Guyana Times -Thursday, June 29, 2023.pdf

AG writes Chancellor on “stagnant jury pool”

Father of 3 jailed for 20 years for beating, raping, robbing elderly woman

Dharamlall rape allegation DPP advises Police to conduct further investigations …as anonymous caller threatens to “burn down” office Berbice man gets 20 years for killing reputed wife

Registration of e-bikes to begin on July 4

Robbery suspect killed by Police during shootout

Cop charged for forging PS’s signature on $9.7M in contracts

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, June 29 –01:00h-02:30h and Friday, June 30 – 02:00h-03:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, June 29 –12:45h-14:15h and Friday, June 30 – 13:45h-15:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected in the morning and evening hours interrupted by late-afternoon sunshine. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 13:13h reaching a maximum height of 2.32 metres.

Low Tide: 06:43h and 19:04h reaching minimum heights of 0.83 metre and 0.89 metre.

CGX, Frontera make major oil discovery in Corentyne Block

…discovery reaffirms Guyana’s oil potential – Govt

While all of the commercially-viable oil discoveries offshore Guyana have so far been made by United States oil giant ExxonMobil and its partners, another operator, Canada-based CGX Energy Inc and its partner, Frontera Energy Corporation, have announced that they too have now made a major oil find in local waters.

CGX and Frontera Energy first spudded the Wei-1 well in the Corentyne Block in January of this year. In a statement on Tuesday, the joint venture partners announced that they have encountered 210 feet of oil-bearing sand in the well – a major discovery, considering their previous difficulty finding commercially-viable oil.

They further explained that having finished drilling without any safety incidents, they expected to release the drilling rig early next month. It was explained that rock and fluid samples will be analysed by an independent lab over the next two to three months, to properly define how much oil was found. Additionally, they noted that there were other parts of the Corentyne Block’s northern portion that were yet to be evaluated.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

“The joint venture has updated its previously-announced discovery in the Maastrichtian and the Campanian intervals to 77ft of net pay. Fluid samples were retrieved from the Campanian and Maastrichtian indicating the presence of light crude in the Campanian and sweet medium crude oil in the Maastrichtian,” the partners explained.

“The joint venture’s data acquisition programme included wireline logging, MDT fluid samples and sidewall cores throughout the various intervals. Over the next few months, results will be integrated into the geologic and geophysical models to form an updated view of the entire northern portion of the Corentyne Block.”

The northern portion of the Corentyne Block includes the channel complexes discovered by the Kawa-1 and Wei-1 wells, and a prospective central channel complex, which is yet to be evaluated but which has the potential for more oil.

“The joint venture is excited by the definitive presence of oil in the Maastrichtian and Campanian and the presence of hydrocarbons in the Santonian and believes there is significant potential in the Block,” CGX and Frontera said.

Oil potential

In a statement welcoming the find, the Natural Resources Ministry noted that CGX’s announcement reaffirmed the potential for further oil finds in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). They also noted that the discovery marked an im-

portant milestone in offshore exploration endeavours in Guyana, with a total of 45 findings since 2015.

“Notably, the Maastrichtian and Campanian intervals have demonstrated a significant net pay of 23.5 metres, as reported to the Ministry. In order to thoroughly evaluate the potential, CGX Energy is currently conducting comprehensive assessments specifically focused on the Santonian interval,” the Ministry said.

“Preliminary investigations using wireline logs and core samples have revealed the presence of 64 metres of hydrocarbon-bearing sands within the Santonian interval. However, it is important to note that these findings are yet to be verified as no physical samples were obtained.”

According to the Ministry, it is necessary for an independent third-party laboratory to analyse the rock and fluid properties extracted from the Santonian core, in order to determine the net pay and establish a basis for evaluating the find.

The Ministry further noted that it was eagerly awaiting the results of this analysis, which would enable CGX

Energy to ascertain whether the second discovery in the Block is commercially viable.

Kawa-1

CGX’s first discovery in the Corentyne Block was when the Kawa-1 well struck light oil and gas condensate in May 2022. However, the well was subsequently plugged, with appraisal works expect-

ed in the future.

The Wei-1 well is located approximately 14 kilometres northwest of the Kawa-1 discovery. The joint venture had announced in January 2023 that the Guyana Government had approved an appraisal plan for the northern section of the Corentyne Block which commenced with the Wei-1 well.

CGX Chairman, Dr Suresh Narine Frontera CEO Orlando Cabrales Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Eid-ul-Adha reminds of unbridled humility, willingness to selflessly make sacrifices – PPP

Festival of Sacrifice T

Isma’il was born to Prophet Ibrahim and Hajra (Hagar), in his old age. Eid-ul-Adha celebrates Father Ibrahim’s absolute faith in God. His devotion and faith resonate in the existence of man as a temporary life, and acceptance that God is the preserver of the substance of man. Ibrahim (AS) had been a devoted servant of the Lord even though his wife Sarah couldn’t bear a child for most of their lifetime, yet his patience and contentment with his Creator never faded. After decades of faithful service to Allah (SWT), he finally became a father and named his son, Isma’il (AS).

God’s command to Ibrahim to sacrifice his beloved son was not questioned by either of them, and their faith in their Lord and their submission to his command was rewarded, because God intervened through his angel Jibra’il (Gabriel) and informed Ibrahim that his sacrifice had already been accepted. God stayed Ibrahim’s hand at the last moment and ordered him to slaughter a ram that was caught in some bushes nearby instead. This was a clear message to humanity that sacrificing humans is strictly prohibited, and was the genesis of Qurbani and Eid-ul-Adha – the Festival of Sacrifice.

Qurbani means sacrifice. Every year, Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated by Muslims around the world by slaughtering an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il, at God’s command and to commemorate a testament of God’s mercy to the faithful.

Traditionally, one-third of the meat from the animal must go to poor or vulnerable people; one-third for neighbours, associates and friends; and one-third for family.

According to Islam Now: “Eid-ul-Adha is the latter of the two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year, with the other being Eid-ul-Fitr, which comes after the auspicious month of Ramadan (Eid-ul-Fitr – small Eid) and the second during Qurbani (Eid-ul-Adha – big Eid). The second of these two Eids represents the most sacred time of the year for Muslims as it marks the Hajj pilgrimage.

“Hajj is a religious duty that should be carried out by all able Muslims at least once during their lifetime. Millions of Muslims travel to Mecca every year for Hajj, retracing the steps of Ibrahim (AS) as he left his wife, Hajra, and his son, Isma’il, in the desert of ancient Mecca by the command of Allah (SWT). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) later established Hajj as an annual pilgrimage.

“The Hajj pilgrimage is regarded as an honour for Muslims, with all those who complete it allowed to adopt the title of Hajji (men) or Hajjah (women) for life. Those who feature such titles in Islamic culture are thought to hold more wisdom, thus earning greater respect from their peers.

“The first pilgrimage, called Hijrah, was the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) migration from Mecca to Medina, then called Yathrib, and this is when the tradition as we know it today came into fruition. Hajj, which takes places over three days, runs into Eid-ul-Adha (Qurbani), and thus Muslims on the pilgrimage carry out the traditional sacrifice of livestock as per the Quran’s ruling.”

A prominent Guyanese Muslim elucidated that once the Eid prayers and sermon are over, the Qurbani sacrifice may begin and the meat of the sacrificed animal is shared three ways (one for the person making the sacrifice, another for friends and family, and one for the poor and needy). Following this, Muslims come together to celebrate the Festival of Sacrifice, which sees the exchanging of gifts and greetings.

According to Wikipedia, “Islam is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion teaching that Muhammad is a messenger of God: It is the world’s second-largest religion with 1.9 billion followers or 24.9 per cent of the world’s population, known as Muslims. Muslims make up a majority of the population in 51 countries. Islam teaches that God is merciful, all-powerful, and unique, and has guided humanity through prophets.”

Islam, according to Quranic texts, means to achieve peace –peace with God, peace within oneself, and peace with the creations of God – through wholly submitting oneself to God and accepting His guidance. The term Islam derives from the three-letter Arabic root, S (س)- L (ل)- M (م), which generates words with interrelated meanings, including “surrender” and “submission”. This correlates with Prophet Ibrahim’s acceptance of God’s will.

Eid-ul-Adha greetings to all our readers, the Guyanese people, and the global community from the management and staff of Times Media Group.

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings and best wishes to the Muslim communities here in Guyana and in the Diaspora on the sacred occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.

Eid-ul-Adha reminds us of unbridled humility and the willingness to selflessly make sacrifices in obedience to God. Its message is seen as pertinent to the spiritual upliftment of all mankind, which redounds in peace and togetherness. It comes during the annual Holy Pilgrimage to Mecca, The Hajj; a journey that

embodies sacrifices in the quest to fulfill religious obligations, and which is demonstrative of the teachings of equality. Its observance continues to exemplify humane characteristics of generos -

As the joyous festival of Eidul-Adha dawns upon us, we extend warmest wishes to all members of our esteemed organization and their families. This auspicious occasion holds great significance as we come together to celebrate faith, unity, and the spirit of sacrifice.

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah's command. It reminds us of the values of devotion, selflessness, and compassion that are at the core of our beliefs.

On this blessed occasion, let us reflect on the teachings of Eid-ulAdha and strive to embody its essence in our personal and profes -

ity, morality, and love for others, especially the less fortunate. In a multi-religious society like Guyana, these attributes have proven their value, not only in catalyzing and strengthening bonds among our peo -

sional lives. Let us be reminded of the importance of sacrifice and the rewards that come with selfless acts of kindness and generosity.

As we gather with our loved ones to offer prayers and share in the joy of this festival, let us also remember those who are less fortunate. Let us extend a helping hand to those in need, embodying the spirit of Eid-ulAdha by making a positive impact in our communities and contributing to the betterment of society.

May this Eid-ul-Adha bring peace, prosperity, and blessings to our organization and its members. May it strengthen the bonds of unity, and foster an environment of harmony and collaboration within our team. Let us use this occasion to renew our commitment to excellence,

ple, but also in forging a better understanding and appreciation of our cultures.

As our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate in traditional ways, the party urges reflection on the pertinent messages of the occasion and the many sacrifices Guyanese have made over time for self-advancement and nation-building, with the common objective of a better life and future for all.

Once again, the PPP extends best wishes on the occasion. Eid Mubarak! People’s Progressive Party

and work towards the collective growth and success of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc).

On behalf of the entire R3PSInc family, we wish you and your loved ones a joyous and blessed Eid-ulAdha. May your celebrations be filled with love, happiness, and cherished moments. Eid Mubarak!

Recognise those in need, offer a helping hand – GAWU

In any lifetime, mankind is often confronted with the choice of making significant sacrifices. Whether a person or a family, a community or a government, some sacrifices leave no options. Something held dearly in esteem has to be given up for the generally greater good. That is the essence of the Eid-ul-Adha festival which Muslims commemorate to celebrate the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to hand up his son’s life in obedience to God’s command.

The Guyana

Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) relates to this story of obedience to God, and joins Muslims in their observance of Eid-ul-Adha 2023. By this act in response to God’s request, the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail were put to the ultimate

test of faith, submission, and sacrifice. Ibrahim passed that test, and thus showed the strength of his belief and willingness to submit to God.

As we observe this important day on the Muslim calendar, GAWU urges that we spare a thought for the less fortunate in society. Today, as our country steadily expands and reaches new heights, let us allow ourselves to recognize there are those among us who need our assistance and a helping hand. Indeed, they are our brothers and sisters, and we

should seek to ensure that we all rise together, and no one is left behind. Indeed, for us, this remains one of the most enduring messages of the Eid-ul-Adha observances.

GAWU urges that this Eid-ul-Adha be an occasion of sharing love and blessing with friends and family. Eid-ul-Adha Mubarak to all Guyanese.

GAWU trusts that the inspiration embedded in the festival of Eid-ul-Adha can result in early rewards for all.

A blessed Eid-ul-Adha to all, from GAWU.

“Let us reflect on the teachings of Eid-ul-Adha”

– Region 3 Private Sector

“Let us work on improving ourselves and those around us” – CIOG

Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak!

“This day I have perfected your Deen for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your Deen." (Holy Quran - Surah Al-Ma'eda Chapter 5 verse 3)”

All gratitude is to Allah (SWT), Lord of all creation, peace and blessings on the noble Prophet (SAW), his family and companions. I offer Eid Mubarak greetings on behalf of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana, and I ask Allah (SWT), the Almighty, to accept from all of us our good deeds.

Alhamdu-Lillah, Eid-ulAdha has arrived, and it is a season of happiness, family bonding, nurturing mutual compassion, love, and support for the poor; values that are important to Guyanese and the larger community. Eid is also an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity. We celebrate Eid-ul-Adha in the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which signifies the counting down to the end of another year.

Alhamdu-lillah, any period of great tests, requires reflection and meaningful action. Humanity continues to

show great resilience, many returning to faith and having a better appreciation for the overlooked mercies in life. Pilgrims have returned in great numbers to Hajj, to trace the footsteps of the Friend of Allah (SWT), Ibrahim (Abraham). The entire ritual of Hajj is based on the noble family of our Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him, the Patriarch. Eid-ul-Adha cannot be celebrated without remembering our Patriarch, the friend of Allah (SWT), Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him. This festival commemorates the sacrifices made by Prophet Ibrahim and his family. He (peace be upon him) is described as the forefather of all the prophets who came after him, including Moses, Jesus, and our Beloved Muhammad (SAW). Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is accorded the

highest status in the Holy Quran, and is described in Surah An-Nahl Chapter 16: verse 120), as an “Ummah," a nation. Imagine one person referred to as an Ummah. This is partly because the amount of good, his exemplary submission to Allah (SWT), his sincerity in worship, all embodied to the degree of an entire Ummah, a nation. He was given the title of Khaleellullah, or friend of Allah.

“When his Lord said to him ‘submit’, he said ‘I have submitted [in Islam] to the Lord of the worlds.” (Holy Quran - Surah Al-Baqara Chapter 2: verse 131)”

Eid ul-Adha starts with the glorification of Allah (SWT), and its pinnacle is total submission to the Creator. Our journey begins by understanding and moving through the levels of our Nafs. If one overcomes lower desires, detaches from all material de-

sires, and truly humbles before Allah (SWT), one will understand the essence behind this celebration, and can take the best out of this Eid.

This was the example of our Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).

Eid al-Adha is the celebration of the reformation of the human condition, from that of servitude to other men to that of devotion to the Creator of all living and non-living things. Do not fall into the trap of considering yourself better than others.

Remember Allah (SWT) says, “People, We created you all from a single man and a single woman, and made you into races and tribes so that you should get to know one another. Allah (SWT) reminds us, "The most honoured of you are the ones most mindful of Him: God is all knowing, all aware.” (Holy Quran - Surah Al-Hujraat 49: verse 13).

Considering Eid as a unifying factor for all the Muslim Ummah, I humbly request you to join me in raising our hands in Dua. Supplicating to The Almighty for blessings and protection of our Muslim brethren and all of humanity.

Let us pray for peaceful co-existence in Guyana and the en-

Eid-ul-Adha represents peaceful coexistence, religious freedom – ERC

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends warmest Eid–ul–Adha greetings to Muslims and all other Guyanese on this annual observance.

This national holiday, which translates to the ‘fes-

tival of sacrifice’ in Islam, is important for all humanity - obedience to God and the priceless value of sacrifice.

The ERC urges all to heed the universal message of Eid–ul–Adha for a better Guyana. Render support,

tire world. Change begins with the person in the mirror. Our actions must prove that we mean no ill to anyone and we are all part of one humanity. Each one of us must be the change that we desire. Change yourself in order to set an example that encourages others to change.

Verily, Allah (SWT) will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. (Holy Quran - Surah Ar-Rad chapter 13: verse 11)

As Allah (SWT) says in his Majestic Quran, “Indeed, the most worthy of Abraham among the people are those who followed him [in submission to Allah] and this Prophet, and those who believe [in his message]. And Allah is the Wali (protector and helper) of the believers.” (Holy Quran - Surah AlImran 3: verse 68)

Our Father Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, when thrown into the fire by his own people, he was inspired with the words in the verse of the Quran: “Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).”

(Holy Quran Surah AlImran 3: verse 173)

May Allah (SWT) continue to bless you and your

families, and make us people who strive to bring benefit to others. Let us work on improving ourselves and those around us. Together we work to become agents of peace, instilling harmony among people regardless of ethnicity and creed. Let us be protectors of each other, ensuring we respect the rights of each other. May GOD bless our nation as we all strive for a better country. May Allah (SWT) show us right as right, and help us to follow it; and show us evil as evil, and enable us to stay far away from it. Let us be like the great Prophet, the Patriarch, our father, the Friend of GOD, Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him and his family. And remember, when faced with insurmountable hurdles, utter the words of our father Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him, when he said, Hasbunallah-wa-na’malwakeel – Allah, GOD (alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of our affairs.

Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! Wa-AlaikumusSalaam-WaRahmatullahiWabarakaatuh.

Shahabudeen Ahmad President – CIOG

CGX, Frontera make major oil...

“Following completion of Wei-1 drilling operations and upon detailed analysis of the results, the joint venture may consider future wells per its appraisal programme to evaluate possible development feasibility in the Kawa-1 discovery area and throughout the northern section of the Corentyne Block,” the missive from the company had detailed.

It had further stated that any future drilling is contingent on positive results at Wei-1 and that the joint venture has no further drilling obligations beyond the Wei-1 well. CGX currently holds a 32 per cent participating in-

FROM PAGE 3

terest in the Corentyne Block while 68 per cent is held by Frontera, after CGX decided to sell its majority stake last July.

It was explained that as part of the agreement, CGX will transfer 29.73 per cent of its participating interest in the Corentyne Block to Frontera in exchange for Frontera funding the joint venture’s costs associated with the Wei-1 exploration well for up to US$130 million.

Frontera would also provide up to an additional US$29 million for the Kawa1 exploration well, Wei-1 predrill, and other costs. (G3)

and inculcate the lessons of sacrifice for peace and brotherhood.

Sharing, during this holiday, to the less fortunate, neighbours and friends is characteristic of Eid-ul-Adha and reflective of the brotherhood that exists among Guyanese. The observance remains a beacon of inspiration, guidance and motivation for all of us to build and promote national harmony. The lessons of sacrifice and humility must inspire us as Guyanese.

Moreover, the Commission supports the thrust of this countrywide observance, which

strengthens ties with other ethnic groups in our multi-cultural society. The ERC is positive that our status as ‘One People’ is given deeper meaning during Eid–ul–Adha celebrations every year.

Eid-ul-Adha represents another veritable example of the peaceful co-existence and religious freedom all Guyanese enjoy. The ERC wishes that Guyanese of all ethnicities learn the important messages and principles from today’s observance, and its recurring theme.

Eid Mubarak from the Ethnic Relations Commission!

Page Foundation

Rates

Sometimes, you will be asked to solve a problem about rates. A rate is a fixed ratio between things. For example: Margot drives at a rate of 50 kilometres per hour. How many hours does it take her to drive 75 kilometres? Notice this is really a proportion problem.

Example

Exercises: Solve

1) Benny eats 4 mangoes in 3 days. How many days will it take for him to eat a basket of mangoes containing 48 mangoes?

2) Angela travels 400 kilometres in 8 hours. How many kilometres will she travel in a day?

3) 10 horses can plough 20 acres of land in 20 minutes. How many acres of land can 5 horses plough in one hour?

4)How many minutes will it take 500 people to stack 10,000 chairs if each person can stack 10 chairs per minute?

5) Seelall can polish 480 square metres of floor in 6 hours? It is the day before Christmas, how long will it take him to polish the dining room floor which is half that size?

6) A farmer uses 3 tonnes of organic fertiliser (compost) on his fields that encompass 7 acres to grow the best vegetables. How many acres can he fertilise with 21 tonnes?

BY NOAH ELI GORDON

The equator is a lion

Circling the earth

The dull glow of a feeding lamp

Illuminates worlds

On each page

Birds are blinds

One speaks and the other glistens

To avoid the slow accrual of infatuation

Curdling into love

You just have to duck

Source: Poetry (June 2023)

WORD SEARCH

Govt to engage Railway Embankment vendors ahead of 4-lane upgrade

…notices sent to Plaisance vendors on hold – Minister Persaud

Following an engagement with residents and vendors at Plaisance on Tuesday evening, the Guyana Government will be engaging all those who would be affected by the planned fourlane upgrade of the Railway Embankment on the East Coast of Demerara.

Tuesday’s meeting came on the heels of vendors and residents of Plaisance protesting the late notice that was sent for them to vacate the embankment in order to allow for preliminary works on the highway to start.

However, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo led a group of Government Ministers to meet with the vendors and residents. It was reported that Jagdeo noted, during the meeting, that while the vendors would eventually have to be removed to facilitate the road upgrade, they should have been consulted first before being issued with removal notices.

Minister within the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Anand Persaud – one of the ministers who accompanied the Vice President to Plaisance on Tuesday – told Guyana Times that following the engagement, those notices have been put on hold in order to allow for the vendors to be properly consulted.

“The notice that was sent out was put on hold because Vice President made mention to the vendors that the

Ministry of Public Works would have engagements with the stall holders. That remeasurement and engagement will commence sometime [Wednesday] afternoon,” he said. “This engagement is not going to be only with the stall holders on the embankment at Plaisance, but at Buxton and the other places that have vending on the Government reserve along the East Coast of Demerara,” Persaud explained.

According to the Junior Local Government Minister, while these engagements are ongoing, focus will be placed on other areas along the Railway Embankment where there are no encumbrances.

“Inasmuch as the fourlane [upgrade] has to be done, there are other areas along

the East Coast where we can start works apart from the Plaisance area… There is a lot of expansive land along the embankment where there are not any markets or where people don’t encumber the reserves, and so works would start at those areas,” the Minister stated.

In the meantime, as works are being done at those areas, vendors will be allowed to continue plying their trade while engaging the Public Works Ministry on alternative vending spaces. The latter will be twofold, as Government looks for short-term spaces to facilitate the vendors during the road construction period, as well as permanent vending locations after the expansion works are completed.

Minister Persaud ex-

plained that, “If there is some space after the road is completed, we would be able to accommodate only some of the vendors. The Ministry is going to work along with them [the vendors] to look into another site for them to continue vending.”

Government is upgrading the current two-lane Railway Embankment Road to four lanes from Sheriff Street to

Enmore, ECD. This project falls under the US$192 million Framework Concessional Loan Agreement from the Exim Bank of China to finance Phase II of the East Coast Road Project, which includes the four-lane expansion of the Railway Embankment Road as well as the extension of the main East Coast Roadway from Orange Nassau to Mahaica, and the rehabilitation of the existing East Coast Demerara Road from Belfield to Orange Nassau.

Construction works are expected to start this year, hence the Public Works Ministry has embarked on preliminary works, including demarcating the railway embankment.

Plaisance vendors complained that they received the notices only three days before the deadline. It was reported that the document was signed by Chief Works Officer at the Public Works Ministry, Ron Rahaman, and had a seven-day deadline for all encroachment along the embankment, such as tractors,

trailers, derelict vehicles, and roadside vending, be removed.

In a subsequent statement issuing from the Public Works Ministry on Tuesday morning, both vendors and residents along the Railway Embankment have been notified of the impending road extension, and those who were noticed expanding their vending operations as well as yard fencing have also been cautioned against such practices.

The Ministry reminded that the road reserve along the entire public road network is the property of the Government of Guyana, and all encroachment on the reserve will be removed. Failure to comply will result in the Ministry taking action in accordance with Chapter 51:01 of the Road Act of the Laws of Guyana.

Moreover, the Ministry said, it will continue to serve these notices wherever encroachments are observed, especially along main thoroughfares where major infrastructural works are either underway or due to start.

Plaisance residents and vendors on the Railway Embankment engaging the team of Government Ministers on Tuesday evening

CANU ranks charged with theft of detainee’s diamonds

Two ranks of the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) were on Wednesday arraigned before Albion Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh on a charge alleging that they had stolen diamonds from a Surinamese national who had been detained by CANU.

Twenty-one-yearold Annick Hosannah of Lot 1314 Diamond/Grove, East Bank Demerara; and 26-year-old Jamine

Goddard of Lot 5 Water Street, Bagotstown, EBD were each brought before the Magistrate on a charge of simple larceny.

Particulars of the

charge stated that on June 20, at Skeldon, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), they stole several diamonds belonging

to Gabriel Manickchand, a Surinamese.

They both pleaded not guilty, and were each released on $300,000 bail, granted on condition that they report to the Police every other Friday.

The case has been postponed until August 3 for report and statements.

It was previously reported that the CANU ranks were taken into custody by the Police in relation to simple larceny allegations stemming from an operation in Region Six.

On Sunday, the Police Force revealed that the ranks allegedly stole several diamonds from Manickchand, who had been detained by the CANU. According to a statement from the Police, the Surinamese national was detained by the two CANU officers – Annick Hossanah and Jamine Goddard – for his possession of an illegal firearm.

The Police had further disclosed that Goddard had swallowed two diamonds, and was taken to the hospital, where he excreted them. Hossanah, on the other hand, admitted to investigators that he sold his loot to another individual. The Police Force had said it was looking for the individual who allegedly bought the stolen diamonds from the CANU rank.

Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that sometime after the detainment of the Surinamese man in Berbice, it was discovered that the diamonds he had in his possession were missing. At that point, the two CANU officers were called in for questioning over the stolen diamonds.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued last Sunday, CANU Head James Singh distanced the agency from the actions of these two officers, which he described as “an embarrassing incident”.

“Not the kind of news we should be waking up to in the morning, or ever. You can bring fame or shame to yourself, your family, and your Unit. These officers made their choices, their actions do not reflect that of our organisation,” he posited.

Singh reassured all that the agency was committed to tackling not just drug trafficking, but all other crimes in Guyana.

“CANU remains committed to carrying out its mandate and combatting drug trafficking and any other crimes within Guyana, even within our Unit. I wish to thank the Guyana Police Force’s CID for bringing this embarrassing incident to a close, and I trust that the courts will ensure justice is done,” he said. (G1)

Building…

…bridges

It’s been a loooong time coming, but looks like we’re finally gonna get that bridge across the Corentyne River to Suriname. Today there’s gonna be a High-Level Decision Makers (HLDM) Meeting, where the consultants who were hired since last year - WSP Caribbean –will present the US$2M Feasibility Study and Detailed Designs for the Construction of the Bridge to teams headed by ours and Suriname’s Ministers of Public works –Juan Edghill and Dr Riad Nurmohamed respectively. There was one of these HLDM meetings back in February, and your Eyewitness hopes this will be the final one. Too much analysis leads to paralysis, and Lord knows there’s been a surfeit of analysis!!

Now, both the actual model of the physical bridge and the financial and ownership models have already been decided. The Bridge will span the river from our side at a point one and a half miles south of the Moleson Creek Ferry Port to the Suriname-owned Long Island, and then go on to the eastern bank in Suriname. This makes sense, since the river’s effectively narrowest at this point. For a while - because of the plans to collaborate in jointly exploiting the gas that’s coming up from the oil finds off our shore –some thought it might make sense to move it elsewhere.

Of concern to your Eyewitness, however, is who’s gonna have jurisdiction over the Bridge. While 1913 and in 1924 maps - recognised by both sides - state that the deepest point of the river channel – the “thalweg” - is the boundary between our two countries, there have been obstreperous claims by some Surinamese that THEY actually own the river up to the low-water mark on our side!!

These Surinamese have a thing about borders that we’ll have to settle if we’re ever to collaborate successfully!! Those annoying seizures of our fishing boats in the Corentyne River stem from those claims.

The financing model sidesteps this challenge. It’s gonna be a specific type of public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement called the “Design-Build-Finance-OperateMaintain model” (DBFOM). Meaning that the successful contractor – five have already been shortlisted - of the joint venture will be responsible for the Bridge’s final design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance.

Questions gonna be raised after the bridge is all paid for, as to who owns what and who controls where!! But from this model, one thing we know is: crossings gonna be very expensive. After all, the financing costs gonna be paid from revenues generated, and there haven’t been that many crossings to date! Unless, of course, the expected oil and gas support vehicles subsidise ordinary commuters!!

In the meantime, your Eyewitness looks forward to speeding over to Suriname – where, unlike our philistinestheir capital’s Old World charm and cleanliness have been kept!!

…back pride

After the ignominious defeat of our WI Cricket Team - at the hands of a Dutch pick-up team in the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier!! – WI leaders were understandably apoplectic!! Jeez…how low can you fall?!?

Trinidad’s PM Rowley exploded: “Today I saw the worst cricket match ever played by a West Indies team”. Now, that’s saying a lot, since we’ve been playing cricket since the 19th century, when we started to play as a collective team against visiting English teams!!

Rowley, who’d pulled no punches when he predicted the PNC’s 2020 power grab through rigging “will not end well”, continued: “The stench of today’s embarrassment didn’t start today; it had a long gestation period in two decades of disappointment, so those who were “expecting” should not come looking for any exemption here.” And that’s the line we should take. It’s our collective brand as the “West Indies” that gives the cachet to generate the super salaries of the players.

Let’s set rules for representing the WI!!

…investment portfolios

In the volatile financial markets, gold’s not the only hedge. A portrait of an unnamed woman “Dame mit Fächer” (“Lady with a Fan”) by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt was sold for $108.4 million!! It’s a new record for a painting!!

Annick Hosannah

Jamine Goddard

Robbery suspect killed by Police during shootout

Wanted man William DeAbreau was on Tuesday afternoon shot dead by Police at Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The 25-year-old resident of Bareroot, ECD had been wanted in connection with a series of robberies.

It was reported that at about 15:30h on Tuesday, Police received a tip-off that DeAbreau had been sighted in Bachelor’s Adventure. Responding to the information received, a team of Police ranks went to the location to apprehend the fugitive. However, the situation quickly escalated, as DeAbreau caught

sight of the approaching Police personnel and drew a firearm from his waistband with which he unleashed a barrage of gunfire in the direction of the Police.

In a bid to protect themselves, the officials sought cover while returning fire towards the armed suspect. Amidst the exchange of gunfire, DeAbreau was struck, and fell to the ground. The officials secured the area and promptly recovered a .32 Taurus pistol from his hand, along with a magazine containing three live rounds. Upon closer examination,

it was discovered that DeAbreau had sustained gunshot wounds to his right chest and to both feet. He was later transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital for immediate medical attention.

However, despite the efforts of medical professionals, DeAbreau succumbed to his injuries, at around 17:50h, while receiving treatment.

The Police, having promptly taken possession of the firearm,

magazine and ammunition recovered at the scene, subsequently lodged same at the Vigilance Police Station as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.

As the investigation progresses, the Police have said, they are committed to thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding DeAbreau’s actions, and the events that led to the fatal outcome. (G9)

Dead: William DeAbreau

Registration of e-bikes to begin on July 4

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that, commencing July 4, owners of electric bikes can register their cycles at the Licence Revenue Office, Lamaha Railway Embankment, Camp and Lamaha Streets, and at Integrated Regional Tax Offices (IRTOs) countrywide.

This is in compliance with the recent

amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, which were successfully passed in the National Assembly on May 10.

The newly added amendments allow electric bikes to be subjected to the same regulations as motorcycles, and would address the alarming increase in road fatalities and incidents involving electric bikes.

Owners of electric motorcycles are advised to present a completed motor vehicle registration application form; purchase receipt, or affidavit of lost purchase receipt (must have relevant revenue stamp), and a valid identification (National ID card, Passport or current Driver’s Licence) when registering their motorcycles.

According to the GRA, owners of existing electric cycles that do not have a chassis or frame number will be issued a unique identification number by the GRA.

“It is the responsibility of the owner to engrave this number onto the frame of the motorcycle before proceeding to the Guyana Police Force to apply for the Certificate of Fitness,”

the GRA explained. Importantly, GRA, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF), will allow a threemonth voluntary registration period, after which the law will be enforced by both agentcies.

“Additionally, please be advised that the standard rate for registration and motor vehicle revenue licence will apply. You must be the holder of a valid driver’s licence to use these electric motorcycles on the roadways,” the advisory stressed.

Meanwhile, the GPF has been taking steps to educate road users on the recent amendments made to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act Cap 51:02 about the regulation of e-bikes.

Father of 3 jailed for 20 years for beating, raping, robbing elderly woman

Broan Luke, called “Bryan”, a 50-yearold father of three who is resident in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for a series of offences that include rape and robbery-under-arms.

Indicted for the offences of rape, robbery-under-arms, common assault, and burglary, Luke was arraigned before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Berbice High Court on Thursday, June 1. And after each charge was read to him, he opted to plead guilty.

These offences were committed on a 64-year-old woman.

At Luke’s sentencing hearing on Wednesday, the victim-survivor begged the court to impose the severest sentence on Luke, because she is fearful for her life and the lives of other women. She shared that the incident has left her wracked with fear.

“I bear the scars, I live with the stigma, I suffer from flashbacks and nightmares, I no longer sleep in my own room. Since that day, I never slept back in my bed. I keep hearing his voice in my head. He violated me. I ask for the most severe sentence,” the woman said in a statement that was read by the prosecutor, State Counsel Muntaz Ali.

During an interview with a probation officer, Luke said he could not recall what had transpired on the day in question because he was under the influence of alcohol.

Further, he said he pleaded guilty to the charges only because he does not have the finances to retain a lawyer. Nevertheless, he expressed remorse. “I apologise to the woman and to the community for what I have done. I beg you for mercy, My Worship,” he told the Judge.

Leniency

In a plea in mitigation, Luke’s attorney Surihya Sabsook asked the court to show “some degree of leniency” on her client. But in his address to the court, Prosecutor Ali noted that the treatment meted out to the victim was brutal, inhumane and degrading, and shows blatant disregard for a woman and mother figure. Ali reminded that the ordeal lasted for about an hour, and has left the victim traumatised.

For her part, Justice Morris-Ramlall, in her sentencing remarks, alluded to the prevalence of sexual offences against women in society, among other things.

She stressed that Luke had violated his victim in

sent.

The ordeal lasted for about an hour, during which the victim was rendered unconscious. When the victim regained consciousness, she contacted her son, and a report was filed with the Police. Police ranks went to her home and transported her to the hospital.

At around 15:45h on August 15, 2021, Luke was arrested by the Police at his home.

the “most perverse way”, and had been ruthless towards her.

In the circumstances, Luke was given the following jail terms: 20 years for rape; 10 years for breaking into the woman’s home; 12 years for armed robbery, and six years for assault. These sentences will run concurrently, meaning that he will only have to serve 20 years. The convict has also been credited for the time he spent in pre-trial custody.

Luke was initially charged with the four offences on August 21, 2021, and when he appeared at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court, he was remanded to prison. After a Paper Committal, Luke was committed to stand trial for the offences following a magistrate’s ruling that the prosecution had led prima facie evidence against him.

Luke was previously convicted of abduction, and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment besides being fined $500,000 by a magistrate.

At around 18:00h on August 15, 2021, the then 64-year-old woman had secured the home which she shared with her granddaughter before retiring to bed. However, at around 02:00h the following morning, Luke broke into her home, went into her bedroom, held on to her neck, and threatened to kill her if she screamed.

He had then placed a knife to the fearful woman’s neck, and began cuffing her to her face, head, and neck. He held on to her hair, and pulled her off the bed while demanding gold and money.

At that point, the victim’s granddaughter woke up and started to cry, but Luke demanded that the woman, who begged him not to hurt the child, make the child stop crying.

According to the prosecution’s facts, the victim was forced to hand over to Luke $100,000 she had stashed in a safe. Luke subsequently dragged the woman to the inner stairway, where he held a knife to her neck and ordered her to take off her underwear, or else he would stab her.

The felon then engaged in vaginal and oral sex with the victim without her con-

When told of the allegations and cautioned, he told the Police his version of the incident, which included confessing to the crimes. He told investigators that he had consumed Vodka with a friend, and had smoked a “joint” (marijuana) prior to arriving at the sexagenarian’s home. (G1)

Jailed: Broan Luke

$105M viral load testing machines benefitting 9000 HIV patients

Persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can now seek enhanced care with the Health Ministry’s recent procurement of a $105 million viral load testing machine.

This updated machine, bought from Swiss biotech company Roche, allows medical practitioners to test the viral load of patients with HIV, thereby determining the amount of HIV present in a patient’s blood, how quickly the disease would progress, and how efficiently a patient is receiving treatment.

The viral load test usually goes alongside the CD4 test, which assesses the number of T cells in a patient’s blood.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony noted that this machine, now installed at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory in Georgetown, is an important component in the management of some 9000 HIVpositive patients.

“In the past, we were giving people antiretroviral therapy, but we weren’t sure what was the status of their viral load. So, this machine will definitely tell us how well they’re progressing, and whether they’re virally suppressed,” Dr Anthony said.

Viral suppression refers to the percentage of people with HIV who have less than 200 copies of HIV per millilitre of blood.

For several years now, affected persons have been unable to access these routine CD4 and viral load tests, leading Guyana to fall short

Son gets 12 years in prison for killing mother

of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) targets.

In 2020, UNAIDS released a set of targets, calling for 95 per cent of all people living with HIV to know their HIV status, 95 per cent of all people with diagnosed HIV infection to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95 per cent of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy to have viral suppression by 2025.

As at the end of 2022, Guyana had recorded 94 per cent of persons knowing their status and 76 per cent of persons who were in care, but only 28 per cent of persons who were virally suppressed.

Recognising the need to have universal viral load testing, this multi-million-dollar viral load testing machine was obtained following its approval in the 2023 Budget.

“[The medical professionals] have been working on it, and I am sure they are managing their patients well,” Minister Anthony has said.

When 39-year-old Toltaram Lalta appeared before Justice Simone MorrisRamlall at the Berbice High Court on Wednesday, he expressed regret for his drunken actions which resulted in the death of his elderly mother, 78-year-old Jagranie Ramotar, and pleaded for leniency before being jailed for 12 years.

Lalta, of Adelphi Village, East Canje Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), had been indicted for the murder of his mother, but opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter on May 23 — the day his trial was set to commence.

In a caution statement, Lalta, Jagranie Ramotar’s biological son, related that he came home intoxicated on October 14, 2019 after a night out with friends, and saw his mother in the kitchen. He then slapped her multiple times, causing her to fall and hit her head.

After noticing his moth-

er bleeding from her nose, Lalta said, he went outside. Due to the severity of her injuries, the injured woman was eventually taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, and was later referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

She was discharged on November 10, 2019, but died a few days later at her home.

At Lalta’s sentencing hearing on Wednesday, he expressed regret for his actions, stating, “I regret my actions. I am very, very sorry for what I have done. May my mother’s soul rest in peace.”

His sister, in a victim impact statement, begged the Judge to have mercy on her brother. “I forgive my brother…I know in his heart he didn’t mean to do it,” she told the court.

While Lalta’s attorney, Surihya Sabsook, asked the court to have mercy on her client, State Prosecutor Muntaz Ali highlighted that the convict had been in the habit of abusing his mother.

According to Ali, Lalta had previously been jailed for six months for threatening and assaulting his mother.

“He was unprovoked at the time of the incident, and acted recklessly to his moth-

er,” Ali said, as he recounted the attack which led to the pensioner’s death.

In her sentencing remarks, Justice MorrisRamlall said that instead of honouring the woman who had nurtured, protected, and cared for him, Lalta had disrespected her.

“Parents expect and are entitled to be honoured, and, in the advanced stages of life, to be cared for. The offender breached that trust that was reposed in him, and instead of showing love and gratitude, he was reckless and physically abusive towards his mother. This was a pattern, and there were, in fact, numerous Police reports of his abuse,” the Judge remarked.

In the circumstances, the convict was jailed for 12 years, less time served on remand.

Man deported from France remanded for gold miner’s murder

After eluding local Police for more than a decade, a 44-year-old man who was recently deported from France has been remanded to prison until July 25 for a murder he allegedly committed in 2006.

Michael O’lando Corrica, of Lot 2 Fourth Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), was arraigned on Wednesday before Bartica Magistrate Esther Sam, and was not required to plead to the indictable charge of murder, committed contrary to Section 100 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

It is alleged that Corrica murdered Oswald Joris, a gold miner nicknamed “Buns”, in February 2006 during a heated argument in Bartica. After fleeing Guyana through an illegal departure at Moleson Creek, Corrica, called “Tall Man”, made his way to Suriname, before settling in French Guiana. He managed to stay under the radar for several years as he worked illegally in that country.

Eventually, Corrica moved to France, where he secured employment as a labourer with a construction company. His run came to an end when French authorities apprehended him for possession of a stolen cell phone. He was arrested, taken into custody, and subsequently charged with the theft.

Corrica admitted guilt

Remanded: Michael O’lando Corrica

and was given a nineyear prison sentence in France. Following his release, Corrica was placed in French immigration custody until June 21, 2023, when he was deported to Guyana.

Upon arrival in Guyana, he was immediately taken into custody by ranks of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), for questioning regarding the murder of the gold miner.

According to reports, Corrica and Joris had been acquainted with each other.

The former allegedly operated a shop in the Arimu area, where Joris worked as a gold miner. In February 2006, a violent altercation between these two men erupted over a woman at Papa Road, Arimu Backdam, Cuyuni River.

During the confrontation, Corrica allegedly attacked Joris, inflicting fatal chops on his body before fleeing the scene. Joris unfortunately succumbed to his injuries before receiving medical attention at the Bartica Regional Hospital.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

Jailed: Toltaram Lalta

Dharamlall rape allegation…

DPP advises Police to conduct further investigations

…as anonymous caller threatens to “burn down” office

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has advised the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to conduct further investigations into the allegation of rape against Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall.

The advice was delivered on Wednesday, almost a week after the Police file was handed over to the DPP.

In a statement to the media on Tuesday, the Office of the DPP, which is headed by Shalimar AliHack, explained that the Police file was being given due legal attention. Further, the Office of the DPP made it clear that constitutional functions are executed in an impartial manner.

“This Police file in question is only one of thousands of Police files which the DPP’s Office receives from all stations in all 10 administrative regions of Guyana for legal attention. Files for persons in custody are given priority. The DPP’s Office will continue to carry out its constitutional functions in an impartial manner,” the DPP Office said in its statement.

With the Police being instructed to conduct further investigations, additional findings will have to be documented and resub-

mitted to the DPP for advice on the way forward. It is expected that this advice would determine whether or not the Minister would face charges.

Threat to DPP

Meanwhile, an anonymous caller on Wednesday morning threatened to burn down the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the matter has since been reported to the Police.

“…he gonna rape yuh mother, rape that old witch that deh in the office… that DPP Office gon burn down…I don’t give a damn, alyuh can do whatever yall want,” the caller is heard telling the receptionist upon her answering the phone.

Only on Tuesday, the Office of the DPP issued a statement wherein it emphasised that it would not be

intimidated by persons who profess to want justice in the matter regarding the rape allegation against Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall.

“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has observed that members of the Opposition political parties have mounted protests in front of its office. The DPP’s Office will not be intimidated by these individuals, who profess to want justice in a criminal matter even while a Police file is being given due legal attention,” the DPP Office has said.

The Office of the DPP is headed by Shalimar AliHack.

Respect outcome

Meanwhile, President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Tuesday assured that he would respect the outcome of the investigation, and indicated that the fate of the Minister as a Government Minister would be determined at the appropriate time.

“As President, I have no choice but to stand behind the decisions of the institutions. The institutions are independent of the Executive. It’s not a matter of standing behind, it is a matter of respecting whatever outcome is there,” the Head of State told media op-

eratives.

“I am very strong on people’s rights and women and children; there is no compromise with that. I made it very clear from the inception that there is a procedure that has to be followed, and we have to trust our system. That system has commenced the investigation. I am not involved with that. The Minister proceeded on leave to allow that system to work. When the system completes its work, then subsequent decisions will be made,” President Ali added.

Minister Dharamlall is currently on administrative leave, following the allegation of sexual misconduct which first surfaced on social media two weeks ago. The allegations attracted the attention of the Guyana

Police Force (GPF) and the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA), who have since launched investigations into the matter.

The Police Force confirmed that an investigation has been launched, and, in fact, the sitting Minister presented himself at the Brickdam Police Station in the company of his lawyer,

where he was arrested and placed on $1,000,000 bail as Police probe the matter. The Minister has retained the services of Hughes, Fields & Stoby, which is Nigel Hughes’s law firm, to represent him in this matter. All the allegations have been denied, Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes has indicated.

The Office of the DPP is headed by Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall

NGSA results to be announced next Friday

Results for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) are expected to be announced next Friday –July 7, 2023.

This is according to Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who made the announcement during a social media post on Wednesday.

According to Manickchand, “We had said that we would be releasing those results on the 17th of July, it’s now changed to the 7th of July, so we’re going to be able to release the results next week Friday. We are very pleased that we’re able to do this at this time. I know parents, children, and teachers are very anxious about what September looks like for them and getting prepared for that date and so we’re very glad to be able to do this early.”

The Minister also highlighted that the Ministry is working assiduously to ensure that all secondary learning institutions are of great standard and are well-equipped to

deliver high-quality education.

“I implore you that whatever the results are, you’re going to be taken care of in high school. We’re really on an aggressive push to make sure that all schools are equal. We’re working very hard to make sure most schools have facilities in place that can deliver quality education.

Aggressive moves are going to be made to ensure that is being delivered so whichever

school you get, you’re going to be able to do well if you apply yourselves and partner with us,” the Minister said on her Facebook page.

The NGSA was written on May 3 and May 4 this year as the Ministry re-adjusted its systems after the COVID-19 pandemic, which struck Guyana in March 2020.

The last time the NGSA was executed under normal circumstances was in 2019.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic’s emergence in 2020, dates were pushed back and different structures put in place – a trend that continued in 2021 and 2022 owing to existing conditions and circumstances.

This year, a total of 15,268 pupils were registered to write the NGSA. The assessment papers were translated into Spanish for the first time to help Spanish-speaking pupils, many of whom are migrants.

In order to increase the pass rate and prepare students during COVID-19, the Ministry had launched the Quiz Me Platform on its website in 2021 which offered students the opportunity to practise NGSA-type questions and be given their results instantaneously.

The NGSA Booster Programme was also launched, whereby local teachers were recorded teaching the topics featured on the examinations. These videos were aired on the Guyana Learning Channel according to a timetabled schedule and are also available for streaming on the Guyana Learning Channel’s YouTube channel.

2 arrested for shooting at businessman

Two men were arrested, and an unlicensed firearm believed to have been used in a shooting incident targeting a 24-year-old businessman was found in their possession. Reports are that the incident occurred at about 23:20h on Monday at the businessman's residence in Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, where he and his wife operate a shop.

It was reported that the victim and his 23-year-old reputed wife were inside their shop, situated in front of their residence, when they noticed the two suspects approaching, heading west on the main road at Riverview, Ruimveldt.

As the suspects reached the shop, one of them pulled out a handgun from his waist and discharged a round in the businessman’s direction. However, the man managed to evade being injured by seeking immediate safety in retreating into his yard, along with his wife.

The suspects then made good their escape on foot, heading east of Riverview, Ruimveldt and continuing south on the Ruimveldt Public Road. The businessman imme-

diately called the Police, and ranks responded.

Acting on information received, the cops proceeded to Norton and Chapel Streets, Lodge, Georgetown, where they encountered two 28-yearold males. While approaching the individuals, the Police ranks observed one suspect removing a handgun from his right-side pants waist and discarding it on the ground. The firearm was recovered, and was found to be a 9MM pistol accompanied by a magazine containing three live 9MM rounds.

The suspects have been arrested, and remain in custody as investigations continue. (G9)

Berbice man gets 20 years for killing reputed wife

Durn Hunt, called “Rasta”, a 41-year-old man with a history of substance-induced psychotic disorder, was on Wednesday handed a 20-year jail sentence for the brutal murder of his reputed wife.

A former resident of Crane Street, Queenstown, Corriverton, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Hunt had in May pleaded guilty to the capital offence of murder in the death of Itashia Frank, 38, whom he had stabbed and submerged in a trench on October 15, 2018.

At Hunt’s sentencing hearing on Wednesday, State Prosecutor Muntaz Ali described the woman’s killing as “brutal and blatant”, and noted that she had been slain in broad daylight. He said Hunt’s actions were reprehensible, and while alluding to the serious nature of the offence, he pointed out that domestic violence, particularly against women, is a blight on society.

Attorney-at-Law Surihya Sabsook told the court that, notwithstanding her client’s mental illness, he is a good candidate for rehabilitation.

“We ask for leniency and mercy to be shown to Durn Hunt, who has accepted responsibility for his actions. He is hoping one day to become a productive member of society,” Sabsook has said.

In his address to the court, Hunt told the victim’s family that he was “very sorry” for what he had done. Seemingly blaming his mental illness for the killing, the convict said, “I wasn’t taking my treatment,

and I start smoking weed…”

In recounting the gruesome manner in which the woman was killed, Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall, in the Berbice High Court, said Hunt attacked his partner in broad daylight with a knife, attacking her in such a manner that her carotid arteries were severed.

Still not satisfied, she said, he then held her down in the trench until she became lifeless.

In this regard, the Judge noted, the woman’s murder was a “premeditated plan”, and Hunt’s conduct towards his partner was cruel and callous, and showed no regard for her life.

Additionally, the Judge made it clear that the nature of Hunt’s mental illness is no excuse to commit murder.

Having considered the aggravating and mitigating factors, the serious nature of the crime and the prevalence of domestic violence-related murders, the Judge held that imprisonment for 20 years is fitting for Hunt’s criminal conduct.

The murderer was giv-

en credit for the time he had spent on remand awaiting trial.

Hunt had previously been convicted of trafficking in narcotics.

Frank, a mother of two, was stabbed several times by Hunt, and left to die in a muddy trench at Crane Street, Queenstown, Corriverton. Based on reports, the woman had recently moved in with Hunt at his Corriverton home, after they had been seeing each other for only three weeks.

At about 08:00h on Sunday, October 15, 2018, the now dead woman had headed home from work, but shortly after, she visited a nearby shop. Moments later, the woman was seen running up the street with her partner in hot pursuit. He eventually caught up with her.

The woman had tried to fight him off, but her throat was slit in the process. The woman fell into a nearby trench, and was further stabbed four times to her neck. Hunt held her down in the trench until she stopped moving. (G1)

Jailed: Durn Hunt Murdered: Itashia Frank

The firearm that was recovered by Police

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

2 killed after speeding car crashes into electric bike

Two persons died on Tuesday evening following an accident in which a speeding car collided with an electric bike along the Corentyne Highway at Hampshire.

The dead have been identified as 24-year-old Brandon Ramsammy of Kilcoy Squatting Area, Corentyne, a mechanic who had been driving the car; and 60-year-old Mooreer Khan, a security guard who had been riding the electric bike.

Police have said there also were three occupants in the car, and they are all now hospitalised. They have been identified as 23-yearold Rameshwar Sookram of Albion, 29-year-old Joseph Kamaladeen of Chesney; and 31-year-old Rajkumar Veerapen of Market Street, Letter Kenny Village.

They were taken to the Port Mourant Hospital before being transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where they were all admitted as patients. The condition of each is regarded as stable.

Police have said that, at around 23:30h on Tuesday, the car, PRR 7985, was proceeding at a fast rate along the Hampshire Public Road when the driver lost control and collided with the electric bike, which was proceeding along the footpath of the road.

Eyewitnesses have said that the car hit a dog and toppled before coming into contact with Khan. As a re-

sult of that collision, Khan was pitched onto the parapet and then into a drain, while the car turned turtle on the parapet.

The Police and public-spirited citizens picked up Khan and Ramsammy each in an unconscious condition, while the occupants of the car were each picked up in a conscious condition, and all were taken to Port Mourant Public Hospital, where Khan and Ramsammy were pronounced death on arrival.

Khan had reportedly been returning home when he was hit by the speeding car. His wife Meena Khan said he had left home at about 16:00h and was expected back at about 23:00h.

“At about 12 O’clock time, somebody came and called my son and told him to come quick. So, I asked them if anything wrong, and they told me, ‘No’. After my son went with them, he called home and tell me that his father dead,” Mrs Khan said, adding that she passed out shortly after.

Ramsammy’s wife

Vashti Amarnauth said she was asked to go and identify her husband’s body on Wednesday. She said she had last spoken with him at about 21:30h on Tuesday.

“He leff to go and look after some welding work on the car (which he) was looking after; the welding shop is right in the next street. He say when he finished he would come home. When I called him to see if he finished, he say that he got to go to Skeldon to buy parts,” she detailed.

The woman said she had made contact with her husband, who said he was on his way back from Skeldon, but subsequent calls to his phone went unanswered.

“After ah calling my husband and not getting through, ah continue calling his phone, and then Ramo Funeral Parlour answer the phone and told me that the person whose phone I calling did not make it. They asked me he is who to me, and when I tell them that I am his wife, they tell me to come and identify the body,”

the 23-year-old woman related.

Amarnauth said she informed the funeral home that she could not leave her two children alone at that hour, and was then asked to make the visit early on Wednesday morning. According to the mother of two, the occupants in the car were all her husband’s friends, one being a mechanic.

According to some vil-

lagers, the four men had been imbibing at a bar in the community earlier in the evening.

Meanwhile, Khan leaves to mourn four children, four grands and his wife.

According to his wife, one of his legs was amputated in the accident and the other was almost severed, and both legs were crushed.

Mrs Khan described her husband as hard working, saying that he did not allow

her to do much. “He does do everything, I don’t go anywhere; he does go to the market and buy everything. He works in the night, and in the day he does do some spray work. Sometimes he does carry my small granddaughter to school and then go back in the afternoon at 2 O’clock and collect her, and then relax a bit and go to work for 4 O’clock.”

Investigations are ongoing. (G4)

The car that was involved in the accident

Dead: Brandon Ramsammy

Dead: Mooreer Khan

Time is right to push for removal of regional trade barriers on honey, other products – Ali

Trade barriers that hamper the export of honey into countries like Trinidad and Tobago is a longstanding issue. But according to President Dr Irfaan Ali, he is willing to raise the matter at the level of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government and is, moreover, optimistic that the time is right to get

in advancing change

high-level Ministers of Agriculture meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC) in Guyana.

Afterwards, President Ali was asked about the issue of trade barriers against honey imports in the Region. Countries such as Trinidad and Tobago have prohibitions against honey imports, despite protestations

that we have raised at Caricom. And to be fair, Prime Minister Rowley had said that they are going to address the honey issue. It’s an outdated law. I can’t pronounce on that system, but I know that it’s an item on the Caricom agenda, not only for Guyana but Grenada also,” the President said. It was pointed out

it resolved.

On Tuesday, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) held a

from Guyanese exporters. According to President Ali, this matter is on the Caricom agenda.

“The honey issue is one

Cop charged for forging

Assistant

Superintendent of Police Kurt Smith, who has already been interdicted and remains under investigation involving corruption at the Police Force’s Finance Office, has again found himself in hot water.

This time around, he is being charged by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) with six counts of misconduct in public office, all in relation to the unlawful signing of contracts on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs for the repairs of several Police buildings.

Smith, who was the officer-in-charge of the Force’s Finance Department, appeared on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Delon Bess, where he was not required to plead to six indictable charges, and was placed on $100,000 bail on each.

Smith was previously charged for similar cases of alleged misconduct by SOCU.

The incident in question was officially reported to SOCU by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and an investigation was conducted. The investigation discovered that during the months of December to February 2022, there were

Assistant Superintendent of Police Kurt Smith

six contracts awarded to various contractors to do repair works on several Police buildings, amounting to the sum of $ 9,717,525. Contracts were prepared and sent to the accused for verification and onward transmission to the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs for her signature; however, the accused reportedly took it upon himself to sign for the PS in the slot allotted for the accounting officer.

The Permanent Secretary was contacted, and she made it clear that she had never delegated her responsibility to the Finance Officer.

Further investigations were done, and it was advised that the accused be charged with misconduct in public office, contrary to common law. (G11)

that the matter was one that was raised under the previous Government and a commitment to address the law was made even then by the Trinidad Prime Minister. According to President Ali, he is optimistic that these barriers to trade can be removed.

“This is the challenge of being in the Region. You can’t give up. We have to have hope that it will change. I think there is a mood now. My opinion is there is a mood in the Region now to have these trade barriers and these challenges addressed. And I’m very confident that that mood can bring us re-

sults.

“I have great confidence in Ministers and the policymakers here. And I’ve seen them work, on the Caricom 25 by 2025. I know the players in CELAC. I think what they need is that out-of-the-box approach in using this forum to shift policy change. And I’m willing to take the outcome of this meeting to Caricom Heads,” President Ali further said.

Ali pointed out that he leads Caricom’s agriculture agenda. Additionally, Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha chairs the ministerial task force. President Ali also pointed out that St Vincent

and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves now chairs CELAC.

“So, whatever is the outcome of this meeting, they have a champion here who will take this to Caricom Heads, and argue and present the case of the outcome. So that is the difference. The difference is that it’s not a passive relationship. They have a job to do. And I have a job to do, as lead Head in Caricom (on agriculture).

And now, with Prime Minister Gonsalves sitting as the Chair of CELAC, it gives us a great opportunity to bring the synergies that we want,” the President said.

In Caricom’s 25 per cent by 2025 plan to slash the food import bill, financing, trade barriers, women and youth involvement, transportation, financing, logistics, climate and resilience are covered. While building capacity, the countries have also turned to Brazil to enter the supply chain.

Through the 25 by 2025 plan, Caricom has seen a turnaround with significant interest and investment in food production. For the first time in decades, there has been a major shift in action at the policy level which has attracted attention globally and created a space for dialogue. (G3)

Another ‘romance scammer’ charged

Denzel Lawrence Muir, a shopkeeper of Barnwell North, Mocha, East Bank Demerara, was on Wednesday charged by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) with two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony.

Lawrence appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool, where the charges were read, the Administration of Justice Act was applied, and he pleaded not guilty.

He was granted $150,000 bail for both charges. The matter has been adjourned to August 22.

The 29-year-old Muir was represented by Attorney-at-law Dexter Smart, while Deputy Superintendent Neville Jeffers presented the matter on behalf of the State.

In September 2022, based on an intelligence report, SOCU commenced several investigations concerning romance/package

Charged: Denzel Lawrence Muir

delivery scams allegedly being masterminded by Nigerian nationals.

As a result of these investigations, it was revealed that the defendant conspired with other persons who befriended the victim via WhatsApp and formed a relationship with her.

Henceforth, the victim’s “lover” had called her via WhatsApp and told her that he had sent an expensive package with “surprises” for her. The woman then received a call from someone who claimed that

he was working at the airport in New York, and the person informed her that her package has arrived in Guyana and someone would call her to pay the customs fees.

The victim subsequently received a call from a male, who told her that she needed to pay the amount of $160,000 to clear customs.

The person gave her the name and identification particulars of the accused for her to send the money in his name via the Post Office Corporation. As such, the victim sent the money via the Post Office Money Order in the name of the accused.

Post Office records reveal that the accused received the money, but the victim never received any package. Further investigations were carried out, and the accused was arrested and charged.

On Monday, four persons, including a Guyana Post Office employee, were charged with 21 counts of

conspiracy to commit a felony and three counts of forgery.

This was after eight Guyanese women who had had a long-distance relationship with a male Caucasian were allegedly conned of $804,000.

The four: Khadijah Long, unemployed resident of Lot 28-26 Central Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden; Wayne Halley, 27, a driver of Lot 194 First Street Mocha, East Bank Demerara; Kevon Mc Bean, 43, a postal clerk attached to the Guyana Post Office Corporation, and of Lot 42 Amelia’s Ward, Linden; and Matthew Ejike Nwackukwu, 36, a Nigerian of Lot 96 Duncan Street, Kitty, Georgetown, appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court before Principal Magistrate Rondel Weaver on Monday, where the charges were read to them.

They have been charged by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) with multiple charges. (G11)

…says Guyana an active partner

President Dr Irfaan Ali (fourth from left, front row) and Guyana’s Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha (second from left) with Ministers of Agriculture from around the region

“Whatever is the outcome of this meeting, they have a champion here who will take this to Caricom Heads, and argue and present the case of the outcome. So that is the difference. The difference is that it’s not a passive relationship. They have a job to do. And I have a job to do, as lead Head in Caricom” – President Dr Irfaan Ali

PS’s signature on $9.7M in contracts

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Communication is mandatory. Don’t guess when all you have to do is ask. The more information you have, the greater your chance to succeed. Trust in yourself to do what’s best.

(March 21-April 19)

Ingram Micro refutes partnership with Tagman Media on digital transformation

United States-based technology distribution and supply chain solutions services provider Ingram Micro has distanced itself from any partnership with Guyana’s Tagman Technology.

Don’t stop until you are satisfied with the results. Reach out to those you can count on to help without supervision. A change of attitude will make your life easier. Stand up for your beliefs.

(April 20-May 20)

Pay attention to how you present yourself and your space to others. Going the extra mile to ensure you have left nothing to chance will help eliminate any threat of interference.

(May 21-June 20)

Think matters through, learn all you can and act accordingly. Share your thoughts and feelings, and discuss issues that can help bring you closer to someone you love.

(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)

Work on self-improvement, eating properly, exercise and getting along with the people you love. Refuse to let your emotions take the reins, causing friction or unwanted change at home or work.

Push forward with confidence. It’s up to you to bring about positive change. Communication will keep you out of trouble and encourage others to support the changes you want to make.

Tagman Technology, an innovative digital and communications solutions provider in Guyana, in a recent press release claimed to have forged a partnership with Ingram Micro to propel digital transformation and deliver state-ofthe-art solutions to organisations in Guyana.

Following that publication, however, Micro Ingram has stated that this informa-

tion was not approved or authorised by the company, and contains a series of misrepresentations that have misled local technology companies in Guyana.

“In this case, Ingram Micro has never had any meetings, conversations or plans to partner, participate in a joint venture, or collaborate as associates with Tagman Technologies or their affiliate companies (Tagman Media or Housty Designs). Not one employee belonging to Ingram Micro is in the picture posted where it states there are representatives there,” the USbased company clarified.

According to Ingram Micro, “…there are vendors (such as Apple, Cisco, Adobe) mentioned in the publication, and Tagman does not have the appropriate authorizations to resell their products, because those companies require a prior registration with them.”

The US-based company has since sent a communication to Tagman to cease to publish any new articles with these sorts of statements.

Consequently, on Wednesday, Tagman Technology retracted the press release, which it says “inaccurately characterises” the re-

lationship between Tagman Technology and Ingram Micro.

“We apologise for the confusion and misrepresentation caused by this publication. Upon thorough review and in response to the concerns raised by Ingram Micro, we acknowledge that the press release contained statements that were misleading,” the Guyanese company stated.

Tagman went on to also clarify that the company is an authorised reseller of only Microsoft products, and not those of the vendors mentioned in the previous release (Adobe, Apple, Amazon Web Services, CISCO, Google).

AG writes Chancellor on “stagnant jury pool”

which will allow for defendants in criminal cases to make plea deals with State Prosecutors.

According to a statement from the Legal Affairs Ministry, the Bill is designed not only to ensure proper sentencing for offenders, but to expedite criminal proceedings with the aim of reducing the court backlog.

Nandlall said this bill, which is expected to be laid in the National Assembly soon, is a means to bring greater speed to the system and the criminal legal process, and save a lot of resources while

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Don’t take on what you can’t handle. If you leave yourself in a vulnerable position, someone will take advantage of you. Focus on what you can do to improve your life.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Express your intentions. A plan that leads to stability and satisfies your creative imagination will help you find your happy place. Change begins with you.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Live and learn. Try something new, and you’ll discover a way to turn it into a profitable endeavor. Don’t trust others to suggest what’s best for you. Take better care of yourself. Romance is favored.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Review the ups and downs of your lifestyle, living arrangements and space. You are overdue for a change that will lift your spirits and ease your mind. Talk seriously with someone close to you.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Take a deep breath and consider what’s best for you. Focus on caring for yourself and those you love. Defuse emotional situations before they spin out of control. Reboot your life.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Spread joy. Giving a pep talk will bring you closer to someone you love and respect. Think about how you handle your cash or what you do for a living. Seek out something that soothes your soul.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

at the same time maintaining an acceptable, just, fair and legal regime of sanctions and penalties. In addition, it also allows for the prosecution and the defence to sit at the table and work out an acceptable plea arrangement before or after charges are filed, as well as before verdicts are delivered.

The Legal Affairs Minister noted that these efforts fall under the host of measures taken by Government – all designed to impact positively upon the local justice system, in particular the criminal justice system. (G8)

As part of a slew of reforms being undertaken to strengthen the local criminal justice system, the Guyana Government is looking to revamp the current jury pool in the country which has not been updated in years.

This is according to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, who has written acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, on the matter.

“Only [Tuesday], I have dispatched a letter to the Chancellor of the Judiciary, convening to her the complaints I have received during public consultations with various stakeholders on the stagnant jury pool which exists in Guyana. The jury pool in Guyana has not been reviewed in a number of years,” the Attorney General stated.

Minister Nandlall explained that he has been receiving complaints from stakeholders such as the Women and Gender Equality Commission that the current jury pool is quite shallow.

Among the complaints is that many of the companies that form part of the pool and whose employees are drawn to sit on juries no longer exist or function while on the other hand, there are scores of new companies that have been started and are not part of that pool hence their employees do not get the opportunity to discharge this important civic responsibility.

Moreover, the Attorney General pointed out that the fundamental principle upon which the jury system is predicated is the trial of the

accused by a jury of his peers. On this note, he outlined that because of the jury pool’s stagnant state, the question has been raised as to whether the pool reflects Guyana’s current realities.

“Does the jury pool from which these juries are drawn, do they now accurately represent the peers of the accused person. This pool having not been revamped or reviewed in decades. I have conveyed those concerns to the Chancellor and hopefully we can get some action,” Nandlall said.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General went on to highlight another concern raised by stakeholders: the sentencing practices within the Judiciary.

Nandlall disclosed that draft sentencing guidelines have been completed. These, he added, will be dispatched for input from the Judiciary and then would be ready for promulgation.

“The Judiciary is an important stakeholder, as the Judiciary will have to execute or comply with the guidelines. So, their input is fundamental… Those guidelines should address the inconsistent sentencing patterns that members of the public have complained against,” he noted.

According to the AG, the steps being taken all form part of efforts by the Government, as well as stakeholders, to strengthen the local justice system, especially the criminal justice system.

In fact, only on Tuesday, the Legal Affairs Ministry published the Criminal Procedure (Plea Discussion and Plea Agreement) Bill,

GA-FDD recalls batches of Guzzler citrus punch drink

The Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) on Wednesday issued an urgent recall of several batches of Guzzler citrus punch drink that may be circulating on the market.

According to the GAFDD, the affected batches may contain white residues around the necks of the bottles and/ or apparent discolouration.

The affected batches include: 0339 V, 1439 V, 1509

V, 0309 V, 1512 V, 1508 V, 0252 V, 0250 V, 0301 V, 0306

V, 0305 V, 1453 V, 0249 V, 1442 V, 1511 V, 0046 V, 1415

V, 1416 V, 1324 V, 2118 V, 2049 V, 2120 V, 1536 V, 2111

V, 1426 V, 2119 V, 2144 V, 2141 V, 2142 V, 2152 V, 228

V, 1143 V, 1140 V, 1935 V, 2228 V, 0238 V, 1935 V, 1319

V, 1135 V , 2041 V, 2119 V, 2232 V, 2230 V, 1146 V, 1009

V, 1627 V, 0447 V, 1711 V.

The GA-FDD has said that out of an abundance

of caution, consumers who have purchased this product are urged to not consume it, since the product may be unfit for human consumption and may cause illness.

“The product subject to the recall, if purchased, should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Symptoms of foodborne illness include, but are not limited to, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, headaches, and stomach aches.

Consumers reporting illness are advised to contact the nearest health facility for proper follow-up and treatment,” the GA-FDD said in its statement.

It added that it is working assiduously to remove all the affected Guzzler citrus punch drinks from the market, and to ascertain the cause of this defect.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact GA-FDD at 222-8859/60 for further information.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC

Digicel Schools’ Football Championships… Ann’s Grove, Belladrum bag narrow wins

There was riveting football action on display in Regions

Four and Five when the Digicel Schools’ Football Championships regional legs continued on Tuesday afternoon.

In the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) Division of Region Four, Ann’s Grove Secondary and Buxton Secondary were the victors at the Buxton Ground.

Ann’s Grove opposed Hope Secondary in a tense encounter that finished 1-1 at the end of regulation time. Ann’s Grove’s Naron Jerrick found the back of the net in the 18th minute and Hope’s Stephone Frank equalised in the 20th for the draw.

When kicks from the penalty mark also ended in a tie, sudden death kicks were employed, the result of which saw Ann’s Grove taking the victory.

In the following encounter, Buxton Secondary eased past Annandale Secondary 2-0. Ovid Brown found the back of the net in the 25th minute to give Buxton the lead in the first half. The second strike came off the boots of Aqueni Lucas in the 49th minute.

Further up the coast in Region Five, Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre had a walk in the park when they came up against Novar Secondary. The first goal came in the 22nd minute off the boots of Rolston Mc Donald while Duward Wilson made it a 2-0 game in Mahaicony’s favour in the 32nd. Russell Wilson netted in the 40th minute to close off the 3-0 victory.

It was a tight encounter between Belladrum Secondary

BCB hosts successful OGM at Port Mourant Centre

Delegates from 15 of the 16 members of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) turned up at the Port Mourant Cricket Club on Sunday as the Board hosted its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) for 2023.

Under the chairmanship of President Hilbert Foster, the Board held the OGM, which was peaceful and very productive.

and Mahaicony Secondary in the following game. After much tit for tat, it was Belladrum who prevailed 4-3.

Kishon Fraser broke the ice early, finding the back of the net in the third minute. Fraser made it a 2-0 affair in the 16th minute while his teammate Andrew Collins brought the score to 3-0 in the 23rd. Belladrum extended their lead once more, by way of a Leroy Casey strike in the 36th minute, but Mahaicony would give them a scare soon enough.

Malachi Jognney netted Mahaicony’s first in the 61st minute while Josiah Halley added their second in the 65th. Just one minute later, Keysean Mingo made it a 4-3 game, but time was not on Mahaicony’s side as they had to settle for the narrow loss.

The only official member absent was the Fort Canje Mental Hospital while those in attendance were West Berbice Cricket Association; Upper Corentyne Cricket Association; Berbice Rover CA; Rose Hall Town Youth and Sport Club; and Blairmont, Guymine, Police, Mount Sinai, Young Warriors, Rose Hall Canje, Chesney, Port Mourant, Albion, Whim, and Kildonan cricket clubs.

Delegates unanimously approved a comprehensive report from the President along with minutes of the last meeting. Delegates also received the financial report from the Board.

Foster, in his opening remarks, expressed thanks to members for their support during his recent illness and recovery. He stated that while he was not 100 per cent recovered, he was deeply committed to making Berbice cricket the best in the West Indies. He urged members to remain united and to always place the interest of the game and youths above personal interest. The major points of the meeting were:

1. Delegates passed a motion from Vemen Walters of Albion for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) to provide the remainder of the BCB stipend for 2021 along with 2022 and 2023.

2. Delegates expressed their disgust and frustration at the GCB for declaring the Speaker Cup for First-Division teams illegal. One delegate stated that with sponsorship being limited, the national board should be encouraging cricket at all levels.

3. Approval was given for the BCB to enter into an agreement with international cricket journalist Tony Mc Watts for a monthly online full coloured magazine. The BCB is expected to benefit financially from the deal, with funds being used for youth developmental projects. A three-man committee headed by Sudesh Dhanai would work to make all the arrangements. The other members are Ryan Algu and Davindra Ramdihal.

4. The BCB has set up a three-man committee headed by Balram Samaroo to make plans for the hosting of twoday First-Division cricket in Berbice. The committee’s other members are Vemen Walters and Ryan Algu.

5. Tucber Park CC was officially inducted as an official voting member of the Board after successfully undergoing the entry process. Members voted unanimously to accept the club as the BCB’s 17th member.

6. The BCB would host

three cricket academies during the August holidays at Cotton Tree, Port Mourant, and Number 72 Cut and Load.

7. The BCB would organise a historic Under-11 tournament in August. A committee was set up to make rules for the tournament and to decide on the format to be used.

8. The BCB President distributed $300,000 worth of cricket gear to several clubs –Police, Blairmont, Kildonan, Mount Sinai, Young Warriors, and Upper Corentyne.

9. It was announced that a friend of Berbice cricket from Australia later in 2023 would donate a shipping container of cricket gear, including numerous bowling machines, fielding nets and cricket balls.

10. A decision was taken to complete the long-delayed 2022 Minister Mustapha Under-15 tournament. Three teams – Albion, Port Mourant and Tucber Park – are the teams remaining.

11. The 2022 Tenelec 50over First-Division tournament would be completed shortly.

12. Delegates were brought up to date on the Board’s multimillion-dollar project to distribute six bowling machines and five batting cages.

13. Second-Division teams in Berbice would soon benefit from a million dollars’ worth of red balls. First-Division teams have already received a similar contribution.

14. Coaches Albert Smith and Winston Smith were mandated to create the programme for the cricket academies for youth players.

15. Delegates urged the executives of the Board to seek an urgent meeting with President Dr Irfaan Ali to discuss areas of cooperation.

16. The meeting was informed of the successful discussion with the University of Guyana. The Board would be working along with the University on a number of projects.

17. The meeting was informed of the BCB’s massive marketing drive and a major deal clinched for Berbice cricket.

18. Delegates approved a financial donation for the medical expenses of former Berbice player and coach, Adrian Amsterdam.

19. Delegates hailed the hard work of the BCB and expressed confidence in the current leadership.

20. The BCB congratulated all the Berbice players who gained selection to the national junior teams and also

at the senior West Indies level. Foster, at the end of the meeting, expressed gratitude to the members for their cooperation and noted that the future of the game in the ancient county was bright. He also committed to making sure that the Board continued to be proactive, transparent and committed. The BCB President also noted that the three-hour meeting had been incidentfree and no disagreement occurred as clubs united behind their active leadership.

VACANCIES

BCB President Hilbert Foster

Belladrum goalscorers (left to right) Leron Casey, Michael Collins and Kishawn Fraser

Mahaicony TI goalscorers (left to right) Duward Wilson, Russell Wilson, and Rolston McDonald

Unavailability of venue forces cancellation of AP Invitational

Aliann Pompey, Guyana's two-time Commonwealth Games 400 metres medallist, has announced the regrettable cancellation of her AP Invitational Track and Field Championships.

The event was originally scheduled for July 22 at the National Track and Field Centre. However, due to the incomplete state of the country's only synthetic facility that possesses the necessary certification and accommodation for international events, the decision to cancel was made.

"After careful consideration and exploring alternative options, it has become apparent that the required renovations for the facility will likely extend beyond the rescheduled competition date," Pompey stated in a press release.

She further explained, "Athletes need a certain level of certainty to plan their competitions as they prepare for the World Championships later this year. Without being able to provide the necessary guarantees, it was concluded that it is in everyone's best interest to cancel the event."

While acknowledging the difficulty of the decision, Pompey said efforts were made

Aliann Pompey

to minimise the impact and to salvage some aspects of the endeavour.

As an alternative, Pompey emphasised her collaboration with the Ministry of Sport, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), and the Athletics Association of Guyana to organise a series of clinics and training sessions. These initiatives aim to benefit coaches, administrators, and athletes involved in the sport.

This year would have marked the fifth edition of the AP Invitational and the first since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.

"The cancellation of the event has been met with disappointment from numerous athletes, particularly those from Guyana who considered this the highlight of

Tucber Park admitted as 17th official member of BCB

– Board donates to Berbice clubs as development programme expands

Cricket clubs across the county of Berbice continues to benefit from the hard work of the Berbice Cricket Board headed by Hilbert Foster.

Several clubs, over the last weekend, received donations from the active Board under its developmental programme. Those receiving assistance were Police Sports Club, Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) , Blairmont CC, Young Warriors CC, Kildonan CC and Mount Sinai CC.

BCB President Hilbert Foster, who is spearheading the programme, stated that the Board was quite aware of the financial burden that clubs endure to play the game and as such, would try to assist as much as possible.

Since Foster’s election in 2018, the BCB has assisted clubs in the county with a wide range of items including cricket gear, protective gear, water pitchers, grass cutters, cricket uniforms, bicycles, educational materials, practice nets, catching cribs, school bags, pitch covers, bowling machines and batting cages among others at the cost of millions of dollars.

This is in addition to a massive countywide coaching programme and the hosting of cricket tournaments at all levels from Under 11 to First Division. The Police Sports Club received a much-needed practice net which would enable them to practise better at the Goed Bananen Land Ground while the Blairmont CC received a catching crib along with a complete wicket-keeping set.

The Mount Sinai CC received a box of red balls they had requested for their junior teams and the UCCA carried home two sets of wicketkeeping gloves,

their season. With this in mind, we are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a stronger and better return next year," Pompey expressed.

In February 2020, the AP Invitational was made part of World Athletics' structured World Athletics Continental Tour. The establishment of the Continental Tour was aimed at providing more opportunities for competition and earnings to athletes.

During the 2018 AP Invitational, Kirani James, the 2012 Olympic Champion and 2016 Olympic silver medallist, achieved a time of 44.99 seconds, not only winning the

AP Invitational 400m event but also setting a new Track Record. The AP Invitational, which began in 2016, saw 11 overseas athletes qualify and compete at the Olympic Games in Rio.

pads, and inners.

Young Warriors, who are seeking to return to their former glory, received a catching crib and a set of keeping equipment while Kildonan Cricket Club benefited from items worth about $115,000. The Kildonan Club donation included a practice net, catching crib, a box of balls, and a set of wicketkeeping gear.

Foster urged the clubs to take proper care of the items and most importantly, to use them for the intended purpose. Never in the history of Guyana cricket , has any county board assisted clubs as the current BCB is doing and he urged the clubs to cherish the hard work being put in by his administration.

Representatives of the different clubs expressed thanks to Foster and the BCB for the donations.

Meanwhile, delegates at the BCB Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) on Sunday voted unanimously to accept Tucber Park CC as the 17th official member of the Board. The club in 2022 had written to the Board seeking membership and a special committee headed by Treasurer Rovin Bahadur was established to look into the request.

The committee recommended membership after carefully looking into the club’s record of achievements, its management, financial records, and legal status. The vote recorded at 29-0 confirmed that Tucber Park was the 14th club to become an official member along with three sub-associations.

Foster congratulated the New Amsterdam-based club and welcomed them on board. The club has, over the years, produced players like Nial Smith, Romario Shepherd, Tremayne Smartt, and Shamar Joseph.

…set to replace injured Cariah

Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Wednesday announced that Kevin Sinclair has been named as the injury replacement for Yannic Cariah in the 15-member squad for the International Cricket Council (ICC)

Men’s Cricket World Cup tournament, being played in Zimbabwe.

spinner and left-handed batsman, had surgery on a nasal fracture last week after hit unfortunately, recovered sufficiently to resume playing at this stage. off-spinner and righthanded batsman, is due to arrive in Harare today.

Committee of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 approved the replacement. The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the

replacement player can be officially

The Super Six stage will be played from today, Thursday, June 29 to Friday, West Indies ended third in Group A with two wins and two defeats three Super Six matches against the

KFC Elite League…

Santos drub Ann’s Grove;

Western edge Police

sides qualifying in the top three positions from Group B. Those three matches will be against Sri Lanka, Scotland, and Oman.

The final will be played at Harare Sports Club on Sunday, July 9. The two finalists will progress to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 to be played in India in October and November.

Full Squad:

Shai Hope (Captain)

Rovman Powell

(Vice Captain)

Shamarh Brooks

Keacy Carty

Roston Chase

Johnson Charles

Jason Holder

Akeal Hosein

Alzarri Joseph

Brandon King

Kyle Mayers

Keemo Paul

Nicholas Pooran

Romario Shepherd

Kevin Sinclair

Super Six Match Schedule

(all matches start at 9am/3am East Caribbean/2am Jamaica)

Saturday, July 1: v Scotland, Harare Sports Club

Wednesday, July 5: v Oman, Harare Sports Club

Friday, July 7: v Sri Lanka, Harare Sports Club

It was raining goals at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Tuesday night, when the KFC Elite League continued with another double-header.

While it was goals galore in the first game between Santos FC and Ann’s Grove United, that stream was reduced to a trickle when front-runners Western Tigers and Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC met.

Darren Niles led the onslaught against Ann’s Grove, netting Santos’ first two goals in the eighth and 17th minutes. Then came a Shane Jones double in the 25th and 44th, accompanied by solitary strikes from Azandee King (26th); Stefan Reynolds (34th) and Lennox Young (41st) to give Santos a 7-0 lead by the end of the first half.

In the second segment, the goal scoring eased considerably, but Niles went on to complete his hat-trick in the 72nd minute, while Young secured his double in the 69th. Shemar Koulen beat the keeper in the 79th minute to bring the score to 10-0.

Ann’s Grove

had their fair share of opportunities; the biggest chance to at least secure a consolation was handed to them just at the

resumption of the second half, but the penalty kick was expertly intercepted by Santos’s keeper.

Meanwhile, a monumental showdown was up next as Western Tigers and GPF FC, who sit at second and third on the league’s points table, matched strides.

Backed by the boisterous crowd, neither side could find the back of the

net

until Western earned a penalty opportunity. A composed Curtez Kellman took on the herculean task of converting successfully in the 64th minute, to seal the 1-0 victory for Western Tigers.

The League continues on Saturday, July 1t, at the same Providence, EBD venue, where Den Amstel FC and Milerock FC will go head to head from 18:00h while Santos FC and Western Tigers match strides from 20:30h. Thereafter, the next playing day will be Thursday, July 6, 2023. GPF FC are set to oppose Ann’s Grove United from 19:00h, while Fruta Conquerors and Western Tigers lock horns at 21:00h.

Competition heats up ahead of July 9 races

Kevin Sinclair will join the West Indies camp for the Super 6 stage of the World Cup Qualifiers

Santos (white) had a scoring fest against Ann’s Grove United

Western Tigers (dark blue) needled the officers by the slimmest of margins

A glimpse of what to expect in a little over a week's time