Guyana Times -Thursday, June 22, 2023.pdf

Georgetown for February 2024 opening

CCJ opens 2nd itinerant sitting in Guyana by restating pledge to serve with excellence

“They are looking for partners here in Guyana” – Ambassador on French trade mission

…Court “stands as both a product and a beacon of regional integration” – Justice Saunders

Govt fielding applications for highrise buildings in Ogle

Multimillion-dollar Good Hope Secondary School commissioned

CCJ rejects man’s attempt to appeal life sentences for sexual activity with girl $24M

Nappi Village to cultivate cash crops

…over US$100M being spent on national skill training centre – Pres Ali

– VP on rape allegation against Govt Minister …emphasises Party’s tough stance on sexual offences …conduct thorough, unbiased investigation – GAWL to Police …as PSC “fully” supports decision to place complainant in protective custody

“Allow the process to

Police probing rape of 5-year-old in Region 7 NIS pension to now be paid 1st working day of every month –Finance Minister Region 9 man stabbed to death after drinking spree

work”

Govt fielding applications for high-rise buildings in Ogle

…as Pres Ali assures communities of Govt support

Speaking of the need to balance the old with the new when it comes to community development, President Dr Irfaan Ali has revealed that the Government is fielding a number of applications from persons looking to construct high-rise buildings in Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), where a bypass road is being developed to Eccles and beyond.

On Tuesday, President Ali, along with constituency candidates visited a number of communities to listen to concerns of residents. Among the communities he visited was Lamaha Park, where he met residents who raised the issue of a gated community and called for improvements.

Residents were assured that Central Government would continue to en -

gage them at the grassroots level, to find out and help meet their needs. And wherever the Government can assist, the President assured them of his Administration’s support. He also drew parallels between Guyana and Trinidad, where there were push and pull factors in community devel -

opment.

“One of the things that we have to do and this is how development occurs, there is always a pushand-pull factor. If you look at Port-of-Spain’s development. There was heavy push for the commercialisation and building a financial sector inside of Port of Spain. And then a

lot of communities were developed outside of Port of Spain. Gated communities. And we’re seeing a lot of that happening, around Ogle and so on.

“But there are old, pristine communities that remain in Port-of-Spain. So, some of those old communities are not going to change their nature. So, we have to make it that pristine. And to find the balance to ensure it survives in the push and pull factor occurring around. That is what we have to do,” President Ali said.

The President noted that in Ogle, where work continues on the bypass road to Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), they are fielding a number of applications for tall buildings.

“It’s just like all the applications we’re having now, for tall buildings in the Ogle area, outside of the Ogle area. If we don’t balance it, then you limit what can occur at Ogle, the Ogle airport. So, it’s really about finding the balance,” the President added.

President Ali made it clear that they would go ahead with development in the community, including any ongoing and pending road works. And he noted that whatever decisions the residents come up with at the next meeting slated for Friday, the Government will move ahead with action within a month.

“On Friday we will have that meeting and I hope you can come up with some

solutions. But whatever we decide on Friday, I can tell you we’re going to go ahead with that. Whatever we decide in terms of drainage, security, the playground, on Friday, I can tell you that within one month we will move into action,” President Ali said.

The much-anticipated bypass road project will run 7.8 kilometres through the swampy backlands to create a four-lane highway connecting the East Coast with the East Bank. The contractor carrying out this US$106 million project is Ashoka Buildcon, which is aiming for an October 2024 deadline.

The US$106.4 million contract was signed last year with the Indian company to construct the four-lane road. It was announced in January 2022 that Ashoka Buildcon Limited won the contract to construct the road, ahead of two other Indian companies. Ashoka has previously built a number of bridges and roads in different jurisdictions.

According to the company’s website, it even built a bridge in 38 days, namely the Mandve Bridge near Pandharpur, India. According to the company, the bridge was supposed to be built in 12 months.

In February 2021, the Government of India had approved the new scope of works for the redesigned bypass road project that would link the ECD at Ogle to Haags Bosch near Eccles, EBD. This new road link will also be connected to key communities in Georgetown and along the East Bank of Demerara.

RITES Limited, an engineering consultancy company based in India, had undertaken a 10-month design consultancy, which produced a Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlining the draft final design of the bypass road. It is this report which recommended a four-lane highway as most feasible. (G3)

President Dr Irfaan Ali during his visit to the Lamaha Gardens, Campbellville and Newtown constituency. Also in picture is recently-elected City Councillor Alfonso De Armas

President Ali during a previous site visit at the Ogle bypass road works

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, June 22 –04:15h-05:45h and Friday, June 23 – 04:15h-05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, June 22 –06:10h-07:40h and Friday, June 23 – 06:50h-08:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected throughout the day and into the night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South SouthEasterly between 2.23 metres and 3.13 metres.

High Tide: 06:48h and 19:20h reaching maximum heights of 2.45 metres and 2.30 metres.

Low Tide: 12:52h reaching a minimum height of 0.79 metre.

CCJ opens 2nd itinerant sitting in Guyana by restating pledge to serve with excellence

…Court

By Feona Morrison

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Monday opened its second itinerant sitting in Guyana by reiterating its commitment to serving the Caribbean people with excellence.

Members of the Judiciary and the legal profession were out in full force for the ceremonial opening, which commenced with a procession of members of the Judiciary led by CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders in the compound of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. Following them closely was a marching band consisting of members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). An inspection of the guard of honour was conducted by Justice Saunders. These activities ushered in the scheduled cases the court would hear and deliver judgements in.

While delivering remarks, Justice Saunders noted that the itinerant sitting is the regional court’s first in-person sitting for quite “some time” since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

Importantly, he said, history will forever record that Guyana was the first country to repose “full trust and confidence” in the CCJ when it acceded to the court’s Appellate Jurisdiction from day one of the court’s existence. The court was established on April 16, 2005.

The distinguished jurist also used the opportunity to reiterate the court’s commitment to delivering justice. “It is only fitting therefore that we [the CCJ] should take every opportunity that we can to reiterate and demonstrate our commitment to provide accessible, fair and efficient justice, not just for the people of Guyana, but also for the people and states of the Caribbean Community [Caricom],” he declared.

Symbolic significance

He said the CCJ’s visit at this precise time also holds some symbolic significance, because Caricom, which is headquartered in Guyana, would be observing its golden anniversary in a few weeks’ time.

He added that the late Justice Duke Pollard, a Guyanese national and former Judge of the CCJ, had referred to the regional court as the “institutional centrepiece of the Caricom Single Market and Economy”, and he noted that this was, and remains, a fitting descriptor of the apex court.

Justice Saunders continued, “The CCJ stands as

both a product and a beacon of regional integration. The court is one of the vital means through which the aspirations of the people of the Caribbean Community for peace, justice, economic advancement, security, stabili-

Throughout the region, people of all walks of life need to have the opportunity to see, from time to time, in flesh and blood, those who pass ultimate judgement on them.”

As such, over the next week, the CCJ has scheduled a “compact and robust sched-

Caribbean jurisprudence

For her part, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, emphasised that the regional court has been working assiduously to carve out a Caribbean jurisprudence that is second to none.

“This court is known to be revolutionary, forward-thinking, and even groundbreaking in some of the decisions it has given over the years. And since its establishment, to date, the court has presided in 111 matters for Guyana alone,” she revealed.

ty can be realised.”

Stressing the importance of itinerant sittings to the perception of justice, he noted, “A regional apex court cannot function as effectively if it is perceived as a remote, brooding… Judges must avail themselves of appropriate occasions to interface directly with key stakeholders.

ule” of meetings with members of civil society and the public.

Justice Saunders is accompanied by CCJ Judges, Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, Jacob Wit, Denys Barrow, Peter Jamadar, Andrew Burgess and Winston Anderson.

In highlighting the subject matters, including criminal law, land law, constitutional law, and elections cases from Guyana, Justice Cummings-Edwards pointed out that it is evident that Guyana has contributed significantly to the development of the court and its jurisprudence.

“May the court be vested with Solomonic wisdom, industry, and wise counsel,” the Chancellor expressed as she welcomed the CCJ’s Bench and staff to Guyana.

“stands as both a product and a beacon of regional integration” – Justice Saunders

Scenes from the ceremonial opening of the CCJ’s second itinerant sitting in Guyana

CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, SC

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

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Breaking down the taboo

The blinding need for oblivion from harsh realities of overwhelming problems is the driver behind many persons seeking to quit life as the ultimate solution to difficult situations.

A person suffering from deep depression needs assurances that solutions can be found. Problems are not insurmountable, but coping with extant and future challenges necessitates one staying alive, not taking what seems the easy way out, leaving much devastation in the wake of one’s action, especially the grief and guilt that surviving family members have to cope with.

Suicide is indeed a mental health problem, often precipitated by one catalysing factor at a moment’s impulse. This global phenomenon is a scourge affecting every nation of the world.

However, suicide is preventable, and education through generally interactive counselling sessions — especially in schools, churches and at various youth fora; as well as easily-accessible helplines that could provide timely interventions by way of a conduit, a compassionate listening ear, and provision of advice based on rational reasoning for revealing bad experiences and expressing negative emotions, especially impersonal ones — can serve to reduce the crippling pain to bearable levels, and enable rational thought that diffuses intentions of selfdestruction.

In a national context, there needs to be a holistic approach involving multi-sectoral agencies, especially in the health, education, and social services sectors.

In a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Guyana was cited as the country with the highest suicide rate in the world — 44.2 suicides per 100,000 deaths, four times the global average.

The WHO report was an attempt to bring global attention to the issue of suicide. The goal was to encourage individual countries to take steps to prevent suicide, considering their specific culture and addressing local risk factors. In early 2015, Guyana became one of only 28 countries to develop a suicide prevention plan in response to the report. The plan identifies factors that could contribute to the country’s high rate of suicide.

Records reveal that approximately 70 per cent of the country’s suicides occur in rural regions, where many people assuage their feelings of hopelessness with overindulgence of alcohol to cope with their poverty and economic despair. Instead, the alcohol exacerbates depression in minds deprived of reasoning powers by alcohol-induced neurosis, precipitating suicidal thoughts.

Prioritising formulating a strategy for suicide prevention has become an imperative, because the consequence is not only the tragic, preventable loss of a life; but this one irreversible and tragic act has many victims, especially loved ones on whom are inflicted a lifetime of unendurable pain and emotional and psychological scars.

Guyana Government Psychologist and Addiction Specialist Caitlin Vieira avers that there is a lack of clinics and social support networks in some of these villages, but there are plenty of rum shops. She says “sporting”, Guyanese slang for drinking, is a popular pastime.

Additionally, a study by the Pan American Health Organisation reported that nearly 80 per cent of Guyanese adolescents had their first drink before the age of 14, and some children try alcohol for the first time in elementary school.

Dysfunction in family constructs and bullying in schools and workplaces also contribute to Guyana’s high suicide rates.

Illicit drug usage has also become a major contributory factor to violent, anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse, oftentimes leading to murder and suicide.

Raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo is also important for countries like Guyana to make progress in preventing suicide.

CaribCoin's plan for regional financial settlement

By Mark Lyndersay

At the Caribbean Telecommunications Union's recent webinar on the potential for a complementary currency in the Caribbean, the challenges involved in establishing a regional settlement network commanded the discussions.

Gabriel Abed is listed as "Visionaire" of CaribCoin, a new effort to establish a complementary currency to lubricate regional trade in the Caribbean.

In his presentation, Dr Leander Bindewald pointed out just how mercurial the concept of money is.

While the official definition of money is a medium of exchange through coins and banknotes, the modern virtualisation of money transfer, in which vast sums are transmitted as bits – essentially exchanging promises to pay between financial institutions – calls that into question.

Bindewald, a strategy consultant at Monneta, a monetary think-tank, describes money as "A social institution, like a government or a game, has defined rules. You have to play by the rules if you want to play in the game."

In the evolving understanding of how value is measured and traded, Bindewald's suggestion that money should now be considered a token of value, "a system of transferable units that facilitate collaboration

in a community".

To understand how a complementary currency might improve value transfer in the Caribbean, it’s worth considering what a complementary currency is.

The idea isn't new. A token in a game park is a form of complementary currency. Within the park, it exchanges cash value for a denomination that has value only within the boundaries of the space.

CaribCoin is being introduced as a way to facilitate trade and payment within the Caribbean, but it requires mutual agreement between nations to accept it as a token of value.

Why? Because trade within Caricom is calculated and managed using the only common currency that's accepted throughout the region, the US dollar.

Hard numbers on regional trade aren't readily available after 1998, when it peaked after four years of increases at US$1.1 billion or 15.5 per cent of overall exports from countries in the Region.

Making this trade happen requires the participation of correspondent international banks, which have not been shy about derisking islands for failing to meet international accounting standards.

CaribCoin is looking for 10 to 15 companies doing business between Barbados and Jamaica to do a pilot project demonstrating how

the technology would work in practice.

T&T, Jamaica and Barbados were the three leading exporters in the Caricom region by a wide margin.

According to Dr Jan Schroeder, the founder and chief systems architect of the company, "We're preparing our so-called MVP, the minimal viable product. What we're setting up at the moment is the technical infrastructure and the web apps to securely buy, sell, store, issue and transfer Carib dollar."

"We're setting up a governance structure to ensure stability of Carib dollar in collaboration with the CTU and creating a two-tier distribution system relying on existing payment service providers."

"Half of the year, there's not enough US dollars in the Region (for everyone to) get (their) hands on it."

The goal, according to Schroeder, is to provide an alternative to a region suffering from high USD liquidity dependence and low supply by offering a product that works without intermediaries, enables low-cost and nearly instant cross-border transactions and settlements between businesses.

To do that, it will require the participation of trusted Payment Service Providers, acceptance by all Caricom Member States, and an agreement to exchange the coin against any national

currency. This is not a new idea. The Caricom Multi-lateral Clearing Facility ran for less than five years, collapsing in 1983.

In 2019, BITT was working with the Caribbean Development Bank to establish the Caribbean Settlement Network. Regional currency parity was on the agenda of an MoU that Barbados' PM Mia Mottley signed with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in 2021.

In February, WiPay established the WiCoin Settlement Network with an emphasis on remittance transfers. It is working to link Latin America with Africa, despite early announcements of a Caribbean initiative (https://bit.ly/ 46jwtrA).

If this all seems a bit confusing, it's because it is.

"It's not (always) a clearcut thing that one project is a currency and the other project is a payment system," said Bindewald.

"That is kind of a fluid thing and sometimes at least with payments and the issuance of currency, you have to do both simultaneously."

Given the appalling state of the Caricom Single Market Economy (CSME) after 21 years, getting the Caribbean to agree on regional settlement, even targeting business transactions, will demand Sisyphean effort.

(T&T Newsday)

Hindu holy men displaying their yoga skills before the media on International Day of Yoga at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, India (VOA)

HIV/AIDS Web App launched

The Health Ministry on Wednesday launched its HIV quick response web app, which will provide information to persons across the country on various concerns relating to the sexually-transmitted disease.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, who met with a team from the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) and other collaborating agencies, launched the app at the Ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown office.

The web app was developed by JAB Company in collaboration with the Ministry, NAPS, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), and the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) project.

This app will allow persons from all 10 administrative regions to have ac-

cess to testing sites within their areas that perform both conventional and

self-testing for HIV and access to links that provide information on PrEP and

nPEP, family planning, and testing for SexuallyTransmitted Infections (STIs) such as hepatitis B and C.

The web app will also allow persons who tested positive to get information as to where they can go to receive treatment or uplift medication.

In 2021, Guyana recorded approximately 9022 persons living with HIV/AIDS. In December last year, it was reported that 93 per cent of persons living with HIV in Guyana are well aware of their status.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), NAPS Head, Dr Tariq Jagnarine said Guyana was close to meeting its 95-95-95 goal, set out by the Joint United

Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.

“There is the 95-9595 goal that most countries are trying to achieve. We’ve been doing well. We have closely met our first 95. We’re currently at 93 per cent where persons living in Guyana who are HIV positive know their status, 93 per cent of them know their status,” he had noted. For 2021 and 2022, there was a slight increase in infections in men, which was some 1.5 per cent overall, and 1.3 per cent for women.

He said the 15 to 25 age group was predominantly affected by HIV. The Government set out to put several systems in place, in an effort to end HIV/AIDS by 2023.

Region 9 man stabbed to death after drinking spree

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) are investigating the circumstances that led to the murder of a man, who was stabbed to death on Monday.

Dead is 32-year-old Carlson Joseph from Karaudarnau Village, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

According to reports, the man was reportedly killed by a male co-worker, who is now in Police custody.

The incident occurred at approximately 17:00h in the remote Puttering Backdam, in Middle Mazaruni.

Preliminary findings revealed that both the victim and the suspect were employed at a land-dredging operation in the backdam.

On the day in question, the two men, along with other workers, gathered at the landing for a break and were consuming alcoholic beverages. However, around 14:00h, as they were heading back to the camp, a heated argument erupt-

ed between the suspect and the victim.

The spat turned physical, but they were eventually parted by their colleagues. Witnesses reported to the Police that after being separated, Joseph allegedly slapped the suspect.

Enraged, the suspect retaliated by hitting the now dead man to the head with a spanner.

However, Joseph, in response, withdrew a knife from his waist and attempted to stab the suspect. During this the sus-

pect managed to overpower Joseph, took away his knife and used it to stab him to his lower left side.

The injured man collapsed into a motionless state.

The Police were summoned and upon arriving at the scene, discovered the lifeless body of Joseph on the ground, lying faceup.

A single stab wound was found on the victim's left side, near his ribs, during the initial examination.

The suspect was apprehended at the scene. Both

the deceased man were transported

the suspect

Bartica as investigations continue.

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

and

to

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony meeting with a team from the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) and other collaborating agencies prior to the launch of Guyana's HIV quick response web app

Page Foundation

Percents and fractions

Since percents are ratios, you can change them to fractions. The denominator will be 100. The numerator will be the number in front of the percent sign.

B y M artin C arter

Some fractions cannot be changed easily to percents. If 100 cannot be divided evenly by the fraction’s denominator, you will not be able to convert that fraction to a percent.

O rain and fire, hopeful origins! O rust and smoke, only enduring end! I almost stumble underneath the waste While squandered daylight mocks my deep remorse for seeds that rot, for interrupted love and hours spent measuring footsteps to the grave. From birth to death what can a man do more than want to dwell beside a flowering tree and pick the blossoms if he fears the fruit will fall like hatred to insult the earth. And how to leap these sharp entanglements or skirt this village of the angry streets. How utter truth when falsehood is the truth?

How welcome dreams how flee the newest lie?

With you, I search through nights of frightened stars and weep by gateways of the bleeding houses

With you I live to offer up to time The sacrifice this God demands of us.

O rain and fire, hopeful origins! O rust and smoke, only enduring end!

WORD SEARCH

“Allow the process to work”— VP on rape allegation against Govt Minister …emphasises

Party’s tough stance

Making it clear that allegations against Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall are being thoroughly investigated, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday emphasised the tough stance of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) on sexual abuse. According to the Vice President in a broadcast interview, all the processes out-

on sexual offences

lined in the Sexual Offences Act have been followed from the time the allegations were made. Jagdeo echoed earlier sentiments of President Dr Irfaan Ali, in making it clear that should the Minister be found guilty, he would have to face the consequences.

“We have no tolerance for any abuse of women or children in our midst. Secondly, that there must be a full investigation of the allegations

CCJ opens 2nd itinerant sitting...

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, SC, said that for Guyana, the CCJ is a household name, as the decisions of the court have been impactful, not only in relation to individual litigants, but on the nation as a whole. To this end, she extended congratulations to Saint Lucia on its recent accession to the CCJ’s Appellant Jurisdiction.

“We look forward to other sister territories embracing the CCJ as their final appellate court, as it ensures greater access to justice for more of the peoples of our region, weaving together the several strands that make up the jurisprudential tapestry that is evident in our region.”

With that island nation joining the CCJ, there are now five countries using the court’s Appellate Jurisdiction; the others are Guyana, Barbados, Belize, and Dominica.

“The CCJ embraces the diversity of our region, while emphasising the necessity for inclusion and harmonisation, as it leads our jurisdictions in ensuring that the rule of law

is upheld both in its Original and Appellate Jurisdictions,” the Chief Justice said.

According to her, the CCJ is not only an apex court rendering final decisions, but is also a champion of judicial and legal education through its educational arm, the CCJ Academy for Law.

She was keen to highlight that the CCJ engages with Bar Associations, the Private Sector, Civil Society, and law students, tangibly demonstrating that it is a court of and for the people.

“The CCJ has set a very high standard leading us in the advancement of court technology and inspiring us as it has done to achieve excellence in court and judicial administration. And in doing so, this enduring regional institution, which celebrated its 18th anniversary this year, educates, guides and enjoins us to ensure that, in upholding the rule of law, we engender public trust and confidence in our justice systems.

Guyana is honoured to have the Caribbean Court of Justice

FROM PAGE 3

as its apex court,” the Chief Justice proudly remarked.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC; staff of his chambers; members of the Judiciary and Magistracy; members of the Bar; staff of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP); and law students were among those who attended Monday’s opening ceremony.

For the second time since 2014, the CCJ, which has its headquarters in Port of Spain in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, is sitting in Guyana. During that previous sitting, a special sitting was held to mark the retirement of one of its Judges, Justice Dr Désirée Bernard, a Guyanese national.

During the itinerant sitting, which concludes tomorrow, the regional court will hear cases and deliver judgments. Guyana abolished appeals to the United Kingdom’s Privy Council in 1970, and until the establishment of the CCJ in 2005, the local Court of Appeal was the country’s final court.

and if the Minister is found guilty, he faces all the consequences associated with the charge and the court imposed,” Jagdeo said.

“The law that’s being used, with the paper committal, was passed in 2010 when I was President – the Sexual Offences Act. It was one of the most advanced pieces of legislation at that time, in the region or in the world. So, we are intolerant to anybody harassing women or more so, children. We take a strong view on that matter.”

Do not politicise issue

Jagdeo urged persons, including members of the Opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), not to politicise the matter, noting that efforts to score political points do nothing but harm an impartial investigation. Jagdeo, who is also the General Secretary of the PPP, made it clear that his Party took abuse very seriously and assured that there was no coverup.

“We also believe that people must not be tried in the social media. And this is not a political matter. An allegation was made. It was fully investigated. The Minister was (put on bail) and he now faces the

consequences. Investigations are continuing. We allowed the process to continue. Process is important,” Jagdeo further went on.

“The State lived up to its responsibility to this child. It took the child into (protective) custody. All the processes were followed. The Minister too. He was presented with the allegations. He was taken into Police custody and placed on bail. The Minister went on leave so he’s not on the job. That doesn’t often happen in countries like ours,” the Vice President said.

The allegations, which first surfaced on social media last week, have since attracted the attention of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA).

The 16-year-old in question is in the care of the

CC&PA, and Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud had said on Monday that every protocol was being followed in the case.

On Monday, the GPF had also confirmed that an investigation has been launched in relation to an allegation of rape against Dharamlall, who was placed on $1 million station bail. In a statement, the GPF said that “…on Monday the 19th day of June, 2023, Mr Dharamlall presented himself at the Brickdam Police Station in the company of his attorney, where he was told of the allegation and subsequently arrested. The probe is ongoing.”

Dharamlall, for his part, has retained the services of Hughes, Fields & Stoby to represent him. A statement from the law firm informed on Monday that Dharamlall remained willing and disposed to assist in a full investigation of the matter. All the allegations have been denied, Attorney-atLaw Nigel Hughes indicated.

“In the interest of a fair investigation and the necessity to protect the interests of all parties concerned, we urge that speculation, wild accusations, premature judgements and unsupported conclusions be avoided,” the law firm had stated. (G3)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall

Convicted Venezuelan to be charged with 9 counts of TIP

Forty-one-year-old Mayelin Cordova, a Venezuelan businesswoman currently serving a six-month jail sentence for operating two brothels, will be further charged with nine counts of Trafficking in Persons (TIP), a statement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has said.

It is alleged that, contrary to Section 3 (1) (i) of the Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Act, No. 2 of 2005, she trafficked nine Venezuelan females from Venezuela to Guyana between March 15 and April 30, 2023, and exploited them between Crusher Hill and Barakat Backdam in the Cuyuni/ Mazaruni riverine community of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). The nature of the exploitation was not disclosed by the Police.

The alleged victims reported the matter to the Police, and members of the TIP Unit of the Police Force’s Criminal Investigation

Department (CID) Headquarters conducted an investigation. Based on that investigation, legal advice was given by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for Cordova to be

charged with nine counts of Trafficking in Persons.

The Police have reiterated that, in an effort to combat human trafficking, its TIP Unit will continue to work with other stakeholders to conduct intelligence-led operations, spot inspections, awareness, and training in every region of Guyana.

In April of this year, Cordova appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court and pleaded guilty to operating two brothels. She was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. The Human Services and Social Security Ministry had related that, initially, two Venezuelan women were arrested at the brothels — a place where people engage in sexual activity with prostitutes. Cordova was subsequently prosecuted after a multi-agency raid that involved the CounterTIP Unit of that Ministry, the Police Force, and the Home Affairs Ministry.

In May, the Home Affairs

Ministry reported that two brothels at Barakat Backdam and Crusher Landing that were operated by the convicted foreign had been destroyed.

According to the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, Cordova’s guilty plea marked the third human trafficking conviction secured so far this year.

Earlier this year, a Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) businessman was jailed for four years for trafficking two Jamaican nationals to Guyana for labour exploitation.

In the other case, a Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD) wildlife trader was handed a threeyear sentence for trafficking a Venezuelan national, also for labour exploitation. Both convicts were ordered by the court to pay their victims millions of dollars in restitution.

Rising… …Africa

While some were surprised that Africa sent a delegation to Europe to try to settle the Ukraine War, as your Eyewitness noted yesterday, this is only one example of the continent asserting its place in the new evolving global order. Even as the piece was being published, President Ramaphosa of South Africa announced he’ll be inviting all the African Heads of States to the BRICS meeting this August in his country. While they’ll be observers, Ramaphosa’s fulfilling his commitment to raise Africa’s profile. Egypt and Algeria have already applied to become members of BRICS – which some think can challenge present American dominance of world affairs.

But Africa isn’t just trying to piggyback on the big emerging economies of China and India – they’ve made concrete moves to develop institutions to independently promote their interests. One of the most important of these is the Afreximbank that was brought to our attention last December when they offered a US$1.5 billion line of credit to Caricom. At a just concluded meeting by the Bank in Accra, Ghana, some leaders of Caricom –such as Mia Mottley and Bahamas PM Philip Edward ‘Brave’ Davis, current Chairman of Caricom - linkages were firmed up. There came news that our newly launched local New Hayven Merchant Bank –– headed by African-Guyanese Floyd Hanes – has just signed an MOU with the Bank to facilitate investments and trade. There’d already been an announcement that there’s gonna be a meeting in October in Guyana.

Now, we’d heard about the Indian Exim Bank –which has been facilitating Indian economic activities in our development for decades – the latest being the ferry to Reg One and the Ogle-Diamond Bypass Highway. Few knew that the Afreximbank had been formed since 1993 – just a decade after India’s – and has been operating successfully to fulfil its mission of facilitating intra and external trade with Africa. It has assets of US$3 billion with capital of US$5 billion – nothing to sneeze at!! It’s headquartered in Egypt, and has regional branches that span the continent.

Meanwhile, the Afreximbank President, Benedict Oramah, reminded participants at the 30th anniversary of the Bank’s launching that the Bank was also, “working with some African and Caribbean airlines to commence commercial operations between the two regions…A new Middle Passage is emerging; one underpinned by trade, investment, and socio-cultural exchange, correcting the ills of slavery and fragmentation. We are supporting African investors to build ports, roads and power plants in the Caribbean; we are promoting cross acquisition of banks. Afreximbank is proud to be home to numerous interns from the Caribbean since 2021.”

Now, that’s news, innit?? Has Guyana been sending some of these Bank interns for training?? We should publicise this kind of news to boost Africa’s image!!

…India

Your Eyewitness knows that PM Modi likes challenges – but is he sure he wants to have Elon Musk in India?? The Tesla and Starlink satellite internet service operated by Musk’s company, SpaceX, are being wooed to set up shop in India, and Modi opened up his US tour by meeting Musk!! Ah…to be a fly on the wall to that meeting!! Yesterday, Modi bent UN leaders into shape to commemorate International Day of Yoga!

The Biden administration’s rolling out the red carpet for Modi but the anti-India lobby are out for blood. Imagine the chutzpah of some members of Congress, writing Biden to have Modi defend his government’s “democratic” credentials. When something as basic to democracy as the right to vote’s being suppressed in the US – especially for African- Americans!! Suppose Modi were to bring up these matters to Congress today?

But while the US wants to use India to checkmate China – Modi can use the photo ops with Biden to checkmate Western-oriented critics in India!!

…Guyana

Ever since the independence-era, Trinidad was the fulcrum of Caribbean relations because of its oil wealth. But while Eric Williams said, “Oil doan spoil”, one wag responded, “But it does done!!” And so said, so done, and we’re the new fulcrum!!

Jailed: Mayelin Cordova

“They are looking for partners here in Guyana” – Ambassador on French Trade Mission

…interest shown in agri, energy, construction sectors

While it is still early days in the evolving business relationship between Guyana and France, French Ambassador to Guyana, Nicholas de Lacoste, is hopeful that a Franco/Guyana Chamber of Commerce may one day be established.

At present, a Trade Mission of French Guiana businesses and officials is in Guyana exploring business opportunities. They are interested in a number of sectors, ranging from agriculture and energy to the construction sector.

French Ambassador to Guyana, Nicholas de Lacoste, when asked by this newspaper about the possibility of a Franco/Guyana business chamber being established, was cautiously optimistic, noting that while there may not be enough cross-border business between the two countries right now, such a chamber may eventually become a reality.

“We have a European Chamber of Commerce now. I think (that) for the moment, (there are) too few French companies to open such a Franco/Guyana Chamber of Commerce. But maybe someday, of course,” de Lacoste said.

The Trade Mission has, meanwhile, visited a number of locations, including the Guyana Shorebase Incorporated. Its members have also participated in a networking event with the Guyanese Private Sector, wherein they made presentations on what French Guiana has to offer. De Lacoste gave a breakdown of the type of companies who came.

“They are coming from the oil industry, but not only. Different energy services, banks, agriculture, e-commerce. They are looking for partners here in Guyana. I’m quite sure they will find one,” he said.

In August of last year, the Guyana/European Union Business Chamber was launched. Shortly before then, EU Ambassador Fernando Ponz Canto left the country. Guyana also has Canadian

and British Chambers of Commerce that were launched in 2020 and 2023 respectively.

The establishment of BritCham Guyana was first announced by British-born Guyanese businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Guysons K+B Industries Inc, Faizal Khan, on the sidelines of the International Energy Conference 2023 at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown in February.

It was revealed at the time that the Chamber has close to 30 member companies, with some 50 verbal commitments. It was also revealed that BritCham Guyana would be launched in London, England and Aberdeen, Scotland.

The Chamber will act as a support for other Chambers of Commerce that exist in the countries in which it operates. British and Guyanese companies were also encouraged to sign up as members with BritCham Guyana to enjoy the full benefits of its support in exploring and accessing each market.

The independent, non-profit Chamber will serve as a leading promoter and enabler of trade and investment between the UK and Guyana, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. BritCham Guyana will also work close-

ly with the British High Commission in Georgetown and UK Government departments to support their advocacy work in Guyana.

In addition to being chaired by Khan, the new Chamber of Commerce would also be supported by a board of leading business executives with close ties to both countries. It will operate out of an office at Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Georgetown.

There is also an American Chamber of Commerce and a Ghana Chamber of Commerce in Guyana. In 2019, Guyana and Ghana signed a two-year Memorandum of

Understanding for trading relations and information sharing between the two states.

The India-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) was also formed in April of 2023, thus paving the way for the facilitation of trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Now established, it is envisioned that partnerships will be built through culture and commerce to serve the two nations through advocacy, culture, economic development, connectivity, business, and education. However, also at the event, several agreements were ex-

changed.

One was signed between United Phosphorus Ltd (UPL) and the Agriculture Ministry, another between the Private Sector Commission and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) and CII. In addition, GO-Invest and Decipher Health Records also inked an agreement.

A Joint Business Council between the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Private Sector Commission was also announced. (G3)

The French Trade Mission and other officials from French Guiana being addressed by President of the Collectivité territoriale de Guyane, Gabriel Serville

French Ambassador to Guyana, Nicholas de Lacoste

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$24M carbon credit grant…

Nappi Village to cultivate cash crops

The Amerindian Village of Nappi, located in the Southern Rupununi expanse of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is expected to utilise its $24 million carbon credit grant to cultivate cash crops which would be resold in supermarkets and stores countrywide.

During a telephone interview with this publication, Toshao of Nappi, Samuel Fredricks, explained that the project would be executed by villagers in partnership with the Agriculture Department of Region 9. The project en-

tails a total of 25 acres of farmland being cultivated with red peas, hot peppers, and other cash crops.

"Most of our first money will be invested into cultivating some crops. We're looking at red peas, hot peppers, and some [other] cash crops. One of the things we're doing first for our crops is we will be using [tractors] to do our land, then we're doing some fencing using labour from the village. Then we're doing our crops with…some technical assistance from the Agri Department in Region Nine (9), then we'll go into the planting of (other) crops," Fredricks explained.

According to Fredricks, with help from the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC), the crops would reach a wider market of people outside of the village. He revealed that the NGMC has promised the village a solar dryer which would aid in drying peppers and other crops, as well as in packaging products and getting them up to the necessary standards.

"We will run it as a business, having people work on the farm…to maintain it, and then we will have another set to do the [reaping] and [others] process the peppers. We are getting a solar dryer from them [GMC] and they promised to help us with packaging and get them up to standards,” he disclosed.

He added that the village

submitted its plans about two weeks ago, and is currently awaiting approval from the Ministry to undertake its projects.

Nappi is home to approximately 969 people, and has a range of beautiful tourist destinations within our country. This village is located in the Rupununi savannahs, along the Nappi and Maipaima creeks on the edge of the Kanuku Mountains.

$4.7B distribution

In February this year, a total of 241 Amerindian communities across the country each received grants ranging from $10M to $35 million. This initiative followed the historic agreement signed with Hess Corporation for Guyana’s carbon credits in 2022, which will see the country earning US$750 million for its forest.

A total of $4.7 billion (US$22.5

million), which represents 15 per cent of Hess’s payment for Guyana’s carbon credits, was disbursed in the various communities.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has explained that a strict mechanism would be followed to ensure accountability and transparency regarding how the funds would be expended. Each community is required to create a separate bank account so the spending of the funds could be properly monitored. Moreover, the community cannot utilise the funds until a Finance Committee is named and the Village Development Plan is completed and endorsed by the village.

Jagdeo had expressed that the plans should be focused on either empowerment projects in the social sector, job creation, and/or on food security efforts.

Toshao of Nappi, Samuel Fredricks

Nappi Village (Oswin Ron Photo)

CCJ rejects man’s attempt to appeal life sentences for sexual activity with girl

Finding there was no serious miscarriage of justice when a Guyanese man was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment for engaging in sexual activity with an eight-year-old girl, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has dismissed the man’s application for special leave to appeal.

In that application, the convict, who is in his late 30s, had asked the regional court to review a decision of the Court of Appeal of Guyana, which had, in December 2022, affirmed the imposition of two concurrent life sentences on him for two counts of sexual activity with a child.

He was convicted by a jury in 2018, and was immediately sentenced by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, who ordered that he must serve 20 years before he is eligible for parole.

He then appealed his conviction and sentence to the Court of Appeal in 2018. Subsequently, the Court of Appeal delivered a unanimous judgment, dismissing his appeal and affirming his conviction and sentence.

Dissatisfied with that decision, the man applied for special leave to appeal to the CCJ, contending mainly that his sentence was manifestly excessive, and that the sentencing process of Justice Barlow was flawed.

He also contended that the Court of Appeal’s failure to review and correct these errors amounted to a serious miscarriage of justice, which justified the granting of spe-

cial leave by the CCJ. Requirements of special leave

In a judgment delivered at its itinerant sitting in Guyana, on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the CCJ held that the principal question for determination was whether the sex offender had satisfied the requirements of special leave.

In order to be granted special leave, the apex court noted, the man was required to show there was a realistic possibility that a serious miscarriage of justice may have occurred. According to the CCJ, to satisfy this test, he was required to make an arguable case that the sentence imposed was manifestly excessive, and that the judicial sentencing process did not sufficiently meet acceptable fair hearing standards to avoid any serious miscarriage of justice.

Examining the sentencing process, the CCJ noted that in its judgment in Pompey v The Director of Public Prosecutions, a sex-

ual offences case from Guyana, guidance was provided to trial Judges on the best practices to be followed in cases involving sexual violence on minors.

In another judgment, Ramcharran v The Director of Public Prosecutions, another sexual offence case from Guyana, the CCJ noted further that it affirmed these best practices with an expectation that they would be applied as and when appropriate.

Ideally, while this guidance ought to be followed to ensure that constitutional standards for a fair hearing are satisfied, the Court found that failure to do so in the extant case was not fatal. The CCJ noted that these cases were not yet decided when Justice Barlow had sentenced the man.

The CCJ pointed out that, in this case, Justice Barlow did not receive a victim impact statement, had sentenced the man immediately after the verdict was given, and did not consider a social services report. However,

the CCJ was of the view that it is evident the trial Judge had considered the aggravating factors placed before her, including the young age of the complainant, the lack of a guilty plea, the convict’s attempt to shift blame, his repeated course of conduct, and the consequential emotional damage to the complainant.

No leniency

Based on these factors, and after having heard and considered the convict’s plea in mitigation, the CCJ said Justice Barlow had determined that, in the exercise

of her discretion, she could not be lenient. Her approach demonstrated an intention to consider and balance relevant sentencing factors, though not necessarily as fully as advised in Pompey and Ramcharran, the CCJ said.

According to the apex court, the trial Judge’s sentencing remarks also showed that the offender’s rehabilitation and reintegration into society were taken into account.

With respect to his sentence, the CCJ said, life imprisonment was the maximum penalty under the

relevant section of Guyana’s Sexual Offences Act, and was within the range of punishment options available to Justice Barlow.

Additionally, the CCJ found that the circumstances of the crime were well placed before Justice Barlow, who had found no mitigating circumstances.

Importantly, the CCJ observed that what made this case distinct in its severity was the special relationship of trust between the complainant and offender, and the young age of the former.

TURN TO PAGE 15

The CCJ is holding its second itinerant sitting in Guyana

Multimillion-dollar Good Hope Secondary School commissioned

…over US$100M being spent on national skills training centre – Pres Ali

The new multi-million-dollar Good Hope Secondary School, located on the East Coast of Demerara, was officially commissioned on Wednesday.

The new facility, expected to accommodate approximately 479 students, would allow the Education Ministry to close all the primary tops along the East Coast, thus allowing students to get a proper secondary education. Those tops include those at Paradise, Enterprise and Enmore Primary schools. It will also reduce overcrowding at the Cummings Lodge, Bladen Hall, Golden Grove, and Plaisance Secondary Schools.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Education Minister Priya Manickchand highlighted that the Ministry’s aim is to ensure every child across the country gets into a secondary school where they can acquire high-quality education.

“With the completion of Good Hope, the East Coast of Demerara has achieved secondary education. We’re going to close out the six primary tops that currently exist here, and the children are going to be able to come to a discreet secondary school,” she declared.

She also noted that ev-

tops on the East Coast of Demerara. That is poor governance; that is failing the people; that is failing the

doesn’t end there, as she highlighted some other secondary school projects that would move Guyana

importance of eradicating the issue of dropouts from our school system. Further, he shared that the Government is expending over US$100 million into a technical training centre so as to meet the needs of persons who are interested in that field.

learning programmes done right here in the secondary schools in the evening when the children are not here, so we have optimal use of the

the World Bank. DEEN+ Partners is expected to complete all outstanding works, which include the installation of all

children who will grow up and take over the country,” the Minister said with frustration.

Manickchand added that

one step forward toward achieving high-quality secondary education.“And it doesn’t end here. Like the East Coast, the highway and the East Bank children suffered because there were two schools that were supposed to be built there, one at Prospect and one at Yarrowkabra; neither was started and finished.

“In about a month’s time, we’re going to be able to open the Yarrowkabra Secondary School, where we’re going to be able to house all the children now who are going to primary tops there,” the Minister remarked.

“We have to now look at where that gap is, and to see how we now can catapult our system to take the interest of students into consideration, and then stream them off to what they’re interested in. That is why, in new schools, there’s a major investment in the technical education component. And we’re building out a technical education platform throughout the country. We’re spending more than US$100 million on a national skill training centre that will train young people…in the areas that are critical for our development,” The Head of State said.

According to President Ali, the Government wants to ensure that these new facilities are used optimally, and aims to introduce night schools so people can access them.

facility,” the President announced.

The contract to construct the Good Hope Secondary School, worth over US$4 million, was awarded in 2018 to BK International. Work commenced in October of that

electrical panels and cables to complete electrical connections; installation and connection of all plumbing fittings and fixtures; completion of the fences, pavements, walkways, and landscaping; general finishes to windows, doors, roof, walls,

the work of the Ministry

ery time the Government fails to open a school, it has a negative impact on children, and she expressed frustration with the delayed completion of these projects.

“Every time we fail to put down a school, two things happen: children can’t get educated at any proper quality, and children drop out. Just under 1000 children were unable to get a secondary school right here on the East Coast, and they were going to primary tops. And we said in 2014 that we wanted to close all the primary tops, and we would do that by opening Good Hope, (but) in 2018, we had to open primary

Delivering the feature address, President Dr Irfaan Ali highlighted the

“We are going to work with these schools to see how we can create…at least one state-of-the-art classroom that can be connected to all the global networks that we are on. [GOAL, Coursera, etc] to have these

year, with the original completion date being January 14, 2020. However, despite many extensions, the construction company was unable to deliver, and as such, a new contract was signed with DEEN+ Partners for over US$2.6 million in December 2022, under the Secondary Education Improvement Project, which is being funded by

and ceilings; completion of all built-in furniture; repainting of the entire facility, and remedial works to all floors.

The construction of educational facilities throughout the country is just one of the many initiatives being undertaken by the Government to achieve universal secondary education by 2025.

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) opened its second itinerant sitting in Guyana on Monday. On Sunday evening President Dr Irfaan Ali hosted the Judges of the CCJ, led by its President, Justice Adrian Saunders, at State House. The other Judges who were present were Justice Winston Charles Anderson, Justice Maureen RajnauthLee and Justice Denys Barrow (Office of the President and DPI photos)

Rape allegation against Govt Minister… Conduct thorough, unbiased investigation – GAWL to Police

…as PSC “fully” supports decision to place complainant in protective custody

Following the allegations of rape made against Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall, the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) have called for a full and fair investigation into the matter, in accordance with the rule of law.

“GAWL condemns all acts of sexual violence, particularly against women and children. A Minister of Government is appointed by the people and for the people, and should at all times serve the people. Those who wield this power are not above the law,” GAWL stated in a press release.

Further, the collective called on the Guyana

Police Force (GPF) and all relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation while upholding their primary objective - to serve and protect.

“GAWL also urges the public not to peddle speculation and misinformation that could pervert the course of

justice and result in further damage to the complainant. This includes the circulation of photographs and images of the complainant,” the statement read.

Echoing these sentiments, the PSC noted that they would continue to closely monitor all proceedings, and have encouraged individuals to allow the legal system to work in the interest of justice to all parties involved.

“The Private Sector Commission welcomes and endorses the fact that the allegation of rape by a government minister is now subject to investigation by the police in accordance with the rule of law. The PSC is pleased that our democracy is alive and well, and that the rule of law is being followed,” the PSC’s

statement read.

“The PSC fully supports the action taken by the government to ensure the safety of the young woman involved by having her in protective custody while the matter remains under investigation,” they added.

Since the allegations by a 16-year-old girl surfaced on social media last week, the GPF launched an investigation to as -

sess the facts of the claim, while the victim is being kept in the care of the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA).

Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes, who is representing Minister Dharamlall, shared with another section of the media that investigators on Tuesday visited Dharamlall’s house,

where the alleged rape occurred.

The minor victim reportedly took investigators through the house, explaining what transpired while the Minister waited outside.

Dharamlall, who has denied these allegations, was arrested on Monday after presenting himself at the Brickdam Police Station. He was subsequently placed on $1 million station bail.

According to a statement from his retained law firm: Hughes Fields and Stoby, the Minister remains willing and disposed to assist in a full investigation.

He is currently on administrative leave, having requested this in order to facilitate the investigations into the allegations.

World Trade Center Georgetown for February 2024 opening

The opening of the World Trade Center (WTC) in Guyana has been pushed back to February 2024 as a result of delays in the shipment of building materials and other factors.

This is according to Executive Director of WTC Georgetown, Wesley Kirton, during a recent interview with Guyana Times. World Trade Center Georgetown – the first in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) region – was initially set to open in February 2023.

But according to Kirton, some setbacks have caused a postponement in the opening up of the centre in Guyana. However, he noted that works were progressing now.

“We had some issues with the supply chain. We had to bring in steel for the building and some other materials, so that kept us back. We’re next to the [Guyana] Elections Commission, and so some days when they were meeting during the Local Government Elections, we couldn't use any high-powered equipment that made noise. But we’re now moving ahead.”

“We are looking at possible completion of the building in October and the plan is to officially open to coincide with the Republic anniversary celebrations next year,” Kirton explained.

Local beverage giant Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) had acquired the licence in 2022 to set up the WTC in Georgetown with the aim of connecting Guyanese businesses with potential partners around the world, to access infor-

mation as well as new markets through the network of more than 300 World Trade Centers globally.

Outward-looking vision

According to DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo, who is also the Chairman of the WTC Georgetown, they will be pushing the local Private Sector to participate in the global market.

“I am hoping that the World Trade Centre… is going to help us as a country and will help the Private Sector to develop an outward-looking vision so that we create more brands around the world. It must not only be rum but other things,” Samaroo stated during an event on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, Kirton, a US-based Guyanese, who is the President of the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC), further pointed out that even though the WTC Georgetown building was still under construction, they have already gotten expressions of interest from both local and foreign companies to rent office space at the Center.

He added that some of the floors in the building would be set aside for activities such as conferences and training sessions.

Challenges

The WTC Georgetown official noted that they have already started some groundwork ahead of the opening of the Center, working with Small and Mediumsized Enterprises (SMEs) to ascertain their challenges and what opportunities they are looking for as well as prepare them to access international markets.

“Guyanese products accessing markets has been a bit difficult, either because of legislation or because of whatever the reason… might be something like phytosanitary measures that need to be met. So, we will try to provide the training and whatever information, and so on, is necessary to have local producers/manufacturers be able to meet those phytosanitary standards that are required for market access,” he said.

Kirton went on to recall a case in 2019 whereby a local soap producer attempted to export her products to the

United States but was unable to do so, because a label on her packaging claimed that the soap would get rid of acne.

According to the WTC Executive, the product was flagged by US authorities since there were no scientific/medical evidence to support that claim.

“We had a buyer for her… but had she had the information that she couldn’t enter the US market with making such a claim that wasn’t proven, she would’ve gotten a small order or two and would have been able to expand. So, these are the kinds of things we want to assist with,” he noted.

Another case that was highlighted by the US-based Guyanese businessman was the importation of a piece of equipment by a local small producer. However, when the equipment was set up, it did not work properly.

“So, we want to guide and advise people when they’re going to purchase

things like that and help them out. Right now, we’re gathering information on some of the things that affect small Guyanese businesses and see how we can fashion our programmes to have better systems in place to help them.”

In the meantime, Kirton added that the WTC Georgetown was also collaborating with other Trade Centers around the world to look at their programmes and see what could work in Guyana as well as create ties to foster trade relations.

“In terms of preparing training modules, we’re drawing on the experiences of World Trade Centers in other places. We signed some MoUs [Memoranda of Understanding] already with some World Trade Centers to look at collaboration… like working with other Trade Centers in different countries to help with market access for products in Guyana… The basic objective is to gener-

ate business and investments for Guyana,” Kirton noted.

Already, the World Trade Center Georgetown has signed several MoUs with the WTCs in China, Ghana, Canada, and Colombia.

“In Toronto, for instance, they have a very good training module for small enterprises particularly when it comes to preparing for the export market… [Then] the World Trade Center in Colombia is particularly interested in working with us in developing trade between certain countries in Latin America and Guyana. And so, that’s the kind of things we’re working on right now – identifying products are needed in certain Latin American markets that we in Guyana can produce and to share that information with locals to see whether we can work with them to access the Latin American market in the future,” Kirton revealed. (G8)

The World Trade Center Georgetown building in Kingston currently under construction

WTC Georgetown Executive Director Wesley Kirton

GAWL President Alanna Lall

PSC Chairman Komal Singh

Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall

NIS pension to now be paid 1st working day of every month – Finance Minister

The Finance Ministry has announced that starting in July, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pension payments will now be paid from the first working day of every month to align with Old Age Pension (OAP) payments.

This move was taken by the Guyana Government in keeping with a commitment made by President Dr Irfaan Ali during an interaction with a pensioner on Tuesday in Lamaha Gardens, Georgetown.

“Leadership is about listening…I was doing a walkabout in Lamaha Gardens and a pensioner came to me and suggested that NIS and old age pension should be paid on the same day. We listened and we acted,” the Head of State said in a subsequent post on his Facebook page.

Consequently, Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, disclosed that he has instructed that the NIS pension be paid, effective from July 2023, on the first business day of every month.

“This is part of Government’s broader agenda to improve, modernise and streamline its service-delivery to citizens,” Dr Singh stated.

Since coming into office, the Ali-led People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has undertaken a slew of measures to date to enhance the operations of the NIS. These include NIS Online Contribution Checking System (OCCS) which is expected to reduce the incidents of inaccuracies, the WhatsApp life certificate hotline, WhatsApp Queries Textbook Service and NIS Live Chat.

Currently, NIS payments are made via the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), commercial banks and at NIS local offices countrywide. Other payment options are currently being considered by Government.

Government recently ex-

panded the payment options for OAP to include Mobile Money Guyana (MMG). This adds to the existing options of the GPOC, MoneyGram, Western Union, Sure Pay and commercial banks.

A priority of the Government when it assumed office in 2020 was to address the complaints received from contributors to the NIS.

In support of this effort, the Government, at Cabinet level, undertook a series of nationwide outreach sessions that took the services of NIS to the citizens. Persons across the country have benefited from these sessions, many of whom are now in receipt of OAP after waiting for a number of years.

“Government remains committed to improving the quality of service it provides to contributors and pensioners,” the Finance Minister said.

During the presentation of Budget 2023 in January, Minister Singh commended the NIS and its Board for the large reduction in pending NIS claims.

As of August 2020, the backlog of claims outstanding and on query was 20,106. The Finance Minister disclosed that as of December 2022, the back-

log was reduced to 10,902. Further, of the 1,362,734 suspended and invalid numbers existing in the database, the Scheme was able to resolve 1,103,835 during 2022. The NIS has historically been the provider of social security when earnings are interrupted by illness or accident, for exceptional expenses related to birth or death, and for retirement by age. In fact, for many pensioners, the NIS pension is their only source of income.

According to the Minister, it is for these reasons that the efficiency of the operation of the Scheme is critical because in many instances lives, health, and wellness are dependent on this source of income.

He had pointed out that Government has been proactive in its support of the agency and has in the immediate term urged the newly-appointed Board of the Scheme to prioritise: resolving the inherited backlog of long-outstanding matters; addressing the deficiencies in the systems within the Scheme; and implementing programmes to improve compliance by delinquent employers to protect the interests of all working people.

Nevertheless, in addition to reducing the back-

CCJ rejects man’s attempt...

FROM PAGE 11

There were several precedents where those convicted of the crime of sexual activity and who were adults in positions of trust like the convict in this case, were given life imprisonment sentences. So, in his case, the CCJ found, the life sentence was neither extraordinary nor manifestly excessive.

In conclusion, the CCJ held that while the sentencing approaches and recommendations made in Pompey and Ramcharran were not precisely followed, it did not necessarily mean that Justice Barlow, in the exercise of her sentencing discretion, and the Court of Appeal in its review of the

process, had erred in law and in fact so as to create any serious manifest injustice or miscarriage of justice.

Consequently, the CCJ dismissed the application for special leave, and ordered that each party should bear its own costs.

The matter was determined by Justices Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, Denys Barrow and Peter Jamadar. Attorneys Nigel Hughes, Ronald Daniels, Savannah Barnwell, Kiswana Jefford and Shawn Shewram represented the convict.

Attorneys Teshana Lake and Diana O’Brien represented the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

According to information disclosed at the Court of Appeal hearing, the man had first engaged in sexual penetration with the minor between January 1 and December 31, 2016, and then again on January 6, 2017 at a location in Demerara. He penetrated the child both vaginally and anally.

Despite the jury’s verdict, he had argued that he was not the one who had abused the girl, and had claimed that it was an underage boy. To this end, he had argued that two persons had “guided” the girl to implicate him, to cover up for the boy who had actually committed the crime. (G1)

log, the NIS operationalised the connection for electronic transfers into the national payment system architecture in October 2022. This has resulted in 750 pensioners being paid directly via their bank account at one commercial bank.

“It is anticipated that this will be expanded to cover all commercial banks during 2023, thereby enabling thousands of pensioners to be paid directly into their bank account. In addition, the use of WhatsApp to make claims and submit video styled life certificate validations served to reduce the need for travel to the NIS office,” Dr Singh had noted.

The Finance Minister had further disclosed that compliance campaigns and expanded outreaches would continue to be an active strategy to ensure that both employers and workers were educated on their benefits from joining the Scheme. This is especially critical given that the financial viability of the Scheme has, over the years, depended primarily on the contributors’ payments. Notwithstanding, Minister Singh had posited that medium-and longer-term solutions, most importantly, continue to be actively examined with a view to ensuring the long-term viability of the NIS. (G8)

Stedman Graham hosts leadership masterclass in Guyana

Excellency President Irfaan Ali or Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo or Prime Minister Mark Phillips, but it is the leadership that we will have in the large corporations, medium-sized enterprises, and in the small businesses,” Edghill said.

United States-based author and businessman Stedman Graham on Wednesday led a masterclass on Identity Leadership to guide Guyanese leaders through his proven Nine-Step Success Process as a means to better aid their personal and professional development.

Graham, who is Oprah Winfrey’s partner, regularly conducts training programmes for corporations and educational organisations worldwide, with his client roster including Microsoft, Deloitte, Wells Fargo and the US Departments of Labour and Education.

His Nine-Step Success Process is based on the philosophy that you cannot lead others until you lead yourself and that relies heavily on knowing and fully understanding who you are.

“You can’t really talk about leadership until you first talk about self-leadership. You cannot change your circumstances until you first change yourself,” Graham said, during the oneday Masterclass at Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.

The Masterclass was organised by Go Blue Consulting, a Caribbean training and consulting company, for which organisational redesign expert Judy McCutcheon stands at the helm.

McCutcheon noted that this was yet another opportunity to enhance the skills of Caribbean leaders.

“When I had the idea for this masterclass series, it was because I wanted to change the leadership landscape in the Caribbean,” McCutcheon said.

“This masterclass is going

“The Private Sector is the engine of growth. The Private Sector is what is going to fuel this economy, lead this economy so it is very important to take the knowledge and tools and input shared [at this masterclass] to transition Guyana into that vision that we have for it,” he said.

to set you on a path of wonderful self-discovery that will help you to tap into who you are at the core of your being so that you can lead from a place of empathy, compassion, and authenticity,” McCutcheon said, adding her intention was for this workshop to be the first of many to be held in Guyana.

Meanwhile, Director of Business and Entrepreneur Development at the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, John Edghill highlighted the importance of training opportunities like this one, noting that they could greatly benefit local leaders as the country continued on its path of rapid development.

“It’s not just the leadership at the level of His

Edghill added that with the country’s emerging oil and gas sector came a hoard of power and responsibility and thus it was crucial for the relevant parties to continue to take advantage of these opportunities to build their knowledge and expertise.

Also present at the masterclass opening were Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry Senior Vice President Richard Rambarran, Deputy Chief Education Officer Dr Ritesh Tularam, several local leaders from various organisations and a number of persons interested in bettering their professional skills.

Participants were also given the chance to connect and network with other professionals and Graham during a business mixer that followed the leadership session.

President Dr Irfaan Ali engaging a pensioner on Tuesday in Lamaha Gardens

Stedman Graham

Go Blue Consulting Chief Executive Officer Judy McCutcheon

Guyanese Andrea S Ogle appointed Judge of Civil Court of New York

Judge Andrea Sabita Ogle was officially inducted into the Civil Court of the City of New York, one year after making history as the first-ever woman and Guyana-born, nominated by the Queens Democratic Party, chaired by Congressman Gregory Meeks.

Judge Ogle, who was supported by a packed court room of colleagues, some retired, friends and family, placed her hand on the bible held by her mother, Ivy Ogle, and joined by Nigel Ogle and Dr. Kevin Ogle as the judicial oath was conducted by Honorable Edwina Richardson-Mendelson, in Queens County Civil Court, on Sutphin Boulevard, last Friday.

Simone-Marie Meeks introduced the inductee.

Judge Ogle who realized an extraordinary American dream to become an attorney, successfully managing her own law practice in Queens County for more than 20 years and served as a member of the Attorneys for Children and 18b Assigned Counsel Panels, representing indigent adults and children in Family and Supreme Court proceedings since 1999, after being robed, thanked the Queens community for placing their trust and confidence in her.

With an outstanding record in the judicial system, deserving of her many accolades, Judge Ogle, who has written on issues including the 13thAmendment, bail representation of the indigent, and has organized Continuing Legal Education

Seminars for attorneys on various topics, including the new “Raise the Age” legislation, said she was grateful for the support, and thanked her beloved family and parents for the sacrifices they made to help her achieve the American dream.

“Thank you to the Queens County Democratic Party, the Queens County Executive Committee, the District Leaders, elected officials and each club for your mentorship, guidance, and confidence,” said Judge Ogle, adding.

“Our borough is one that has its greatest strength in our communities, in our diversity and in our ability to seamlessly blend virtues, such as civil engagement, hard work and inclusion, making Queens County much richer and a model for the world.”

Congressman Meeks, said he was proud of all judges, noting that America’s strongest institution is the

judicial system, as exemplified in Judge Ogle.

“Thank you for being a leader in our community.

thank you for never forgetting who you are, where you came from, who helped you get here, and wanting to make a difference,” he said

she has displayed an unwavering commitment to the rule of law in pursuit of justice and has been a beacon for all of us in this community, she illuminates a path for us to follow,” said Assemblywoman Rajkumar.

Judge Ogle, who is inspired by the work of Justice Thurgood Marshall, the Supreme Court’s first African American justice who said, “we will only attain freedom if we learn to appreciate what is different and muster the courage to discover what is fundamentally the same,” was described as persistent, and focused by New York State Senator Leroy Comrie.

“Judge Ogle is always fighting for impoverished people, indigent families, and those who don’t have

Sen. Comrie.

Consul General of Guyana to New York, Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, applauded Judge Ogle, on behalf of the Guyana government, and congratulated her outstanding achievements, noting that Guyanese have their place in the United States, and her successes reflect that of immigrants in general. A congratulatory letter from Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Guyana, Mohabir Anil Nandall, was also read.

Other speakers included District Leader 39th Assembly District I. Daneek Miller, Ali Najmi, Esq. president, The South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Bar Association of Queens, Deborah A. Kaplan, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge of the New York City Courts, District Leader 29th Assembly District, and Pamela Bluford, during the proceedings emceed by Guyanese-born, Supervising Judge Shababudeen A. Ally.

New York State Senator Roxanne Persaud, Queens Democratic District Leader, District 31, Richard David, Adreena Ogle-Crawford, Alexander Ogle, Dr. William Ogle who did the robing, and other community leaders attended the celebration that opened with a procession and presentation of colors by the NY State Court Officers Honor Guard.

Thank you for making the sacrifice you made as an attorney to make things better in our communities. Thank you for being the judge you are, but most important,

of Judge Ogle.

Queens Borough President, Donovan Richards described Judge Ogle as a distinguished public servant who is resilient and persistent. He said those who administer justice need to possess the best qualities of the borough. Empathy, fairness, hard work, service, and respect. “I am pleased that Judge Ogle has all these qualities.”

“She’s a Guyanese immigrant, she’s a Queens story, a woman, a public servant, a volunteer, and most importantly, she’s from Queens,” said BP Richards. Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, in turn called Judge Ogle, a trailblazer, and a tireless advocate for justice.

“We welcome her into our esteemed fold of judges. Her journey from Guyana to this momentous induction ceremony is filled with determination, resilience, and grit. From her early years in Guyana to her rigorous legal education in New York,

representation. She is fighting for women to get into positions of power and for people to be respected,” he said.

“Andrea will pay it forward, and keep the will of justice clean and pure, and will never let us down,” said

A reception, accompanied by the music of Angels Caribbean Entertainment Group of Companies, Amar Bisram and Geeta Bisram, celebrated Judge

provided

Police probing rape of 5-year-old in Region 7

Police have launched an investigation into the alleged rape of a five-year-old girl in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) by a 25-year-

old man.

Reports are that the incident reportedly occurred on Monday. According to sources, the victim disclosed the horrifying or -

deal to her relatives, who reported the incident to the Police on Tuesday. This led to the arrest of the man who has allegedly confessed to the crime.

Ogle, while Sybil’s Bakery, Richmond Hill

Guyanese food. (Caribbeanlife.com)

Consul General of Guyana to New York, Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, Simone-Marie Meeks, Judge Andrea S. Ogle, and Congressman Gregory Meeks, after the induction ceremony (Tangerine Clarke photo)

A part of the packed audience during the induction ceremony of Andrea Sabita Ogle, Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York. CG. Michael E. Brotherson, Gennie Persaud, community leader, and Attorney Ali Najmi in the front row (Tangerine Clarke photo)

Judge Andrea Ogle, (hand raised center) being inducted as Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York, by Honorable Judge Edwina Richardson-Mendelson, far left, surrounded by Ivy Ogle, Nigel Ogle, Dr. Kevin Ogle, Adreena Ogle-Crawford, Alexander Ogle, Dr. William Ogle, in Queens County Civil Court, on Sutphin Boulevard (Tangerine Clarke photo)

Over 700 small business owners to receive grants shortly – VP

Over 700 small business owners from across the 10 administrative regions will soon receive grants from the Small Business Bureau (SBB) to help them grow their enterprises and achieve sustainability.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, during an interview streamed live on Facebook on Wednesday, explained that during the PPP/C Administration’s campaign leading up to the Local Government Elections (LGEs), it was discovered that many persons who had applied and had met the qualification did not receive the grants.

During the campaign, the administration had also taken the opportunity to engage citizens on issues affecting them, and this was one of the most common issues raised by citizens.

“We resolved to ensure that every single person who applied to the Small Business Bureau will get some assistance, and that would be given to them shortly. These are legitimate people…every region in the

country, from Region One to Ten,” the Vice President is quoted in a DPI report as saying.

Additionally, farmers in Port Kaituma, Region One, will be receiving assistance from the Government to aid in agriculture.

“Already, I am looking at sending in a team to the area to look at planting material and establishing a nursery there. An AfroGuyanese group doing agriculture from the Covent

Mental health training conducted with Mount Sinai University

In continuing to improve the mental health services provided to vulnerable communities, the Health Ministry’s Mental Health Unit, in collaboration with the New York-based Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, held a trainthe-trainers Disaster Mental Health Training on Monday for participants from various communities across Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Facilitated by Dr Craig L. Katz and Melissa Kelly from the Icahn School of Medicine, the training came just a month after the tragic fire at Mahdia Secondary School’s female dormitory which claimed the lives of 20 children, including a fiveyear-old boy.

Organization (PAHO).

the tragedy.

area, and I have asked the Minister of Agriculture to go on Friday to meet with that group to extend that help,” he said.

Dr Jagdeo reiterated the Government’s commitment to resolving every issue that was brought to its attention.

“I want to assure people that we’re back at the core task of Government, which is getting more jobs, advancing our programmes on health and education,” the Vice President added.

No relief until next year: Bahamas minister on relief to power bills

While the sliding scale increase of Bahamas Power and Light’s (BPL) fuel charge continues and is “working well” to improve the utility’s fuel bills, there won’t be any relief on power bills until next year, according to Minister of Works and Utilities Alfred Sears.

Sears said fuel prices are expected to decrease next year and a review of the sliding scale will be done between now and next year. For now, some BPL users have reported bills with fuel charges that are twice that of their usage charge. Without giving any indication of if BPL customers could see some relief in their costs in the next few months, Sears insisted that the high bills are the reason the power company is moving toward renewable energy.

“In November of last year, the sliding scale was introduced, and the report that I have received from BPL is that it is working well, and that next year it is expected that the price of fuel will go down,” said Sears.

“That’s the projection, and that there will be a review of it. Between now and then it is imperative that we reduce BPL’s reliance on fossil fuel.

“And that is why the government has committed to the Bahamian electorate in

the Blueprint for Change, that there be maximum incorporation of renewable and cleaner forms of energy.”

Last October, seven months after he stepped in to prevent a rise in the fuel charge, Prime Minister Philip Davis announced the incremental fuel charge increases. Sears insisted Bahamians carry out whatever energy conservation methods they can in order to curb their costs.

Meanwhile, BPL customers on Abaco have complained about an unstable supply of electricity, which Sears said is a symptom of old machinery that has passed its factory shelf life. According to the minister, engines are being sent to Abaco and Crooked Island to back up the power production.

“They’re [BPL] sending additional engines to Acklins, a 300-kilowatt engine to Salina Point; and

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has said that with this training, the community healthcare workers would better be able to identify challenges that patients may have, and refer them to professional doctors so that they can get the necessary care needed.

Understanding the significant mental toll that the tragedy placed on families and community members, the Government had dispatched several mental health teams in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) to provide counselling and mental health assistance. These local teams, consisting of psychiatrists, child psychologists, counsellors and social workers, were supported by specialised counsellors hailing from Mount Sinai, Southcom Health Clinic, Northwell Health, and the Pan American Health

The Ministry, while providing this short-term assistance, has been cognisant of the need to build a long-term mental health system within the Region.

Dr Anthony has also expressed appreciation for Mount Sinai’s continued assistance since the fire, in acquiring medication for injured students and providing DNA testing on the remains of others.

Shortly after the fire, DNA analysis on 13 bodies that were deemed unrecognisable were conducted by Professor and Systems Chair Dr. Carlos Cordon-Cardo, alongside a team of experts at the Pathology Laboratory of Mount Sinai. After their positive identification, the bodies were released to the families so that they could proceed with funeral arrangements.

In addition, Minister Anthony expressed gratitude to the staff of the Health Ministry — both central and regional facilities — for their hard work in assisting with

Telemedicine

Dr Anthony has also disclosed that telemedicine services are being offered in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) communities to improve the level of care available to residents.

"In the affected villages, telemedicine capabilities have been installed to improve and deliver an expanded level of care to those communities,” Dr Anthony has said. These telemedicine sites aim to bridge the gap between the hinterland and the coastland by allowing medical personnel in the hinterland to get real-time assistance from those working in Georgetown.

Also present at the training on Monday were the Director of Family and Primary Health Care Services, Dr Ertinesia Hamilton; Mental Health Programme Coordinator Dr Timothy Morgan, and Region Eight Regional Health Officer Dr Ravindra Dudnauth.

Grade 5 Assessment a “diagnostic tool” for improved teaching strategies – MoE

a 500-kilowatt engine to Crooked Island, so that there could be more resilience,” Sears Said.

“We also have these talented technicians at BPL. I call them the R&D [research and development] division of BPL, because these are Bahamian technicians, given very little credit, working with engines that have continued to work beyond their manufactured predicted life, but due to the ingenuity of the technicians and engineers at BPL, they continue to function. And they take old engines, they recondition them, and then put them back into operation.

“The government has given a very clear mandate that doing the same old same old is not going to solve our problem. We have to use the God-given sunlight that we have, and convert that into electricity, so that we have more sustainable power generation.” (The Nassau Guardian)

The National Grade Five Assessment, which is currently being administered for the first time to pupils in Guyana, will provide valuable insights for teachers as they gear up to instruct Grade Six pupils.

The Education Ministry on Wednesday said the test would evaluate material from Grades Three and Four. According to a DPI report, the evaluation would assist in identifying the areas that require additional focus, and represents a significant step towards im-

proving the quality of education.

Armed with the information, educators can tailor their teaching strategies, curricula and lesson plans to effectively address the individual requirements of each student.

To guarantee that students remain in school and that education is given effectively countrywide, the Government is committed to providing assistance in the form of educational resources to teachers and students.

In 2023, the Government aims to procure more than

$3.4 billion worth of textbooks for use at the primary and secondary levels, to ensure students are provided with the necessary learning resources.

The administration is also working to improve access to world-class education at all levels, and to improve the quality of Guyana’s human capital to compete globally and regionally.

A total of $94.4 billion was allocated to further improve access to quality education for Guyanese students.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony speaking at the Mental Health Training with Mount Sinai

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Regional Honduran families seek answers as prison riot deaths rise to 46

The death toll from a riot at a women's prison in Honduras rose to 46, a Government spokesperson said on Wednesday, as anxious relatives demanded information about the fate of incarcerated family members.

Relatives of inmates gathered at the Centro Femenino de Adaptacion Social, the 900-person women's penitentiary around 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the capital city Tegucigalpa, where gang violence erupted a day earlier.

At Tegucigalpa's main public morgue, workers were running out of space for victims' remains as relatives arrived, with some asking that officials release a list of the victims from Tuesday's violent incident.

Identifying victims is a challenge, as many of which were "charred or reduced" to ash, according to Yuri Mora, spokesperson for the public prosecutor's office.

Brazil Senate confirms Lula's exlawyer for Supreme Court seat

Brazil's Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's former defence lawyer, Cristiano Zanin to serve on the country's Supreme Court.

Zanin, 47, will be the youngest justice on the 11-member court and could remain there for 28 years.

Zanin, a partner at law firm Zanin Martins Advogados, gained recognition in recent years for defending Lula against corruption charges, helping to throw out a conviction at the Supreme Court and release him in 2019 after 580 days in jail.

lapses.

The riot had been planned by gang members with guards' knowledge, Honduran President Xiomara Castro said on Twitter on Tuesday, saying she would take "drastic measures" to address the deaths.

The clash took place when armed members of the Barrio 18 gang held back guards and attacked members of the rival Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13),

Caricom urged to take action on climate change

The Caribbean is being urged to do more to drive global responses to climate change.

Simon Stiell, who is Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, challenged the region to do so as he delivered the 23rd William G Demas Memorial Lecture at Sandals Grande St Lucian on Tuesday night.

The Grenadian believed the Caribbean was “uniquely placed to bring bridging, solutions, and a pathway forward”.

“At school, we’re all taught an eye for an eye makes the whole world go blind. But unfortunately, this is where we find ourselves in our drive for collective progress on climate action,” he said at the lecture, one of the events at the Caribbean Development Bank’s 53rd annual meeting.

“There are countries within the negotiating arena who see it as their role to hold up progress in negotiations and refuse to take action at home until sufficient finance is delivered to support it. There are others who refuse to provide all the finance promised until they see meaningful action is being taken elsewhere,” Stiell asserted.

“Here’s the thing, action has to be taken and it has to be taken by all now. To take action you need finance as an enabler. So both of these things have to happen. And they both have to happen right now.”

He stressed that climate change “is not a North versus South issue, but we need a proactive bridge between the

two voices which can champion a progressive third way, a third way which delivers for those that need it most”.

“That means action and provision of support to enable further action in an upwards iterative spiral, voices which hold space for sensible and progressive action,” Stiell told the audience.

He saw the Caribbean as having the ability to “build common ground across issues, a package of action, which will ultimately deliver for all of us”.

“In the Caribbean, we’re uniquely placed to understand what this needs to look like, having experienced climate impacts for generations, consistently responding to change by building up communities around principles of growth, global integration and sustainability with one eye constantly on self-sufficiency,” Stiell said. ( Nation News)

police spokesperson Miguel Martinez said on local television.

The gangs, which both have roots in Los Angeles, have long battled for control of the drug trafficking and extortion industries, with the bloody conflict making Central America one of the world's most dangerous regions. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The Senate voted 58-18 to confirm Zanin. Support for Zanin's candidacy was helped by his role defending Lula against charges in the "Car Wash" investigation, which landed dozens of politicians in jail for graft tied to contracts with State firms. That probe has come under fire in recent years amid allegations of political motivations and procedural

"He is an anti-Car Wash symbol, and that guaranteed his success," said Andre Cesar, an analyst at Hold Assessoria political consultancy in Brasilia.

Zanin will replace Justice Ricardo Lewandowski, who retired in April, making him Lula's first nominee to the top court since he took office in January.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis met President Lula on Wednesday and discussed a range of common concerns

including peace, poverty, inequality and the environment, the Vatican said. Although the Vatican did not specifically mention Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Lula made clear before the meeting that seeking an end to the war was a priority.

"There was a positive exchange of views on ... topics of common interest, such as the promotion of peace and reconciliation," the brief statement said.(Excerpts from Reuters)

Canada, Dominican Republic reach agreement over Haitian crisis response

Canada and the Dominican Republic have agreed that Canada will coordinate assistance for Haiti by boosting staff at its Embassies in Portau-Prince and Santo Domingo, the countries said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

The agreement settles a public dispute last week

over a proposed Canadian office in Dominican territory that risked further complicating an international plan to boost Haiti's outgunned Police Force.

"Canada and the Dominican Republic have solid bilateral relations and are long-standing partners including on regional security mat-

Maya civilisation: Archaeologists find ancient city in jungle

Archaeologists in Mexico have discovered the remains of an ancient Maya city deep in the jungle of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Experts found several pyramid-like structures measuring more than 15m (50ft) in height.

Pottery unearthed at the site appears to indicate it was inhabited between 600 and 800 AD, a period known as Late Classic.

Archaeologists have named the site Ocomtún (Mayan for stone column).

The Maya are considered to have been one of the great civilisations of the Western Hemisphere, renowned for their pyramid temples and great stone buildings in an area which is now southern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize.

These latest remains were found in an ecological reserve in the state of Campeche, an area so dense with vegetation that it has been little explored.

Mexico's National Institute for Anthropology and History (INAH) said that its discovery was the result of field work aimed at documenting the archaeology of the Central Maya Lowlands, an area spanning 3000 square kilometres of uninhabited jungle.

INAH said that airborne laser scanning carried out by the University of Houston had helped the research team spot "numerous concentrations of pre-Hispanic structures".

Ivan Sprajc, who led the team, said they had been most surprised by the discovery of an elevated terrain surrounded by wetlands.

On that elevated terrain, they found several large buildings, including a number of pyramid-shaped ones measuring more than 15m.

"The site would have served as an important regional centre," Sprajc said in a statement released by INAH. (Excerpt from BBC News)

ters," the joint statement said.

Both countries agree that the Haiti crisis requires enhanced international cooperation, humanitarian, and security assistance, the statement said.

"We will enhance coordination in Haiti, Dominican Republic, Canada and other locations as required including through increased presence at the Canadian Embassies in Port-au-Prince and Santo Domingo," the countries said in the statement.

Last week, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced plans to set up an office to coordinate Haiti assistance in the neighbouring Dominican Republic, but a day later, her Dominican counterpart, Roberto Alvarez,

said there was no deal to authorise such an office.

The Dominican Republic has strained relations with Haiti, with which it shares the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Since gang violence escalated last year in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Santo Domingo has stepped up border security and deported tens of thousands fleeing the crisis back to Haiti.

Since last year, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has called for an international force to rein in the gangs. The groups now control large parts of the country, which has fuelled a humanitarian crisis that has displaced tens of thousands of Haitians.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Belize declared free from malaria by health chiefs

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has certified Belize as free of malaria.

The WHO said the Central American nation had "achieved a dramatic reduction" in malaria cases, down from 10,000 in 1994 to zero indigenous cases in 2019.

It said Belize's achievement would serve as an inspiration for other countries in the Americas, where malaria is endemic.

Malaria, spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes, can be lethal.

The WHO said that Belize had kept the fight against malaria at the forefront of its public health agenda,

It praised the country for

distributing mosquito nets treated with insecticide and encouraging the spraying of insecticides indoors.

The organisation also said that trained community health workers had "played a vital role in timely diagnosis and treatment" of malaria.

The WHO certifies a nation as malaria-free when it has shown "with rigorous, credible evidence" that there has been no transmission of malaria within the country for at least three consecutive years.

Belize is the third country in the world to be certified this year so far, after Azerbaijan and Tajikistan.

(BBC News)

Security forces operate outside the Centro Femenino de Adaptacion Social (CEFAS) women prison following a deadly riot in Tamara, on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, June 20, 2023 (Reuters/Fredy Rodriguez)

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's former defence lawyer, Cristiano Zanin walks during Brazil's Senate hearing to serve on the country's Supreme Court at Brazilian Federal Senate in Brasilia, June 21, 2023 (Pedro Franca/Agencia Senado/Handout via Reuters)

Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Simon Stiell. (Picture courtesy Caribbean Development Bank)

Around The World OIL NEWS

At least 37 hurt in Paris blast

that we will find bodies or perhaps survivors," Darmanin told reporters at the scene of the blast.

Oil

rallies as grain markets tighten, dollar falls on Fed Chair comments

Oil prices gained a dollar a barrel on Wednesday as US corn and soybean prices raced to multi-month highs, raising expectations that crop shortfalls around the globe could lower biofuels blending and increase oil demand.

Brent futures rose US$1.22, or 1.6 per cent, to settle at US$77.12 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose US$1.34, or 1.9 per cent, to settle at US$72.53 a barrel. Both contracts hit two-week highs earlier in the session.

Chicago Board of Trade corn futures rose 5.2 per cent on Wednesday after a Government report showed much of the US crop being stressed by dry conditions as it neared key development phases, traders said. CBOT November soybeans hit their highest since March 9.

"The grain markets are starting to wake up to the fact that inventories are low and it'll only be a matter of time before the oil market wakes up to that fact," Flynn said.

Also supporting oil prices, the US dollar fell against a basket of global currencies on Wednesday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggested that the central bank is nearing its policy destination.

A cheaper greenback makes dollar-denominated oil more attractive for investors holding other currencies, raising demand.

US crude oil inventories fell last week, while gasoline inventories rose, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute (API) figures on Wednesday. Crude stocks fell by about 1.2 million barrels in the week ended June 16, according to the sources.

Official US oil inventory data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) will be released today, after being delayed a day by the Juneteenth public holiday on Monday.

Oil price gains were capped after data showed on Wednesday that British inflation defied expectations of a slowdown. The rate held at 8.7 per cent in May, boosting expectations the Bank of England will raise interest rates by a hefty half a percentage point today.

"Countries are struggling to rein in inflation ... and that's going to dampen growth and threaten recessions across the globe," said Craig Erlam, senior markets analyst at OANDA. (Reuters)

Ukraine offensive “slower than desired”, Zelenskiy says; Putin sees “lull”

Ukrainian resident Volodymyr Zelenskiy was quoted on Wednesday as saying progress in Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces was "slower than desired", but that Kyiv would not be pressured into speeding it up.

"Some people believe this is a Hollywood movie and expect results now. It's not," Britain's BBC quoted him as saying in an interview.

"What's at stake is people's lives." His adversary, Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Moscow had observed a "lull" in Ukraine's counteroffensive, which began early this month. Although Ukraine still had some offensive potential, Kyiv understood it had "no chance", Putin said in televised remarks.

Despite conceding slow progress, Zelenskiy said in a separate video address that Ukraine's troops were advancing on the southern front and holding defence lines

Ablast ripped through a street near Paris' historic Latin Quarter on Wednesday and rescuers were searching for two missing people feared buried under the rubble of a building that partially collapsed in the explosion.

The explosion tore through Rue Saint-Jacques, which runs from the NotreDame de Paris Cathedral to the Sorbonne University, in the late afternoon, injuring at least 37 people, four of whom were fighting for their lives in hospital.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said that sniffer dogs had picked up a scent under the mound of masonry left strewn across Rue Saint-Jacques.

"It is possible tonight

The blast destroyed the facade of a building housing the Paris American Academy design school popular with foreign students.

Witnesses described a deafening explosion and a giant fireball that rose several stories high.

Soldiers helped secure a safety cordon around the scene.

The Paris prosecutor's office said it was too early to say what caused the blast.

But the local Deputy Mayor, Edouard Civel, referred to a gas explosion in a Twitter post and witnesses told BFM TV there had been a strong smell of gas mo-

French Police secure the area as firefighters work after several buildings were ablaze following a gas explosion in the fifth arrondissement of Paris, France, June 21, 2023 (Reuters/Gonzalo Fuentes)

ments before the blast.

"The shop shook violently, it felt like bomb blast," said Rahman Oliur who

manages a food shop a few doors down the street from the American Academy.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

India's Modi starts Washington visit to build Biden, US ties

US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to deepen defence and technology cooperation between their countries during Modi's official visit to the White House, despite lingering concerns about human rights in India.

Washington wants India to be a strategic counterweight to China and sees India as a critical partnership. Modi is seeking to raise the influence that India, the world's most populous country at 1.4 billion, has on the

Titanic sub: Crews exploring undersea noises in

‘complex’ search

in the east, long the focus of Russia's nearly 16-month-old campaign.

He specifically mentioned the Kupiansk area in northeastern Ukraine, where military officials say Russian troops have been applying increasing pressure.

"In the Kupiansk sector, whatever the Russian terrorists might be planning, we are destroying the enemy. In the south, we are moving forward....In the east, we are holding our defences," Zelenskiy said.

Ukraine says it has reclaimed eight villages in its long-awaited counter-offensive, its first substantial gains on the battlefield for seven months.

But Ukrainian forces have yet to push to the main defensive lines that Russia has had months to prepare. Kyiv is believed to have set aside 12 brigades of thousands of troops each, most of which have yet to join the fight. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Rescue crews looking for the submersible vessel that went missing in the northern Atlantic Ocean are moving assets and focusing their search on an area where undersea noises have been detected, a US Coast Guard official has said.

While Captain Jamie Frederick said on Wednesday that authorities still do not know what these noises may be, he stressed that there is still hope to rescue the five people on board the sub, which was exploring the wreckage of the Titanic before it lost contact with the ship monitoring it on Sunday.

“When you’re in the middle of a search and rescue case, you always have hope. That’s why we’re doing what

we do,” Frederick told reporters.

He said a Canadian aircraft first detected the noises on Tuesday, and they were also heard on Wednesday.

Frederick said remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations were relocated in “an attempt to explore the origin of the noises”, adding that crews are “searching in the area where the noises were detected and will continue to do so”.

Carl Hartsfield, an expert with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution who is involved in the search operation, said the undersea sounds have been described as “banging noises”, and scientists are working to figure out what they are.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US companies are welcoming Modi warmly, and business agreements in arti-

ficial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and investments in India by Micron Technology and other US companies are expected during the visit.

At his event with Jill Biden, Modi invited American students to come to India and said he was happy to meet "young and creative minds" as soon as he arrived in Washington. Modi said India was training students in AI and had started labs across the country.

More than 200,000 Indian students were studying in the United States as of last year, according to the White House. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US Republican hardliners try to force Biden impeachment vote

At least two hardline Republicans plan to try to force the US House to vote on whether to impeach Democratic President Joe Biden and members of his Administration, over the objections of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who fears that such moves risk undermining congressional investigations.

The Republicancontrolled House of Representatives is due to vote this week on a resolution to impeach Biden for allegedly violating his oath by failing to enforce immigration laws and to secure the US-Mexico border against the synthetic opioid drug, fentanyl.

"Republicans need to stick together and get this man out office for his dereliction of duty on the Southern Border," the author of the resolution, Representative Lauren Boebert, tweeted on Wednesday.

The efforts stand little chance of advancing in the House, which Republicans control by a narrow 222-212 margin and where multiple Republicans predicted opponents would have the votes to stop the measure from coming to the floor.

Some hardline Republicans have been eager to impeach Biden as an act of retribution after his predecessor, Republican Donald Trump, was twice impeached by the then-Democratic-controlled House, once over Ukraine and once for his actions ahead of the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol.

Senate Republicans in both cases acquitted Trump.

A privileged resolution to censure Democratic Representative Adam Schiff over his leading role in Trump's Ukraine impeachment came before the House for a second time on Wednesday.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House in Washington, US, June 21, 2023 (Reuters/Elizabeth Frant) world stage.

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

Engage in something that makes you happy and incorporate it into your everyday routine. Keep your mind on what's important to you, and seek out people who share your idea of a good time.

Sort out your intentions before you act or say something you'll regret. Taking care of yourself and your finances will be necessary. Don't let yourself be talked into something unwise.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

A domestic project will cost more than anticipated. Budget wisely and cancel your plans rather than go into debt. Talk through possibilities with those your plans will affect and listen to input.

Lean into whatever job you have and make your mark. If you let your imagination lead the way, you'll devise a plan to help you best any competition. Be realistic and honest with others.

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

It's nice to be generous, but don't feel obligated to pay for others. Look in the mirror and consider a makeover. An emotional situation will spin out of control if not dealt with properly.

Look at the possibilities. Your attitude will affect how others treat you. A trip or location change will be uplifting and will fill your head with exciting, prosperous ideas.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Connect with people who bring out the best in you. A brainstorming session will confirm your next move, put your mind at ease and encourage you to press forward by yourself. Romance is in the stars.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Do whatever it takes to avoid a conflict. Put your energy to better use by developing an idea or starting a project to improve your living space or routine.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

You'll attract attention. Mix and mingle with people who share your interests. A trip, course or physical activity will bring you closer to one of your goals. Romance is favored.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You can move, change your lifestyle or exit a situation dragging you down. Maintain your reputation by being clear about your plans and feelings. Honesty will be respected and reciprocated.

Choose intelligence over emotion, and refuse to let anyone disrupt your plans. Walk away from unreliable people and situations, and concentrate on simplifying your life. Self-improvement is favored.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Do what's necessary and get on with your day. A responsible attitude will be noticed and rewarded. Changing how you manage or earn your cash will bring high returns.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Foster delivers on promise to D'Edward Cricket Club - another tournament sponsorship deal secured

Cricket clubs in West Berbice continue to benefit from the hard work of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), as another sponsor has come forward to sponsor a cricket tournament for the area.

Popular contractor Anil Lalsa, Chief Executive Officer of Anil Lalsa Construction Company, has agreed to sponsor a 20/20 cricket tournament for teams in West Berbice.

BCB President Hilbert Foster has said the BCB is now preparing for a very active second-division season, after successfully completing most of its junior tournaments. Foster said the countywide Dave West Indian Import tournament would be completed, and the board would be hosting a tournament in each sub-zone: West Berbice, New Amsterdam/ Canje, Lower Corentyne, and Upper Corentyne.

The West Berbice zone would, in 2023, benefit from two tournaments - the Fazil Jafarally 20/20, and now the Lalsa Construction 20/20.

Police, Paradise, Achievers B and Shieldstown.

Foster expressed thanks to Lalsa for his support, and noted that another former

sion team in the area.

The former allrounder stated that he readily agreed to the sponsorship, as he is very impressed with the development taking place in the county cricket under Foster’s leadership and guidance. He noted that the developments are making a huge difference in the game, and said he is happy to assist.

Lalsa had, earlier in the year, co-sponsored the visit of former West Indies captain Alvin Kallicharran to the county for a three-day stint and he indicated that he would continue to support the board in the future.

The West Berbice area has benefitted from donations of cricket balls, grass cutters, water pitchers, pitch covers,

catching cribs, educational grants and bicycles among numerous other items from the BCB under Foster’s leadership, and would shortly receive a bowling cage and two bowling machines.

The Bush Lot United CC would get a cage and bowling machine, while the Cotton Tree CC would also get a bowling machine.

Meanwhile, the BCB President fulfilled another commitment to clubs when he handed over a practice net to the D’ Edward CC. Foster had earlier in the year promised the club management to provide a practice net, and he also donated a box of cricket balls and a set of wicketkeeping gear as part of the BCB effort to assist performing

BCB President Hilbert Foster

clubs in the county.

Foster has started his annual visit to major clubs in the county to meet with players and executives in order to listen to recommendations for the development of the game.

The teams that would be playing in the tournament are Blairmont, Blairmont Remnants, Cotton Tree, Bush Lot United, Achievers, Bath,

cricketer was once again giving back to the game.

Lalsa is a former player for the D’ Edward Cricket Club, the leading second-divi-

St Kitts’ Sugar Boyz make historic Gold Cup qualification

…after beating French Guiana 4-2 on penalties

Guyanese golfers readying for Tobago Open on July 14-16

The Sugar Boyz of St Kitts and Nevis have historically qualified for their first ever CONCACAF Gold Cup Group Stage appearance. On Tuesday night, they defeated French Guiana 4-2 on penalties after the sides had played to a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.

St Kitts and Nevis will now play in Group A, alongside the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica.

In the game, start of which was delayed because of weather conditions at the Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, the Sugar Boyz very nearly took the lead in the 26th minute, when Romaine Sawyers sent across a low ball to Jacob Hazel on the corner of the six-yard box, but French Guiana defender

Gregory Lescot was there to block the attempt.

Saint Kitts and Nevis kept control of the match, and the breakthrough came in the 41st minute. Tiquanny Williams, who wrestled around the defense to receive a pass from Hazel, blasted the ball home to give the

Sugar deserving 1-0 lead heading into the break.

However, Les Yana Dokos did not fold. Following a hand ball in the box, Arnold Abelinti tied the game in the

53rd minute with a perfectly placed penalty into the bottom corner. It was Abelinti’s third goal of the Prelims.

Both sides pushed for a winner, but neither could find one, sending the match to a penalty shootout with a berth in the group stage on the line. Just as in the first preliminary round a few days ago, the Sugar Boyz executed their kicks, and goalkeeper Julani Archibald came up with huge save.

substitute Lewis sealed the deal with a thunderbolt into the top left corner in the fourth frame, sending the Saint Kitts and Nevis side into celebration.

Guyanese golfers are expected to bring their ‘A’ game at the Tobago Open

In response to an invitation sent from the Trinidad & Tobago Golf Association to the Guyana Golf Association, members of the Westside Golf Club and Lusignan Golf Club are getting ready to take on the top players from around the Caribbean at Tobago Plantations, Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort in Tobago from July 14-16th.

According to GGA President Aleem Hussain, he will be representing the Westside Golf Club, Guyana’s newest Course, in the First Flight, and Lakeram Panko Ramsundar (Panko Steel) will be doing so in the second flight.

Hussain is considered by some as one of the top players in the country, having tied for second in the 2022 Suriname Open and earning second best Net Score in the Championship Category (losing to current Guyana Open Champion Avinash Persaud on a countback) in the 2022 Guyana Open.

Lakeram Ramsundar from Panko Steel was one of the first members of the new Westside Golf Club in Vreeden-Hoop, and has demon-

strated his ability to play well under pressure. He stated, “This is the first-time that I'm representing the Club internationally, so I am prepared to take my 'A game' to Tobago in hope of competing well."

At least four players from LGC are expected to participate in this major tournament, including Dr. Philbert London and Shanella London, the current Suriname Open and Guyana Open Women's champion. She is seeking to add the Tobago title to a triple crown, a feat that has never been accomplished by any Guyanese woman in golf!

Mainly through the efforts of the GGA and Nexgen Golf Academy, Guyana has captured the attention of golfers worldwide, based on the rapid growth of the sport through collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s Unit of Allied Arts, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Guyana Tourism Authority which has allowed the sport to reach thousands of new players in the past two years.

Hussain has said his only regret is that our junior golfers are not yet prepared to compete on the internation-

al stage, owing to the developmental process, but now that they finally have access to the Westside Golf Course, he expects that Guyana will dominate tournaments in years to come.

The Sugar Boys are in the Gold Cup for the first time

Ryan Kissoonlall handing over practice net to the D’Edward CC

Digicel Schools’ Football Championships 2023…

Anticipated fixtures to be announced Friday

…Teams briefed

The Petra Organisation is now on the proverbial homestretch as it relates to preparing for the return of the Digicel Schools’ Football

Championships, which are scheduled to commence at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground this Saturday, June 24th. At an event at the National Library, Georgetown on Wednesday afternoon, the representatives of the Region 4

(Georgetown) teams participating in the eighth edition of the event were briefed by the organisers. Present at the meet was Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca, who disclosed that the anxiously awaited fixtures for Saturday will be released on Friday. After the briefing, two tournament replica balls were handed out to each team to assist in their practice

sessions.

Over 130 schools throughout Guyana are expected to compete in this season of the Tournament. Following the regional rounds, a round-of-32 teams will make up a national championship, of which 13 schools will come from Georgetown. Regions Three and Six would each have two teams, as would East Coast Demerara, East

Bank Demerara, Region Seven and Region Ten respectively. Regions One, Five, Eight and Nine would each have one school.

The National Champions will receive $1,000,000 and the championship trophy, while second, third, and fourth place finishers would get $500,000, $300,000, and

$200,000 respectively.

All incentives will go towards a school project, with prizes also expected for the Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper and Most Valuable Player.

Chase’s Academic Foundation are the twotime defending champions, after claiming the title in

2016 and 2017 before the six-year hiatus arose. This tournament has been dominated by Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary, who won the title consecutively from 2012 to 2015 when they dethroned the inaugural champions, Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI).

BCB and

University of Guyana to establish closer relationship

- NA/Canje primary schools receive cricket items

game . He expressed thanks to the delegation which included the Director of the Tain Campus Dr Gomathinayagam Subramanian and Jainarine Deonarine of the Turkeyen Campus.

GFF transfer window opened

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), in its ongoing effort to lift Berbice cricket on and off the cricket field, met with a high-powered delegation from the University of Guyana recently at the Tain Campus.

The BCB was represented by President Hilbert Foster and Chairman of the Competition Committee, Leslie Soloman, while the University delegation was headed by Vice Chancellor Dr Paloma Mohamed.

Foster, who is serving his third term, after being elected in 2018, expressed thanks to the University delegation for the meeting and expressed confidence that the relation established would benefit both organisations.

The BCB, he stated, was determined to make sure that the level of cricket on and off the field remains high in the county. The two delegations discussed and agreed on a wide array of areas for Berbice cricket.

The University would assist a cricketer with a full scholarship to pursue a course at the Tain Campus while a Wall of Fame to honor Berbice cricketers who played for the West Indies at the international level would also

be established at the campus.

The wall would honour a total of thirty players who have played at the test, ODI, 20/20 and female levels; including Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Soloman, Alvin Kallicharran, Roy Fredericks and Shemaine Campbelle.

Among other areas of cooperation are be the setting of a digital electric board with facts of Berbice cricket in front of the campus, publication of the BCB historic coaching manual for distribution to youth cricketers, renaming of rooms after outstanding players like Kanhai and hosting of etiquette classes for all Berbice youth teams prior to playing in the inter-county tournament. The teams shall be the Berbice under 13, under 15, Under 17 and under 19.

Vice Chancellor Dr Mohamed expressed delight at the successful discussion and noted that the University was pleased to be associated with Berbice cricket which has a rich tradition to uphold.

The two delegations would work closely over the next few months to make sure the programmes and projects are implemented successfully. Foster noted

that the younger generation of cricketers have limited knowledge of the game or its history and he was confident that the package with the university would assist to correct this programme.

The promotion of an educational background for cricketers, he stated, is very important to the BCB and as

Meanwhile, the BCB continued its distribution of tape ball cricket gear to schools across the county with Assistant Secretary Ameer Rahaman and executive Gregory Crandon handing over bats and tape balls to fifteen schools in the New Amsterdam area.

For this year, the board has assisted over sixty primary schools with almost half a million dollars’ worth of cricket equipment as part of its developmental programme. Among the schools

With football season at its peak, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) second transfer win dow of 2023 for clubs across Guyana opened on Wednesday, June 1 and will close on Monday, July 31.

GFF General Secretary Ian Alves said this is the first transfer window before the upcoming season which gives clubs a chance to rebuild squads.

ation are:

● Clubs are only allowed to make a maximum of five (5) changes to their team’s roster of twenty-five (25) players for the remaining duration of the League.

● The request for the change to the Team Roster must be signed by the Club President and Secretary before submission to the General Secretary.

such he welcomed the scholarship to the university for a youth cricketer.

Students and visitors to the Tain Campus would also be updated on the records of the outstanding players via the Wall of Fame and the digital board would give up to date information on the

were Sandvoort Primary, Lochaber Primary, St Therese Primary, New Amsterdam Primary, All Saints Primary and St Aloysius Primary. The board has started to host primary school tape ball competition at the inter zone level leading to an overall Berbice championship.

Alves explained that for the ten clubs participating in the KFC Elite League Season Five, the Rules and Regulations have been amended in light of the current preseason transfer window and noted that all transfers will only be effective, if and when, executed during the GFF/FIFA approved transfer window periods of and June 1 – July 31, 2023 and January 1 to 31, 2024.

Other notable changes KFC Elite League teams must take into consider-

The General Secretary explained that changes will be allowed if players have season ending injuries, contracts abroad, migration, death and player transfer.

He reminded clubs to submit the necessary supporting documents to the Federation in order to substantiate changes and that all submissions are subject to a twenty-four hour minimum vetting and approval process.

Replacements must be approved by the GFF, and will be reflected on the official team roster, Alves stressed.

GFF General Secretary Ian Alves

Georgetown schools were on the receiving end of equipment displayed in the presence of Organizers Troy Mendonca, Lavern Fraser and Jackie Boodie

Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca

The BCB and the University of Guyana delegation posed after the successful meeting

BCB Executives Ameer Rahman and Gregory Crandon handing over gear to a school

Headache for West Indies selectors as Qualifiers and India schedule clash

By Brandon Corlette

The upcoming days for the West Indies selectors will not be straightforward by any means. Lead Selector Dr Desmond Haynes and company will have to come up with a 13-man squad for the India Test series which starts on July 12, but some of the Test players are currently in Zimbabwe playing the ICC World Cup Qualifiers, which will finish on July 9.

The likes of Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Alzarri Joseph and Roston Chase may have difficulties of returning to Dominica for the July 12 Test match, if they are to stay in Zimbabwe until July

9. Veteran International Cricket Commentator Joseph Reds Perreira shared his views on the matter.

"Well, I think initially, the qualifiers in Zimbabwe did not include a super six by the ICC. That was added later through the Qualifiers, bringing it to a later finish on July 9. Once the change was made by the ICC, they would have had the India vs West Indies series information. ICC should have taken necessary steps to avoid the clash. CWI officials should have picked up the poten-

tial clash and work with the BCCI and ICC to overcome the potential problem of getting the best West Indies team for the opening Test in Dominica starting on July 12," Reds said.

One option that Reds is suggesting is having the white-ball series played first which he thinks will buy time for the West Indies players to return from Zimbabwe.

As it relates to the Test players in the Caribbean at the moment, Reds said there are some players heading to Antigua for a camp, which is yet to be confirmed by CWI.

Kraigg Brathwaite, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales (sub-

ject to fitness) and Jermaine Blackwood are among the Test players in the Caribbean that are likely to be in the 13-man Test squad

Guyana to host WCDF 19th

World Domino Championships

…Government on board, Team Guyana in training

Guyana will play host to the 19th Edition of the World Council of Domino Federation's (WCDF), World Domino Championship at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from August 12 – 21, 2023.

The Guyana National Dominoes Federation, in collaboration with the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, has accepted this great honor to host this prestigious event and aims to use this tournament to accelerate the development of this sport across the country with emphasis on non-traditional groups such as Ministries, Agencies, Public & Private Sector and those enthusiasts in the far outlying regions.

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has already committed their support through the provision of the venue – The Guyana National Stadium, Providence; Trophies, Medals and Transportation of Teams to and from the venue. Some other ancillary support is also in the pipeline.

Our five (5) member Local Organising Committee (LOC) has been put in place and is headed by Ms. Emily Dodson, and consists of Members from various domino associations and will ensure that the necessary framework and logistics are firmly implemented to bring about the overall success desired.

Participating countries are Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, Grenada, U.S.A and host Guyana, while

Trinidad and Tobago and a few others are expected to confirm their participation soon. Puerto Rico may attend in the capacity of observer, so as to gain an understanding of the various formats being contested, and to lend support, since Guyana has competed in the past at the FEMUNDO Domino Tournament held annually in Puerto Rico and the other Spanish speaking territories.

Participants will contest the following eight (8) disciplines:

Team Four Hand

Female Three Hand

Male Three Hand

Mixed Pairs

Female Pairs

Male Pairs

Queen

King

Consequent of players' submission from active Domino Associations in Guyana, trials were held on April 29th through May 31st, 2023. Subsequently, players were selected to Team Guyana and continue to train on Wednesdays and Saturdays

for the two Tests against India. Prospective Test players Akeem Jordan and Alick Athanze will also have a strong chance of making their debut if the players remain in Zimbabwe until July 9.

Kevin Sinclair will also be in contention for a possible Test call-up, if Chase and others are still in Zimbabwe ahead of the first India Test.

The West Indies team currently in Zimbabwe are facing a serious scheduling conflict between its white-ball and red-ball engagements, and it is not an ideal situation to prepare for international assignments. Cricket West Indies (CWI) acknowledged the problem and has stated that it is exploring multiple options to avoid any

potential crisis.

Travelling from Zimbabwe to Dominica will require close to two days, and this is certainly a complicating matter.

According to reports, a CWI official involved in the planning said alternative arrangements are being made. CWI intend to release Chase, Holder, Mayers and Joseph before the final as the title clash in the tournament has no major relevance to the World Cup qualification, since reaching the final is enough.

India will arrive in the Caribbean by July 1, allowing them at least 10 days to prepare and overcome jet lag before the first Test bowls off on July 12 in Dominica.

West Indies v India schedule 2023

MATCH SCHEDULE

India tour of West Indies 2023

Test Matches

12-16 July: 1st Test Match, Windsor Park, Dominica

20-24 July: 2nd Test Match, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad

* Local start time: 10h (09h Jamaica time)

CG United ODIs

27 July: 1st CG United ODI, Kensington Oval, Barbados

29 July: 2nd CG United ODI, Kensington Oval, Barbados

1 August: 3rd CG United ODI, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad

* Local start time: 09h30 (08h30 Jamaica time)

T20 Internationals

3 August: 1st T20I, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad

6 August: 2nd T20I, National Stadium, Guyana

8 August: 3rd T20I, National Stadium Guyana

12 August: 4th T20I, Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida

13 August: 5th T20I, Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida

* Local start time: 10h30 (09h30 Jamaica time)

GDF extend lead in KFC Elite League

at the Transport Sports Club, Thomas Lands.

Players selected For Team Guyana are:

Females - June Watts, Shellon Nicholson, Yonette Christmas, Loraine Rodney, Orinthia Bishop, Letizia Rudder, Tamara Gilhuys, Andrea Marks-Mars, Claire Benjamin, Sheron Jerome, Jane Chase, Susan Collymore, Amanda Singh, Michelle Henry, Marcia Burrowes and Tandika Adams.

Males - Charles Younge, Simeon Harmon, Winston Joseph, Andre Singh, Kevin Boston, Shawn Mc Kenzie Roberto Osborne, Mark Welch, Gladstone Bascom, Dustin Walcott, Sultan Rooplall, Gilbert Mendonca Nathan Walters, Emmanuel Paul, Martin Permaul, Chrisanthony Pasramen, Troy Baksh, Kurt Ceasar Gerald Chung, Uroy Lavrroux, Raymond Alli, Godfrey Samuels, Orin Favourite, Theon Ambrose, Wayne Griffith, Anthony Solomon, Suresh Lall and Shawn Anderson.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC, by virtue of a commanding victory on Tuesday night, have extended their lead atop the KFC Elite League Points Table. However, with their fiercest rivals trailing closely behind, the League is set to heat up heading into the weekend.

The GDF are currently the team to beat, picking up another 3 points on Tuesday night to distance themselves from Western Tigers, with whom they were previously tied on 13 points.

The soldiers consistently rattled the nets when they faced Milerock FC at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Center (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Tuesday. Cedric Osbourne opened the scoring in the 8th minute, followed by goals from Benjamin Opara (11th), Chris Macey (31st) and Kennard Simon for a 4-0 score at the end of the first half.

Darren George (50th), Stephen McDonald (58th) and Amos Ramsay (69th) added three more for the 7-0

win, also ensuring that the GDF would boost their goal difference, just in case.

The other game on Tuesday night saw Santos FC collecting the three points on offer, when the faced Buxton United FC. Stephon Reynolds (20th) and Lennox Young found the back of the net for Santos, as they went on to win 2-0. The victory means that Santos would now reposition themselves ahead of Buxton United on the points table, after sitting below the East Coast outfit last week.

Though GDF currently lead the table, matters are subject to change quickly, given tonight’s League fixtures. Western Tigers will have a chance to one-up GDF when they face Fruta Conquerors at 19:00hrs at the NTC, Providence.

A win for Western would bring them level with the soldiers on points (16), but possibly ahead on the points table, based on the number of goals scored.

The following clash on Thursday will see the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC matching strides with Ann’s Grove

United FC from 21:00hrs.

With the Policemen currently sitting at third on the League’s points table (on 12 points from 4 games), a win would inch them closer to the top two teams, but the Police solace lies in the fact that they have played one less game than GDF and Western Tigers.

Santos follows in the table with 9 points, while Buxton United sit at fifth with 7 points. Defending champions Fruta Conquerors (0) and Den Amstel FC (-17) follow, both on 6 points but separated by goal difference.

Ann’s Grove United, with 4 points in hand, will be more than eager to upset Police when they meet tonight in order to propel themselves further. On the other hand, Victoria Kings have just 3 points after picking up their first win in this year’s 5th edition of the League last weekend, while Milerock FC are yet to register any points thus far.

Aside from tonight’s double header, the KFC Elite League will continue this Saturday, June 24th, 2023.

West Indies–India first Test bowls off on July 12 in Dominica India will arrive in the Caribbean on July 1

Veteran International cricket commentator Joseph Reds Perreira

The GDF FC (green) picked up a massive win against Milerock FC

A look at the action between Santos FC (white) and Buxton United

Guyana’s team at the last WCDF Championships hosted locally