Guyana Times -Wednesday, June 7, 2023.pdf

Guyana elected to UN Security Council for global

...Guyana committed to

multilateralism, rule of international

$3.5B spent on new housing developments in Reg 2 since 2020

billions more spent on

Ali

Canada announces visa-free access for 13 other countries

GECOM debunks claims it disenfranchised members of Disciplined Forces – says it worked with lists received from service branches

Known criminal stabbed to death during alleged home invasion

Thirty-one-yearold Christopher Gonsalves, called “White Boy”, of Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, Georgetown, was on Monday evening stabbed to death during an alleged home invasion.

Gonsalves is a known criminal, having previously been charged with a series of offences, ranging from burglary to drug trafficking. He was stabbed to death by two males who are presently hospitalised under Police guard.

The incident occurred at around 23:30h at a property located at Chalmers Place and Brickdam, Stabroek, Georgetown.

According to the Police, one of the suspects was at home watching television when he was alerted by a scream coming from the bedroom, which caused him to investigate.

In so doing, he confronted Gonsalves in the kitchen, and a scuffle ensued. Police detailed that the intruder was armed with a knife, which he used to stab the man to his chest, causing

him to collapse. According to the other suspect, he returned home at the time the commotion was ongoing, and as he entered the house, he saw his colleague lying on the kitchen floor and the intruder standing over him with a knife.

As such, he armed himself with a knife and confronted the intruder. And

in the ensuing scuffle, the intruder was stabbed to his upper right shoulder, lower left abdomen, and thrice to his back, causing him to collapse on the kitchen floor.

This suspect then raised an alarm, and an EMT from Alberttown Fire Station responded. EMT examined Gonsalves and pronounced him dead.

The first suspect received

injuries to his upper chest, left and right index fingers, and right arm, while the second suspect received injuries to his right knuckles.

They were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital

by the EMT, where they are presently seeking medical attention.

Gonsalves is no stranger to the law, he had a prior criminal history, having been sentenced to eight

months in jail in 2022 for breaking into an apartment and stealing valuable items. At the time, he claimed to be under the influence of alcohol.

Berbice duo busted with $67M worth of ganja

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) has arrested two persons following the interception of about 491

pounds of ganja at No 65 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, on Monday.

CANU stated that on the day in question, CANU officers conducted an operation in the vicinity of a koker at No 65 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. However, during a search in the nearby bushes, eight bulky salt bags containing several parcels of cannabis were found.

Two persons who were in the area at the time were arrested pending investigations.

Meanwhile, the narcotic was transported to CANU Headquarters, where it was weighed and amounted to 223 kilograms (about 491.6 lbs) with a street value of approximately $67 million. An investigation is underway.

3 arrested following discovery of ganja, gun during CANU operation

Twenty-seven-year-old

Malik Forde of Block

V Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and two others were arrested following the discovery of a quantity of ganja and a 12-gauge bullpup shotgun on his premises.

The discovery was made during an operation conducted by the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) on Monday.

CANU in a release stated that on the day in question, officers conducted an operation on Forde’s premises during which three parcels of cannabis were unearthed.

However, a further search was conducted on the outer perimeter of the property, which led to the discovery of the firearm.

At the time of the exercise, Forde and two other persons were at home and as such, they were arrested and taken to CANU

Headquarters along with the firearm and ganja.

The cannabis was subsequently weighed and amounted to 4.33 kilograms (about 9.5 lbs), with a street value of approximately $1.6 million. Investigations are ongoing.

The ganja that was found during the operation

Arrested: Malik Forde

The ganja and firearm found during the operation

Dead: Christopher Gonsalves

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Wednesday, June 7 – 04:15h – 05:45h and Thursday, June 8 – 04:15h – 05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 06:37h and 19:17h reaching maximum heights of 2.65 metres and 2.44 metres.

Low Tide: 12:45h reaching a minimum height of 0.56 metre.

Guyana elected to UN Security Council for global peace

Guyana has now assumed greater global responsibility for international peace and security following its historic election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday – becoming one of five new non-permanent members for the term 2024-2025.

On Tuesday, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd joined Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to cast Guyana's vote for elections of the non-permanent members.

Guyana's candidacy was uncontested, being the sole candidate for a single seat available to the Latin America and Caribbean Region, where it garnered the highest vote count at 191 out of 192. The other non-permanent seats will be held by Algeria, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

After the election, Minister Todd shared, “A journey that began 12 years ago reached an important milestone this morning (Tuesday), with Guyana’s election to the United Nations Security Council… The international security landscape today is extremely complex. Threats to global security and rising crises are proliferating. These challenges must be carefully managed through adherence to international law, trust building, and dialogue.”

He pledged that Guyana will work with all Council members and the wider UN in contributing useful ideas and encouraging partnerships.

In lauding the achievement, President Dr Irfaan Ali penned that Guyana is honoured and humbled by the confidence that has been expressed by the international community in electing it to this most important position of responsibility on the global stage.

“Guyana has now been accorded the opportunity to serve on the Security Council, which is charged under the UN Charter with the responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It is a responsibility that we will assume with utmost seriousness and dedication, mindful of the complex and challenging times in which we live,” he expressed.

The Head of State con-

tinued that the theme of Guyana's candidacy: “Partnering for Peace and Prosperity” serves as a guide to this country's approach to service on the Security Council.

“We intend to be a constructive and engaged partner with the members of the Council and the wider international community in the search for solutions to the myriad of momentous challenges that beset our human family.”

He offered the nation’s deep gratitude to the Member States of the United Nations for the overwhelming support extended to Guyana’s candidature.

“The Government of Guyana looks forward to continuing our nation’s contribution to the strengthening of multilateralism and the rule of international law, to the promotion of peace, sustainable development, human rights, and respect for international law both for the people of our own country and for peoples across the globe.”

Vision

During a recent reception for Guyana's UN Security Council bid in New York, Minister Todd outlined Guyana’s vision and priorities for membership in the Council and expressed Guyana’s commitment if elected to the Security Council to the rule of law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

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

Then back in May,

Ambassador RodriguesBirkett participated at the 2023 UN Security Council Briefing Series for non-contested candidates, where she reiterated that Guyana's service on the Council would be guided by a people-centred approach and will be informed by a firm commitment to multilateralism, collective action and to the noble principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter.

Areas that would be given special focus during Guyana's tenure were touted as climate change, food insecurity and conflict; peacebuilding and conflict prevention; women, peace and security; protection of children in armed conflict; and youth, peace, and security.

The United Nations Charter established six main organs of the organisation, including the Security Council. It is given primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.

Its functions and powers are: to maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations; to investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction; to recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement; to formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments; to determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression and to recommend what action should be taken among others.

In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorising the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.

Temporary members hold their seats on a rotating basis by geographic region. Guyana will serve a twoyear term on the Council from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. (G-12)

Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd and Permanent Representative to the UN, Carolyn RodriguesBirkett represented Guyana at the UNSC election on Tuesday

...Guyana committed to strengthening multilateralism, rule of international law – Pres Ali

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Georgetown

Over the years, the Government has always intervened in the financial crisis facing Georgetown, especially in the areas of flooding and garbage. As a matter of fact, the Head of State himself, Dr Irfaan Ali, was seen around the City, helping with cleanup as he led several clean-up campaigns.

This example that was set by the President had a ripple effect, as it was replicated countrywide and became known as “Operation Clean-up”.

The City of Georgetown has a rich history of attractiveness through cleanliness and aesthetics, among other things. Those more advanced in age would be able to authenticate that beauty. During that memorable period, when the city was much more pleasing to the eye and with that standard sustained, there was also a profound sense of order that seemed to naturally unfold.

The Government’s intervention, however, in the City is not unexpected, as Georgetown’s garbage and flooding situation has always been a dilemma. As a matter of fact, Government has had to pump millions into the alwayscash-strapped City Hall. Had this not been done on many occasions, then private garbage collectors would not have been paid. This, however, is the regular bandaid solution to one of the City’s major problems. The long-term solution is ousting an inefficient Council that has been at the helm of the City’s administration. The explanation proffered is that City dwellers, fortunately, will not have to bear with the current makeup of the Mayor and City Council for longer, as local government elections are near.

City dwellers do not have to endure an inefficient Council, not when they have a way to correct the situation. Year after year, City Hall has come in for heavy criticism over the management of its finances.

Some time ago, the Local Government and Regional Development Minister raised questions regarding accountability for the $300 million Restoration Fund which was contributed to the restoration of the dilapidated City Hall Building. As it is now, if one passes the area, they have finally started renovating the dilapidated structure. The iconic City Hall structure had become an eyesore.

This publication had reported, on his part, the Local Government Minister has accused City Hall of “gross incompetence and mismanagement”. It could be recalled also that the M&CC, and then the APNU+AFC Government, had embarked on a massive City-wide clean-up campaign in Georgetown and its environs.

While these efforts produced fairly good results regarding the general appearance of the City and its environs, the political Opposition at the time (PPP) and other stakeholders had raised questions in relation to the contracts awarded to carry out the works.

The mere fact that M&CC sees it fit on several occasions – with the past and present Governments – to be asking for millions of taxpayers’ dollars as a bailout from its financial woes is enough reason for the Administration to act in the public’s interest.

Perhaps a reason why the M&CC seems to think that it can always depend on Central Government for a bailout is that it is under no pressure to perform. The leniency that has been afforded the Council must stop if there are to be any improvements at City Hall.

Georgetown’s real problem is not the garbage; the real problem is the Council and its inability to properly manage the financial affairs of the City.

Local elections are to be held soon, and wary residents and other citizens crave for the city to return to its glory days. Time will reveal if things will change if that party were to win, or if a new dispensation beckons. One way or the other, those residing in the capital crave improved services, and the country craves a truly Garden City.

Time for PNC to close up shop

Dear Editor,

With less than a week to go, the Local Government Elections (LGE) campaign is certainly gaining momentum, building up to a crescendo, and marching onwards and upwards. While a lot can be said of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic as they drive fear in the Opposition, the President and Vice President are definitely covering ground and storming their way as they traverse from region to region, pulling mammoth crowds with diverse Guyanese from all walks and ranks of life, male and female, young and not-soyoung, gleefully dressed in their red attire, gathering jovially and proudly waving a colossal display of PPP/C flags of different sizes.

This panoramic view is an antonym to the PNC party’s show of desperation, desolation, and dislocation. Their devastation has offended their constituencies and many are not favoured to be encouraged to turn out at any gathering, if any at all!

It was reported that some PNC meetings were non-supportive, with no one in attendance, and thus they had to resort to a Zoom meeting!

The upcoming LGE will definitely witness a crowning and overwhelming victory for the PPP/C party. In fact, they have already won by default, there being no-contest wins in 13 of the Local Authority Areas, and also a combined 291 of the 610 constituencies within the LAAs. Being a welloiled machine, well-organised, and well-prepared, the

PPP/C are the only effective and efficient party that are possibly capable to compete in all 610 constituencies throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

After taking a setback in 2011 and a defeat by one seat in the 2015 General Election, the PPP/C party have been successful in regrouping their application to reprogramme their strategies, so that they were able to overcome all hurdles to regroup as an unstoppable unit to forge a victorious path and reclaim their role as the leading party to govern this land.

The Opposition party has been bisected and dissected, with a constant tug-ofwar taking place, with more questions asked than answers provided to describe the poor state of the party’s quagmire. It is no surprise that the PNC party is perpetually losing its members, who are crossing the floor to leave behind a desultory imposition and a clueless and perplexed leadership, to join hands with the confident PPP/C party, which is sound, sober and sure of its visionary leadership, and is a party tasked to provide the realisation of Guyana’s growth through fair, and not foul, means.

A quick look at the pictures provided by the media on these PPP/C campaigns shows Guyanese of all ethnicities in attendance, and their faces express satisfaction in the messages proclaimed by the speakers. All Guyanese are firmly and ultimately waking up to consciously accept the fact that they can no longer flog “dead

meat”, and it’s time that they jump on the bandwagon with the winning trophy.

What a laugh the world enjoyed with the PNC’s 34 is half of 65. Norton proposed that “at present, $1 million can be handed to households” in a way that is “structured, transparent, accountable and not politicized.” The VP’s quick calculation resulted in his conclusion, “Now, since we started producing oil, we have not received $1.7 billion as yet, but he wants to give out $1.7 billion a year. That is APNU’s (A Partnership for National Unity) economics, and we don’t need to go back there, because we know of the ineptitude.”

Guyanese know that accountability and transparency are key factors that are crucial to managing the administration of this developing nation, in order to be the richest nation per capita in this hemisphere, and to be the leading country poised with the highest GDP. But it takes a party with mathematical geniuses, who know how to add, subtract, multiply and divide in order to keep track of numbers, and not be fooled by others. This is where Guyanese can trust the PPP/C party to take charge of accountability, and to mistrust the PNC party, based on the past and present bitter experiences.

Guyanese will never forget nor forgive the PNC for making themselves complete fools at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Rigging is the survival mode for the PNC. Burnham taught them well. “They tried to rig the [2020] elections for

five months. Three times they tried to swear in [former APNU Presidential Candidate David] Granger. We still defeated them in 2020. That takes a party that has credibility. No ordinary party in the face of all of these odds could stand up and defeat a force like APNU. And we have not remained static from that time to now, because of our credibility. What did they do in the five years [in office]? It was evident to the country that they had no plan to develop Guyana,” Dr Jagdeo had remarked.

Former supporters of the PNC party are distancing themselves from their skullduggery. “We saw an Opposition that tried every single day to stop these elections, to stop the evolution of democracy…” the President had related while adding that the APNU is ashamed to face the people of Guyana, considering their past of neglect and lies. Now they have become PPP/C supporters, they feel at home with the words of the President, “My dear friends, since we came back to the office, we have put more money back into the pockets of people. We have created more jobs. We have built new industries. We have protected our Indigenous peoples’ rights. We are enhancing the welfare of women and children, the elderly and the vulnerable,” he said.

The writing is on the wall. It’s time for the PNC to close up shop and call it a day.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

PPP/C supporters along the Essequibo Coast turned up in their numbers at the Anna Regina Market Square for a massive rally ahead of the Local Government Elections (LGE) on Monday. President Dr Irfaan Ali was the featured speaker at the rally (Raywattie Deonarine photo)

Port Kaituma comes alive with massive PPP/C public meeting on LGE

Dear Editor, People say crowds do not matter, that big crowds at political meetings do not necessarily indicate anything positive. I guarantee that you wouldn’t say that if you were at Port Kaituma yesterday, when the PPP/C held a massive public meeting.

The crowd braved a heavy downpour of rain to listen to an impassioned speech by Prime Minister Mark Phillips. The Brigadier General (Retired) pumpedup the crowd by reminding them that the PPP/C colours represent democratic values, and that this LGE is about the defence of Guyana’s democratic institutions.

Prime Minister Phillips

enthusiastically called for the dissatisfied supporters in APNU to join the PPP/C.

An earlier speech by the young and talented Jason Ramjohn, who recently crossed over from APNU to the PPP/C ticket, had already set the stage for a stinging rebuke of PNC/ APNU incompetence.

The young Ramjohn received sustained applause when he belted out, “The PPP/C does not fight character-attack politics.” The comment was made because numerous PPP/C candidates who happen to be Afro-Guyanese are currently being harassed with foul name-calling by APNU operatives in the area.

Ramjohn went on to say that the PPP/C fights “policy

politics.”

Sarah Browne Shadeek, currently Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, delivered a powerful speech, calling for PPP/C supporters from Matthews Ridge to Port Kaituma to turn out in their numbers and cast their ballots for economic development and President Ali’s One Guyana initiative.

The people of Fitzburg, Arakaka, 4 Miles, Matarkai, and surrounding areas, by all indications, are ready to roll.

Minister of Housing and Water, the indefatigable Collin Croal, was in his element. Like Prime Minister Phillips, Croal reminded the audience of all the good works done by the PPP/C

since it took office in August 2020. The list was so compelling it would have made any listener from APNU afraid, very afraid. The audience went into overdrive when Minister Croal spoke about the restoration of the “Because we Care” cash grant that had been snuffed out by the APNU-AFC. The programme, which was started under the PPP/C with $10,000, then was wantonly cancelled by the APNU-AFC, is now paying $40,000 to every child of school age in Guyana.

What the APNU should truly be afraid of is the sheer diversity of the PPP/C list of candidates for the LGE. They span decades by age; come from different social backgrounds; and, most poi-

gnantly, come from multiple ethnic backgrounds. If ever anyone doubted that Guyana is a land of six ‘races’, they should have been at Port Kaituma. The diversity of candidates is visible, authentic, and real. There is no token candidate.

The PPP/C has a track record of keeping promises. This was a central point for numerous speakers. Consistent with this, Minister Croal declared that, immediately after the LGE on June 12, the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, will be in Port Kaituma and surrounding areas to discuss how the region can contribute to self-sufficiency in local food supply, and to the food security of the country.

Prime Minister Phillips drew an ‘Atlantic’ applause when he noted how many APNU supporters in Linden, Bartica, Georgetown, and New Amsterdam have crossed over to the PPP/C. He issued an open invitation to the good folks of the Barima-Waini region to come over to the PPP/C.

The Local Government Elections are now only days away. The PPP/C ‘showing’ at Port Kaituma should be seen as a shot across the bow of APNU. Too many people are switching from the APNU to the PPP/C, and it is too late now to attempt any reversal.

Sincerely,

Dr Randolph (Randy) Persaud

Response to Dr Tara Singh

Dear Editor,

It was no surprise to see Dr Tara Singh making sure that he replied to my letter. My words have really struck some nerves.

ALL Guyana/anyone with an iota of conscience would be filled with emotions at the wanton and needless death of 20 young souls. Regardless of what anyone says, it is difficult to avoid emotions, preconceived biases, and perhaps a touch of distortion from seeping into our work/psyche. If our lives were run only on the basis of data, logic, and inference, the human species would not have survived to this day, would it? (Read the strange but real-life story of Phineas Gage, neuroscience’s most famous patient, and you will understand my point.)

But Dr Singh implies that it is not the "benchwarmers in parliament" who are responsible for what happened to those 20 kids. Why then do we have these people wasting our taxpayers’ money, warming the seats of Parliament even as they and their near and dear ones revel in extreme privileges while these young kids could not even enjoy a proper/safe dorm to sleep in? None of those that sit in Parliament presently own Guyana, nor did their family (even if some seriously seem to behave as they do, imho).

Dr Singh says that holding the Head of State responsible for the lives/welfare of each of those 20 dead kids in particular, and all of Guyana's children, is: “I can discern Ms. Sahadeo’s subliminal remarks here." Subliminal? Surely you jest, Dr Singh. Or are you

just being plain obtuse? And he does not seem to register that it is both the Government and Opposition that I hold accountable for this great tragedy.

It is mind-blowing that Dr Singh implies that a President is NOT responsible for the welfare of every citizen, more so its kids. Can he explain, then, why we have a President? Is it to cook, feed, fetch, and carry/ load planes? Guyana does not need a labourer in the State House/Office of the President, we need an administrator to run the country, so that we will not have a single child's life snuffed out PREMATURELY, much less 20 at one GO.(I am not knocking any labourer, in case he jumps on this; though from the way this lot in present-day Parliament is operating or not operating, we may be better off with labourers in Government).

I HAVE A SIMPLE AND STRAIGHTFORWARD

QUESTION: WHY DID THE GOVERNMENT AND ITS APPROPRIATE AGENCIES not ensure that the dorm was not a fire disaster waiting to happen when they were warned it was so by the Fire Dept?

Where is the Minister of Amerindian Affairs? Does she visit her constituencies? Surely, if she had visited that particular dorm, she would have noticed that it was unsafe in event of a fire?

And then there are Cabinet meetings, where issues are supposed to be discussed. My late uncle was at one time the Scribe to Mrs. Jagan's Cabinet, and he made it a point to bring up/include topics that are

affecting the ordinary folks (Mrs Jagan gave him a specific office to meet regular folks with problems, then when she left office, this position was cancelled by her successor).

Dr Singh does not live in Guyana, he was not an investigator to know the details of this disaster, yet he took it upon himself to write about something he was not an authority on, and then chastise the rest of us who have been carrying the grief of those families who have empty spaces in their hearts forever. If, as he says, he wrote based on the facts available at the time, and his letter is devoid of emotions, how did he see a “silver lining?” The data at his disposal did not permit such an inference. How did he arrive at that conclusion? Is he a clairvoyant?

His unwarranted conclusion does not support his view that his letter is based on data and reason. I believe that, had his intention been kindness and empathy, he won't have used an insensitive metaphor; he would tell the families and those grieving to NOT LOSE HOPE, which is plain English. But to say that there is a "silver lining" to be had from this tragedy…what on Earth do you mean, Dr Singh? Again, explain coherently in simple English.

NOTHING can replace a life, in case Dr Singh does not know. He should go and tell those grieving families about "silver linings" and see what he would get. I can remember when Ministers of the Government went to see the families at Lusignan the day after the massacre. The local television station

was live and all of us were looking, and we saw when one of the Ministers (he is still one today) was slapped in the face; people even spat on others. Such was the anger and grief of the people.

I saw young Indian girls burning tyres in the streets to protest, and a huge wave of people marching towards Georgetown. I saw when that car came and stopped them by the Triumph Pumping Station, and I saw who it was that came out and told them to turn back and go home.

Dr Singh left Guyana a long time ago, and went to seek betterment in other lands. He must have forgotten what life is like in Guyana. Intermittent Sewa does not make one aware of the angst and sufferings of the ordinary people, else he would not have chastised anyone in the first place.

Lastly, FROM A VEDIC/ HINDU STANDPOINT, Sewa is part and parcel of our Dharma, and to boast of what one has done negates the very essence of Sewa. And as the saying goes, charity does begin at home, if he knows what I mean. My father died 30 years ago, and a day does not pass when I do not miss/grieve for my beloved parent. Wouldn't your child grieve when you are gone one day, Dr Singh? Much less those parents and siblings right now, merely days after losing their loved one in such a horrendous manner.

Imagine the horror of those kids as they were trapped in that death trap, Dr Singh. Take a moment and put yourself in their shoes for just a millisecond, and then tell me if all of us

are not justified in our grief and anger.

As for the rest of the rambling questions Dr Singh asked me, I say look in the mirror and ask yourself; if you cannot find the answers, then put them in chronological order, and I will seek to answer them. As it is, your letter is too convoluted to answer in one go.

As I was about to hit the 'send' key, the SN piece on the UNICEF. report popped up. Well, Dr Singh, what say you now? The "blood" of 20 innocent young souls stains

whose and whose hands now? You and your idols can pass the buck as much as you want, Karma does not differentiate -- which you, as a Hindu, should be well aware of. (Maybe you can edify your idols at Robb Street on Karma Phala.)

And finally, “Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly”: Mahatma Gandhi.

Yours truly, N Sahadeo

14:00 Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir S1 E18

14:30 Star Wars: The Clone Wars S4 E17

15:00 Indian Soaps

16:00 Power Rangers: Super Ninja Steel S2 E20

16:30 Zeke & Luther S1

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

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:

Step 1: Express a proportion problem using two ratios. In this problem, let’s use h for the unknown number of hours: (1 )/(50 ) = h/75 .

Step 2: Use the proportion problem to set up an equation. Then cross-multiply: 75 = 50 x h.

Step 3: Find the side of the equation with the unknown number. Then look at the known number on that side. (In this equation, it is 50.) Divide both sides of the equation by that known number. 75 ÷ 50 = h.

It will take Margot 1 (1 )/(2 ) hours to drive 75 miles.

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 Frank E DalzEll

Who has an eye for Nature’s beauteous forms And lends an ear to trap her melody, Will see the rose a sudden scarlet blush

When shyly bursting forth in dewy morn; Observe the riotous splash of colour spilled

Across the palest blue of Heaven’s dome; Will hearken to the noise of kneeling grass

Which furious, fitful winds keep trampling o’er; Will hear the symphony of weeping skies

Euphoniously played on tresses green; Will smell the dampness of the rain-scoured earth

And deep inhale the fragrance of its flowers; Will taste the freshness of the laughing brook

And smack the lips in sheer delight of being; Will feel a oneness with Divinity, Dynamic; indivisible; serene; All these and more perceived and understood Is proof . . .clear proof . . . the senses are attuned.

WORD SEARCH

GECOM debunks claims it disenfranchised members of Disciplined Forces

Denying claims from an Opposition-nominated Commissioner that it disenfranchised members of the Disciplined Forces who voted on Friday last, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) says that it got its list of eligible voters directly from their respective service branches.

Those claims have largely been advanced by Oppositionnominated GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander, who said that on June 2 – the day set aside for the Disciplined Services to vote – some 900 Disciplined Forces members were unable to vote in Local Government Elections (LGE) 2023.

In a statement on Tuesday, the elections body strongly denied these claims and made it clear that lists of serving Disciplined Forces members were received from the service branches themselves.

GECOM explained that in keeping with the usual practice, preparations for the Disciplined Services to vote began months in advance and involved constant communication between senior officials of the respective Forces and the Ballot Officers, to ensure that ranks were assigned to their rightful Local Authority Areas (LAAs).

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) was represented by Nardeo Persaud, while the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was represented by Areana Britton and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) was

represented by Sharon Jethu. They coordinated with GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud and Deputy CEO Aneal Giddings. Once received, the names were verified against the National Register of Registrants, to create a voter list.

“Hence, it must be highlighted for emphasis, that the ‘Register of Ranks’ to vote on Disciplined Services Balloting Day is prepared based on the list submitted to GECOM by the respective Forces. Further, once it was determined who were the officers eligible to vote at LGE, the location where the officers are stationed

was requested by GECOM.”

“This information then allowed for GECOM in consultation with the respective Disciplined Force to establish Balloting Stations across the country and for GECOM to logistically prepare to ensure that the officers vote where they are stationed, using a ballot that is applicable to the LAA where they are registered.”

GECOM was adamant that they ensured the names of the ranks were prominently displayed in balloting stations prior to the elections. Additionally, Ballot Officers visited all districts and conducted civic and voter education sessions with the officers

of the respective Forces to ensure that they were well-informed about checking the lists and the voting process.

GECOM said that these measures were further supplemented with the presence of GECOM Information Clerks at all the Balloting Stations to provide guidance to the officers. They also made it clear that any rank who did not get to vote on D-Day, can still do so on polling day for the LGE come Monday. According to GECOM, to accuse it of wilfully disenfranchising members of the Disciplined Forces is a malicious act.

“Against this backdrop, for

anyone to accuse GECOM of wilfully disenfranchising members of the Disciplined Forces is malicious and intended to discredit a transparent and efficient process that was evidently successful.”

“The Guyana Elections Commission takes this opportunity to remind all stakeholders, especially voters that its procedures are guided by the legal provisions and reassures them that they can expect an election that is free, fair, transparent, and credible,” GECOM further said.

A combined total of 9093 ranks were eligible to vote from the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Prison Service. After voting had concluded, the consensus had been that it was a smooth process.

The ballots cast by members of the Disciplined Forces will be sorted by local authorities and constituencies, then dispatched to the respective Returning Officers, and mixed with other ballots that will be cast by civilians on June 12, 2023.

GECOM had announced that the Disciplined Services would vote on June 2, in keeping with Sections 74A and 74I of the Local Authorities (Amendment) Act. Voting for the Disciplined Services is traditionally held separately from the general population because the Disciplined Services will have their hands full ensuring law and order is maintained when the general population votes. (G-3)

A scene from June 2, when members of the Disciplined Forces voted

...says it worked with lists received from service branches

Sophia youth slapped with 3-year sentence for death of schoolgirl

Twenty-two-year-old Glenton Redmond was on Tuesday slapped with a three-year sentence for causing the death of Makeida Quick, a schoolgirl, in April 2022.

Redmond of E Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was found guilty following a trial presided over by Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The convict was initially charged days after the fatal accident which occurred on April 10, 2022. He nevertheless pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, driving an unlicensed motorcycle without insurance and certificate of fitness.

He was granted bail in the sum of $600,000.

However, on Tuesday, Redmond was found guilty of all of the charges and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

It was reported that Quick, a former student of Tucville Secondary School, was on her way to her grandmother when she was struck down by Redmond along the E Field Sophia main access road.

Reports are that the 14-year-old teen was standing at the side of the road when Redmond lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and collided with her.

Due to the injuries she received, the teen was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was admitted and later succumbed. It was later found out that Redmond had taken the motorcycle without the owner’s consent.

Quick now…what’s the name of the capital of Tanzania?? Gotcha!! It’s NOT Dar es Salaam!! Even though that may be the “abode of peace”, which the name signifies, it’s not the capital! Fifty years ago, in the heady days of “decolonialization” Tanzanian President Nyerere was a Third World leader whom others, like Forbes Burnham, tried to emulate! The latter cogged the former’s Ujamaa Socialism, baptized it “co-operative socialism”, and defined us as the “Cooperative Republic of Guyana”!!

Burnham also cogged another idea of Nyerere’s – creating a new capital, because of the challenges of his country’s then capital, Dar es Salaam. For Nyerere, it was overcrowding and strain on infrastructure; uneven development; efficiency of government operations, and accessibility and national unity. Here, Georgetown’s challenges were even more stark and pressing: overcrowding, even though it just had 200,000 persons – its infrastructure was strained beyond bursting point! But more to the point, it was five feet below sea level, which presented an almost insurmountable drainage problem on land that was inhospitable to modern underground sewage systems.

But unlike Nyerere, Burnham was a “talk man”, and not a “do man”! Nyerere held a referendum in 1973 –just as Walter Rodney was preparing to return home from Tanzania! – on a new capital, had it approved and designated Dodoma, an inland town as the new location. He immediately established a state agency and Ministry to oversee the implementation of the plan. It was decided that Dar es Salaam would continue to serve as the nation's principal port and commercial capital, and Dodoma would be the administrative capital, just as Brazil had done with Brazilia a decade earlier!!

Well, it might’ve taken longer than Nyerere envisaged, but today, the Presidential Complex has been moved to Dodoma to join the other Ministries; and if you want to interface with the Government – which is what the rest of the country wants to do – then Dodoma’s the place to go!! Dar es Salaam remains the commercial capital!! And us?? In 1973, Burnham identified the North West District (now Region 1) as the site for the new capital – but that was as far as he got. It was on higher ground, and would’ve opened up development away from the congested “plantation coast”. Of course, we know that, a few years later, he gave Jim Jones some land there, and created the controversy that hangs over us to this day!!

Anyhow, your Eyewitness congratulates Pres Ali for launching Silica City from scratch as a city in our interior – away from the sinking, garbage-ridden Georgetown. But he feels that he ought to take the bull by the horns and designate it as our new administrative capital.

And start by moving the Ministries one by one to that locale!!

…mout’ open!!

As we stated above, from being the “Garden City” during the rule of the colonial overlords, we became the “Garbage City” under the PNC’s long, illegal rule between 1964 and 1992. After blaming everyone else – especially the PPP when they were in office – the PNC’s Chief Whip gave away the real reason why Georgetown has been chronically underfunded and unable to pay for necessary services.

At a meeting in GT for the LGE, PNC Chief Whip Christopher Jones made this announcement: “Across this capital city, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of properties and empty lots that have outstanding rates and taxes, and by law, the municipality has every right to foreclose on those properties and sell them. But it’s the APNU councils who, over the years, have not foreclosed on anyone’s property, and the City Council introduced amnesties and they gave those people an opportunity to pay their taxes, minus the interest”!!

Imagine that!! So, they want the rest of the country to pay for their services!??!

…accusation

Jones claimed that if the PPP were to control the GT M&CC, they’d uphold the law and start foreclosing on properties with tax arrears!! But they’d then sell those properties to those who would pay taxes!! Oooooh (shudder)!!! The horror!!

Glenton Redmond and the now dead Makeida Quick

spent on new housing developments

Pres Ali

Residents along the Essequibo Coast were on Tuesday given updates on how much the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has invested in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), including over $3 billion that has been spent on developing new areas for the region’s housing sector.

President Dr Irfaan Ali was the keynote speaker during the public meeting with residents of Supenaam on Tuesday. According to the President, billions of dollars in investments have been made in housing and infrastructure, in keeping with the party’s commitments.

He further noted that the Government is investing in opening up tens of thousands of new acres of land for housing development. When it comes to roads, the

President also revealed that 185 roads have been completed in that region alone since they returned to office.

“In this region alone, since we took office in less than three years ago, we have completed 185 roads from the Ministry of Public Works alone. We spent $5.8 billion on community roads in this region,” the President said.

“In addition to that, the Central Housing and Planning Authority, and the Ministry of Housing and Water have spent $3.5 billion in building up new areas for housing. Let them point you to one new scheme they built in five years for housing in this region. Today as I speak to you, we have already allocated more than 720 new house lots in this region.”

President Ali further

spoke of his Government’s investment in agriculture, drainage and irrigation. In fact, the President said that tens of millions of dollars has been spent on the agriculture sector, while over $1.6 billion has been spent on D&I.

“Hundreds of millions of dollars in D&I. We have excavators that are permanently in the Pomeroon. We have machines that are permanently along the coast, to support development in the agriculture sector.”

“As a matter of fact, if you look at the flood relief that we brought to this community alone. Tens of millions of dollars. Support for fertiliser. The direct support of farmers. We’re investing to ensure that every single stakeholder benefit from the transformation.”

The Government has

set itself a target of delivering 50,000 new house lots by 2025. As of March, over 20,000 house lots have been distributed across the country. The Housing and Water Ministry had wrapped up 2022 with the success of distributing more than its targeted 10,000 house lots for the year. With a plan of allocating 50,000 house lots in its five-year term in office, this translates to 10,000 per year.

Since Government took

office in 2020, the Ministry has started the process of establishing about 16 new housing areas across Regions Three, Four, Five, and Six. For just the East Coast, where seven of these schemes are being developed, some $10 billion has already been expended for the first phase of infrastructural works.

The outreach to Region

Two forms part of a massive campaigning exercise being undertaken by

the PPP/C ahead of Local Government Elections on Monday. LGE, which is constitutionally due every two years, was last held in 2018. At the November 2018 local government polls, the then PPP/C Opposition had secured 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs). This had followed the holding of the LGE in 2016, during which the PPP/C also claimed the majority of the LAAs.

A section of the crowd attending the public meeting

$3.5B

in Reg 2 since 2020 –

...says billions more spent on community roads, agriculture, D&I

President Dr Irfaan Ali

$1.4B Independence Boulevard near completion

and transform the capital city of Georgetown.

“People used to be frightened to drive through Albouystown and people will start liming in here now, people who did not want to buy property here are going to come in and start buying property and developing businesses,” the Minister had stated, according to a Public Works Ministry social media post.

The $1.4 billion Urban Enhancement Project at Independence Boulevard, commonly referred to as Punt Trench Dam, in Albouystown, Georgetown, is set to open in the coming days.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Monday conducted a walk through and site visit with contractors and workers to ensure all specifications of the beautification project were met. Following some minor final touches, it is expected to be completed soon.

The 1.8 km project, stretching from Saffon Street to Cemetery Road, has a double-lane carriageway on the northern side and a single-lane carriageway on the southern side.

Between these two car-

riageways lies a promenade outfitted with lights, benches, concrete drains and strategically placed garbage bins to ensure the maintenance of a clean and environmentally-friendly space.

In addition to increasing property value and easing traffic congestion, the project also aimed to create job opportunities as contractors were encouraged to hire residents within the area.

Phase one of the project–Saffon Street to Penitence Street–was executed by Rim Construction Inc; Phase two–Penitence Street to Garnett Street–was awarded to IB Contracting and Machinery Rental, and Phase three–Garnett Street to Cemetery Road–was done by CLL Contracting

Inc.

The Boulevard Project, extending to Cemetery Road, also saw Avinash

Contracting being responsible for the transformation of the road into four lanes. Last year when the proj-

ect was launched, Minister Edghill had stated that the Boulevard formed part of wider plans to modernise

In order for the project to be properly executed, several informal residents residing along Punt Trench, Cemetery Road and Saffon Street were given alternative housing options as part of the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s (CHPA) relocation and resettlement programme.

Fmr City Constabulary rank freed of rape charge

Aformer Lance Corporal attached to the City Constabulary accused of raping a 16-year-old boy five years ago, on Tuesday walked a free man after the complainant informed the court that he wished not to proceed with the matter.

Clifton Pellew was initially charged in February 2018 before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Police had stated that on August 15, 2017, at the Constabulary Outpost at City Hall, he engaged in sexual activity with

a 16-year-old boy.

It was reported that the teenager was arrested after he was found loitering and taken to the outpost on Regent Street when the incident occurred.

Another officer attached to the City Constabulary, Quacy Baveghems, had reportedly witnessed the crime and reported it to his supervisor; the information was subsequently conveyed to then-Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen and then, Town Clerk Royston King.

TURN TO PAGE 12

The new Independence Boulevard will be completed soon

Acquitted: Clifton Pellew

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill assesses progress on Independence Boulevard

GCCI renews call for visa-free travel for Guyanese to Canada …after

Canada announces visa-free access for 13 other countries

In the wake of Canada announcing a list of countries that will have the opportunity for visa-free access to Canada – a list that Guyana was not included on, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has urged the Canadian Government to make visa-free travel for Guyanese to Canada a reality in view of the mutual benefits it will bring to both countries.

The 13 countries were added to an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) programme that will allow citizens who hold a non-immigrant US visa or who once held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, to apply for an eTA instead of a visa.

According to GCCI in a statement, while the Canadian Government has been open to allowing visa-free access to their territory, it is reiterating its own call for Guyanese to be afforded visa-free access to Canada.

“Having established diplomatic relations with Guyana since 1964, the two countries have developed strong economic and commercial ties, developed on mutual respect for democracy and enterprise. Currently, Guyana is the third largest merchandising partner with Canada in the Caribbean Community and is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.”

“The GCCI itself continues to deepen relations with Canada, having established MoUs with a number of sister agencies in the country, hosting and fielding trade missions and continuing to work to support partnerships between Guyanese and Canadian companies,” the Chamber also said.

Pointing to the fact that Guyana has a diaspora of over

85,000 living in Canada, they noted that the removal of the visa restriction of Guyanese to Canada will help to grow trade relations, support deeper commercial and economic ties and support economic growth for both territories.

“The GCCI thanks the Government of Canada and the Canadian people for its continued leadership role in global affairs,

support for Guyana’s development and anticipates continued cooperation with both the Government and private sector of Canada,” GCCI also said.

The 13 countries that have been added to the eTA are Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago and Uruguay.

As recently as April 2023, GCCI’s recently elected President, Kester Hutson, and Senior Vice President Richard Rambarran had met with Canadian High Commissioner Mark Berman at his residence in Bel Air Gardens. In a statement afterward, GCCI explained that both sides discussed the issue of visa processing for Guyanese citizens seeking to enter Canada, as well as the need to improve transportation infrastructure for cargo shipping and direct flights between the two nations.

“The High Commissioner assured Hutson and Rambarran that discussions were underway to remove visa restrictions altogether in the future, a decision that both parties are optimistic about,” GCCI had explained.

Last year, Berman had revealed to the media that the Guyana Government had ap-

proached Canada, seeking visa-free travel for visitors. It is a request that had been forwarded to Ottawa, which is Canada’s political centre.

During a reception in honour of the visit of Energy NL Trade Mission to Guyana, Berman had also announced that the High Commission in Georgetown is pushing for a Canadian airline to offer non-stop services between the two countries.

The Government’s talks with Canada on visa-free travel also follow similar talks it has entered into with Italy, for visa-free travel. Talks with Italy were initiated when Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd met with the NonResident Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Italy, Fabrizio Nicoletti, last year.

A release from the Foreign Affairs Minister noted that the two officials spoke on improving bilateral relations between the countries and visa-free travel is viewed as a key pursuit.

It also follows the removal of visa restrictions for visitors to the United Kingdom (UK).

Since November 9, 2022, holders of a valid Guyana passport no longer require a visa to enter the UK, following a decision by the UK to remove visitor visa requirements for Guyanese to travel to their country, for up to six months.

From left: GCCI President Kester Hutson, Canadian High Commissioner Mark Berman and GCCI Senior Vice President Richard Rambarran, during a meeting in April 2023

4 Reg 1 villages receive tractors from Govt

Businessman arrested for possession of cannabis and cocaine

Four communities in the Matarkai sub-district in Region One (Barima-Waini) are now beneficiaries of tractors and trailers along with harrow and ploughs to further agricultural development and promote beautification within their respective areas.

The equipment was officially handed to the CDC Chairpersons of One Mile, Citrus Grove, Mainab, and Tassawini by Prime

Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal at the RDC office in Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD).

Parliamentary Secretary Sarah Browne-Shadeek; Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley and other local representatives were also present for the handing over.

However, both the Prime Minister and Croal urged

that recipients practice responsible management of the equipment.

By doing so, they stressed that the residents would be able to derive maximum benefits from these resources and contribute to the positive transformation of their communities. They also underscored the Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the growth and development of Region One.

The illegal drugs that were found on the businessman’s premises

In an operation carried out by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday at Itaballi Landing, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), several businesses were raided thus resulting in the arrest of a 64-year-old businessman.

The suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending charges, was found to be in possession of a quantity of cannabis and cocaine.

During the search con-

ducted at the businessman’s establishment, law enforcement officers uncovered numerous parcels containing cannabis.

Additionally, a bottle containing multiple pieces of whitish rock-like material, suspected to be cocaine, was discovered.

Upon the discovery of the illicit items, the businessman was immediately apprised of the offence committed and cautioned by the

Police, after which he readily admitted ownership of the confiscated drugs.

As such, he was arrested and escorted to the Bartica Police Station for further processing.

At the Police station, the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 664 grams, while the cocaine weighed 18 grams.

The businessman remains in custody as investigations continue.

Fmr City Constabulary rank...

However, an investigation revealed that Baveghems did not make a written entry of the incident in the station diary. As such, the rape accused and Baveghems were fired by the Town Clerk.

Mayor Chase-Green had said that the decision to dismiss the officers came following the discovery of new evidence.

Following protests by activists in Guyana and calls for Pellew to face the courts for his crime, the matter was handed over to the Police, who sought legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who subsequently advised that Pellew be charged with the rape of a child under the age of 16 years.

However, on Tuesday be-

fore Justice Navindra Singh, State Prosecutor Nafeeza Baig called the complainant to the witness box and it was then he indicated that he has since moved on with his life and did not wish to give any evidence in the matter.

As such, the Judge directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty, thus making Pellew a free man.

One of the tractors being handed over by the Prime Minister in the presence of other officials

$1.3B in contracts inked to build roads in Yarrowkabra, Kuru Kururu, Swan

Less than five months

after President Dr Irfaan Ali walked the streets of Yarrowkabra and Kuru Kururu along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, the Government is now injecting $1.3 billion to enhance the road network within these communities.

At a contract signing ceremony in the community on Tuesday, community leaders and residents commended the Head of State for delivering on his promises to the people. Works will benefit the people of Yarrowkabra, Kuru Kururu, and Swan.

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar said the 18 rigid pavement concrete road projects measuring 12.36km will result in highway-standard streets (4300psi) that will last for decades.

The Minister also encouraged the contractors to employ residents from the communities and minimise inconveniences at the project sites.

In Budget 2023, allocations were made to the tune of $136.1 billion to enhance roads and bridge networks.

Throughout the year, it was announced that with projects under the Housing and Water, Public Works, and Local Government and Regional Development Ministries, more than 1100 internal access roads in communities across the country will be upgraded to concrete and asphaltic concrete.

The Government had signalled that this year would see, among other things, a major shift to community building and improving infrastructure, which will include massive spending on community roads and drainage systems.

In fact, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was quoted as saying, “And this year,

you’re going to see a massive focus on community infrastructure. Roads in communities. That’s the biggest concern of people. Roads and drainage. And there’ll be thousands of new roads done in communities this year.”

Over the next few years, Government has said it plans to do remedial works on between 4000 to 5000 community roads across Guyana, including roads that were previously neglected.

At present, the Government of Guyana is also embarking on a massive, countrywide road-widening project. This is due to the fact that the existing width of roads is not adequate for the ever-increasing traffic.

Residents from the communities at the signing in Yarrowkabra

Two contractors signing the agreement on Tuesday

Highly-touted Tourism & Hospitality Diploma launched ...initiative

will

The Tourism and Hospitality Diploma Programme was on Tuesday launched through an undertaking by ActionINVEST Caribbean, marking a significant milestone in nurturing the next generation of talented professionals in the field.

As the approved teaching centre in Guyana by the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality in the UK and the National Accreditation Council of Guyana, ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc will offer these advanced courses and issue globally recognised

pave way for new opportunities – Tourism Minister

qualifications. Chairman of ActionINVEST Caribbean Incorporated, Dr Vishnu Doerga said the programme has been long in the making. He identified that the hospitality sector has maximum potential amid a growing petroleum industry. As such, the tourism product should be presented to the highest standards.

Along with the theoretical aspect, operators are on board to ensure persons have practical experience before they graduate. With several international hotel chains making their

way into the local market, Doerga said it is time to act now to make tourism a complete product in Guyana.

“We have so many more components to tourism that needs to be in place… Programmes like this will help with the fundamental, theoretical reasons of how this industry works and why the components are there that will allow people to understand how we can turn this into a profitable enterprise,” he noted.

Marketing Director of the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality, Steve Beckworth shared that

learners will be equipped with an internationally recognised CTH qualification.

“The industry is definitely recovering well, and the sector needs fresh, well-qualified, and passionate staff to be working in hotels, restaurants, events, and all different kinds of hospitality,” Beckworth underscored.

Meanwhile, the President of THAG, Harrinand Persaud recognised that there is a persistent gap currently in human resource capacity, while also suffering the loss of employees to other sectors.

“In the face of challenge, we see a tremendous opportunity. By focusing on fulfilling this HR gap and upskilling our existing industry professionals, we need to create a robust and resilient tourism and hospitality sector. The Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality programmes play a vital role in equipping our aspiring candidates with the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to meet the indus-

try demands…By fostering strong partnerships, we can ensure that candidates have access to quality education, internships, and job placement opportunities.”

Guyanese brand

In her feature remarks, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond underscored that this initiative is the first of its kind but paves the way for new opportunities.

For March 2023, visitor arrival was the highest that it had ever been in a decade. The Minister credited these statistics to the oil and gas industry, and direct interventions by the Government to bring new airlines into the local market.

“We looked at the stats all the way down to 2017. We have seen the highest figure for March 2023 for visitors’ arrival – the highest we have ever seen in 10 years, pre-pandemic and post-pandemic.”

She pointed out that training is critical to ensure that quality of service is up

to par, amid the growing number of rooms and arrivals. Some 1500 rooms will come onstream with the hotels that are presently under construction and this will see the need for hundreds of well-trained professionals to serve the industry.

“We have all these people coming. We have all these airlines and then people come for a great experience. That’s where the training is critical and that is where we struggle,” Minister Walrond pointed out.

In hospitality, she called for the uniqueness of the Guyanese brand to be leveraged to the country’s advantage.

“I believe that the thing that will distinguish us and set us apart from the rest of our competitors is the warmth, generosity, the Guyanese-style hospitality that will leave a lasting impression on people…I would really like for us to have that Guyanese brand on our training,” the Minister added. (G-12)

Autopsies on decomposed bodies of mother, daughter “undetermined”

It was reported that Ross-Latchman was unemployed, while Gabrielle, who is partially visually impaired was a student at North Georgetown Secondary School. The house had been rented by Petrous’s husband for her and her daughter.

At the scene, the woman’s estranged husband had explained that he last saw Petrous in January 2023 when he visited the house and was denied entry. Distressed but unsure of how to proceed, he decided to respect her wishes and maintain his distance.

Days after the decomposed bodies of 38-year-old Petrous Ross-Latchman and her 13-year-old daughter, Gabrielle Ross were found in their Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home, a post-mortem has not determined the cause of death.

This was according to Police in a release to the me-

dia that stated that the autopsies were conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, who gave the cause of death as "undeterminable".

This, he stated, was due to the state of both bodies. The bodies of the mother and daughter were found by the woman’s estranged husband and a carpenter.

He said during his last visit, the owner of the house, who resides abroad, returned to Guyana and had requested to inspect the property. He said he attempted to contact Petrous prior to his visit but received no response. Alarmed by her silence, he promptly reported the matter to the Police.

Minister Oneidge Walrond with members of ActionINVEST Caribbean, THAG, GTA and other stakeholders at Tuesday’s launch

Dead: Petrous Ross-Latchman and Gabrielle Ross

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

An open plea to Georgetown – it is time for a new beginning

In the 1940s and 1950s, Georgetown was regarded as the Caribbean’s “Garden City”. This was before Mr Forbes Burnham became the Mayor of Georgetown in 1959. He continued as Mayor until 1964, and officially was Mayor of Georgetown between 1964 and 1966, but had also become the Prime Minister, after the then Governor of Guyana did not invite the winner of the 1964 General Elections to form a Government.

Since Independence, Mr Burnham’s party, the People’s National Congress (PNC), in one form or another, has been in charge of Georgetown.

The present form is APNU. Counting the years since independence means Georgetown has been under the PNC for 57 years. If we count the years when Forbes Burnham, as leader of the PNC, first became mayor, it has been 64 years that Georgetown has been under the PNC, no matter what disguise the party presents itself to voters.

In the span of the last 64 years, beautiful Georgetown has degenerated from being the Caribbean’s Garden City to the Caribbean’s “Garbage City”. One senior Government official from one of our sister Caricom countries, at lunch the other day, remarked how he could feel the excitement and the positive vibes in Guyana, the optimism that our country is moving rapidly to become the economic, social, cultural and political epicenter of Caricom. He, however, remarked, “But, man, you guys need to do something about Georgetown. Why is it so dirty?” We would be lying if we cannot admit to ourselves that we have heard this said by visitors over and over again: by our visiting relatives, and among ourselves. This is a regurgitating refrain among residents of Georgetown and visitors -both local and international.

This is the legacy of the one political party that has held hegemony in the City of Georgetown. Yet one of their mayors, Hamilton Green is always pontificating on how great he was as a mayor. They make promises that they never keep, and have no plan to regain the title of the Garden City of the Caribbean, or how transform our city into a modern metropolis. It is not merely that Georgetown is dirty and full of garbage, it is also that the city looks run-down. The pride of Georgetown and Guyana, a truly global icon in buildings, the Stabroek Market, is an eyesore. The iconic City Hall Building has been left in ruins. Central Government investments have been misused and unused. The USAID had to take back monies allocated to the City Council to rehabilitate the City Hall. The City and Mayor of Georgetown buildings have been left to fall apart.

The streets have been left in utter disrepair and while in the early years, the City Council tried to do some rehabilitation works, it has essentially abandoned any pretense of doing even basic repairs. Since 2020, not a single street has been redone by the City Council and the Mayor. These streets are being rehabilitated and reconstructed under a Central Government program. Street lights have to be repaired and new ones being installed under a Central Government program. Playgrounds are overgrown. The cemeteries in Georgetown are the proverbial “hell”.

City drains are almost disappearing. Where they still look like drains, they are overgrown and in desperate need of cleaning. The council has been sending some workers to do the minimal amount of work. By the time these workers, clad with sometimes cutlass and basic tools are finished, they make more mess than cleaning up. City sluices to the Demerara River are so silted up, many cannot open when there are heavy downpours. Pumps are often inoperable. The President, since 2021, has started a clean-up campaign that has helped a little. But the same spots where cleaning up occurred, become garbage-infested the next day. Not one day has the mayor or any member of the PNC leadership joined the cleaning-up campaign. We o have experienced the frequent suspension of garbage collection because the City of Georgetown fails to pay its bills. These are the reasons why when you “smell” rain coming, you know the city will be flooded.

There are areas that could be beautified and become tourist attractions for both local and international visitors. The Central Government has taken on this role. The seawall areas of Georgetown are being transformed into beautiful recreation and leisure area. Avenues and boulevards are being transformed by the Central Government, similarly, to allow more walking and relaxation to enjoy this beautiful city and create over 10,000 parking spaces. The National Park, Parade Ground, and others can be transformed to present opportunities for the children of the city to engage in sports, such as tennis, badminton, squash, basketball, football. But the Mayor and the present PNC-controlled City Council have no vision. Their vision for a transformed city is the stinking abattoir.

In 2018, the then Central Government hired a Canadian company at a cost of more than $300M to do a reassessment of property value with the intent to raise taxes. As they did with the parking meter fiasco, the PPP stopped them with a No-Confidence Motion in Parliament and then defeated them in the 2020 elections. Their wicked plan to increase property taxes is still on the agenda. While the PNC-controlled council has for more than 60 years tried to ensure degradation and regression, turning Garden City into the Garbage City, using Georgetown and its citizens to wage a war against a PPP government, the PPP itself has been trying to ensure transformation into a modern metropolis.

Georgetown needs a new beginning. We need an accountable and transparent City Council which will live-stream its meeting so that we can all see who is working for us and who is working against us. Citizens of Georgetown, let us take back our city.

Sod turned for $66M health centre at Mon Repos

ensure that the building is finished in a timely manner so that implementation of these services can begin soon.

This health centre is one of several initiatives the Health Ministry is intending to execute across the country to advance the type of care available to Guyanese.

Last year, construction began on the €149 million Paediatric and Maternal Hospital at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, which aims to provide specialised critical care to two of the most crucial groups – children and at-risk mothers.

Signalling the commencement of construction of the $66 million health centre at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Monday was joined by Attorney General Anil Nandlall for the official sod-turning ceremony at the earmarked site. This health centre, aimed towards providing quality healthcare for residents of Mon Repos and surrounding communities, came after numerous requests and a recognition that the nearest health centre was some distance away at Lusignan.

“We made an analysis that there’s a gap here and we need to fill that gap. Based on that assessment, we went ahead and developed this project,” Dr Anthony said.

The Health Minister explained that doctors and nurses have already been identified to work at the centre to provide a range of services once the facility is completed.

“Among the things that we’d be offering [are] mother and child care [and] immunisation for children. We’ll also be treating chronic diseases so persons who have

diabetes or hypertension or cardiovascular diseases would be able to get care at this facility,” Dr Anthony said.

“In addition to that, we would put in a point of care laboratory so that if they have to do some minimum tests that are necessary for diagnosis, they would be able to get those tests done,” he said, adding that other types of specialised services including dental care would be available as well.

Expecting to open by mid2024, Dr Anthony assured of the Ministry’s plans to work alongside the contractor to

Meanwhile, the $6.6 billion hospital at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, to be completed next year, is one of six regional hospitals the Government is planning to put in place.

The other five are to be located at Anna Regina, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), De Kinderen, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Number 75 Village, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and Diamond and Enmore in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

The hospital in Bath is a level four hospital, which means it should have more comprehensive services and specialised staff on call.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and Attorney General Anil Nandlall during the official sod-turning ceremony for the Mon Repos Health Centre

QC student named Guyana’s Youth Environmental Speaker

Queen’s College student Vasanna Persaud on Monday was announced as Guyana’s National Youth Environmental Speaker and now has the opportunity to represent the country at any regional and international environment-related competition in the future.

Launched in March, “Shout” – a collaborative effort between Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Recover Guyana, and the Education Ministry – saw the initial participation of over 85 secondary schools.

Following an essay submission on what sustain-

able changes they would make to their environment if money was not an issue, only 30 schools moved forward to the next phase at the Ramada Princess Hotel, Georgetown, on Monday during which World Environment Day was also celebrated.

Following a two-anda-half-minute prepared speech on approved environment-based topics, the top ten were selected to move on to the impromptu speech round during which they were required to answer a question from one of the ten judges on the spot.

Following Shout’s three phases, Persaud was chosen as the top speaker, re-

ceiving a prize package valued at $300,000, including an environmental award, a laptop PC, one-year free fibre internet from Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Co (GTT), a health voucher from UltraCare Medical Centre Inc and a cash prize.

A cheque of $500,000 representative in value of a cash grant, training and technical expertise was also handed over to Queen’s College and they too will receive one-year free fibre internet from GTT.

In second place was Aryanne Singh of Marian Academy, who received a prize package valued at $250,000 while third place was awarded to Saahil

Autopsies on decomposed bodies...

Accompanied by a carpenter and law enforcement officers in January 2023, the man said he forcibly entered the house and found the woman in the house in good health. He said he left the house, and Petrous told him that she was only going to stay at the rented property for three months and then leave.

However, on the day the

bodies were found, the man was contacted by the landlord informing him that she is in the country and wanted to do another inspection of the property.

“I come to the house today (Wednesday), I rap and call and me ain’t hearing nothing so and I went back to the station we didn’t get any Police because they said it’s a private matter but the owner said she

FROM PAGE 14

needs to see inside the house because she has the contract and is her house. When we return, we open the wooden door and we get a stench and went back to the station,” he explained. Upon arriving on the scene, Police officers ventured into the house, and the bodies of Petrous and Gabrielle were found in an advanced state of decomposition.

Hemraj of Skeldon Line Path Secondary School who received a prize package amounting to $175,000.

The top three essay submissions from Zeeburg Secondary School, West Demerara Secondary and Queen’s College were also recognised, the latter of whom was awarded the prize for the best essay.

Additionally, the

Best Speaker Award was copped by West Demerara Secondary School, Most Influential Speech Award by Qayyim Academy and the Environment Impact Speech Award by Queen’s College.

All participants were awarded tokens and certificates while the top ten each went away with Environmental Recognition

Awards.

The top ten participating schools were: Zeeburg Secondary School, ISA Islamic School, Essequibo Islands Secondary School, Marian Academy, Skeldon Line Path Secondary School, Queen’s College, West Demerara Secondary School, Qayyim Academy, The New Guyana School, and President’s College.

Schoolchildren to benefit from health screening

Later this month, the Health and Education Ministries will be collaborating to launch a school health programme that includes health screening for students across the nursery, primary and secondary levels.

This was revealed by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Friday during the launch of the National Expansion of the HEARTS Initiative for the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown.

This health screening programme, officially announced last year, intends to provide early detection of any health-related issues children may develop.

As such, students will first be screened at the nursery level, then at the primary and secondary levels, for health complications related to vision, hearing, dental, and other health concerns.

“Over time, we’d have the data to compare and also to intervene,” Dr Anthony noted.

“We’re starting the programme this month and we’ve targeted 27,000 nursery school students to be completed before the year comes to an end,” he said.

Seeking to foster an understanding among young people about the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle and nutritious diet, this programme also aims to tackle diverse challenges present in the classroom while mitigating potential learning setbacks.

Health promotion

Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Chronic Disease Unit, Dr Daniele Drepaul, stated that health programmes to promote topics related to maintaining a healthy lifestyle have already been completed in Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

“We’re doing health pro-

motion on different topics. We have a nutritionist who speaks about obesity and how to prepare a healthy diet, our tobacco officer speaks about legislation and the dangers of tobacco smoking. Also, we’ve been doing some talks on road safety, and our diabetic officer has also been giving some information to the children,” Dr Drepaul said.

She noted that the information has thus far been well received by the students, and the Health Ministry department plans to visit 55 schools throughout the country this year.

“Eventually, we’ll cover all the schools but it will take time,” she added.

Aryanne Singh of Marian Academy, Vasanna Persaud of Queen’s College and Saahil Hemraj of Skeldon Line Path Secondary School

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

Parents commend Govt for extending “Because We Care” cash grant to private schools

new school term. It’s also, if I recall correctly, a promise that the Government had made before they came into power, that they would restore the cash grant to families, which they did. So, it’s quite remarkable and commendable that they did,” Darren Crawford, a father of three, commented at Morgan’s Learning Centre.

As the “Because We Care” cash grant distribution continued on Tuesday, the Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke with some of the parents and guardians, who noted that the additional funds will help in the purchase of essential supplies.

The $40,000 cash grant

sees children registered in nursery, primary, and secondary public and private schools receiving a $35,000 grant, together with $5000 for school uniforms and other supplies.

“I think it is a good initiative to provide this cash grant to families, to help financially prep them for the

He expressed his appreciation for the gesture, noting that often, the assumption exists that students in private schools are financially well-off, which is not always the case.

“So, it is also commendable that the Government would have extended [the

DPP attends Prosecuting Agencies Conference in Canada

grant] to the private school students, and I must say kudos to the Government of Guyana in assisting families in the ways that they are doing,” he said.

Angelina McKenzieSookram, who has two school-aged children, told DPI that the distribution of the cash grant in private schools is a “great effort” that the Government has made towards ensuring every school-aged child is adequately prepared for the new school year.

“For me, I benefit from it. It helps with so much, and the fact that the amount is increasing yearly makes it even easier on us as par-

ents,” she said.

Siand Dhurjon, who has two young children, said that while this is the first cash grant he is receiving from the Government, he is appreciative of the gesture.

“I feel good about this. It is a very good initiative,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Marcella Jameer, a mother of two children attending School of the Nations, expressed similar sentiments.

“Since the Government started the distribution, I have been collecting, because I have three children. I’m very happy to receive [the grant] because it will really help with the uniforms and the bags and so

on, so I really appreciate it, Mr President,” she said.

In 2021, Government reintroduced the cash grant distribution for school-aged children, as per its manifesto promise. The distributions at that time saw each child benefitting from $19,000— $15,000 from the “Because We Care” grant and $4000 from their uniform vouchers.

In 2022, the Government increased the “Because We Care” cash grant amount from $15,000 to $25,000, and the uniform voucher from $4000 to $5000. This meant that each child went from receiving $19,000, to $30,000.

US Embassy, NGO host medical outreach in Linden

Guyana’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, has joined her counterparts from around the Caribbean Region and Commonwealth in Montreal, Canada, to attend the 22nd Heads of Prosecuting Agencies Conference from June 6 to 8, 2023.

The two-day con-

ference is being hosted by the Canadian DPP’s Prosecuting Service.

The meeting will discuss wide-ranging topics of criminal interests; approaches to the reduction of over-representation of Indigenous per-

lence, national approaches to the assessment of the public interest and impact of bias on decisions.

Participants are from Australia, Uganda, Northern Ireland, Ireland, United Kingdom, New

Members of the United States Embassy and the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Humanity

First, conducted a medical outreach for residents in Linden, Region 10, on Monday.

In attendance were the US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Adrienne Galanek, Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell, and eight medical students from the University of Maryland.

In furthering its humanitarian assistance partnership with Guyana, the US Embassy collaborated with the NGO to provide medical assistance for over 180 residents of Linden.

sons in the criminal justice system, prosecutor wellness and vicarious trauma, best practices in dealing with sexual and domestic vio-

Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica.

The individuals received general healthcare, as well as ophthalmology care, dental care, and blood testing. These services help to im-

prove the quality of life for residents by providing them with safe and accessible care.

This collaboration highlights the US Embassy’s commitment to strength-

ening partnerships between the United States and Guyana and to working with the Government of Guyana to support enhanced public health for Guyanese citizens.

Mother of two, Marcella Jameer

Father of three, Darren Crawford

Angelina McKenzie-Sookram

The team of doctors from the University of Maryland

Residents being attended to during the outreach

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, seated second from left at the conference

Some of the participants

Regional Lula unveils plan to end deforestation by 2030

The Administration of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced its plan to eliminate deforestation by 2030 as part of an international pledge to protect the environment.

Lula and his Environment Minister Marina Silva unveiled the Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Deforestation in the Amazon on Monday, touting it as the latest step in their aggressive platform to combat climate change.

“Brazil has resumed its leading role in tackling climate change, after four years in which the environment was treated as an obstacle to the immediate profit of a privileged minority,” Lula said in a post on Twitter, alluding to the policies of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.

“But rich countries also need to do their part. They

were the ones who over the centuries devastated forests the most.”

Fifteen Government Ministries collaborated on the plan, which includes advancing techniques for documenting and tracking illegal deforestation.

The plan stipulates increased use of satellite im-

Earthquake hits western Haiti, killing at least 3

A4.9-magnitude earthquake has struck western Haiti, killing at least three people and injuring more than two dozen others, officials said.

The quake occurred on Tuesday morning in the Grand’Anse department, nearly 300 kilometres (186 miles) west of the capital, Port-au-Prince, at a relatively shallow depth of 10km (6 miles), according to the US Geological Survey.

couple days and dozens more missing and injured, officials said on Monday.

Over 13,600 homes are also listed as flooded.

The civil protection agency said on Twitter on Monday the death toll had risen since Sunday night after floods over the weekend hit various parts of the country, including near the capital Port-au-Prince.

Sunday. Aid agencies have been delivering food to displaced persons as civil protection officials warned over the weekend that the agricultural sector in parts of the country had been hard hit.

agery to identify illegal logging, ranching and mining operations. Government databases containing financial intelligence, for example, will also be deployed to track the flow of money from unsanctioned operations in the Amazon rainforest. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

from Ipanema" singer dies at 83

Meanwhile, flooding from torrential rains in Haiti has left at least 42 people dead over the past

"My government, together with national and international institutions, is adopting urgent measures to meet the demands of the day," Prime Minister Ariel Henry said in a Government statement on

The deadly floods come as Haiti faces an already difficult scenario amid rampant gang violence, which the head of civil protection told the Miami Herald had impeded rescue efforts.

The rains coincide with the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

(Excerpts from Al Jazeera and Reuters)

Mexican President urges unity among ruling party contenders

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he had sought to promote unity within the ruling National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) during a dinner on Monday evening attended by the party's main contenders to succeed him.

MORENA is due to pick its presidential candidate in the coming months, and Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard has been urging the party to ensure there is a level playing field for the contest, helping to feed speculation about possible splits.

Astrud Gilberto, the Brazilian singer and songwriter whose off-hand, English-language cameo on “The Girl from Ipanema” made her a worldwide voice of bossa nova, has died at age 83.

Her granddaughter Sofia Gilberto confirmed her death in a social media post on Tuesday. “I love and will love Astrud forever,” Sofia wrote. “She was the face and voice of bossa nova in most parts of the planet. Astrud will forever be in our hearts.”

Born in the eastern state of Bahia and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Gilberto became

an overnight, unexpected superstar in 1964, thanks to knowing just enough English to be recruited by the makers of Getz/Gilberto, the classic bossa nova album featuring saxophonist Stan Getz and her then-husband Joao Gilberto.

“The Girl from Ipanema”, the wistful ballad written by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, was already a hit in South America. But Getz/Gilberto producer Creed Taylor and others thought they could expand the record’s appeal by including both Portuguese and English language vocals.

T&T Local Government Elections for August 14

Local Government Elections in Trinidad and Tobago will take place on Monday, August 14. The announcement was made in a post on the Prime Minister's Facebook page on Tuesday.

It read: “Prime Minister Dr the Hon Keith Rowley

has advised Her Excellency Christine Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, to appoint Monday August 14, 2023, as the date for the holding of the Local Government Elections.

“Nomination Day will be Monday, June 26, 2023.”

(Trinidad Newsday)

Ebrard is one of the leading contenders to succeed Lopez Obrador, though most recent polling has tended to give Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum a slight edge in the race.

Lopez Obrador said Ebrard, Sheinbaum and Interior Minister Adan Augusto Lopez, another

presidential hopeful, were at the dinner, where MORENA leaders congratulated party stalwart Delfina Gomez for winning the State of Mexico's gubernatorial election on Sunday.

"And we also met to maintain unity, so that there aren't divisions," the leftist president told reporters.

MORENA is strong-

ly favoured to win the 2024 presidential election, polls show. Under Mexican law, Presidents may only serve a single six-year term.

Lopez Obrador said he could not go into detail about discussions during the dinner, but noted that he had made a pledge not to "tip the scales in favour of anyone" in the selection process. (Reuters)

St Kitts sets up task force to deal with crime

The St Kitts-Nevis Government has appointed a National Security Taskforce to initiate a new initiative that approaches crime and violence from a public health perspective.

The Taskforce, which is headed by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr Terrence Drew, also includes senior management officials from across the Government and Dr Izben Williams, a consultant psychiatrist and head of the Department of Behavioral Sciences & Medical Ethics at the Windsor University School of Medicine

Prime Minister Drew

said that “societal peace and stability are prerequisites for true social and economic development and for the accomplishment of our progressive Sustainable Island State Agenda”.

“I strongly believe that what is learned can be unlearned if there is early application of best-practice interventions from various sectors.”

The authorities said that the initiative will take a holistic approach incorporating national security, social development, education, and health.

Several programmes will be unveiled targeting children ages six to 12 years and adolescents ages

13 to 19 to help remodel their thinking and behaviour by strengthening conflict resolution skills, critical thinking, and analytical skills and boost their self-esteem.

In addition to social interventions, the concept will embrace criminal justice by enhancing law enforcement initiatives and reviewing some of Federation’s current laws.

Opposition Leader Mark Brantley has called on the Government to convene urgently a national symposium on crime, after the twin-island Federation Monday recorded a double killing that pushed the murder toll to 14 so far this

year. “Crime is not a Government problem. Crime is not an Opposition problem. Crime is not a political party problem.

Crime is an all-of-society problem. If unchecked, it can derail all the progress we have made as a proud Nation and rend asunder our plans for shared prosperity and a sustainable future,” Brantley said in a statement.

Police confirmed that a man and a woman were gunned down on Monday and that the killings were the second double murder recorded so far this year, following the first on March 25. (Excerpt from CMC)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has fought to reverse trends of deforestation that hit record levels under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro [File: Eraldo Peres/AP Photo]

"Girl

Brazilian singer Astrud Gilberto in 1984 [File: Siemoneit/ullstein bild via Getty Images]

Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador speaks during a press conference, at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico June 5, 2023 (Reuters/Henry Romero)

Astrud Gilberto’s words, translated from the Portuguese by Norman Gimbel, would be remembered like few others from that era. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Around The World OIL NEWS

War zone villagers flee after massive Ukraine dam destroyed

deaths".

Oil prices ease as economic fears overshadow Saudi output cut

Oil prices eased about 1% on Tuesday as worries that sluggish global economic growth could reduce energy demand outweighed Saudi Arabia's pledge to deepen output cuts.

Brent futures fell 42 cents, or 0.6%, to settle at US$76.29 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 41 cents, or 0.6%, to settle at US$71.74.

Prices rose on Monday after Saudi Arabia said over the weekend it would cut output to around 9 million barrels per day (bpd) in July from about 10 million bpd in May.

Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, also unexpectedly increased the official selling price of its crude to Asian buyers.

However, the Saudi supply cut is unlikely to achieve a "sustainable price increase" into the high US$80s and low US$90s due to weaker demand, stronger non-OPEC supply, slower economic growth in China and potential recessions in the US and Europe, Citi analysts said in a note.

The US dollar rose to its highest level against a basket of currencies since hitting a 10-week high on May 31 as investors waited on fresh signals on whether the US Federal Reserve will raise or hold interest rates in June.

A stronger dollar can weigh on oil demand by making the fuel more expensive for holders of other currencies.

One of those signals came from the US services sector, which barely grew in May as new orders slowed.

"Crude prices are heavy as global growth concerns continue to suggest a much weaker crude demand outlook," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at data and analytics firm OANDA.

The mood was further dented by data showing German industrial orders fell unexpectedly in April.

The World Bank, however, raised its 2023 global growth outlook as the US, China and other major economies have proven more resilient than forecast, but said higher interest rates and tighter credit will take a bigger toll on next year's results.

Higher interest rates boost borrowing costs, which can slow the economy and reduce oil demand.

The market is awaiting data from the US and China that could provide fresh demand indications in the world's two biggest oil consumers.

China, the second-biggest oil consumer, will release its May trade data today.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projected US crude output will rise from 11.9 million bpd in 2022 to 12.6 million bpd in 2023 and 12.8 million bpd in 2024, That compares with a record 12.3 million bpd in 2019.

EIA also projected US petroleum demand would rise from 20.3 million bpd in 2022 to 20.4 million bpd in 2023 and 20.7 million bpd in 2024. That compares with a record 20.8 million bpd in 2005, according to EIA data going back to 1973.

Analysts forecast US energy firms added about 1.0 million barrels of crude into storage during the week ended June 2, according to a Reuters poll.

That would be the second weekly increase in crude stocks in a row and compares with a rise of 2.0 million barrels in the same week last year and a five-year (2018-2022) average increase of 2.3 million barrels. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Atorrent of water burst through a massive dam on the Dnipro River that separates Russian and Ukrainian forces in southern Ukraine on Tuesday, flooding a swathe of the war zone, forcing villagers to flee and prompting finger-pointing from both sides.

Ukraine said Russia had committed a deliberate war crime in blowing up the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam. The Kremlin blamed Ukraine, saying it was trying to distract from the launch of a major counteroffensive Moscow says is faltering.

Some Russian-installed officials said the dam had collapsed on its own.

Neither side offered immediate public evidence

of who was to blame. The Geneva Conventions explicitly ban targeting dams in war because of the danger to civilians.

Hundreds of people were evacuated from settlements along the southern stretch of Ukraine's Dnipro river as flood waters

submerged streets, town squares and homes.

It was not immediately clear if anyone had been killed. The White House said it could not say conclusively what caused the destruction of the dam, but spokesman John Kirby said it had probably caused "many

Ukrainian Police released video of an officer carrying an elderly woman to safety and others rescuing dogs in villages being evacuated as the waters rose. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko accused Russia of shelling areas from where people were being evacuated and said two Police officers were wounded.

On the Russiancontrolled bank of the Dnipro, the Moscow-installed Mayor of Nova Kakhovka said water levels had risen to 11 metres (36 feet). He did not say how high water levels were before the dam burst.

Residents reached by telephone there told Reuters that some had decided to stay despite being ordered out. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Canada wildfire smoke threatens health of millions

The US Government cannot ban people convicted of non-violent crimes from possessing guns, a federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday.

The 11-4 ruling from the Philadelphia-based 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals is the latest defeat for gun control laws in the wake of a US Supreme Court ruling last year expanding gun rights nationwide.

The decision stems from a 2020 lawsuit by a Pennsylvania man, Bryan Range, who was barred under federal law from possessing a gun after pleading guilty to welfare fraud. He claimed the prohibition violated his right to bear arms under the Second Amendment of the US Constitution.

"We are very pleased that the 3rd Circuit has vindicated the rights of our client by faithfully applying the Supreme Court's decision," Range's lawyer, Peter

World Bank cuts 2024 global growth forecast as rate hikes bite

The World Bank has raised its 2023 global growth outlook as the United States, China and other major economies have proven more resilient than forecast, but said higher interest rates and tighter credit will take a bigger toll on next year’s results.

Real global gross domestic product (GDP) is set to climb 2.1% this year, the World Bank said in its latest Global Economic Prospects report on Tuesday. That’s up from a 1.7% increase forecast that was issued in January, but well below the 2022 growth rate of 3.1%.

The development lender cut its 2024 global growth

forecast to 2.4% from 2.7% in January, citing the lagged effects of central bank monetary tightening and more restrictive credit conditions that were reducing business and residential investment.

These factors will slow growth further in the second half of 2023 and into 2024, but the bank released a new 2025 global growth forecast of 3%.

World Bank Chief Economist Indermit Gill put a gloomy spin on the new forecasts, saying that 2023 would still mark one of the slowest growth years for advanced economies in the last five decades.

Two-thirds of develop-

ing economies will see lower growth than in 2022, dealing a major setback to coronavirus pandemic recovery and poverty reduction and increasing sovereign debt distress, he added.

US growth for 2023 is now forecast at 1.1%, more than double the 0.5% forecast in January, while China’s growth is expected to climb to 5.6%, compared to a 4.3% forecast in January after COVID-reduced growth of 3% in 2022.

The bank, however, halved its previous 2024 US growth forecast to 0.8%, and cut China’s forecast by 0.4 percentage point to 4.6%.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Patterson, said in an email. Range pleaded guilty in 1995 to committing welfare fraud in Pennsylvania in order to obtain US$2458 of food stamps, a misdemeanour punishable by up to five years' imprisonment. He was sentenced to three years of probation. Federal criminal law generally bars people convicted of crimes punishable by more than a year in prison from possessing guns. Such crimes are usually felonies, but the law also includes some state misdemeanours, like Range's.

A federal Judge ruled against Range in 2021. Last June, however, the US Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment protects individuals' right to carry guns in public for self-defence, and that any restrictions on that right must be consistent with the nation's historical tradition of gun regulation. (Excerpt from Reuters)

High-risk air quality warnings have been issued for millions of people across North America due to ongoing wildfires in Canada.

Wildfire smoke has blanketed major cities in Ontario and Quebec, including Toronto and its surrounding areas.

The smoke has reached as far as New York City and Connecticut, where air quality has been classified as "unhealthy".

Much of the smoke is coming from Quebec, where 160 fires are burning.

Environment Canada issued its strongest warning on Tuesday for Ottawa, deeming the air quality in the Canadian capital a "very high risk" to people's health.

In Toronto and its surrounding areas, the air quality has been classified as "high risk".

Meanwhile, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified the air quality in much of the north-eastern US as

"unhealthy", especially for people who already had respiratory issues.

Air quality advisories include much of New York City and Connecticut. They also stretch as far north as Boston and as far south as Pittsburgh and Washington DC.

Deteriorating air quality has also forced at least one region in Quebec - the Atikamekw community of Opitciwan, 350km (217 miles) north of Montreal - to transfer people with asthma and other respiratory issues away from the smoke.

Canada continues to see a more active wildfire season than normal. Federal officials cautioned on Monday that this summer may bring Canada's largest fires yet because of dry and hot conditions that are forecast for much of the season.

Fires across the country have already burned more than 3.3m hectares of landan area 12 times the 10-year average for this time of year.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Sudan conflict: Army accused of killing Congolese in campus bombing

Ten people from the Democratic Republic of Congo have been killed in an army attack on a university campus in Sudan, the Congolese Government says.

They died in bombardments on Sunday afternoon at Khartoum's International University of Africa, it said.

"What hurts us very much is that it was the regular army that dropped the bombs knowing there were foreigners there," the Congolese Foreign Minister said.

Rival military forces have been battling in Sudan's capital for weeks.

Paramilitary fighters of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have bases in many residential areas across the city, which tend to be attacked by the military from the air.

It is not clear if those caught up in Sunday's bombing were university students. It may have been an area within or by the university where various foreign nationals sought refuge.

UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi tweeted of his shock that 10 refugees had died in an attack in Khartoum, without giving further details.

The RSF, which is in a

vicious power struggle with the army, said - in what appears to be a reference to the same attack - that the bombing on Sunday had happened in an area where African refugees were staying. It put the death toll of Congolese nationals at 25.

The humanitarian truce between the army and the RSF, which began on May 22, officially expired on Saturday evening - though it was frequently ignored by both sides.

The fighting, now it its eighth week, has killed hundreds of civilians and forced more than a million people to flee their homes. (Excerpt from BBC News)

A general view of the Nova Kakhovka dam that was breached in Kherson region, Ukraine, June 6, 2023 in this screen grab taken from a video obtained by Reuters/via Reuters

US cannot ban people convicted of non-violent crimes from owning guns – appeals court

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Direct your energy wisely. Don’t take on so much that you can’t focus on what’s meaningful. Call on those with a good track record for help. Romance is in the stars.

(March 21-April 19)

Be passionate, say what’s on your mind and finish things on time. Don’t let others slow you down. Change whatever you aren’t satisfied with, and you’ll eliminate frustration.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

An energetic approach will bring attention and valuable input from experts. Speak from the heart, and follow through with action. Stick to a budget you can afford.

Your consistency will make a difference today. Get your facts straight before you pass along information, and find out what things cost before you make a commitment. Put a budget in place.

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Keep things in perspective. You’ll feel the need to overdo it or embellish information. Listen to reason when dealing with health or personal issues. Make the nurturing of partnerships a priority.

Determine what you must do to reach your goal. Emphasize educational pursuits, practice and conversations with people who can help you further your objective.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Focus on situations that require your attention. The more familiar you are with what it will cost to reach your goal, the easier it will be to negotiate. Seek out help if you need it.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

A reflective approach will help you take care of business. Refuse to let your emotions get out of control. A simple solution is favored. Calm precision will be necessary.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Put your finances in order before you take on additional expenses. Don’t be fooled by someone who tends to embellish situations. Pay attention to how others treat you.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Change begins with you. Entertain the possibilities and connect with people who can offer expert advice to eliminate any uncertainty you have regarding your next move.

Follow through with your plans. Refuse to let others stand between you and happiness. Fight for what you want. A lifestyle change will enhance your life. Romance is favored.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Don’t let fear limit what you can achieve. Trust and believe in yourself, and manage your time and money to fit your long-term plans. Think about making some financial changes.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Al-Ittihad confirms Benzema deal after striker’s Real Madrid farewell

Karim Benzema has completed his move to Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Arabian club has confirmed.

The striker is leaving Real Madrid in the summer, and has signed a three-year deal with the Saudi champions.

Benzema was allowed to leave the Bernabeu after 14 years, after voiding the 12-month extension he had.

Earlier on Tuesday, the 35-year-old vowed he would never forget Real.

The France international scored 354 goals in 648 games, and won a club-record 25 trophies during his

time with the LaLiga side.

“I’ll never forget Real Madrid, because it’s impossible,” he told a farewell press conference.

“It’s difficult to talk. There are so many emotions. I wanted to thank Real Madrid and my team-mates. It’s been a good journey in my life.

“I was lucky enough to fulfil my childhood dream, thanks to the president, who a long time ago, when I was just 21 years old, went to my house with my parents.

“When I saw you, I said, ‘he’s the man who brought Zizou and Ronaldo, and now he wants me in his team’.

Thank you very much for that.

“I’ll never forget Real Madrid, because it is impossible. It’s the best club in the world and in history, that’s as good as it gets. It’s time for me to leave today and to have another story, but the most important thing for me is what I’ve won here.

“It’s a little bit of a sad day because I’m leaving this club, and that pains me. My dream was in my head, I signed for Madrid and I wanted to finish at Madrid, but life sometimes gives you another opportunity, and I’ve taken it with all my family.”

Benzema joined from

Dr Dyal Singh again sponsors Berbice Cricket Academy for 2023

Berbice cricket continues its remarkable development and expansion with the support of longtime sponsor Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, who has renewed his support for the hosting of the Berbice Cricket Board’s (BCB) annual cricket academy.

Dr Singh, an outstanding medical practitioner who was born in the Ancient County but lives in Texas, USA, has been sponsoring Berbice Cricket since the election of Hilbert Foster as BCB President in 2018.

Foster has said that Dr Singh, in 2023, invested over three million dollars of his own funds to support Berbice cricket, and that the popular doctor is one of the main reasons for the success of his presidency.

The BCB annual cricket academy would be held for a period of one week at the end of July. The venue is the Port Mourant Cricket Ground, and a total of seventy of the county’s finest players would be participating, while some mini academies would also be organised for youths in the West Berbice and Upper Corentyne areas.

The BCB Academy would be headed by Level Three Coach Winston Smith, while other coaches, like Ryan Kissoonlall, Nicky Latchman, Travis Hardcourt, Ryan Algu, Tremayne Smartt and Balram Samaroo, are expected to be part of the coaching staff.

Special emphasis would be placed on improving the defence of batters, the control of the fast bowlers, and getting spinners to spin the ball, instead of bowling fast. Emphasis would also be placed on wicket-keeping, physical fitness, mental strength, captaincy, and on the history of the game.

Several former outstanding national players would

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be invited to visit the academy to talk to the players and conduct sessions. The BCB academy would also see batting cages and bowling machines being used for the first time by coaches. The proactive BCB has invested millions of dollars to purchase six bowling machines and also construct five batting cages in a massive programme aimed at youth development.

Foster has expressed profound gratitude to Dr Singh for his continued support of the game, and noted that, in 2023, the doctor has, by himself, sponsored two inter-zone tournaments and purchased two of the bowling machines.

Dr Singh has, in the past, invested heavily to restore the BCB Office, purchase water pitchers for clubs, sponsor the purchase of a pitch cover, publish the historic coaching manual, and co-sponsor the purchasing of grass cutters for clubs, among other things.

Dr Singh has said he is a proud Berbician who is passionate about cricket as a means of supporting youth development. He noted that he is very impressed with the way the Foster-led BCB has been leading a revolution of the game in the county. And he is impressed by the communication skills of the board, its accountability, and its regular reports.

Lyon in 2009, and won four LaLiga titles and five Champions League crowns. He also won the 2022 Ballon d’Or.

Real president Florentino Perez said: “Today is a very difficult day for me. It’s a day that brings back memories and the emotions of the last 14 years, and it’s also a day of senti ment and emotions for all Madridistas.

“A period of enormous anticipation began 14 years

ago for all Madridistas, one of the most impressive in our 121 years of history.” (Sportsmax)

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Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh

Karim Benzema sporting his new club shirt

Rest and recuperation next steps for Dharry

-after win in Scorpio card

USA-based Guyanese boxer Elton Dharry last Sunday picked up a hard-fought victory over Colombia’s Ronald Ramos in the Bris-O Promotions’ “Return of the Scorpio” proam card.

While some were looking for fireworks, Dharry endured the entire 8-round Bantamweight bout to win on points by the following margins: 80-73, 79-73, 79-73. Speaking with media opera tives after the fight, Dharry admitted that he was not at his best, but said he was committed to completing the fight.

fight, it was going to be a rough night for me. I was dealing with a few injuries coming in here. I’ve been training for four months, (and) we had so much changes of dates and opponents. Well, I didn’t want to pull out because of minor in juries, I just suck it up and went in there and did my best to win,” the pugilist shared.

added, “Obviously, my best wasn’t pleasing to a lot of my own people, because they expect a knockout. My name has been building up for years, but, you know, it was one of those nights. I had an ankle injury, couldn’t move well on the back leg, just had to suck it up and fight.”

Women’s Development League…

Top four clubs receive cash prizes from MVP Sports

47-year-old Colombian, noting that he brought his ‘A’ game.

“I was not surprised, he has 71 fights, I’ve seen a lot of his fights. He fought some fighters that didn’t want to fight me; he gave them some

but they pulled the trigger. But tonight, I had my situation I was dealing with. No excuses, he brought his A game, he went the distance, I did enough to win, and that’s about it. That’s how boxing is,” the Guyanese boxer told

media operatives.

With another international assignment set for July, also in the Land of Many Waters, Dharry has said his next step is to get some much-needed rest. Dharry expressed, “Not really, my body needs healing, man. I’ve been training for four months, every 5-6 days a week, unsure of what’s going on, the date changed many times, the opponent changed many times, different fights and different dates. I didn’t have proper communication, to begin with. I just continued training and show my people that I’m willing to take on a challenge.

“I accept all challenge that the WBC thrown on me. I didn’t say no to any of them. They’re younger than me, they’re world rated, but I said, ‘okay, I want to give myself one more shot at the world title, and give Guyana another world title’. I’m capable of doing it, but I need to rest my body,” the boxer concluded.

Dharry is scheduled to face Mexico’s Hugo Hernandez for the WBC Silver Belt in July.

RHTY&SC cricket teams to host GBTI Inter-School tournament

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), one of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisations, would be hosting another cricket youth tournament as part of its cricket development programme.

On an annual basis prior to the COVID pandemic, this club had hosted a series of cricket tournaments, including the popular Busta Champion of Champions First Division 40 overs tournament, and the launching of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry’s Say Yes/Say NO tournament is the restart of this programme, the aim of which is to assist the Berbice Cricket Board in the development of youth talent in the county.

RHTY&SC Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster has said this tournament would be contested by four secondary schools in the Lower Corentyne area -Lower Corentyne Secondary, JC Chandisingh Secondary, Port Mourant Secondary, and Corentyne Comprehensive High School, at the Area H Ground on Thursday June 7.

The tournament would be played with two semifinals been played at twelve overs per side, while the finals would be an event involving fifteen overs per side.

Also President of the proactive Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Foster has said that the tournament’s main objective is to get youths to say no to drugs, suicide, racism and crime, and yes to education, life, religion and national unity.

The winning team would take home a total of fifty thousand dollars’ worth of educational materials, while

the runner-up team would get thirty thousand dollars’ worth of items. The two losing semifinalists would each get fifteen thousand dollars’ worth. The Man of the Finals would get five thousand dollars, while several attractive financial prizes would be awarded during the presentation ceremony.

Foster disclosed that the tournament has been organised by the following teams: Rose Hall Town NAMILCO First Division, Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17, Metro Females, Poonai Pharmacy, and Pepsi

Under-19 teams. This year, the RHTY&SC would host at least four tournaments, including a first division 20/20 tournament involving the eleven teams from the Ancient County.

Foster has hailed the support of GBTI, describing that banking institution as a true friend of cricket in Berbice and to the RHTY&SC. He has reassured management of the bank that the tournament would be well organized, and would achieve all of its objectives.

Manager of the GBTI Port Mourant Branch, Andre Yhap, has expressed confidence in the organising skills of the RHTY&SC, and has said the bank is delighted to be on board as sponsor of the tournament. This sponsorship has been described as part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility to the general public, and part of guiding youths on the correct path of life.

The launching was also attended by RHTY&SC Executives Keith Hicks and Tyrone Pottaya, and by GBTI Officers Radha Ramdihal and Aveeta Guyapersaud.

The Guyana Defence Force Football Club, champions of the recently concluded MVP Sports Women’s Development Football League Playoff, along with second-, third- and fourthplace winners, have yesterday received more than $400,000 in prize money.

During a simple ceremony on the company’s premises at the Giftland Mall at Turkeyen, Georgetown, MVP Sports’ Managing Director Ian Ramdeo presented trophies and cash prizes to representatives of champions Guyana Defence Force Football Club ($200,000), second place winners Fruta Conquerors Football Club ($100,000), third place team Guyana Police Force Football Club ($75,000) and fourth place winners Pakuri Jaguars Football Club ($50,000).

The afternoon ceremony was attended by Women’s Football Association President Andrea Johnson, Guyana Football Federation Technical Director Bryan Joseph, and by coaches.

The playoff, which had kicked off on March 4, featured 12 football clubsFruta Conquerors, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, Pakuri Jaguars, Bartica All Stars, Potaro Strikers, Essequibo All Stars, Foxy Ladies, Milerock, Coomacka, New Amsterdam United, and Santos. It concluded on April 5 with an unforgettable match between the Guyana Defence Force and Fruta Conquerors at the Eve Leary Sports Ground in Kingston, Georgetown.

In his brief remarks,

MVP Managing Director Ian Ramdeo said he was happy to partner with the Guyana Football Federation and the Women’s Football Association to give Guyana's talented female footballers a national platform on which to shine.

“MVP Sports is pleased to be a part of this tournament, especially given the talent that we have in the women’s arena of football in Guyana, who don't necessarily get as much playtime as the men,” Ramdeo said.

He added that his company would continue to support football tournaments, especially the women’s game.

“We are looking forward to being a part of other tournaments in the future, and helping to support not only football, but the women’s arm of football in Guyana.”

Women’s Football Association President Andrea Johnson again congratulated the top four clubs, and thanked MVP Sports for its continued commitment to the advancement of women in football.

"The women’s game cannot grow without the support of corporate Guyana.

I want to once again thank MVP Sports for their commitment to our vision of ensuring equality in football in Guyana,” she said.

“Congratulations once again to the top four teams, and we look forward to seeing all the clubs participating in the next league.

“We had an extremely exhilarating playoff, and will be building on that foundation soon,” Johnson shared.

Andre Yhap of the GBTI Port Mourant Branch handing over sponsorship to RHTY&SC Secretary Hilbert Foster in the presence of RHTY&SC and GBTI officials

Elton Dharry won a hard-fought battle at ‘Return of the Scorpio’ event

MVP Sports’ Ian Ramdeo making a presentation to representatives of the GDF FC in the presence of Andrea Johnson

MVP Sports’ Ian Ramdeo making a presentation to representatives of the GPF FC in the presence of Andrea Johnson

Charles, King star in West Indies’ thrashing of UAE

Half-centuries from Brandon King and Johnson Charles, a spirited batting cameo from Odean Smith and a ruthless bowling display helped West Indies seal a series win against the UAE in Sharjah on Tuesday.

The UAE bowlers did well to rein things in after a 129-run opening stand between King and Charles, even as Smith's 24-ball 37 helped take West Indies past 300.

And then another insipid UAE batting performance meant West Indies cantered to victory in the second ODI.

After West Indies opted to bat, on the back of a fine century in the first ODI, King played anchor as Charles took on the role of aggressor against the UAE opening bowlers Sanchit Sharma and Ali Naseer. Playing just his second ODI since 2016, Charles hit Sanchit for two boundaries in his first over, before smashing 18 of the 20 runs that came off the seventh over, bowled by Naseer. King, meanwhile, hit some gorgeous drives through the off-side as he picked up from where he had left off.

The two took some time to settle against left-arm spinner Aayan Afzal Khan's darts, but, in his third over, they both skipped out of the crease to hit him for sixes down the ground.

Charles went on to bring up his half-century, his fifth in ODI cricket, off just 33 deliveries, before he went on to hit a six and a four off the next two deliveries he faced. But playing in the afternoon heat, he seemed to tire, as he added just two more runs off the next ten deliveries, and

holed out to long-on for a 47ball 63 off Naseer. That wicket started West Indies' slowdown, and they lost wickets at regular intervals after that. King, who brought up a fifty of his own off 52 deliveries, struggled to put debutant legspinner Adhitya Shetty away, and was soon out to him, thanks to a brilliantly taken catch at long-on by Basil Hameed.

Shetty nearly had another wicket in that over, but shelled the chance off his own bowling to give Keacy

secutive overs to Naseer and Sanchit, West Indies were in a spot of bother at 249 for 7. But Smith's swashbuckling knock, which comprised one six and three fours, helped

to square leg.

West Indies' spin trio of Chase, Hodge and Yannic Cariah then dried up the runs and took away any hope UAE may have had of trying to upset the

half-centuries in two games, with both coming at a strike rate of more than 100.

Hameed made 49 before holing out to deep midwicket off Chase, and Hodge got Naseer to top-edge a slog to short third. Aayan also made a handy 23-ball 25, but in the end, West Indies' total proved too much for the hosts.

The UAE were able to bat out fifty overs, having been bowled out for 202 in the first ODI. But the win will be a big confidence boost for West Indies before both teams head for the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe. (ESPNCricinfo) Brandon

SCOREBOARD

10-1-56-1

visitors.

Lovepreet Singh, in his first game for UAE, struggled to get in, before Hodge bowled him through the gate.

West Indies (50 ovs maximum)

BATTING R B

Brandon King c Basil Hameed

b Adhitya Shetty 64 70

Johnson Charles c sub

(EC D’Souza) b Ali Naseer 63 47

Shamarh Brooks b

Aayan Afzal Khan 20 22

Carty a life. Aayan had Brooks chopping on, and then got Roston Chase to hit a half-hearted effort to longon.

Zahoor Khan, who was disciplined in his first spell, returned to the attack to get rid of Carty, who hit a drive straight to cover.

Shai Hope, batting at #6, which is the lowest he has batted in ODIs, rebuilt for West Indies with a 43-run stand with Kavem Hodge, but when the two fell in con-

take them past the 300mark.

Zahoor finished with three wickets, while Aayan, Naseer and Sanchit each took two.

It didn't take the West Indies quicks long to make inroads, as debutant Akeem Jordan, playing in place of Keemo Paul, got UAE captain Muhammad Waseem nicking off in the fourth over.

His opening partner, Aryansh Sharma, was next to go, flicking Smith straight

Asif Khan made 4 off 22 before a brilliant catch from Dominic Drakes off the bowling of Chase saw him return to the hut. Vriitya Aravind, who trudged to 36 off 52 deliveries, was next to go, as he sliced a full delivery from Cariah to point.

Basil Hameed and Naseer then put on an 80run stand, but by then the asking rate seemed too steep, and they could not keep up. Naseer was the only real bright spot with the bat for UAE, smashing three sixes and six fours en route to his 53-ball 57. Having made his ODI debut in the first match of the series, he now has two

Oceaneering U14 Indoor Hockey League… SHC Sensations ‘sensational’ as League continues

The SHC Sensations have dominated last Friday’s Oceaneering U14 Indoor Hockey League with three emphatic wins in the girls’ division.

The Sensations’ results on day 3 were 6-0 vs CLSS Scouts, 8-0 vs RISS Top Shelf Titans, and 10-0 vs Hikers Junior Jets.

Junior national player Makayla Poole, launching attacking raids from the right back, led the scoring on the day with 8 goals for the Sensations, and teammate left striker Kairya Scott was not far behind with 7 goals.

The GCC Challengers held on to second place on the table after day three with a comfortable 4-0 victory over CLSS Samurais.

In the boys’ division, YMCA Old Fort emerged favourites to take the gold midway through the tournament, as they chalked up three victories over their closest rivals. The most entertaining match of the day saw YMCA edging the SHC Minions by 6-5. YMCA then went on to gain a 4-0 win over GCC Outlaws and 4-1

win over GCC Pitbulls.

The SHC Minions, with a convincing 10-0 win over RISS Blade Running; and the GCC Outlaws, with a 4-0 win over counterparts GCC Bulldogs, split their luck of the evening with a win and a loss each.

Multi, comprised of the newest players to the game, and competing in their first ever competition, dropped two more games -- by 0-5 to the GCC Bulldogs, and 0-4 to RISS Blade Running.

Richard Marques of YMCA Old Fort and Fayed Mohamed of SHC Minions were the top scorers of the day with 6 goals each for the boys’ division.

The Oceaneering League

will continue on Friday, June 9th at St Stanislaus College from 16:00hrs.

The current standings are:

GIRLS

SHC Sensations – 12 points

GCC Challengers

Keacy Carty c Adhitya

Shetty b Zahoor Khan 32 39

Roston Chase c Lovepreet Singh

b Aayan Afzal Khan 7 13

Shai Hope (c)†c Muhammad

Waseem b SM Sharma 23 25

Kavem Hodge b Ali Naseer 26 28

Yannic Cariah b SM Sharma 7 14

Odean Smith b Zahoor Khan 37 24

Dominic Drakes b

Zahoor Khan 8 12

Akeem Jordan not out 3 6

Extras (lb 10, nb 1, w 5) 16

TOTAL 49.5 Ov (RR: 6.14) 306

Fall of wickets: 1-129

(Johnson Charles, 16.6 ov), 2-151

(Brandon King, 21.1 ov), 3-163

(Shamarh Brooks, 24.1 ov), 4-187

(Roston Chase, 28.6 ov), 5-206

(Keacy Carty, 32.5 ov), 6-249

(Kavem Hodge, 40.2 ov), 7-249

(Shai Hope, 41.1 ov), 8-273

(Yannic Cariah, 44.4 ov), 9-293 (Dominic Drakes, 47.3 ov), 10-306 (Odean Smith, 49.5 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Ali Naseer 10-0-69-2

Sanchit Sharma 8-0-69-2

Aayan Afzal Khan 10-0-45-2

Zahoor Khan 9.5-0-44-3

Adhitya Shetty

Basil Hameed 2-0-13-0

United Arab Emirates (T: 307 runs from 50 ovs)

King preparing to scythe one away

Johnson Charles scored a brisk 66

Akeem Jordan wheeling away after dismissing Muhammad Waseem

A glimpse of the action

win in Scorpio card

Championship return

128 secondary school teams from across the country would be competing in the Digicel Schools Football Championship, which returns for the 8th edition in 2023, having last been played in 2017, when Chase’s Academic Foundation lifted the coveted trophy.

The 2023 edition of this tournament is set to kick off on Saturday, June 24th, and is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, August 13th. Additional details on Tuesday’s launch of the Digicel tournament at the Marriott Hotel will be published in tomorrow’s edition

Guyana Times Sport

In photo are outgoing CEO of Digicel, Gregory Dean, Petra CoDirector Troy Mendonca, GFF Executive Member Dion Inniss, and GOA President Godfrey Munroe, flanked by students who will be competing in the tournament.