After Marx, trade unions were formed in the “developed capitalist economies”, which improved the wages of their workers. However, the capitalists moved to underdeveloped countries like China, where they could pay labour at a much less rate than in their own countries. This was the beginning of the “outsourcing” of manufacturing and services, which led, among other factors, to the 2008 collapse. At present, the richest 1% owns as much wealth as the rest of the world combined; and, in fact, just 62 persons have as much wealth as the poorest half of the world’s population. Marx is vindicated.
China’s innovation is to use capitalist techniques for efficient production, but for the government to ensure a more equitable distribution of goods and ownership of enterprises. Huawei, for instance, is owned by its employees.
Venezuela’s referendum
Dear Editor, Venezuela’s initiative, to go to a referendum to seek its citizens’ opinion regarding that country’s claim over the Essequibo, is but a reiteration of that nation’s greed and of its illwill toward the Guyanese people, under the régime of Nicolás Maduro.
In the late nineties, while I was serving as Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, I encountered a Venezuelan young
lady who was married into my extended family. “Maria” was bold and uncompromising in her conviction that the residents of Essequibo were culturally and ethnically Venezuelan, and that the region came under the civil jurisdiction of the Venezuelan state.
Only upon the realization that her very own brother-in-law was married in Essequibo to an Essequibian did she re -
consider her views, explaining that if she were wrong, it was because that’s what she had been taught in school.
Successive Venezuelan Governments have brainwashed the population from their childhood with misinformation about the supposed merits of the territorial claim. With defeat now looming at the ICJ, Maduro wants his duped population to validate the claim by voting in
a referendum that relies on Venezuela’s own deceitful propaganda. Josef Goebbels would have liked it.
It would be a good thing if this hapless charade could be exposed and condemned by Guyanese everywhere for just what it is.
Sincerely,
Bayney Karran
We must stand united in defending our sovereignty
Dear Editor,
It is with great urgency and unity that we must address a crucial matter affecting our beloved nation Guyana. Today we stand together to declare our resolute commitment to protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country.
As we face ongoing aggression from Venezuela, we firmly reject any form of encroachment or aggressive acts against Guyana. The recent developments and unjust claims made by Venezuela demand our immediate attention and a united response. In this critical time, we must rally behind the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who has shown unwavering dedication to safeguarding our nation’s interests. His commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful resolution must be our guiding principle as we navigate these turbulent
waters.
Let us remember that our territorial sovereignty goes beyond politics and personal convictions. It is the backbone of our identity as Guyanese. We are a resilient, peaceful, and diverse nation united under the principles of democracy and respect for international law. Now is the time to stand united, setting aside any differences, as we make it clear to Venezuela and the world that we will defend our borders, resources and rights.
Together, we demand a peaceful resolution and an end to hostile actions that threaten our independence and prosperity. I implore each and every citizen, regardless of profession, ethnic background or religion, to raise their voice and support our President in his efforts to protect the integrity of our beloved
Guyana. Let us engage in constructive dialogue, spread awareness, and advocate for our nation’s rights on both national and international platforms.
Remember, our strength lies in our unity. We are Guyana, a nation that stands tall and resilient in the face of adversity. Together, we will overcome this challenge and ensure our sovereignty remains unharmed. Let us be firm yet peaceful, resolute yet diplomatic, and steadfast in protecting what is rightfully ours. Stand strong, stand together, and stand with President Dr. Irfaan Ali. #ProtectGuyanasTerritorialIntegrity #RejectVenezuelanAggression
Sincerely,
Pt Ubraj Narine, JP, COA Former Mayor
4 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 guyanatimesgy.com
President Dr Irfaan Ali sharing a light moment with the players and management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team during a brunch at State House on Saturday. In the photo are legendary Guyanese commentator Red Perreira, Mr and Mrs Imran Tahir, and Shai Hope and a guest
Govt working towards achieving universal health coverage – Min Anthony tells UN meeting
The Government continues to work assiduously in crafting a comprehensive layout to enhance and expand health services for the Guyanese public.
With continued investment in expanding the reach of healthcare, as well as the range of affordable health services available to Guyanese, universal health coverage comes closer to fruition.
Speaking during the Plenary Segment of the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage recently, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony highlighted the nexus between a healthy population and its impact on social de-
velopment, national prosperity, and economic growth.
In keeping with this, the Health Minister reminded
that the Government is actively transforming Guyana’s health sector to reflect not only a modern society but one where equity and quality in the delivery of healthcare are paramount.
“One of Guyana’s achievements is the removal of financial barriers to accessing healthcare. Healthcare in our public sector is free. We have substantially reduced out-ofpocket expenses by ensuring that access to services for all is closer to homes and that medications and diagnostic tests are free. No one should be forced into poverty due to medical bills,” he said.
Additionally, investments in health infrastructure con-
tinue to ramp up, with frequent upgrades to health facilities, and expansion of diagnostic services.
“We are constructing 12 new hospitals and have upgraded more than 200 primary healthcare facilities,” Dr Anthony pointed out.
With the rapid development underway in Guyana’s health sector, the need for more healthcare professionals is further highlighted, and this is also currently being addressed. More training programmes are being made available to develop and improve the human resources in the sector.
The Government is currently training 1000 people
annually through an expanded nursing programme that began this year.
Similar training initiatives include the Community Health Worker Training Programme and the Pharmacy Assistant Training Programme.
“Preventative healthcare is another priority. Initiatives such as vaccination campaigns, health education, and community-based health programmes are contributing significantly in this regard. Our efforts include addressing the challenges of those living in hard-to-reach geographical locations including our Indigenous communities and migrant populations,
including through using telemedicine. We are committed to leaving no one behind.”
However, with all the progress that has been made in this regard, the Health Minister stressed the need for progressive measures to address the challenges still faced globally. These challenges include inadequate financing, lack of access to health technologies, health worker migration to developed countries, the impacts of climate change, conflicts and food insecurity.
“International cooperation and partnerships are critical in solving some of these problems,” he emphasised.
Blackouts, constant blackouts: I blame Ramjattan’s AFC
Dear Editor,
The constant blackouts truly create annoyance in the people of this country. On the day of Monday (18th September 2023), the constant blackouts created much frustration for our staff at RK’s Guyana Security Services Headquarters, despite the fact that we have a good quality generator for emergency power. Imagine stores, businesses, and citizens who do not have such a facility, their state of mind at the possible destruction of their equipment and also foodstuff.
It is easy to want to abuse and curse down the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), and even the Government of Guyana, for this obvious disease of torment and torture in this country. But is it GPL’s management, or is it the Government of Guyana’s fault!!??
Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Cabinet, and the Peoples of this land of Guyana, we deserve better, and we all demand better in
the service and provision of electric power.
Despite the headaches, heartaches, mental and physical torture, and frustrations at this juncture in our Guyanese society and nation, I do not blame either the Government or GPL. The GPL, with its limited resources, has done enormous to fix the issues to bring reasonable quality electric power to the people of this land. One of the bugbears of the provision of this inefficient power supply is the staff: unreliability of the staff, dishonesty of some staff, and it is suspected possible sabotage by certain political saboteurs.
However, most of all, shouting as I am writing in my mind in annoyance because all of the above could have been eliminated, as we as a people of this country could have been enjoying ‘sweet’, ’luscious’, ‘delicious’ hydroelectric power. The Government of His Excellency then President Bharrat Jagdeo had embarked on bringing hydro power to our
country and fulfilling our electricity needs. First, to our people in all parts of Guyana, the various industries in all parts of Guyana, and selling of electricity to neighbouring countries. With this new reliable form of electricity, we could have had an advanced style of road/highway infrastructure with the necessary toll control by an automatic system as we know operates in other developed countries and also as I saw in Jamaica, right here in the Caribbean/West Indies.
Investors could come to build the roads without any investments from the Government and the people of Guyana. They could set up a toll system from which they could recover their money/ capital after a number of years.
Most importantly, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force could have a reliable, powerful, integrated fingerprint and record of citizens of this country stored and transferred easily, as I saw since 1973 op-
erating in Ottawa, Canada, when I was studying Police Technology.
And since then, I have been lamenting and speaking of the necessity of having this kind of system in Guyana. But I know it is impossible for all of this to happen, be it infrastructure, criminal records, or health facilities records, to be fully stored and transmittable without proper reliable electricity.
Excellency, President Ali, people of this country, hydro was sabotaged by Khemraj Ramjattan’s AFC! I do not blame the PNC. Because the PNC’s job as the main Opposition is to do all they can to possibly destroy a good, decent and reliable Government, voted and elected by the people. And they would sabotage obviously the “Hydro” the same way they sabotage the children of Guyana and disaffected the parents by instantly stopping the ‘we care cash grant of 10,000 GYD at that time to each child.’
I recall well that Ramjattan wanted a particu-
Former GECOM Chairman sues Government Is Guyana a real place?
Dear Editor,
Dr Steve Surujbally has sued the Government of Guyana to the tune of $100 million, for money owed to him for land through which the same Government proposes to build a gas-toshore pipeline.
According to Surujbally’s lawsuit, this is a long-overdue matter, in which he should have been handsomely compensated to the tune of $100M by the state having to route its pipeline through his land.
While Surujbally is
rightfully entitled to compensation, it is interesting to note here the amount of money he is demanding for this portion of land.
This former public servant is seeking the exorbitant amount of $100M for a small plot of land that is under 2 acres in area.
Nowhere in this country is land in a zone that is not categorized as prime property valued that huge sum of money. So, it is quite interesting to learn of the details of this man and his financial pursuit.
So, I have a few ques-
tions for Steve Surujbally:
1. Is the land in question one that the former GECOM Chairman acquired by natural ancestry, or was it acquired by prescriptive title?
2. If it was acquired by prescriptive title, then when was this transaction done, and when was the title vested in the Chairman’s name?
3. Could Surujbally explain how he arrived at the vast sum of $100M?
4. Was this a matter of his own private valuing, or by a price markup in range
on the open market?
These are all pointed questions that we seek immediate answers for. Why? We are talking about the circumstances under which the land was acquired. Is it a question of owning land under circumstances of which I am thinking?
So, is Guyana a real place? The answer is yes, a real interesting place with a bunch of controversial characters.
Respectfully, Neil Adams
lar thing, and threatened the Bharrat Jagdeo Government with funding for the Amaila Hydro Project. However, the PPP/C Government did not budge from the threats of Ramjattan’s sabotage. Consequently, Ramjattan’s AFC voted with the PNC to demolish Hydro. Thereby bringing intentional trauma, torture, heartache, hardship, and pain to the Guyanese people mostly with the same ache and venom brought to the sugar workers in the Corentyne area by the closure of the factories without notice. It was a great sadness when I learned later that the Amaila Hydro
Project did not receive the Government’s Parliamentary support at that time, nor the supposedly independent Ramjattan’s AFC. Therefore, peoples of Guyana, I, the undersigned, state most emphatically that it is not the fault of GPL nor of the Government of Guyana, but that of the PNC/R to an extent, but mostly the AFC and its Leader Ramjattan. So, like the sugar workers, when we see the AFC leaders and Ramjattan, we all must frown on him/them.
Sincerely, Haji Dr Roshan Khan
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 5 guyanatimesgy.com News 06:00 (Sign on) Jewanram Rel. Hour 07:00 Cartoons 08:00 Shekinah Ministry 08:30 Evening News (RB) 09:30 Bollywood Masala 10:30 Cartoons 11:00 David Persaud Religious Program 11:30 Blippi Educational 12:00 Explained 12:30 Movie - Wedding of a Lifetime (2022) 14:00 Movie - Cats (2019) 16:00 Explained 16:30 Payless Power Hour 17:30 The Healing Touch 18:00 Wheel of Fortune 18:30 Week-in-Review 19:00 CPL: FINALS 23:00 Stand-up Comedy 00:00 Sign off Sunday, September 24, 2023
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony
CARE FOR THE ELDERLY DOG – OBESITY
As a spin-off from previous “Pet Care” columns and the dietary management associated with an elderly dog, I have decided to introduce “Obesity” as a concern which vets often encounter as the companion animals grow older.
Obesity generally occurs when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure (same for humans). Scientists have constructed a Body Condition Score (BCS), which helps to define obesity as being 25% above the ideal body weight that is related to the breed, gender, and age of the pet. I would hasten to document that, in dogs and cats, obesity is the most common nutritional health problem. Obesity-associated health risks continue to increase.
I saw a publication recently which documented that the obesity prevalence in the USA
ranges up to 63% in some canine populations, and 59% among cats. Incidence increases with age in both
species. Bitches and Tom cats appear to be predisposed to obesity.
Genetically (breed)
predisposed dogs include Labradors and Golden Retrievers (alas, my favourite canines). Other dog breeds (and their crosses) that tend to become obese include Scottish and Cairn Terriers, Collies, Spaniels, Schnauzers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dachshunds and Saint Bernards.
What (Main Risk factors) can promote obesity?
* Incorrect feeding habits/inappropriate diet composition and management, especially after neutering/spaying of dogs and cats.
* Strict indoor housing (apartment dwelling – especially for cats) with little or no exercise opportunities. (This risk factor is more prevalent in North
America and Europe – but also here in Guyana and the Caribbean).
* Long-term usage of certain medications (your vet would advise you on this matter).
* Diabetes (we will deal with this ailment specifically next week).
* Heat intolerance.
* Impaired mobility (caused by concomitant ailments, e.g., Arthritis/Joint Displasia in dogs, and liver problems in cats).
Treatment
Once we have determined the causes (see Risk Factors above), then we can introduce methods to counteract the obesity problems in elderly animals. However, you should note that the acquired fatty mass is difficult to remove. The dog would be just unwilling to go for a walk –definitely not lengthy walks. In the case of cats, if the caregiver radically reduces the appropriate diet, the cat will begin to cry, beg, steal and scavenge. Which hard heart can withstand a cat begging? The caregiver has to introduce “tough love”, which includes programmes
that ensure both caloric restriction and the correct amount of exercise. And, of course, the programme has to be developed together with one’s vet.
The veterinarians’ “bible” is the MERCK VET MANUAL. This book advises that the treatment for obesity should include short-term and long-term goals. The short-term goals are to ensure the dog/cat loses weight and reaches the BCS (see second paragraph above). Long-term goals are to maintain that ideal body condition score.
Lifestyle changes for both caregiver and ward may need modification in our time-for-pet allocations, while maintaining our caregiver/ animal bond. If this is broken, success may not be forthcoming.
Regular monitoring and caregiver diligence are crucial to the prevention and/ or reversal of obesity in our companion animals. Of course, the caregivers must be prepared to take that interest, research the matter, and discuss the options with his/her veterinarian to ensure the success of treating obesity of his/her pet.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023| GUYANATIMESGY.COM 6 FEATURE
Guyana, Maldives ink visawaiver, cooperation agreements
Holders of a Guyanese passport will now enjoy visa-free travel to the South Asian country of Maldives following the signing of an agreement between the nations.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political Consultation and a Visa Waiver Agreement was inked by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Ahmed Khaleel, on Friday in New York. This was done on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
The MoU aims to promote and encourage political consultation between the two countries to strengthen relations and enhance communication and coordination on important international issues.
However, the Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements Agreement will facilitate visa-free travel of citizens of both countries. The agreement allows for the exemption of visas for single or multiple entry for both countries’
nationals, for a period of 30 days.
Prior to this agreement, Guyanese passport holders required a visa upon arrival when travelling to the Maldives.
Immediately following the signing, the two Foreign Ministers engaged in a bilateral meeting, during which they discussed increased cooperation in areas including climate action and tourism.
During the discussions, the Maldivian State Minister expressed his gratitude to Minister Todd and the Government of Guyana for the commitment to enhancing the cooperation between the two countries and the desire to continue to explore new avenues for collaboration.
Minister Khaleel also expressed hope that the signing of these agreements will deepen the engagements and facilitate greater people-to-people contact.
Also present during the signing and meeting was Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett.
Guyana and the Maldives established formal diplomatic relations on April 13, 1994, and have collaborated at the multilateral level on issues of mutual interest to Small States.
In July, the 2023 Henley Passport Index ranked the Guyana passport at number 59, with access to 88 visa-free destinations –an improvement from the number 64 ranking in 2022.
Guyana ties in the 59th spot with Jamaica and Bahrain but outperforms nations like Suriname, which is ranked 65; China, which came in at 63 and India, which is at the 80th position.
Outside of their Caribbean Community (Caricom) neighbours, Guyanese passport holders can enjoy visa-free travel to nations such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Fiji, Malaysia, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, among others.
In other cases, Guyanese passport holders can benefit from a visa upon arrival in countries like Armenia,
Nepal, Sri Lanka, and others.
The Henley Passport Index is the original, authoritative ranking of all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – the largest, most accurate travel information database –and enhanced by Henley & Partners’ research team.
Meanwhile, the Guyana passport is only projected to grow stronger as the Government forges deeper partnerships with nations around the world.
Only back in November 2022, the United Kingdom Government lifted the visa
requirement for Guyanese passport holders. Reports are that Guyana is already in talks with Italy and Mexico on the possibility of visa-free travel.
Additionally, President Dr Irfaan Ali disclosed in July that at least five European countries have agreed to support Guyana’s bid for visa-free travel to Schengen countries.
In addition to obtaining visa-free travel status, the Guyanese Head of State had also said Guyana is working on having the Schengen visas processed more efficiently here. It was reported that a pressing issue for Guyana in its relations with Europe is the setting up of a local Schengen visa processing office. As it is, visas for Guyanese to trav-
el to the EU still have to be processed in Suriname at the Netherlands Embassy. Moreover, stakeholders including the local private sector – Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) – have been calling for Canada to also lift its visa requirement for Guyanese. This call was heightened in June after Canada announced visa-free travel for citizens from 13 countries including Trinidad and Tobago.
Former United States Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch told reporters in Georgetown earlier this month that there were no formal requests from local authorities for a similar lift on the visa requirements to travel to the North American nation.
7 NEWS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Guyana's Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd (R) signed a visa-wavier and other agreements with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Ahmed Khaleel, on Friday
Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, along with Foreign Ministers of Guyana and the Maldives
Deadly Mahdia fire CoI
“No chance” fire was electrical in nature – Fire Inspector
…convinced it was maliciously set
There is no chance that the Mahdia dormitory fire was electrical in nature, as the Guyana Fire Service’s investigation corroborated the fire was “maliciously set”.
This was according to the Fire Inspector of the Fire Prevention Department, Javid Mohamed, who appeared on Friday before the Commission of Inquiry that was launched into the deadly fire which claimed the lives of 19 girls and one fiveyear-old boy.
Mohamed recounted that he arrived at Mahdia via a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) sky-van after 06:00h on May 22 to commence the probe.
“When I got there, I noticed a crowd. Police had cordoned off the area… Firefighters were mopping up, which is where they would try extinguishing the small pockets of fire remaining and smoke. The building was completely de-
stroyed but the fire was extinguished,” he told the Commission.
Mohamed added that after a situation report, the information received was that someone physically informed the Mahdia Fire Station of the incident.
“We continued with our investigation and did a walkthrough…It was really devastating to see a dorm like that. We went to holes
that they made on the wall to rescue students. We took interviews from several persons and then we went over to the hospital to interview the students…The security guards said the fire began in the north-eastern side of the building which is approximately by the washroom area. It was confirmed by the other students who were in the building, as well as the dorm father and moth-
Whatever happened… …to SARA?
er.”
Using their investigative capacity, the firefighters said there was no chance it could have been an electrical fire. In the area where the fire started, the door was permanently sealed off with about five mattresses piled up and a condemned washing machine in a makeshift storage area.
TURN TO PAGE 20
No…no…no – your Eyewitness ain’t referring to Sara-Ann – the doughty US Ambassador who saved our democracy when the Sanctimonious Gangster decided to do a Jesse James on our elections!! He’s talking about that outfit created by that geriatric economist who insisted that it was the PPP Government who’d “criminalized” the Guyanese state during their 23 years at the helm - through all sorta slick manoeuvres to “siphon off “billions and billions” from the treasury”. He didn’t call the state Burnham left the PPP “criminalized” –no siree Bob!! Never mind a COI had proven that Burnham had assassinated his buddy Walter Rodney and some other members of the WPA! So that wasn’t criminal?? Or rigging elections for decades and murdering ordinary folks who tried to hold onto their ballots??
So, when the big-time Marxist economist - and his party - became a part of the APNU/AFC coalition that won the 2015 elections, he asked for the job to recover all the moola he swore was siphoned off by the departed PPP. And got it when they launched a “State Assets Recovery Unit” (SARU - operating out of the Sanctimonious Gangster’s Ministry of the Presidency. He promised he’d recover so much loot he’d practically finance the entire Budget!! He would be a modern-day Rapunzel, spinning gold out of straw!!
The problem was – there was no legislation on the books for any such unit to go around snooping around and seizing people’s property. The PPP’s complaint about “illegal witchhunting” however, fell on deaf ears. The doubting Thomas and his SARU didn’t let the lack of legalities hinder the PNC’s drive to hunt down PPP officials. Creatively interpreting the “forensic audits” of Government departments – the cack crime sleuths of SARU just basically threw mud by the ton – and the kitchen sink - at PPP officials.
After months of “investigations”, however, rather than fess up they really had nothing on their targets (and if they did, they could’ve passed it on to the Police for prosecution), they finally confessed they needed legislation to legalise their status!! They had been basically operating as vigilantes on an old geezer’s hunch! They were going to be changed from a “Unit” in the Presidency to an “Agency” of Parliament, and voila!! - SARU would become SARA!! But what was gonna be different? Money, that’s what. Not RECOVERING money, unfortunately - but SPENDING it!!
They blew a budget of over a quarter of a billion dollars!! – with a high-paid staff of over 40!! Jeez!! This was proportionately more than what J. Edgar Hoover got when he started the FBI!! Yet, after spending $1BILLION with nothing to show for it - and the PPP shuttered themthere were outraged squeals of “ethnic cleansing”!!
…to Volda?
Volda Lawrence is probably ruefully echoing Marlon Brando’s famous line from “On the Waterfront”; “I coulda been a contender”!! Here she was - Chairwoman of the PNCR, Minister of Health etc. during the PNC coalition regime, yet in the ongoing sweepstakes to oust Aubrey Norton from his leader’s pedestal, she doesn’t even rate a mention!!
But it was long in coming. First Granger - who wanted his protege Harmon as the power broker in the PNCdidn’t even select her for Parliament. He’d put Harmon as Opposition Leader, which everyone - including Voldahad assumed would’ve been her. But she put all the slights aside and rose to the PNC’s defence when the rig was being executed at Ashmin’s. Cussed out the PPP agents like a fisherwoman!!
She probably figured she was acting in the proudest tradition of her PNC Founder Leader Burnham: helping to rig an election!! But she forgot Burnham never got his hands dirty. He left that to the help!
Now Volda’s yesterday’s news!!
… to the woke brigade??
There’s that gang of twenty-five who weigh in on every woke opportunity they can to cuss out the PPP. But when Pres Ali defended Reparations - their pet project - only one swallowed and offered a compliment!! Cracks in the woke edifice?
8 NEWS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com
The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance
Fire Inspector Javid Mohamed testifying before the CoI on Friday
9 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
10 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Group comparison and our ethnic groups
The debate over slavery and indentureship has raised objections about comparisons – even though this is an innate human cognitive drive. Our powers of apprehension arise out of the facticity of differences in our environment, and we have carried this drive to distinguish and identify by seeking distinctions at new levels - in our social lives. Inextricably linked to the comparison process is an evaluative component. The psychologist Leon Festinger postulated a “Social Comparison Process” drive in individuals to evaluate themselves through comparison with others. When discrepancies are manifested, for example in performance, efforts are made to reduce discrepancies by either improving performance or by controlling the superior performance of the competitor. Later, experimentalists such as Henri Tajfel demonstrated experimentally that groups always strove to emphasise differences even when acting cooperatively would have meant greater benefits.
In the multi-ethnic states, therefore, we find the process of comparison between groups a constant and ever-present reality. This becomes a source of conflict, as the comparisons are inevitably evaluated from the standpoint of the “inalienable right of equality”, or from whatever standard each group decides is “just”. What we are saying is that social groups can only be evaluated comparatively, and that this produces competition that may not necessarily be for material rewards, but to merely distinguish themselves from each other. This is not to imply that questions of power differentials are obviated: the “worth” of a group is itself an indicium of the group’s position on the power spectrum. Much of the heat in ethnic interactions is generated from questions of self-worth, which is inextricably tied up with group worth, as was mentioned before. The argument as to the relative worth of one’s group thus becomes infused with great emotion. This process was made more extreme by the colonising experience that was shared by all that now live in Guyana.
In Guyana, this comparison between the ethnic groups that people the country started from the moment the colony was launched in the 17th century. The Europeans had already evaluated themselves as infinitely superior culturally to the Africans, whom they enslaved to work on the plantations. This used this premise to “justify” slavery, during which “culture” could be imparted. From the period of “seasoning” of the slaves as they were brought from Africa, to the end of their lives, the denigration of the native African culture was never let up. Most of the slaves and more so the Mulatto, accepted the idea of the superiority of European culture, and all worked valiantly to master its forms, if not necessarily its substance.
This hegemonising process was accelerated after the abolition of slavery in 1838 when churches expanded their reach in tandem with the schools they opened to “educate” the Africans. The Mulattos were mostly illegitimate offspring of Whites males and raped enslaved African women, and were treated favourably by their fathers, with some being given their freedom. They were a schizophrenic group, defined as “Mixed”, rebuffed by White society but holding themselves above the Africans. They kept themselves aloof from Africans up to the anticolonial struggles of the 1960s. Through education and occupation, some full-blooded Africans were allowed to join their ranks. The Mulattos generally despised their black blood, and made sure Africans knew it. The hybrid culture formed, wherein everything was evaluated with the White and his culture as the standard, was dubbed “Creole Culture”.
Thus, when the other groups were introduced into the colony as indentured labourers on the plantations, they were quickly evaluated through the values they had inculcated from the Europeans. The Portuguese and Chinese were derided mercilessly, but even though the Portuguese kept their Roman Catholic practices, in all other ways they fitted in, as did the Chinese, who became stauncher Protestants. Sociologically, if not totally anthropologically, the Portuguese and Chinese became urbanized, and blended in with the Mulatto-mixed category, to the extent of practising widespread intermarriage. The Indian indentureds were dubbed “coolies” by the Whites, and the freed Creoles considered them as being outside the pale because of their “heathen” and “uncivilized” ways, along with their willingness to do “slave work”.
This denigration continues into the present, even as the Indians were “educated” into the European evaluation of Africans, which they deployed. The later economic success of the Indians created considerable cognitive dissonance in those who had derided them, and is the source of much of the anger directed against them.
OAS condemns “illegal”
Venezuelan referendum challenging Guyana’s sovereignty – as Commonwealth, Caricom throw support behind Guyana
Aresolution from the Venezuelan National Assembly to hold a referendum on challenging Guyana’s territorial integrity has attracted fresh condemnation from the international community, with the Organisation of American States (OAS) condemning the referendum as illegal.
According to a report from BNN Newsroom, the Venezuelan National Assembly approved a nationwide consultative referendum which will see the Venezuelan people being allowed to express their views on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, through direct and secret votes.
The report also cites the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez. In the statement, Rodriguez is reported to have criticised the delegation that participated in talks with Venezuela in Mexico back in 2021 and to have accused them of backtracking from supporting Venezuela on its border controversy with Guyana.
In a statement on Saturday, the OAS had harsh words for the Venezuelan resolution. The OAS noted that such a referendum would be illegal under the terms of the 1966 Geneva Agreement, which had affirmed the 1899 Arbitral Award that confirmed Essequibo as belonging to Guyana.
“We condemn this improper use of a referendum because it is illegal according to the 1966 Geneva Agreement and because similar misuses of this instrument have served as a pretext in the recent past to try to justify the worst actions
between states, including the crime of aggression.”
According to the OAS statement, Venezuela and Guyana have a shared responsibility to resolve their dispute in the spirit of good neighbourliness and according to international law and the Geneva Agreement.
“Furthermore, the OAS General Secretariat continues to support Guyana’s sovereign right to practice its franchise on its established and appurtenant maritime area, in accordance with international law and the principals of the United Nations.”
“The OAS General Secretariat objects to Venezuela’s encroachment on Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial rights through intimidatory and unfounded statements that fail to respect international conventions and the 1899 Arbitral Award, for which the latter is presently under judicial review at the International Court of Justice,” the OAS also said.
Meanwhile, both the Commonwealth and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have also thrown their support behind Guyana against the most recent threats from Venezuela regarding Guyana’s development of its oil resources. In a statement issued by Caricom, the group ex-
pressed grave concern at the recent development in the Venezuelan National Assembly.
“Caricom views the stated intention of Venezuela to “apply all the necessary measures” to prevent the operations licensed by Guyana in its waters, as a threat of the use of force contrary to international law. It is also not in keeping with the long-standing position of the Latin American and Caribbean countries that our Region must remain a Zone of Peace,” Caricom said.
“Caricom has also taken note of the decision of the Venezuelan National Assembly to conduct a popular referendum on defending Venezuela’s claim.
Caricom expresses the hope that Venezuela will engage fully in the process before the International Court of Justice, which has determined that it has jurisdiction in the case brought before it. The Court’s final decision will ensure a resolution that is peaceful, equitable, and in accordance with international law.”
In the Commonwealth statement, it was revealed that the Commonwealth Ministerial Group met on September 17. The Ministerial Group, composed of Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh,
Canada, Guyana, Jamaica, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, discussed developments between Guyana and Venezuela.
During the discussions which were convened in New York by Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, KC, the Ministerial Group expressed support for Guyana’s pursuit of a judicial solution to the border controversy. Support was also expressed for Guyana’s unobstructed development of its resources for the people.
“At the Meeting, chaired by Hon Dr A. K. Abdul Momen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, the Group welcomed the ruling by the International Court of Justice on the admissibility of Guyana’s case before it, seeking to settle the boundaries between Guyana and Venezuela,” the Commonwealth said.
“Further, the Group reaffirmed its unwavering support for the judicial process underway before the International Court of Justice and reiterated its firm and steadfast support for the maintenance and preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, and the unobstructed exercise of its rights to develop the entirety of its territory for the benefit of its people.”
Venezuela is laying claim to more than twothirds of Guyana’s landmass in Essequibo. The Spanish-speaking country is also claiming a portion of Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in which more than eleven billion barrels of proven reserves are estimated to exist.
11 NEWS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance
Ravi Dev
Man sets mother’s house on fire after being refused $2000
Aresident of Port Kaituma, Region One (BarimaWaini), reportedly set his mother’s house on fire on Thursday after she refused to give him $2000. Known as “Chinee Man,”
the suspect sustained burns on his body, and had to be taken to the hospital.
Guyana Times understands that the suspect had requested $2000 from his mother, but she turned
down his request, and that had led to an argument between them.
During that argument, he entered the house and set it on fire. Unfortunately, he became
trapped inside the burning building, and onlookers had to rush to his aid. His mother escaped un -
harmed. Efforts to save the house from complete destruction proved futile.
The Police are expect -
ed to institute charges against the suspect, who remains hospitalised.
66-Y-O woman found dead in Enterprise home
The decomposed body of 66-year-old Marlene Thornhill, late resident of Imax Gardens, Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, has been discovered in her home a few days after family members had lost contact with her.
According to reports, the woman’s body was found on Friday by relatives who had gone to her home. One of the woman’s relatives explained that she had lived alone and had last been heard from on Wednesday, via telephone.
“On Wednesday afternoon, relatives contacted (her), but apparently she passed on Wednesday night, because on Thursday she didn’t answer her phone, and we didn’t take it for anything,” the relative ex-
plained.
As time passed without a return call from Thornhill, family members became concerned and decided to visit her home.
“On Friday, everyone was trying to call her, and yet no answer. So, my uncle was sent up to the house to see what was happening. Upon
reaching the house, he called out to the woman several times, but got no response. He went to the window and told us to call the Police, because there was an unusual scent coming from the house,” the relative detailed.
“The Police came, opened the door and found her dead. Her body was swollen, so we figured that she might have died during Friday night,” the relative added.
Thornhill’s family members have said she had preferred to live alone, and that she had never been sick. She had appeared to be in good health the last time they had spoken to her. They are now awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of her death.
12 NEWS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Police officers at the scene of the fire
Dead: Marlene Thornhill
13 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Experience Guyana like never before with virtual tours through Virtual Estate 360
The world continues to be transformed technologically, and Virtual Estate 360 is leading the way in that respect, not only here in Guyana, but further afield.
This new business offers a 360-degree, virtual, interactive, panoramic view of real locations and spaces, allowing persons to navigate them from anywhere in the world.
In February 2022, Virtual Estate 360 was birthed during the global COVID-19 pandemic, which had caused
Using 360 cameras, Virtual Estate 360 captures stunning scenic views by incorporating technologies of augmented reality and virtual reality as persons are taken on an interactive journey. With Virtual Reality headsets, or simply a smartphone, persons can explore spaces from the comfort of their homes, or venture out on guided virtual tours.
Asked what sets virtual tours aside from other marketing tools, Thomas posited, “While photos have their place in marketing, virtual tours provide a dynamic, interactive, and immersive experience that enhances marketing for businesses. They offer a more realistic representation of a space and a personalized experience, and they provide a massive competitive advantage to set businesses apart.”
In today’s digital age, where online research and bookings have become the new norm, virtual tours are a valuable tool for both tourists and businesses. These tours
sion-making process, accelerating customer confidence and enhancing travel and visiting experiences, while simultaneously boosting sales.
Like any business, challenges are bound to emerge, especially considering that the technology is relatively new to Guyanese. While virtual tours have gained popularity in many regions, especially amid the pandemic, the integration of this immersive technology in Guyana is still unfamiliar. However, as the world increasingly turns to digital platforms for exploration and education, Guyana may soon be found at the forefront of this technology.
Using virtual tours allows travellers to thoroughly explore destinations, accommodations, and attractions from their homes or wherever they are. Travellers can save time and money by virtually visiting multiple places before making an informed decision. This eliminates the need for extensive research and physical visits.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
14 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM FEATURE
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Virtual Estate 360, Ackeem Thomas
Experience Guyana like never before...
Businesses can leverage virtual tours to increase their online visibility and attract prospects; and, more importantly, those who incorporate virtual tours gain a competitive edge over competitors who rely solely on static images. Asked what the future holds for Virtual Estate 360, Thomas noted, “The concept will surround creating a virtual showroom to take Guyana virtually and to incorporate virtual tours in school classrooms. With the showroom, real estate agencies in Guyana can benefit from creating virtual showrooms for properties; car dealerships can offer virtual showrooms
PAGE 14
for customers to examine vehicles in detail, both inside and out; (and) art galleries and museums can exhibit their artworks and artifacts, making them accessible to global audiences. Meanwhile, schools in Guyana can integrate virtual tours into their curriculums to enhance learning experiences; students can access a diverse range of learning resources, and even be introduced to various career opportunities.”
Overall, these innovative ideas, along with the incorporation of virtual tours, have the potential to transform various sectors in Guyana; making them more accessible to a global audience, leading to
economic growth, enhancing education, and creating greater awareness of the country’s unique offerings.
It is the goal of Virtual
Estate 360 to have more persons incorporate virtual tours into their businesses and daily routines countrywide.
15 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM FEATURE
FROM
As Amerindian Heritage Month continues under the theme “Sustaining our cul-
tural heritage and identity while contributing to One Guyana,” the Amerindian Affairs Ministry
has planned an activity titled “Tasinpansa” along the avenue at Main Street, Georgetown.
The event gives Guyanese, especially those from the Indigenous commu-
chance to showcase their culture through clothing, craft, food, and beverages.
nated on Saturday. Guyana Times visited the exhibition on Saturday and spoke with several of the exhibitors who shared information about the products and foods they had to offer.
Ingrid’s Indigenous Cuisine had its special Tuma Pot (fish, chicken, and wildmeat), beef and chicken Pepperpot, the famous potato wine (fly), and its signature dish - cassava bread.
Ingrid explained that her beef and chicken Pepperpot are made from cassava water. “The beef and chicken are soaked overnight in the water to ensure the rich flavour comes out.”
nities of Region One, Three, Nine and those along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway a
The exhibition commenced on Thursday, September 21, and culmi-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
16 FEATURE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Products on display
She further expressed gratitude to the Amerindian Ministry for affording her the opportunity and more so, the public for their overwhelming support.
Another exhibitor, Lieome Lewis, showcased
her locally hand-woven baskets, hammocks, handbags, and household décor.
In fact, she travelled from Lethem to participate in the Amerindian Heritage Exhibition which was hosted at the Sophia Exhibition Site.
She too is thankful for the opportunity.
Dixie’s Punch De Cream, a cream liqueur business located in Buxton, East Coast Demerara, manufactures liqueurs made out of spices that come in three different flavours - the orig -
inal Liqueur, capadula liqueur, and coffee.
Meanwhile, other exhibitors showcased their beautifully handmade crafts, paintings, and earrings that showcase the Amerindian culture.
The curtains were
pulled on the three-day event with a grand cultural extravaganza.
Other activities to look forward to as Amerindian Heritage Month comes to an end are the Heritage Sports which commence on September 27 at the
FROM
Everest Cricket Club Ground. Several other villages are also hosting its Heritage Month celebrations.
One of the biggest to look out for will be at St Cuthbert’s Mission (Pakuri) on September 30.
17 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM FEATURE
PAGE 16
Ingrid attending to customers
he beautiful Trevlind Harry won the Miss Jamzone 2023 title in August, and she is set to spend her year of reign promoting wealth and health tourism through her project, “Welcome to
“I want to use this pageant because it is a tourism pageant, and I want to push wealth and health tourism because I am a nurse and I don’t think we, Guyanese, take our health the way we’re supposed to…,” Harry disclosed. “So, I’ll be using this year and this platform to do just that,”
Guyana
“[My] project [is one] where we try to help young
mothers get their (lives) back on a progressive path. I want to merge health and wellness tourism, where we’re going to focus on mothers with mental health issues, because we do have a lot of mothers who go through things like postpartum depression,” she explained further.
While Harry noted there may be other programmes that deal with this topic, she hopes that, given her new platform and her knowledge as a nurse at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, she can bring more awareness to improving the mental health practices of young mothers.
The usually highly anticipated Miss Jamzone Pageant forms part of HJ’s Jamzone Summer Break, and had previously been reported to cre -
ate opportunities for tourism, promote societal connections, and encourage self-confidence among young women. Applications for the 2023 pageant were opened in April, and some 80 applications were narrowed down to 17, with the final nine being selected after a round of online voting. Those nine persons had moved on to compete at the final event on August 27 at the Splashmins Resort on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
A resident of the sugar-producing community of Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, Harry had not only won the pageant, but had also earned recognition in the categories of Miss I Can and I Will, Best Talent, and Best Fantasy Swimsuit.
“My journey was not easy. That’s how I took the prize of
18 FEATURE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Trevlind Harry as nurse
Trevlind Harry in competition
11 students awarded GYSBI scholarships to pursue technical studies
Eleven students drawn from eight regions across Guyana are the new recipients of the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) Technical scholarships, which were launched in July of this year.
Venola Allen from Warapoka Village, Region One (Barima-Waini) and Nesa Griffith of St. Deny’s Mission, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), will be pursuing a Diploma in Computer Science and a Diploma in Data Operations respectively at the Essequibo Technical Institute.
In addition, Daniel Jacobs, Samara Ganesh, Jadan Whyte, and Shania De Groot from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) will be pursuing studies at the Government Technical Institute in the areas of Building and Civil Engineering (three persons), Land Surveying and Electrical Engineering.
They will be joined by Compton Gomes of Region Eight (Potaro Siparuni).
Further, Kerryann Johnson from Wisroc, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) will be pursuing a Diploma in Welding and Fabrication at the Linden Technical Institute.
Vick Darbarrie of Crane Village, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) will pursue his studies at the Leonora Technical Institute and Jacinth Wilson from Perseverance, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD) at the Mahaicony Technical Institute. Both of them won scholarships to pursue welding.
Matthew Seepersaud from Nigg Settlement, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) will be un-
Three of the 11 scholars are children of GYSBI Staff members, who applied and met the criteria.
In a simple ceremony held recently to hand over the first tranche of financial support, Executive Director of GYSBI, Robin Muneshwer extended congratulations to the awardees, who were chosen out of a total of 300 applicants. He noted that GYSBI, as a Guyanese company, believes in investing in local citizens so they can be equipped to be part of the new Guyana.
currently, you will be the ones to see Guyana grow from what is essentially a third-world poor country to a country that will be, hopefully, with high standards. You will be part of that growth and you will witness the transformation of this country. That is an incredible opportunity for you,” he stated.
dertaking a Diploma in Electrical Engineering at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute.
“We talk about investing in the future or investing in our youth and that is what we are doing here today. You are our investment. Guyana is becoming the place to be. It is the fastest growing economy in the world and you guys are coming in at the right time. At the ages that you are
The Executive Director added that the company does not focus on just providing a job but rather wants to ensure that careers are created and nurtured within the working environment. As such, he encouraged the awardees to see the opportunity provided to them in that light.
“I want to tell you that at GYSBI, we do not start jobs, we start careers. That is what you will be doing here, starting your career. You are going to these Institutes, but these
Institutes will not be able to teach you everything. The discipline that you place on your work, your attitude, the pride that you get out of your work, there is no dollar figure to that. That must come from within. The money will follow you, don’t worry about that. It’s what you translate your talent into that will count. That is your intrinsic ability that no training can do,” he urged.
GYSBI’s Deputy General Manager, Rabin Chandarpal in expressing similar sentiments noted that as Guyana continues to rise and opportunities are being created, avenues must exist for Guyanese, especially the young citizens, to benefit. This is the first step, he noted, in ensuring that this is made possible. The onus, therefore, is on the awardees to make full use of the oppor-
tunities that are being presented, he said.
“Education in an investment you make in yourselves. You will be supported by us with financial support of course, but also through this internship programme, you are also going to learn what we pride ourselves on at the shore base –our work ethics, values, and discipline. While you are a part of our team, keep reaching out to us because we want to mentor you and help to prepare you for the opportunities that are available in Guyana. Do not waste this opportunity, grab it with both hands, be curious, be hard working and the future will be yours. Guyana is going places so don’t be watchers or bystanders, be part of it, be beneficiaries of it and your future will be bright,” he advised.
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19 NEWS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
The 11 students who received scholarships
Kerryann Johnson from Wisroc, Region 10
“No chance” fire was...
11 students awarded GYSBI...
Meanwhile, General Manager of GYSBI, Robert Albiez in brief remarks noted that he is extremely proud of the initiative and being able to see it materialise from just a thought.
“We look for burn patterns. The most common we look for is the V pattern. That would indicate where the fire started and how it burned… It was that said area at the north-eastern door. There is no chance because during the investigation, we thoroughly combed the area and there were no electrical outlets there.”
Having interviewed one of the survivors, Mohamed said he learnt that a few hours before the fire started, there was an incident where the dorm mother found that a student was in possession of a cell phone – which is against the
rules of the dormitory.
Having difficulties confiscating the phone, the Deputy Head Mistress was called in and took away the phone.
The Guyana Fire Service has concluded that the fire was maliciously set, having obtained sufficient evidence of such.
The Fire Inspector reasoned to support this conclusion, “Because there was no presence of an external heat source, it would require human intervention to start a fire in that area.”
A 15-year-old girl was charged in June with 20 counts of murder. She has
since been detained at a juvenile holding facility.
She was charged with the murders of Tracil Thomas; Lisa Roberts; Delicia Edwards; Lorita Williams; Natalie Bellarmine; Arriana Edwards; Cleoma Simon; Subrina John; Martha Dandrade; Loreen Evans; Belnisa Evans; Mary Dandrade; Omerfia Edwin; Nickleen Robinson; Sherina Daniels; Eulander Carter; Sherlyn Bellarmine; Andrea Roberts; Bibi Rita Jeffrey, and five-year-old Adanye Jerome.
The Mahdia school’s dormitory housed students from the communities of Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie, and Chenapao, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
At the time of the fire, there were 56 females and a five-year-old boy inside. The remaining students had gone home for the weekend. The dormitory’s 26 windows were heavily grilled and the five doors were locked when the fire broke out. (Rupa Seenaraine)
“I remember this was just an idea that we had a couple of years ago and thanks to the hard work of our team, we have been able to pull this off today. This is something we are absolutely proud to do, to start this initiative and my hope is that this becomes a great thing that will long outlast my time at GYSBI and even the rest of the group here,” he shared.
Kevin Black, who serves as the Operations Manager, noted that over the five years he has been at the company, there has been tremendous growth and development, which have been complemented by large investments in the young members of staff. He urged the awardees to take full advantage of the opportunity they have been provided as there are vast possibilities that exist for them at the shore base.
Compton Gomes, who hails from Paramakatoi, Region Eight, shared that as a student from a rural Indigenous community with poor and limited infrastructure, he was motivated to pursue Building and Civil Engineering at the Georgetown Technical Institute so that he could become qualified to advance not only himself, but return to serve his commu -
nity as well.
“It is my wish to give back to my community in the planning, designing and construction of projects such as much-needed roads but regardless of what projects I find myself working on in the future, it would give me great pleasure to contribute to national development at such a crucial time in Guyana’s history. My parents, like most in my rural village, are of limited means and could not afford my studies so I see this scholarship as a big relief,” he said.
Kerryann Johnson, who is a young female student in the Welding Programme at the Linden Technical Institute, was visibly elated as she noted that, “The morning I was called and told that I was selected as a recipient, I was and still is overwhelmed with joy. I am so pleased and will for -
ever be grateful for this opportunity given by GYSBI. I am very passionate about becoming one of Guyana’s best female welders and GYSBI has given me the chance to gain more knowledge and experience to be the best within this field.”
The GYSBI Technical Scholarship initiative, which was launched for the first time this year, will cover expenses such as travel, uniforms, study materials, registration, and examination fees for all awardees.
The programme is also designed to offer internships to successful applicants during their semester breaks so that they can gain valuable handson training and knowledge transfer. At the end of their studies, they can also benefit from the opportunity to be fully employed within the company.
20 NEWS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
FROM PAGE 19
Compton Gomes of Paramakatoi, Region Eight
FROM PAGE 8
Mother of 1 crushed by lorry after falling off e-bike
Amother of one, and late resident of Canal No. 2 Polder, West Bank Demerara, met her demise on Friday by being crushed by a truck while on her way to pick up her son from school. At the time, she was riding an e-bike.
The dead woman has been identified as 26-yearold Fareeza Majeed of Belle West, Canal No. 2 Polder, WBD.
According to the information received, the domestic worker had left work on her e-bike to collect her only son from the Belle West Primary School when the accident occurred.
“We are not 100% certain of the details, as some of us didn’t go, but I heard she was riding her bike and somehow fell, and the truck crushed her head,” a relative explained.
The relative added that the sudden loss of the woman has left the family in shock and deep sorrow. “She didn’t deserve to die like this. Imagine, leaving to go and pick up your only child, and this happens
to you. You work very hard to take care of your child, and your life gets snatched away. That’s unfair. Her son didn’t get to say goodbye to his mother, and she didn’t get to say goodbye to him.”
The driver of the truck was arrested as Police continue their investigations.
Only recently, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) announced that owners of electric bikes must register their cycles to comply with the recent amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act. These amendments subject electric bikes to the same regulations as motorcycles, as
they aim to address the rising number of road fatalities and incidents involving e-bikes.
Authorities have also expressed concerns about the misuse of e-bikes, with children and individuals who are unaware of traffic laws often using them on roadways. Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has emphasised the need for updated laws to address the use of e-bikes, given their increasing availability and affordability.
Startling statistics reveal that 11 people lost their lives and 14 others were injured while using e-bikes from 2021 to the present. Last year alone, seven electric bike-related road fatalities were recorded in Guyana, with a few more already occurring in 2023.
In response to the situation, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been proactive in educating road users about the recent amendments to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, specifically regarding the regulation of e-bikes
Berbice fisherman busted with 3.8kg ganja in house
The marijuana that was found in the fisherman’s possession
In an operation conducted on Friday, Police mobile patrol officers in Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne) arrested a 26-year-old fisherman at his Sheet Anchor residence in East Canje, Berbice after a quantity of marijuana was found in his house.
Acting on a tip-off, the officers conducted a search of the suspect’s home at around 19:30h on Friday,
and during the search, they discovered six parcels wrapped in transparent and black plastic bags, accompanied by bed sheets, towels, and a jersey. Upon examination, the parcels were found to contain a total of 3,845 grams of suspected cannabis.
The suspect is currently in custody, cooperating with ongoing investigations.
21 NEWS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Dead: Fareeza Majeed
United approach necessary to eliminate child abuse, bullying – Min Persaud
Following a recent rise in violence in schools, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud has reiterated a call for a collaborative approach towards tackling child abuse and bullying.
Dr Persaud made these remarks on Friday as the Human Services Ministry pulled the curtains on Child Protection Week at the National Park, which saw hundreds of children from various children’s homes, daycares, and private schools in attendance.
“Kindness should never be overemphasised…for children to confide in parents, they must desist from verbally or emotionally abusing their own children,” Persaud said.
Persaud addressed the worrying increase in cases of bullying occurring in schools and other areas, as well as
explained the importance of understanding the types of abuse, recognising when instances of abuse have occurred, and encouraging the need for children and adults to report these cases accordingly.
Notably, the Education Ministry’s Department of
Education in Georgetown on Thursday announced that it was addressing the indiscipline of students at New Campbellville Secondary School, following two recent reports of physical violence among its learners.
During Friday’s engagement, Minister Persaud
gave a platform for the children present to say if they’ve experienced any forms of bullying and subsequently gave guidance on how to respond.
She further referred them to the Anti-Bully Campaign (ABC), an initiative created alongside the Ministry’s Young Influencers that is being shared with schools and other agencies to bring awareness to online and physical bullying.
Persaud also urged teachers and parents to listen to their children when they speak about instances of bullying and abuse, stressing the need to keep communication channels
open and demonstrate by example.
Meanwhile, she assured of the continuation of the “Every Child Safe” campaign, a three-year programme created in 2021 to help the public recognise warning signs of child abuse and eliminate the high number of reported child abuse cases in Guyana.
Members of the Ministry’s Child Care and Protection Agency also gave an overview of the purpose of Child Protection Week and the issues the Agency tackles, while Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Education Ministry representatives detailed the actions to be tak-
en to ensure children are kept safe.
Friday’s engagement also saw the presence of the diplomatic community, including Ambassadors of the United Kingdom (UK) and China, representatives of the United Nations (UN) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), educators, caregivers and members of the Human Services Ministry.
The event also included a march and rally, and an opportunity for persons to visit a number of educational booths to learn about early childhood development, teenage pregnancy, and more.
22 NEWS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
The Human Services and Social Security Ministry hosted an event at the National Park to commemorate the end of Child Protection Week
Man pleads for justice after wife, son injured in Hope, EBD accident
In a heartfelt plea for justice, a father who hails from Timehri on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) shared the harrowing ordeal his family has faced since a tragic accident on June 26 at Hope, EBD.
His 28-year-old wife, who was pregnant at the time, and their 12-year-old son were involved in a two-vehicle collision after one of the vehicles attempted to overtake a line of traffic.
The consequences of this “recklessness” resulted in his wife sustaining a broken hand, and their son suffering a severe eye injury. This, he said, left his wife and son hospitalised for three months.
cluding surgeries and ongoing medical care.
Springer said his anguish is compounded by the perception that reckless drivers
right person who needs to see it but I'll say it anyway. Being in this position as a father knowing I could have lost three family members in one accident because one person couldn't wait for one second, it's heart-rending. My son is just 12 and had to go through so much,” he related.
“I even lost my job as a result of all of this. I had to take a loan from my workplace to take care of my family. However, after some time, my boss told me I had just a few days to pay back the loan… I’ve spent over $1 million and it's my mother who is helping financially.”
He related that while some drivers may face fines or be placed on bail for dangerous driving, many families are left to grapple with the aftermath of accidents and their suffering is largely unaddressed.
eral surgeries, and my wife came out of the hospital yesterday (Friday), she too underwent surgery, and according to the doctors, my baby who was born the other day [one month old] has to have surgery when she's 6 months old.”
“This is what families have to go through at the hands of reckless drivers and when the matter reaches court they are placed on bail for dangerous driving and the driver’s life goes on, or they plead guilty and pay a fine but leave families to grieve or to suffer,” the man said.
frame to make payments for damages caused to the State due to dangerous driving. He questioned whether such justice was consistent and called for a fair and equitable approach to hold all reckless drivers accountable.
“…immediately the court by whatever means placed the man on remand and also gave him a timeframe to make payments for damages caused to the State. This is the first time I've seen someone placed on remand for dangerous driving. What goes for one goes for all,” he expressed.
the court award the family’s compensation for damages through the driver?”
He said his message resonates with countless families who have endured the trauma of accidents on our roadways. Springer said they share the hope that their pleas for justice and accountability will be heard, ensuring that those responsible for endangering lives are held responsible for their actions.
When contacted on Saturday, John Springer, who is a member of the Soesdyke Community Policing Group (CPG), explained that his family has endured significant emotional and financial burdens, in-
often escape the full weight of justice.
“One minibus decided to overtake a line of vehicles on the Hope turn, colliding with the minibus my wife was in… I really don't think this will make any sense because it might not get to the
Infant dies after great-grandmother feeds her 'milk tea’
“I've spent a lot of money since the accident. My son had to go through sev-
The father drew attention to a recent incident at the Eccles New Road roundabout where a driver was placed on remand and given a time-
“If that guy can be sued for State property, in just a short time, why can’t it be for the citizens who are suffering at the hands of these dangerous drivers? Why can’t
“How many families get justice from these accidents and how many dangerous drivers had to pay for damages for the victims of these accidents that occur on our roadway by way of judgement passed after the court hearing and with timeframe as I mentioned earlier?”
The Guyana Police Force is currently inquiring into the death of six-day-old Sarah Verapen of Letter Kenny Village, Corentyne, Berbice, who reportedly died on Friday at around 19:45h, shortly after her great-grandmother had fed her ‘milk tea’.
Megnath Verapen, the baby’s father, explained that
his daughter had started to vomit while her great-grandmother was feeding her. She was, as such, rushed to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where she was examined by a doctor and pronounced dead.
A post-mortem is expected to be performed on the baby on Monday. Police investigations are continuing.
23 NEWS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
The accident that left the family injured
John Springer
The injury the man’s family sustained as a result of the accident
“Record-breaking” arrivals to reach 36,000 for September …as Cricket Carnival sweeps massive attention
An estimated 36,000 visitors will be touching down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for the month of September – coming off the high of Cricket Carnival season this year that has recorded mass success.
The Guyana Cricket Carnival has once again captivated the hearts of many – the airport, serving as the main gateway to Guyana, has witnessed an impressive surge in passenger numbers.
There was a remarkable 12 per cent increase in arrivals for the first 20 days of September compared to the same period last year.
Chief Executive Officer of the CJIA, Ramesh Ghir disclosed, “This month alone, it is estimated that approximately 36,000 passengers will touch down at the airport, surpassing the previous record-breaking arrivals in 2022.”
He said this tremendous influx of visitors is a testament to the overwhelming success of Cricket Carnival, a remarkable event conceptualised by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
“Thanks to the visionary leadership of President Ali, the Cricket Carnival has be-
come a beacon of excitement, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience the exhilarating atmosphere and festivities that Guyana has to offer. The allure of this grand celebration has undoubtedly left a profound impact on those who have had the privilege of being a part of it.”
With continuous growth of Cricket Carnival, it is clear that Guyana has firmly established itself as a premier destination for cricket enthusiasts and festival-goers alike. The success of this event not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of Guyana but also highlights the warmth and hospitality of its people.
This is the second edition of Cricket Carnival in Guyana and the action-packed calendar has created a boom in the Tourism and Sport sectors.
The Cricket Carnival 2023 craze has been so demanding that hotel rooms have gone like ‘hot cakes’, as tourists, members of the diaspora, sport enthusiasts and other officials lock down their accommodations to witness the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League and the series of concerts and events on the Cricket Carnival calendar.
In fact, President Irfaan Ali recently disclosed, “So, the arrival has been enormous. There is consistent growth,
you know; we have different challenges with this…That is why these hotels that we’re building are so important. Not we, the private sector now, and we have to ensure that we expedite the building of these rooms.”
The fun continued on Saturday evening with the super concert featuring internationally renowned artistes Kes that Band, Sean Paul, Machel Montano and Shenseea among others. Today, the much-anticipated finals between Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Trinbago Knight Riders will be played at the National Stadium at Providence, where Guyana is seeking to grab
its first Caribbean Premier League title.
Other events that recorded successes were the Regional Food Festival, Welcome Home to Pan on the Avenue, Wet at the National Stadium, and the
President’s Cup at Rising Sun Turf Club. Cricket Carnival will conclude on Monday with the Road Parade featuring several costume bands.
Govt announces $56.3M water
system for Quebenang
Housing and Water Minister Collin
Croal has announced that the community of Quebenang – a satellite village of Jawalla, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) –will soon benefit from a new water distribution system to the tune of $56.3 million.
Quebenang currently relies on a spring source and a small PV and distribution pipe network to provide water to a section of the community. However, this system is inadequate to meet the demands of the entire area.
The project is set to commence shortly and will be carried out by R Kissoon Contracting Services. This new system stems from a commitment previously made by Minister Croal during his visit to the area.
Additionally, Minister Croal revealed that the community has been selected as one of the beneficiaries of the Hinterland Housing Programme, which will provide homes for 10 vulnerable families. This programme is set to inject approximately $40 million into the community. It is expected to begin by the end of the year. Minister Croal encouraged the Village Council to ensure transparency during the selection process.
The Ministry is working aggressively to ensure that there is 100 per cent access to water in the hinterland by 2025. There are many hinterland communities that do not have access to a water source and they rely on rainwater harvesting, creeks, or streams.
Overall, close to 100 per cent of Guyana’s population has access to clean potable water on the coastland. However, for the hinterland and riverine communities, there is 75 per cent coverage and by the end of 2023, with investments being made the coverage will increase to 83 per cent. This is up from 45 per cent before Government took office.
Meanwhile, GWI is looking to establish 40 new wells and 30 water supply systems in hinterland regions this year, as part of the Government’s agenda to ensure every household is provided with potable water.
Once completed, these facilities would serve approximately 12,000 residents. Some 7000 residents are already receiving firsttime access to potable water in their homes
Some 13 new water treatment plants will be constructed throughout this year, to the tune of some $32 billion. A loan was approved by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the construction of five water treatment plants across Guyana, which will see tenders going out soon for the construction of the project.
Two plants at Maria’s Delight and Onderneeming are expected to provide 100 per cent water coverage for the Essequibo Coast. New plants in Leguan in Region Two, Parika; Parfaite Harmonie and Wales in Region Three; Caledonia to Timehri, Cummings Lodge, Bachelor’s Adventure and Hope in Region Four; Bath in Region Five; and Adventure, and Tain to Number 50 Village in Region Six will help to improve water access in other areas of the country.
The Ministry is exploring the option of implementing inline water filter technology, which will give citizens access to drinking water through their taps.
This was revealed by the Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues last month. An inline water filter is a type of standalone water filter that is typically installed on a water line, with the water passing through the filter prior to the tap or appliance.
This type of technology is cheaper, and once implemented it will be a longterm intervention.
24 NEWS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Passengers at the CJIA (file photo)
Residents of Quebenang will benefit from the new water system
Labour Ministry engages mining stakeholders on workers’ safety, draft legislation
Aworking committee
will be established with the Labour Ministry, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA), and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), to evaluate and revise the existing draft Mining Regulations, among other important issues in the sector.
On Friday, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton and Occupational Safety and Health Consultant Gweneth King met with Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) rep-
resentatives.
The discussions focused on the safety and health of workers in the mining sector. The issues raised included the existing draft Mining Regulations, the harmonisation of safety and health regulations within the mining sector, the protection of workers and saving lives, fatal accidents and causes within the mining sector, the establishment of a framework to address safety and health at work in the mining sector, a timeframe to get things done and finding a way to work together to address the concerns.
“The Committee is expected to evaluate and revise the existing draft Mining Regulations, among other things. It was proposed that the committee be established and commence work by the end of October 2023, with the revised draft ready for consultation within six months,” the Ministry indicated.
The engagement concluded with satisfaction being expressed by the GGDMA on its outcome and a commitment to working together to improve the safety and health of workers in the mining sector.
Sand Creek cassava germplasm bank to advance crop breeding, conservation efforts
In moves to advance sustainable food production practices, the Agriculture Ministry through its Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU) is currently working with farmers from Sand Creek, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) to develop a cassava germplasm bank.
The Agriculture Ministry on Friday noted that this forms part of their crop breeding, research, and conservation efforts.
Following several visits to the region during and after the floods, President Dr Irfaan Ali and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha committed to working with communities to develop food security strategies that seek to make their food production both resilient
and sustainable.
Last year, the Agriculture Ministry signed a contract with the Sand Creek Village Council valued at $4 million for the implementation of a cassava germplasm bank and the supply of farm tools support for the region.
Germplasm refers to the
seeds, plants, or plant parts having all possible alleles for all the genes in a given crop, with the bank being the structure in which their materials are stored.
Funding for these initiatives was provided by the Guyana Government and the International Fund for
Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agricultural Development Project (HESADP).
While the project is being executed in Sand Creek, surrounding villages in the region will also benefit from quality planting materials for cassava cultivation.
Last November, Minister
Mustapha handed over three heavy-duty tractors procured under the Ministry’s Rural Agriculture Infrastructure Development Project (RAID) along with planting materials and other inputs to several villages in the region.
Farmers from the villages of Shulinab, Meriwau, Sand Creek, Awarenau, Mururanau, Rupanau, Katoonarib,
Baitoon, Potarinau, Quiko, Parikwarinau, Aishalton, Shea, Taushida and Koshebai (South Pakaraima) had benefited from breeding bulls and boars to improve their villages’ genetic material.
They also received cassava sticks, coconut seedlings, shade house materials, as well as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
25 NEWS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Minister Hamilton with GGDMA representatives and other stakeholders after the meeting
Agriculture Ministry aiding Sand Creek farmers to develop cassava germplasm
Patients pooling money to buy disinfectant to clean wards at Fort Wellington Hospital – RDC Councillor
- maids, RHO tell different story
Patients at the Fort Willington Hospital in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) have been forced to pool their financial resources to purchase disinfectant to clean the wards they occupy. This is according to Emmerson Benjamin, a Councillor on the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).
During his address to the RDC statutory meeting on Thursday, he stated that he has witnessed this occurrence happening and referred to it as an embarrassing situation.
Benjamin explained that he took a friend to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he saw patients put -
ting their money together to purchase cleaning items.
“I questioned a few maids and they said they have nothing to clean the hospital – no cleaning agents. That is very disturbing and shameful that patients have to go into their pockets to buy disinfectant,” he said.
However, Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal said the allegations were untrue. Even as Benjamin was speaking, Regional Executive Officer Jenny Blackman summoned the Regional Health Officer to the head table and after a brief discussion, she left.
Ramphal subsequently
addressed the RDC on the issue, saying that he was told something different.
“The Regional Health Officer has indicated that there are supplies at the hospital and as we are speaking here, the procurement process of having additional supplies is being done. After this meeting, we will have the RHO going to do an assessment to see what actually transpired. But there are bare supplies at the hospital, based on what was communicated to me,” the Chairman told the RDC.
However, this publication reached out to staff at the medical facility and was told that it has been weeks since they have not
been issued with cleaning supplies.
One staff member said that requests are being made for supplies but it is not being fulfilled.
“The AC [air conditioning] in the patients’ dressing room has not been working for weeks and the place is very hot, sometimes patients can’t stay
HEALTH TIPS USING ANTIBIOTICS AND ALCOHOL
nal infections
Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family meDicine, enDocrinology/DiabeTes
Combining alcohol and antibiotics can increase the chance of developing side effects. It’s best to wait until finishing the antibiotics’ course before having an alcoholic drink.
Alcohol and medication can be a dangerous mix. Doctors recommend avoiding alcohol while taking several drugs. The biggest concern is that consuming alcohol with medications might increase the risk of unsafe side effects.
INTERACTIONS
Alcohol doesn’t make most antibiotics less effective, but consuming alcohol — especially if someone is drinking too much — might increase the chance of experiencing certain side effects.
Persons should never consume alcohol while taking any of the following antibiotics:
* CefoperazoneCefobid- Third Generation Cephalosporins antibiotics
* CefotetanCephalosporins antibiotics
* Metronidazole- Flagyl
* Tinidazole- For vagi-
* KetoconazoleAntifungal
* Isoniazid- Tuberculosis Meds
* Linezolid-
* GriseofulvinAntifungal
Combining these antibiotics and alcohol can cause a potentially dangerous reaction.
Metronidazole, tinidazole, cefoperazone, cefotetan, and ketoconazole.
Drinking alcohol while taking these drugs can cause:
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Flushing
* Headache
* Fast heartbeat
* Stomach cramps
Don’t drink alcohol before, during, or up to three days after taking these drugs.
Drinking alcohol while taking the medication Griseofulvin can cause:
* Flushing
* Excessive sweating
* Fast heartbeat
Drinking alcohol while taking Isoniazid and linezolid medications can cause side effects such as:
* Liver damage
* High blood pressure
Drinking alcohol while taking Doxycycline and erythromycin antibiotics may make them less effective.
GENERAL SIDE EFFECTS
The specific side effects that an antibiotic can cause depend on the drug. However, some common side effects of antibiotics include:
* Nausea
* Sleepiness
* Dizziness
* Lightheadedness
* Diarrhoea
Alcohol can also cause side effects that include:
* An upset stomach
* Digestive problems, such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, and ulcers
* Tiredness
Signs of a negative alcohol-antibiotic reaction include:
* Flushing (reddening and warming of the skin)
* Severe headache
* Racing heart rate
In most cases, these side effects go away on their own. If people think they are having a medical emergency, they should see a healthcare facility immediately.
The warning label on the antibiotic should include information about alcohol use.
Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if unsure about the details of the medications. They may indicate that an occasional drink is okay. But that likely depends on the age, overall health, and the type of drug taken.
Listening to the doctor or pharmacist’s advice can help to avoid the effects of an alcohol-drug interaction.
EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON HEALING FROM AN INFECTION
Usually, drinking alcohol won’t keep the antibiotic from working to treat the infection. Still, it can interfere with the infection’s healing in other ways. Getting enough rest and eating a nutritious
in there for their dressing and leave. We have complained and we have written letters but nothing came out of it,” the staff told Guyana Times.
diet both help to recover from sickness or infection.
Drinking alcohol can interfere with these factors.
For instance, drinking alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns. It can keep people from getting a good night’s sleep.
Alcohol can also stop the body from absorbing vital nutrients. It can increase blood sugar levels and zap energy levels.
All these factors can reduce the body’s ability to heal from an infection. Acute alcohol use, binge drinking, and chronic alcohol use can all be harmful, whether on medication or not.
Keep in mind that alcohol isn’t just limited to beer, wine, liquor, and mixed drinks. It can be found in some mouthwashes and cold medications, too.
Check the ingredient labels on these and other products if there was an alcohol-antibiotic reaction in the past. Ask the doctor if it’s safe to use these products while taking an antibiotic.
Doctors often prescribe antibiotics for a short time. In many cases, people may only need to take antibiotics for a week or two to fully recover from an infection.
Mixing alcohol with antibiotics is rarely a good idea. Both alcohol and antibiotics can cause side effects in the body, and drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics can raise the risk of these harmful effects.
Talk with the doctor and pharmacist if taking an antibiotic. They can talk to you about alcohol use and the medications.
26 NEWS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Around the World OIL NEWS
Ukrainian heavy artillery inflicts ‘hell’ on Russian lines near Bakhmut
US drillers cut oil and gas rigs for first time in 3 weeks, Baker Hughes says
US energy firms cut the number of oil and natural gas rigs operating for first time in three weeks, energy services firm Baker Hughes said in its closely followed report on Friday.
The oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, fell by 11 to 630 in the week to Sept 22, the lowest since February 2022.
Baker Hughes said that puts the total rig count down 134 rigs, or 18%, below this time last year.
US oil rigs fell by eight to 507 last week, their lowest since February 2022, while gas rigs dropped by three to 118.
In the Permian in West Texas and eastern New Mexico, the nation’s biggest shale oil basin, drillers cut five rigs, bringing the total oil and gas count down to 317, the lowest since March 2022, according to Baker Hughes.
In the Haynesville shale in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, drillers cut the number of gas rigs operating by two to 39, the lowest since November 2020.
US oil futures were up about 12% so far this year after gaining about 7% in 2022. US gas futures, meanwhile, have plunged about 41% so far this year after rising about 20% last year.
Even though energy companies were on track to boost spending for a third year in a row in 2023 - mostly to cover rising inflation-related costs for labour and equipmentmany firms were still more focused on returning money to investors and paying down debt rather than boosting oil and gas production.
The independent exploration and production companies tracked by US financial services firm TD Cowen planned to raise spending by about 19% in 2023 after boosting it by about 40% in 2022 and a modest 4% increase in 2021.
Higher prices for oil put US crude production on track to rise from 11.9 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2022 to 12.8 million bpd in 2023 and 13.2 million bpd in 2024, according to Energy Information Administration (EIA) projections. That compares with a record 12.3 million bpd in 2019.
Oil output from top shale-producing regions, however, is set to fall for a third consecutive month in October to its lowest level since May, according to the EIA.
Despite lower prices for gas, US gas production was on track to rise from a record 98.1 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) in 2022 to 102.7 bcfd in 2023 and 104.9 bcfd in 2024, according to EIA’s projections in September.
That increase in gas output despite lower gas prices is due mostly to increased interest in oil drilling in shale basins that also produce lots of associated gas like the Permian. (Reuters)
The use of heavy weapons supplied by the West in the fierce battle raging on the outskirts of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russia in May, is inflicting a significant toll on enemy lines, Ukrainian commanders have told Reuters.
Buoyed after the capture last week of the key village of Klishchiivka, Ukrainian troops have lauded the 155 millimetre howitzers as key equipment being provided by the United States and its NATO allies
Unit commander Oleksandr said Ukraine’s armed forces “very much rely” on heavy artillery, including the Polish-made Krab gun and the US-made M109 self-propelled howitzer.
“Even one gun can completely turn the situation
around. An attack can be stopped with one such gun,” he said.
“The main thing is to aim where needed. They (the Russians) hate our hardware. That’s what we gather from our intercepts. We hear that we keep giv -
Argentina wheat sales stall as farmers wait for election, rains
Argentina’s sales of the upcoming wheat crop are the slowest in seven years, delayed by farmers waiting for heavier rainfall and gambling on the result of the country’s Oct 22 presidential election, with some candidates pledging tax cuts on grains exports.
Argentina, a major exporter of wheat, along with soy and corn, has recorded just 1.51 million metric tons of pre-sales of the upcoming 2023/24 harvest by Sept 13, latest Government data showed this week, the slowest since 2016/17 and a sharp drop from recent
Landslide causes large chunk of Swedish motorway to collapse
Alarge chunk of a motorway in southwest Sweden collapsed overnight, causing three people to be taken to hospital with light injuries, Police said on Saturday.
The landslide damaged the motorway between Sweden’s second-biggest city Gothenburg and Norway’s capital Oslo, near the small town of Stenungsund, around 50 km north of Gothenburg on Sweden’s west coast.
“The hardest hit parts of the landslide area measure around 150 x 100 meters. In total, however, the landslide has affected an area of around 700 x 200 meters,” the Gothenburg Rescue Services said in a statement.
The slide affected around ten vehicles, a wooded area, a business area with a gas station and a fast-food restaurant, the rescue services said.
“A number of people have been helped out of vehicles in the slide area with the help of fire personnel and a helicopter.”
Several cars and one truck had fallen into holes and cracks caused by the landslide, Swedish news agency TT reported.
A rescue services spokesperson told public broadcaster SVT all people in the vehicles had been helped out.
Police said on their website
Sweden September 23, 2023
they had launched a probe into whether work at a nearby construction site may have caused the slide.
“It’s still unclear if there is any connection to blasting/ work at the site and the landslide,” they said. “No person is currently suspected of a crime.”
The rescue services said specially trained staff and search dogs would now search the area, and that further slides could not be ruled out.
(Reuters)
Bakhmut - as «one of the places they (the Russians) were clinging to.»
Ukrainian commanders have described the capture of Klischiivka and nearby Andriivka as stepping stones to taking back Bakhmut, which fell to the Russians after months of some of the war›s heaviest fighting.
The gains have been among the most significant in Ukraine’s counteroffensive, which began in June and has struggled to break through entrenched Russian lines.
ing them hell and they keep wondering how much ammunition we have left.”
Oleksandr, 30, described Klishchiivka - a village on the heights south of the devastated town of
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and senior officials have hailed the advances and rejected criticism in the West that the counteroffensive is progressing too slowly. (Reuters)
Costa Rica’s homicide rate rises in deadliest year ever
years.
This figure compares with 5.28 million tons recorded at almost the same date 2022/23, according to the farming secretariat.
“The low sales is due in part to the political uncertainty regarding the new Government,” said Miguel Cane, President of the ArgenTrigo grains chamber. A new Administration will take office in December, with three main candidates vying to win.
“There’s speculation that taxes may be lowered somewhat for the time of harvest,” Cane added. Two of the three main presidential candidates have pledged to eliminate wheat export tariffs, currently set at 12%.
Those are conservative Patricia Bullrich and outsider libertarian Javier Milei, currently the front-runner. They face ruling party economy chief Sergio Massa, who has not made such a promise.
The Buenos Aires grains exchange forecasts a 2023/24 wheat harvest of 16.5 million tons, up from the previous drought-hit harvest but lower than a peak of 22.4 million tons in 2021/22.
The other factor that is holding wheat sales in the weather, after a historic drought hammered crops over the last year. An El Nino weather pattern has brought wetter weather, but there are still wheat areas that need more water, expected in October.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
People cross the street one day after Costa Ricans elected Carlos Alvarado Quesada as the new President, in San Jose, Costa Rica April 2, 2018
More than 656 people have been killed so far in Costa Rica’s deadliest year on record, official homicide data showed on Friday, though the Government expects this figure to soar past 900 by the end of this year.
Costa Rica’s homicides hit a record 654 last year according to the historically peaceful Central American country’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ).
Costa Rica, which has for decades been recognised as the safest Central American country, saw more homicides in six of its seven provinces, with the capital San Jose seeing the highest increase - double those in the same period last year.
The national rate for violent deaths is set to rise to 16 per 100,000 people this year, from 12.6 in 2022. The Caribbean province Limon could see the rate
surpass 33. Authorities have reported crimes such as torture, gang murders and assassinations carried out by highly-trained hitmen, similar to crimes committed by Mexican cartels.
They attribute twothirds of such killings to turf war gangs for control over drug trafficking operations in the country, a strategic location between producers in Colombia and consumers in the United States and Europe.
Costa Rica’s Security Minister Mario Zamora told Reuters in a statement that there are no “magic” and short-term responses to tackle crime in the country, and that it would need a series of security and prevention initiative.
Zamora, appointed in May, held the post during Laura Chinchilla’s 20102014 presidency, reputed for being tough on crime.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
27 guyanatimesgy.com SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023
Ukrainian servicemen fire a RAK-SA-12 small multiple launch rocket system towards Russian troops near the front-line town of Bakhmut, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine July 10, 2023
Workers standing near emergency vehicles following a landslide, near Stenungsund,
ARIES
(March 21April 19)
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)
CANCER
Raise your awareness, recognize what’s essential and put your energy where it counts. How you reach out to others will determine whether someone takes you for granted or appreciates you.
Simplify your life and pay attention to whatever will benefit you most. You’ll fall short of your expectations if you spread yourself too thin. It’s up to you to adjust your life to fit your goal.
Experience what life has to offer. Learn something new, connect with people heading down a similar path, and find out what makes you happy. Choose your destiny and plan your actions.
Keep a low profile. Refuse to let anyone coerce you into an argument or something you don’t want to pursue. Pay attention to what interests you. Create something that brings you peace, love and joy.
A change will offer mental stimulation and the desire to find a new look, image or lifestyle. Put a budget in place and say no to temptation. Ingenuity and hard work will be required.
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
Consider everything before you act. Don’t let emotions cloud your objective or ruin your chance to succeed. Courage, grace and knowledge will put you in the driver’s seat.
Rethink your work ethic and life strategy. Look for an original way to use your skills, knowledge and experience to attract positive attention. Don’t stand on the sideline.
Change what you don’t like, and move forward. Keep your emotions out of the equation and do what’s necessary. Refuse to get caught up in a no-win situation. Stay focused on what you want.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22Jan. 19)
(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19)
LEO (July 23Aug. 22) (Feb. 20Mar. 20)
Think outside the box while funneling your energy into something concrete. You’ll appeal to people who share your sentiments and have something beneficial to contribute.
Fix up your digs; convenience is everything and will affect your attitude. An innovative approach to your life will change how you move forward. Leave nothing to chance.
AQUARIUS
Don’t share too much information or give others a glimpse of what’s to come. Surprise is favored when dealing with partnerships, money and legal matters. Update your image.
PISCES
Embrace life, participate in events and causes you find gratifying and make yourself heard. Share details and paint an enticing picture of what you want to achieve. Be realistic and plan carefully.
Peanuts
Calvin and Hobbes
Pickles
28 guyanatimesgy.com SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023
ODI World Cup 2023 winner to receive US$4M in prize money
Ashad happened in 2019, the 2023 winner of the ODI Cricket World Cup will be awarded prize money of US$4M.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has allocated a total of US$10M in prize money for this tournament, which begins on October 5 in Ahmedabad. US$2M has been set aside for the runner-up, while the losing semi-finalists can also bank on a sum of
This essentially means that everyone participating in the World Cup is assured of a sum of money. Also, the winner of each league match is assured of receiving US$40,000.
India have qualified to participate by virtue of being hosts, while New Zealand, England, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Australia, Afghanistan and South Africa have each progressed from the 2020-
This World Cup follows a simple round-robin format in which all teams would be playing against each other for a total of 45 league matches. The top four will qualify for the semi-finals, to be played in Mumbai on November 15, and in Kolkata on November 16. The semi-finals and the final will have reserve days. Defending champions England and 2019 runners-up New Zealand will kick off the competition in two weeks' time. The hosts, India, will begin their cam-
paign against five-time winners Australia on October 8, and then build up to the group stage's marquee clash with Pakistan on October 14. The matches are spread across 46 days and 10 cities, and the final is scheduled to be played on November 19 in Ahmedabad.
After the recent ICC decision to offer equal prize money for both men's and women's events, a precedent has been set for the next Women's World Cup in 2025. (ESPNCricinfo)
US$800,000. The other six teams will exit the competition at the end of the group stages with US$100,000 each.
23 ODI Super League. Sri Lanka and the Netherlands came through the qualifying tournament held in June and July 2023.
Murray beaten by Karatsev in Zhuhai C/ships in China
Murray helped Great Britain reach the Davis Cup quarter-finals last week
Andy Murray lost to Aslan Karatsev in the last 16 of the Zhuhai Championships in China. The Russian, who reached the 2021 Australian Open semi-finals as a qualifier, came through 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Murray led 5-2 in the opening set, and held off a Karatsev fightback to take it, but the world number 63 was the stronger after that. The veteran Scot lost his serve twice in the second and third sets as Karatsev wrapped up the victory.
This win has made it two out of two for Karatsev, who had also beaten Murray in their only previous career meeting in the 2022 Sydney Classic final. Karatsev will face another Briton in the last eight, after Cameron Norrie swept past Australian qualifier Marc Polmans 6-0, 6-3. The world number 17 won 90% (26/29) of his first-serve points, and did not face a break point on his way to victory, as he chases his second title of the season. (BBC Sport)
29 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023
The World Cup Trophy on display in front of the Blue Mosque in Afghanistan
Courts Optical Pee-Wee tournament gets underway
The 10th edition of the Courts Optical Pee-Wee Under-11 Football tournament got off to a rousing start on Saturday morning at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown with over 25 primary schools from Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 parading their colourful uniforms.
monial kick-off was expertly taken by the Courts Optical Chain Manager Richard Simpson.
In brief remarks at the opening ceremony, Simpson, among other things, advised the youngsters to enjoy the experience on offer.
“We are excited and we are happy to see so many kids in one location. It’s like happiness for us, and
ing highlights, we’re looking for the star players. And the good thing about a football competition like this is that everyone is a winner,” Simpson said.
He added, “So, what we’re asking, even though it’s a competitive sport, what I want to see is everyone having fun.”
ed, which region they’re coming from, and things like that. So, not only is this tournament going to be one of sport and you showcasing your skills, you will also learn something about the geography of your country and your culture,” De Souza related.
After Simpson had delivered a goal-piercing strike for the ceremonial kick-off, the football action got underway with two games running simultane-
defeat - ed Soesdyke Primary 4-0 on account of goals from Jamie Thomas (2), Romel Elliott (1) and Jaydon Baird (1). A double from David DeCosta led Redeemer Primary past Tapakuma Primary in a 3-1 affair. Shivraj Persaud was the other goal scorer for Redeemer. The tournament is also supported by Sterling
As is customary, there was the tournament’s march-past before a cere-
we’re looking forward to great things: we’re looking forward to those excit-
The Ministry of Education’s Deputy Chief Education Officer (Hinterland) Marti De Souza has encouraged the students to utilise the next
CONCACAF ‘Road to W Gold Cup’
few weeks as an opportunity to learn about their peers and country. He informed, “Indeed, as some of you will be preparing for your exams, whether it’s in school or the NGSA, I want you to remember there’s that old saying that goes ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. Well, here’s your opportunity to show us what you have; to learn from each other.
“At the end of this, you will learn from many of your friends: where they’re from, where their school is locat-
ously. On one half of the venue, Kabakaburi Primary
Products Limited and by MVP Sports.
Barbados, Bermuda register wins in League B
The Road to the Concacaf
Women’s Gold Cup continued with two League B encounters on Friday, in which Bermuda and Barbados started the tournament with three-point performances at
home. Barbados are atop Group C on goal difference, given their larger margin of victory, while Bermuda start in position to challenge for first place. The Dominican Republic
Kares Crossfit October Showdown…
and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines would each be looking to avenge their defeat with a home match next week.
Bermuda vs Dominican Republic
Athletes from Guyana and beyond uniting for a spectacular competition
kick service from Stevenson. Cheyanna BurnettGriffith scored a fifth for Barbados in the 75th with a strike off the bouncing ball. Keinelle Johnson provided the cross from the left flank to find Burnett-Griffith inside the area.
The defense provided a strong outing in their home opener by holding Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to zero shots on target. Kamilla Burke made an important save outside the box during the closing minutes to preserve the clean sheet. (Sportsmax)
Kares Crossfit is thrilled to announce that the Kares Crossfit October Showdown is scheduled to take place on October 15th at the prestigious Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal, ECD and at the National Park in Georgetown.
This event promises to be an astounding showcase of fitness, strength, and determination, and athletes from Guyana and across the Caribbean region would be featured, all vying for a chance to claim over Gy$4 million in cash and prizes.
The Kares Crossfit October Showdown will feature the following multiple
exciting competitions:
• Individual Scaled
Crossfit Competition: Watch as athletes push their limits in this challenging test of endurance, strength, and agility.
• Team Competition: Teams will unite in their quest for victory, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and athleticism.
• Strongman Competition:
Prepare to be amazed as competitors take on incredible feats of strength in this thrilling contest. But that’s not all.
Spectators are in for a treat with crowd participation events in which they can
join in the excitement and win fantastic prizes generously provided by our sponsors.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors, whose support makes this event possible: Assuria Insurance, ANSA McAL, Digicel, Farm Supply, GuyTrac, Builders Lumber Yard, YellowMines, Fitness Express, Lotus Hardware; the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; Mix 90.1FM, and Babe Cave.
The Kares Crossfit October Showdown is anticipated to be a day filled with thrilling competition, community spirit, and incredible prizes.
Bermuda opened their campaign with a 2-0 home win over the Dominican Republic at the National Sports Centre in Devonshire Parish, Bermuda.
Jaden Masters opened the scoring in the 10th with a rocket from long range to send the home fans into ecstasy. This came just seconds after the Lady Warriors were close to taking the lead on an attempt from Eva Frazzoni that went just wide.
Winibian Peralta attempted to equalise in the 20th from a free kick, but the attempt was caught by goalkeeper Zakhari Turner. Lucia Marte provided a dangerous hit across goal in the 32th as the Dominican Republic continued to search for the equalizing goal.
Masters earned her brace in the 45+1 on a Bermuda fast break, when she slipped the ball past goalkeeper Odaliana Gomez just outside the edge of the box. Masters nearly completed her hat-trick in the 55th, but Gomez made a big stop to keep the score within reach.
Turner ended the day with seven saves, as she collected her first clean sheet of the tournament and gave Bermuda its first three points.
Barbados vs Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Barbados won 5-0 over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to start their campaign at the Wildey Turf Stadium in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Shanice Stevenson opened the scoring in the 10th from a free kick chance which Goalkeeper Altica Benn tried to stop, but the attempt was too potent to contain. And
Rianna Cyrus extended the lead in the 19th with some nifty footwork inside the box to convert on a delivery from Shauntae Hinds. Cyrus extended the lead again in the 22nd by evading the keeper and hitting a precise ball outside the right side of the goal area. Stevenson provided the through ball into the box.
Prior to the halftime whistle, at 45+2, Cyrus completed her hat-trick off a free
Caption: Evin Lewis and Rashid Khan were team-
30 GUYANATIMESGY.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023
CLASSIFIED ADS WANTED
mates at St Kitts & Nevis Patriots last season Classified Ads $5+VAT per word Call: 223-7230-1 Ext 19 One Retired Teacher. Please call: 654-1535.
Courts Optical’s Richard Simpson executed the ceremonial kickoff
Scenes from the opening day of the 10th edition of the Under-11 Pee-Wee tournament
Top performers from the April Edition
Barbados players celebrating a goal
GAW eye 1st CPL title
Thumping hearts, sweaty palms and bitten finger nails are only a fraction of what to expect at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara today, when the first ball in the final game of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) bowls off at 19:00hrs.
What can be considered the biggest rivalry in the CPL’s 11-year history will take centre stage with the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) and the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) contesting the highly anticipated final.
While recent history will be on the side of home team the Guyana Amazon Warriors, their having won two of the games in these teams’ three meetings this year, Trinbago Knight Riders have the occurrences of years past to back them; having not only bested the Warriors in the 2019 final, but winning a perfect 4 out of 4 in their CPL final appearances.
Each team is confident they would uplift the CPL
let’s see what happens in the end,” Pollard told media operatives on Saturday.
Imran Tahir said, “If you ask me, even for me - and I’m not Guyanese - I feel like it’s been six years and I’ve been on many occasions (in the) semifinal, final. So, this is a
team (is): we’re going to give everything that we have.”
It is by now no secret that the Amazon Warriors have come up short in all their fi -
to believe a little bit more, help each other, like how we’ve been (doing) in the whole competition,” Tahir said on the topic.
“Honestly, I don’t think we’re playing any psychological games or anything like that. We worry about what TKR needs to worry about. So, I’m not sure what they’re thinking about psychologically, or whatever; but what I can safely say is that it’ another game of cricket for us, and we’re going to prepare as such,” Pollard related.
the team. A smiling Pollard shared, “Headaches and selection is something we are accustomed to. Being West Indies captain around the world, what is good is that (at) some point in time, that everyone put up their hand in this campaign. Going into the final and having that selection headache is great for us as a team.”
Tahir said he is not worried about the unsettled question regarding the opening pair for the Warriors. He noted that once players in the middle are contributing, he is unfazed.
“We supposed to have Gurbaz, and we have been
struggling a bit, but no complains. We are (satisfied), we just need to look at different options in our middle order. Everyone is chipping in; I am not thinking about that.”
With a chance to grab their first title in their first final at home, Captain Tahir is confidence this bunch of GAW fighters can make history.
“I’m extremely proud for myself and for my team. What we achieved so far, just one game away and I think we can make history and be heroes for this country. And I truly believe that we’re going to give a good fight to the opposition,” Tahir vowed.
John Bull upsets Easy Time in President’s Cup horse race meeting
nal appearances, while the Knight Riders have secured 4 wins out of 4 appearances at the final. As such, the captains discussed the psychological impact that history may have on the 2023 final.
“If you look back, then you always think about it. But for me, how I look at it, there will be a day when someone’s going to cross the line, and I feel like this team
On the issue of injuries, Tahir noted that the injured Keemo Paul will undergo a fitness assessment before the game, and it will be confirmed on the day whether or not he is playing.
From a TKR perspective, everyone is fit and ready to play, except Martin Guptill who suffered a little niggle on Wednesday last. Regarding selec-
2023 Guyana Cup winner Easy Time of the Master Z Racing Stables was dethroned by Brazilian horse John Bull of the Slingerz Racing Stables at the 2023 President’s Cup horse race meeting held at the Rising Sun Turf Club in Region Five on Saturday. John Bull and Easy Time were the only horses in the feature event, a seven-furlong race. It was a close battle, but John Bull edged away for a thrilling win.
Besides the feature event, there were seven other races on the cards. Summary results of other races are as follows
Race 1: 2y-o-maiden over 5 1/2 furlongs
1: Super Quick
2: Country Rock
3: Top of the Stage
4: Swinging
Also ran: Blazing Star; Storm Again; Sweet Vision; Royal Causeway; Lova Dove; Money Jet; Mary Jane
Trophy, as articulated by TKR captain Kieron Pollard and GAW captain Imran Tahir in a pre-match press conference on Saturday afternoon at the Pegasus Suites and Conference Center in Georgetown.
“It would be great! It is something that has eluded us for the last couple of years. We did not have the best of seasons last year, finishing at the bottom of the table and watching everyone bask in their glory. I think for us we went ahead and stuck to our plans, and being able to get to the final now, it would be a magnificent feat for us as a franchise and our supporters around the Caribbean. So, we are looking forward for a good game tomorrow, and
big year for this nation, and they’re right behind us, and I just want to say thanks for their support. And look, it is a big occa sion, especial ly for myself and whole team, and we know how important it is. Kids looking up to their heroes, and people have a lot of expectations from us. Results cannot be guaranteed, but one thing guaranteed from myself and
has all the ingredients to do this. We truly believe this, it’s just on the day we have
tion, TKR are a star-studded team, and according to Pollard, that is good for
Race 2: J Class n H3 non earner in last start7 furlongs
1: GT Boss.
2: Sarkar
3: Trump
4: Jet Lee
Also ran: WarTime Quiet Warrior
J Rodrigues 121; Hurricane Lane Anderson 123
Perfect Dream
N Patrick, Black
DaddyJ Mosses
Race 3: open n H3 non earners
last start - 7 furlongs
1: Zelda
2: Twisted Jet
3: Foreign Link
4: Flight Time
Scratches: Judge Not; Color of Sacrifice
Also ran: Warstar
Race 4: G&H class - 7 Furlongs
1: Game Changer
2: American Traveller
3: Coup D’Etat
4: Amicable Kate
Also ran: Sexy Eyes; Regal Intention; Supremacy
Race 5: L Class n J Class Maidens n K Class non earners last start - 5 1/2 Furlongs
1: Hartland
2: Miss Olympic
3: Shakethebank
4: Legacy
5: Storm Town
Also ran: Princess Samiah; Proud Intention; Perfect Pleasure; Unstoppable star; Top Rankin; Storm Cloud Non-runner: Cash n carry Sprint /E Class 3- y-o & Up - 5 1/2 Furlongs
1. Bossalina
2.Hecho Con Amor
3. Early Bird Glorie Business
Also Ran: Creemore; Everesting; Queen Domina Non-runner: U Can’t Handle This.
3-YR-OLD Guyana & WI-BRED over 7 furlongs.
1. Firecracker C Ross 119
1. Rachel
2. Scandal
3: Firecracker
4. El Dorado Queen Scratches: Haley; She Is A star Time :1:38 06
GUYANATIMESGY.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 31
GAW Captain Imran Tahir and TKR Captain Kieron Pollard got a feel of the CPL Championship Trophy during a pre-match press briefing
GAW Captain Imran Tahir
TKR Captain Kieron Pollard
Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 guyanatimesgy.com GAW eye 1st CPL title – as blockbuster final set to ignite National Stadium Pg 31 GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC. A chance at history!