Kaieteur News

New

oil spill law should demand full disclosures

‘Gunbutt’ shot in foot of all guarantees

...manwhohelped Safe thief, caught on camera remanded opensafe grantedbail over Guyana’s lack of institutional framework to combat corruption

PNCR member, member Roysdale

Govt.

Former Chancellor of the Judiciary Desiree Bernard passes on

looking for consultants

UN Committee concerned Fordetochallenge NortonforPNCR’s leadership to map out Guyana’s minerals

French patrol vessel to save fishing industry $100M still to dock

The French vessel that is to come to patrol Guyana's waters, savingthecountry$100Mthrough illegalfishing,isyettodockhere.

The disclosure was made by VicePresident(VP)BharratJagdeo on Thursday at his weekly press conference.TheVPwasaskedbya report of this publication if he can say whether the French vessel that thePresidentspokeof,thatwillbe patrolling the waters, saving the country $100M has arrived? Jagdeo said that, “It has not. But

this is the estimate. Remember when we were talking about policing our exclusive economic zonesowedohavetolookatit.It's estimatedthatwecanloseasmuch as $100M per year from illegal fishing in our waters. This is deep seathough.”

The Vice President explained that investing in additional assets fortheGuyanaDefenceForcewill help curb illegal fishing. It was previously reported in the media that government was in talks with

French officials in relation to having a large ship stationed in Guyana's Exclusive Economic Zone. This is to facilitate the preventionofhundredsofmillions in losses due to illegal fishing.

President Irfaan Ali, during his remarks at the Private Sector Commission's (PSC's) corporate dinner at the Marriott Hotel, had saidthat,“Thereisoneshipthatis coming in very shortly, then we have negotiations going on now with the French to have a

mothership established in our EEZ.” While this venture is at a high cost, the Head of State noted that it had to be incurred since Guyana is losing hundreds of millionsofdollars.“Whatistoldto us, we are losing hundreds of millions of dollars from illegal fishing from our EEZ that is boats cominginwithinourEEZ.”

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

New oil spill law should demand full disclosure of all guarantees

Guyana is poised to becomealeadingproducerof oil and gas in the coming years, with production expectedtoreach1.2million barrels per day by 2027- a merethreeyearsfromnow

In preparation for the doubling of current output from the prolific Stabroek Block and other potential explorationsuccessesoutside of the block, the government of Guyana is pursuing a new Oil Spill Legislation which the Opposition says should include provisions that require full disclosure of all guarantees submitted by companies operating in Guyana.

The guarantees, referred to by Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton would provide Guyana with an added layer of financial coverageintheeventofanoil spill. Should the company operating in Guyana fail to properlycompensateorclean up the damages caused by such a disaster, the parent

guarantee would be accessedbygovernment.

Norton during his weekly engagement with the media was asked by this newspaper to share his views on the legislation being drafted and elaborate on some issues he believes should be addressed In his response, he pointed out that he agrees there is a need for a parent company guarantee since the subsidiary of E x x o n M o b i lExxonMobil Guyana Limited- does not have theresourcestomanagea massive spill that can occur as a result of the activities in the Stabroek Block.

He therefore said, “We believe legislation on the oil spill there should be mechanismsinitinwhichthe company gives guarantee on thelevelsofoilspill.Inother words, the operator- Exxonsays they use high level

technologyandit’snotlikely (a spill) but we have seen in the world that with all the technology,oilspillsoccurso we would like whatever is beingdonefortheretobean exposure of the technology and be told what guarantees existthattherewillnotbean oil spill though we believe that there is always the possibilityofanoilspill.”

The Leader was keen to note that an oil spill can not onlyoccurduringproduction or drilling activities but during the transportation of crude oil, as was recently highlighted in neighbouring Tobago. To this end, Norton said the legislation must cover spills that occur beyond drilling and productionactivities.

The Leader said “it is part of our general suggestions” for any oil spill guarantees to be made public. He added that when the draft legislation is made public or tabled in the National Assembly the Opposition will then share further recommendations to fortifythelaw Presently, two citizens are in the Court fighting to see the termsofaUS$2billionoil spill guarantee reportedly submittedbyEMGL.

Last month Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo revealed that the government was crafting an Oil Spill Law to protect this nation from liabilities that may arise during the transportation of crude oil. He told reporters that long before the vessel capsized in Tobago and wreaked havoc on the island, the Guyana government commenced drafting a law to protect the nation from such liabilities.

Jagdeo said the Bill, in this regard, is likely to be laid in the National Assembly before Parliament takes its recess.

According to him, the legislation, once in place, will cover Guyana from “all sorts of liabilities ” He explained, “We have been working to have legislation inplace,andthosewillcome probably before the next recess to cover all sorts of liabilities.Alawinplacelike theyhaveintheUSandsome other countries that will cover also transportation becausewehavemorecrude being transported in our jurisdiction so it's not just liabilities of the oil companies but transport companies, etcetera and that'sbeenintheworksalong time so that we can protect thiscountry.”

It must be noted that the updatedPetroleumActivities Act passed in the National AssemblyinAugustlastyear doesnotaddresssuchevents.

Govt.lookingforconsultants tomapoutGuyana’sminerals

The Government of Guyana (GoG) issued an Invitation for Request for Proposals for consulting services for Mineral Mapping Study of Guyana's Mineral Resources targeting both traditional gold reserves and emergingnon-traditionalminerals.

On Wednesday the Ministry of Natural Resources issued the invitation seeking consortium of consultants/consulting firm to submit proposals for the project. Theoverarchinggoaloftheproject is to bridge data gaps, reduce investment costs, foster diversificationintheminingsector and enable more targeted investments from both small and mediumscaleminers.

Notably, it was explained that the identification and quantificationofmineralsisnotthe sole purpose of this mapping exercise, but it will also provide a comprehensive understanding of

t h e s i g n i f i c a n t multidimensional role of these minerals in the country'sdevelopment.

Earlier this year, the Committee of Supply approved $400 million for the phase one of the mineral mapping project to be undertaken by the natural resources ministry in the various mining areas in Guyana.

During the consideration of the 2024 budget, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat explained totheCommitteeofSupplythatthe mineral mapping of the mining areas in Guyana is badly needed, since the current data is over 40 years.Headdedthattheprojectwill assist his ministry in making informed allocation of claims and mining blocks. The minister said too that it will also reduce the cost

of prospecting and exploration, particularly for small and medium scaleminers.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Shurwayne Holderhadaskedthespecificareas the $400 million will cover for the mineral mapping and what other mineralsbesidesgoldanddiamond willtheministrybesurveyingfor

Minister Bharrat had explained that in light of other critical elements being sought after around the world to produce batteries and solar panels, the government will be surveying for other criticalelements.

“We know that lithium is in big, big demand across the world…soitisamuch sought after element around the world and weknowthattheyarea few countries in South America producing lithium so we believe that they maybe a possibility that we do have that in the critical mineral here too… that's why we are not only focused on gold and diamond,” Minister Bharrat said. He noted that the team will be focusing on a few of the main

miningdistrictsinphaseonewhich isMazaruni,PuruniandNorthWest District.

Moreover, it was stated that interested consultants should provideinformationdemonstrating solid experience and exposure to mineral exploration and exploitation, mineral resource mappinganddocumentpreparation andwell-versedintheexpectations the mineral mapping study intends todeliver

Interested Consultants may obtainfurtherinformationbyemail at All jmckenzie@nre govgy Consultants should submit their proposals not later than 9:00 hours on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance, Main & Urquhart Streets, Georgetown, Guyana.All late submissions shall be rejected and returned to consultantsunopened.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

Tel:

Christian leadership example, Guyanese leadership essences

It is a sacred plank of Christian beliefs that a humble mangavehislifeforthebenefitofallmankind.Hegaveall ofhimselfintotalsurrendertotheswordsandspearsofhis torturers,sothatotherscouldhaveachance,couldbestirred with genuine hope. Approximately one billion men and women are moved to believe, to dream of what could be, notwithstanding the crushing circumstances of a life that can be cruel and unsparing. One man fostering one billion beliefs,countlessprayers,andcommitmentstogoodworks.

In contrast, today’s Guyana is of men who give their fellowGuyanesealitanyoflies.ThemanfromGalileegave hislifetofulfillasalvagingoperation.Hiswasofaministry andalifethatwasimmersedintruth,justice,fairness,and incomparableelementsofcompassion.Hebattledtotheend forthosetruthstobeestablished,whichiswhyhisnamehas beenetchedintoeternity Incontrast,themenandwomenof Guyana who have been elected to stand for the people, instead identify with the powerful forces that have been givenuncheckedclearancetohelpthemselvestotheriches oftheGuyanesepeople.TheprioritiesofGuyaneseleaders shouldbeinseparablefromthepathosofthelocalpoor,the struggles of suffering citizens. But their deceits and vaultingambitionsdonotallowthemtomakeanyroomfor suchconsiderations.

Which country on earth could ask for, wish for, more thanthecitizensofGuyana? Whichcitizeninanycountry around the globe would want to be infected with the sick men and women that Guyana has for leaders? When any leaderdoesnothaveitinsidetocomecleanwithGuyanese, to share with them what the latest news about their rich patrimony is, then he or she is not a leader, but a conniver and a coward. When concealment of vital details of the nation’s wealth from its rightful owners is both ongoing standardandpracticeofleaders,thenthoseinchargearenot battlingfortheadvantageofthepeoplebutbetrayingthem.

Guyanesehavehighhopesofwhatshouldcometothem fromtheirnaturalresourceendowments,andwithoilbeing the highest. Rather than leaders putting out their best for them,givingoftheirallforthepeople,sothatthosehopes could come to fruition, cheap tricks and traitorous actions have become the norm. Billions in US dollars are subtractedfromthetopasexpensesafterthesaleofoil. Yet Guyanese leaders in elevated offices have hidden those expenses from the population. This is untruth and dishonesty of an extreme kind. The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, famously asked the man forced to endure a lengthyordeal:whatistruth? Weatthispublicationmake theassertionthattruthisaforeignsubstance,evenalifelong disease,whenGuyaneseleadersareputundereventhemost minimal level of scrutiny They do not measure up, fail every challenge where fighting for the rights of hopeful Guyaneseisinvolved.

In this the seasons of Lent and Ramadan, the just finished celebration of Phagwah, every sacred text associated with those enormous denominations of faith speakofthekeycomponentsthatshouldguidetheactions ofeverymanandwoman,highandlow. Itisnotonlyinthe givingofmaterialthings,butalsoofthegivingofself. On thisdayofgreatsolemnitycalledGoodFriday,amanoutof nowhere and no standing set a peerless standard for selfsacrifice. Ramadanisaboutsacrificesthathavetobemade, andthentherearealsothosecosmicqualitiesdemandedof believers who just celebrated Phagwah. When there is no honestythereisnojustice,andwhenthereisnojustice,then there is nothing that could be described as fair In such circumstances, when leaders open their mouths, the deceptions tumble out uncontrollably Their naked cowardice, their ugly retreat behind false rhetoric, only reveals their indecency and their leadership immorality evenmore.Guyanesearerecipientsofsomeofthegreatest gifts of nature. There is also the dark side of local leadershipthatilluminateswithadestructivelight.

At present, GWI has 27 water treatment plants across the coastal belt

DEAREDITOR

IrefertoImtiazBacchus’ letter in the Stabroek News datedMarch20,2024,onthe matter of water supply at Albion/Fyrish. A new well was drilled and completed bytheGWIin-houseteamat Chesney in March 2023 and serves the areas of Albion, Chesney,Kilkoy,Fyrish,No 1Village,andGibraltar

Atthesametime,theold well at Fyrish which was failing, was taken out of operation and remains so up to now.Therefore,the claim thatwaterfromtheChesney and Fyrish wells is being intermixed is wholly

incorrect. Indeed, the water being extracted from the Chesney well has iron content which is lower than thewellatFyrish.

It is known that wells on the Coastland in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 as well as Region 10 have high iron content,andthishasbeenthe situation for decades as a result of the characteristics ofthecoastalaquifer

The solution to this problemistoconstructwater treatmentplants. Atpresent, GWIhas27watertreatment plantsacrossthecoastalbelt and also one in Bartica, Region7.

In recognition of the need to provide clean, safe and treated water to WHO standards (one of which is 0.3mg/lofironinwater)the Government of Guyana has mandated GWI to achieve a target of 90% treated water to the coastal population by 2025.

At present, seven (7) water treatment plants are being constructed and will becompletedthisyear

In addition, six (6) more treatment plants will be constructed by the end of year 2025 as well as fifteen (15) small in line treatment plants. At the same time

twelve (12) treatment plants are being upgraded and expanded to provide more treatedwater

Thisisahugeinvestment costingbillionsofdollarsfor the provision of much needed treated water to the population.

One of the small inline treatment plants will be located at the well at Chesney GWIwishestoask Mr Imtiaz Bacchus to be patient and bear with us as weprogresstocompletethis massive water treatment programme.

Sincerely

GWIPRDepartment

No country should be allowed to unilaterally redraw boundaries

DEAREDITOR

TheMaduroregimemust be pressured by the international community to abide by the norms of international law as enshrined in the United Nations Charter Any departure from such norms and principles could lead to w h a t t h e E n g l i s h philosopherThomasHobbes refer to as a state of anomie and‘awarofallagainstall’.

We have seen what violations of international law have done to societies such as Ukraine and

Palestine. The failure of the international community to act promptly and decisively is partly responsible for this sadstateofaffairs.

Asituation like Ukraine where a sovereign state is invaded by another foreign powercouldpotentiallyplay out in this hemisphere if the international community does not speak out and condemn Venezuela for its mostrecentactions.

Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is under threat by its western neighbour despite the

agreements reached in Argyle,brokeredbyregional leaders. This most recent action by Venezuela is not only a clear violation of international law but also a mockery of the peace process initiated by those leaders who are genuinely committed to the Caribbean as a zone of peace. It also raisesseriousquestionsasto the extent to which Venezuela could be trusted to respect agreements arrived at in good faith. The Caribbean Community and

for that matter the entire international community of nations need to pressure Venezuela to abide by the normsofinternationallawas enshrined by the United Nations Charter regarding respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity

No country should be allowed to unilaterally redraw boundaries.This can only lead to dangerous consequencesasiscurrently happeninginUkraine.

Sincerely

HydarAlly

ThePNCwarofwits,wisdomandwords

DEAREDITOR, Parliament and the daily papershavealwaysbeenthe arenaforpoliticalfootballto become the bone of contention, indulging in controversies, debates, verbal fireworks and even physicalexplosions.

In December 2021, a Parliamentary staffer and personal assistant to the Speaker of the House was the subject of physical and verbal abuse when PNC Opposition members attacked the employee in an attempt to seize the Mace. During a 2023 presidential outreach, the opposition press even claimed that a reporter was the subject of attempted harassment. On a regular basis, the media often misinterpret information for the sake of misguidingtheinnocentand creating marketable opportunity

The worrisome war of wits, words, wisdom and wickedness, weaken and

also weaponize the PNC as they struggle to battle their sustenance for worth A clueless leader continues to run around searching for an identity of significance while grounding himself in delusive content. His personalimposition(nofault of the public) may become an impediment for his incumbency

Meanwhile, the PNC, their surrogates and affiliates, align themselves to tongue twisting while maligning themselves to contortions and distortions of facts and figures in order to gain support from their disgruntled constituency A common trend has been the exaggeration of falsified claims unsupportive by any evidence.

The PNC’s propaganda campaignisacamouflageto hide their deficiencies, weaknesses and limitations. Consistentwiththeirmantra to deceive and conceal the truth, they allude to a program of counter attacking with criticisms, painting the opposite picture, hyper inflate the logistics of any possibility and demanding the executionoftheimprobable. Not to overlook, they also lean heavily on their overseas based counterparts to unleash vicious attacks behind hidden locations. In addition, they use foreign officials in the higher ranks who are part of their “kith and kin”, to influence other dignitaries to perpetuate t h e i r o p i n i o n s , misrepresentations and falsifications Using international forum, this artery has been a source of poisonouspresentations,not caringaboutthedecorumof the country itself to which theybelong,hopefully

their hereditary cause, they unscrupulously ignite the flame of racism and dishearteningly propagate discrimination for unequal treatment.Thishasextended to dominating the streets with exited incense translatedintothepracticeof violent behavior Party leaders were guilty of this insinuation when they misled crowds at wakehouses and misdirected gatherings at market areas. Those incidences have scorched the victims of t o r t u r e a n d l e f t uncompensated damages to bebornebymembersofone ethnicity The PNC have scored uncreditable points during those skirmishes and have managed to only strengthenthenotionoftheir disreputableness.

In order to prove the sharpness of their metal and convince their particular supporters that the PNC is a Party qualified to fight for theirdirectrightsanddefend

RecallingthelastBudget debatewhentheonetracked mind of the Opposition reflected their negative approachandtheir

Right, wrong, and national repentance

DEAREDITOR

, I don’t see everything. So, when people, instead of askingmeastheyusedtodo, “Howareyou?”nowaskme more fashionably, “How’s everything?”

I often answer, “I don’t know; better ask God; He is supposed to know.” Since they usually never really want to listen to a commentary on everything, they usually smile and get downquicklytothematterat hand.

I see things that are right and things that are wrong Others see the same things, but their judgement of what is right and wrong does not necessarily correspond to mine.

The world is made up of people like us, and some can be quite insistent on their version of right and wrong, even violent. So how can we knowwhatisrightandwhat iswrong?

The logical answer is to ask God, who knows everything,totelluswhatis right and what is wrong, for His prophet Isaiah said, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” [Is 5:20].

However, recourse to the pronouncements of GodinHisscripturesalso producedifferentresults.

Every scripture has its interpreters:sometimesthey arerightandsometimesthey arewrong.Inthisconfusion, many give up, become atheists or agnostics, create their own standards of right and wrong, and add to the confusion: the personal feeling of what is right replacesGod.

This is where the world is heading, and it is being allowed, because it is fashionable, to infiltrate all Godly religion and blur the distinction between good andevil.

Whenthefaultliesinthe interpreter, he either does it tojustifyhisownsin,orfails to humble himself to the appropriatelevel.

For example, charging interestonaloantoafellow Christianusedtobedeemed a sin by the Church in past centuries, but this has now beenjustifiedbyreferringto unfair competition in business with nonChristians.

Those who choose this level for the sake of their

business should not expect the full Christian reward of dwellingintheHouseofthe Lord forever This short life is given for us to d e m o n s t r a t e o u r qualificationforstatusinthe next.

Going back further, an eyeforaneyeandatoothfor atoothusedtobeallowedby God.

The Israelis certainly thinkitstillappliestothem. EvenMuslimsarepermitted this, though Allah has a higherrewardforthosewho returnevilwithgood[Surah 13:22] Hindus have a choice of three levels (gunas) of quality (nothing here saying it is easy for everybody).

But for Christians, retaliation is strictly forbidden.

When Christ was pointing to the evidence of His innocence He was slapped, but though His word sustains the universe [Heb 1:3] He only asked why He was slapped [John 18:21-24],Hedidnotfight for His earthly life That is why genuine Christians haveto endurepersecution without violent retaliation, though not without educatingthepersecutors

The Jews in the former days inhabiting the Kingdom of Judah were enjoined to repent, and enjoyed God’s favour whentheydid.

And even warmongers like the people of Nineveh were spared the wrath of Godwhentheyrepented Lent and Ramadan are seasons for repentance, and Phagwah culminates a seasonofcultivatingvirtue totriumphover(especially one’sown)evil

But what about national repentance by

leaders? Past and present politicians must be educated that there is a supernatural justice, something that required the death of Jesus to qualifytobesavedfromit Unless there is repentance thereisnoqualificationfor His free forgiveness, and monsters and demons are created to deal out punishments similar to whatwereinflicted.

We have seen in our short history that rigging elections created a resentment in those who were unjustly deprived of thereinsofgovernmentfora longtime.Publicrepentance willremovethejustification forthatmonstertoexistand spare the people from continuous affliction, for it is the people who suffer in this life who will gain their positioninthenext.

The meek will inherit theEarth.

Sincerely

AlfredBhulai

What strategy will be used to bring disgruntled supporters into the fold?

DEAREDITOR

,

It is clear as day that the governmentisunderserious scrutiny by international community – various agencies and democratic governments of ABCE countries. Supporters of the partyhavebeencomplaining aboutcorruption.

There is a significant shift of support away from the PPP because of glaring religious discrimination in the allocation of assets and contractsandtheburgeoning corruptionineverysectorof governance.

People are fed up with the government. They want analternative.Theywillnot support PNC or APNU under present leadership

The PPP wants Aubrey

Nortontoremainleader

Itisrumouredthatoutof desperationthePPPistrying to remove an abscess from thesugarindustry,exporting him abroad to prevent a further erosion of support. Cancer has taken over the entire agriculture industry Scalping the abscess in the sugar company without removing the cancer that pervadesagriculturewillnot solve the problem in low productivity

The widespread corruption cancer in agriculture remains

Complete excision of the cancer is required to save agriculture.IstherulingPPP class willing to take that majordecision?

When party support is

slipping, what do parties do to bring the flock back home?

Would there be organizedrapesashappened to two East Indian girls by non-Indian in 2011 near Stabroek Market to drive fear in Indians to return to thePPP?

The man who organized those rapes on the eve of an electionwasrewardedwitha Ministerial position. Would a party out of desperation to stemlossofsupportrevertto tacticspayingnon-Indiansto rape and beat up Indians to bring the flock back to the party?

The international communityiswatching.

Yourstruly, MichaelRobinson

March month end and still nine generators connected to grid

DEAREDITOR

Amid continuing power outages, we heard earlier that while nine generators were installed and on the grid, the remainder were expected to be up and running by March month end.

It is March month end and we are still hearing about nine generators on t h e g r i d a n d t h e

r e m a i n d e r h a v i n g electrical problems and t h e w o r k s b e i n g addressed to make them ready.

A new timeline of April was given to have all seventeen generators connected to the grid (KN March28).

Istheperceivedshiftin urgency to get the r e m a i n i n g e i g h t

ThePNCwarofwits,wisdomandwords...

generators connected to the grid anything to do w i t h t h e r e c e n t announcement of DR’s proposed involvement in the power company to helpmanageitssystemsin a better way, thereby providing a more reliable service (Newsroom March 26)?Justwondering!

Sincerely

ShamshunMohamed

Prolonged drought has hit the residents of Saxacalli hard

DEAREDITOR,

The prolonged drought has hit the residents of Saxacallihard.

Blacktanksareempty and some residents resort to using the river water for cooking and even drinking

Since there are no wells in our community, I l e a v e i t t o y o u r imagination I am appealing to

President Ali to instruct R e g i o n 3 Administration to do the necessary by supplying atleastdrinkingwater

Thankyou,

E.C.Lobert

Frompage4 enthusiasm to stifle Guyana’s economic growth was transparent, it simply endorsedthattheOpposition is callous and irresponsible of forging the interest of Guyanese. The PNC’s open agenda is riddled with vile, venom and vexatious vicissitudes Engrained in the defects of Burnham’s dictatorship, his successors have proven that their sole commitment is towards the indignity of selfishness and greed On regaining governance in 2015, the first thingthePNCdidwastofatten the salaries of their MPs by a 50%increaseanddirectedthat the rest of the public service receive nothing. Taking away the Christmas bonus from the Joint Services was adding salt to the wound during their miserablereign.

T h e p r e v i o u s administration meticulously designedacarefulprogramto ravagethequalityofstandard Guyanesewereenjoyingprior to 2015 The “sanctimonious gangster” ensured that Guyanesewereburdenedwith hundreds of appropriate taxes which would ensure that a certain stream filled thePNC’scofferwhichthey

can then enjoy while the others were left to endure in an appalled state. The raped Treasurywasleftemptyand cold in 2020. Denying the school children their Cash Grants was indeed an act of insensitive responsibility That’s what the PNC meant when they referred to the smallmanbecomingthereal manandlivingthegoodlife!

Fromthemanysittingsof the Public Accounts Committee(PAC),itisevident from the scrutinized reports that,mischiefwasafootwhen the previous administration was running the affairs of the country The PNC Government twice led this country into bankruptcy, poverty, corruption and economic failure through mismanagement. The state auditors have not failed to addresstheirundertakingsbut, encountered tremendous difficultiesinperformingtheir required tasks to adequately complete their audits due to incomplete or unavailable records and/or destroyed documents.

The word “trust,” is a foreign language to the PNC and alienated from their vocabulary Their dubious DNA is decorated with the

colors of deceit, dishonesty and double-dealing discomforts The PNC has engineered an oil contract in whichtheyhaveagreedtosell out the birth rights of Guyanese and allowed foreigners to reap the benefits of Guyana’s gold, both liquid and solid Hiding the US18 Million signing bonus from the Guyanesepublicconfirmed their true intention and real color TheBrutustypePNC did back stab the sugar workers when they closed the sugar estates and left thousands on the bread line afterfaithfullypromisingto keep sugar alive! On a perpetualbasis,thePNChas undermined the confidence of Guyanese at home and abroad. They have made a mockeryoftheinternational communitywiththeirdaring attempt to rig the 2020 Election in front of their eyes.Byusingtheirwisdom and wits wastefully, they have watered their chance for re-election, and, Guyanese can no longer be convinced of any integrity because of their wicked words,deedsandactions.

Yoursrespectfully

JaiLall

The man from Galilee

Today, Christians all over the world will remember the great sacrifice made for mankind by the man from Galilee. He gave his life to fulfill a salvaging operation.

His was of a ministry and a life that was immersed in truth, justice, fairness, and incomparable elements of compassion. He battled to the end for those truths to be established, which is why his name has been etched into eternity. In contrast, the men and women of Guyana who have been elected to stand for the people, instead identify with the powerful forces that have been given unchecked clearance to help themselves to the riches of the Guyanese people.

The priorities of Guyanese leaders should be inseparable from the pathos of the local poor, the struggles of suffering citizens. But their deceits and vaulting ambitions do not allow them to make any room for such considerations.

Forde to challenge Norton for PNCR leadership

Central Executive Member of the People National Congress Reform (PNCR) and Attorney-atLaw, Roysdale Forde, SC hasannouncedhisbidtorun for the leadership of the party

F o r d e w i l l b e challenging the incumbent AubreyNorton. Fordemade thisannouncementatapress conferenceheldonThursday even as the party is gearing for biennial congress which isscheduledtobeheldonor before August 31, 2024 Forde said that he believes that he has the support and experience to lead the party tovictoryatthenextnational electionsslatedfornextyear “The actions we take and decisions we make over the nextfewmonths,shouldnot

be taken lightly, and it is for this reason that I am here today I stand before you withagreatsenseofpurpose and resoluteness; a purpose to be part of a much needed process of change and a resoluteness to work tirelesslywitheverymember of the PNCR to make that a reality,”saidForde.

According to Forde, supporters of the coalition who are demanding an approachthatnotonlyholds the People's Progressive Partyaccountablebutalsoan approach that imbues hope in the hearts and minds of Guyanese throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, have called on him torunforleadership.Assuch hesaidheismakinghimself available for nomination to

contest for the position of leader of the People's National Congress Reform when Congress is officially announced.

The lawyer also stressed on the need for regrouping and rebuilding the party. “Regrouping is a crucial aspectofourparty'spolitical endeavor not just as a political strategy, but as a testament to our collective strength and resilience as a party The PNCR has a rich historyandadiversearrayof perspectives that make us strong,”explainedForde.

He noted that “It's no secret that political parties face a myriad of challenges both internally and externally And our party is not exempted from challenges.” However, the

PNC/R member said it is duringchallengingtimesand moments of uncertainty that the party must refocus our energies and realign its priorities.

Forde said, “Refocusing for us means recommitting ourselves to the core values and principles that bind and keep us together It means putting one's personal agendaandegoasideforthe greatergoodofthepartyand the people of our nation. It means constantly engaging in constructive dialogue, actively listening to diverse perspectives, and always finding common ground to moveforward.”

He continued, “As we refocus internally, we must alsorefocusourattentionon theissuesthatmattermostto

PNCR member, Roysdale Forde

the Guyanese people –the high cost of living, better healthcare, education, economic opportunities for all, a clean voters list and there is much more that can beaddedtothislist.”

“We must refocus our strategies to effectively addressthesepressingissues anddeliverreal,tangible

(Continued on page 17)

Courtsummonscaseagainst RickfordBurkepostponed, awaitingdecision ofHighCourtchallenge

MagistrateFabayoAzore

on Thursday deferred the court summons case against US-based activists Rickford Burke pending the outcome of the civil proceedings in theHighCourt.

The matter came up Thursday at the Vigilance Magistrate's Court when Magistrate Azore made the decision and adjourned the mattertoApril22,2024.

In a press release from Attorney-at-Law, Dawn Cush one of the lawyers representing Burke said it was stated that on Thursday the case requiring Burke's attendance at the Vigilance Magistrates' Court, East Coast Demerara was called. Thissummonswasallegedly served on Mr Burke at his home in Brooklyn, New York,USA.

The summons was issuedbyMagistrateFabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate's Court to be served on Mr Burke at an address at Fellowship, West CoastDemerara.

Mr Burke was charged with Conspiracy with other persons to publish defamatorylibelwithaview to extort money and Conspiracy with other persons to offer to abstain from publishing defamatory libel with a view to extort money, Cush said in her

release.

She said on Thursday morning when the matter was called at the Vigilance Magistrates' Court, Burke was not present but he was represented by lawyers including herself along with Mr.RoysdaleForde,SCand Ms.SashaKingnamedinthe civil proceedings in the Guyana High Court, against the Attorney General and Her Worship Magistrate FabayoAzore.

The First Respondent, the Attorney General, was represented in court by Mr DarsahanRamdhani,K.C.

The magistrate indicated that she is deferring the hearingpendingtheoutcome of the civil proceedings in the High Court, and adjournedthemattertoApril 22, 202 and declined to hear any submissions from Mr Ramdhani,KC,Cushstated. The civil proceedings filed by Mr Burke's Attorneys seek to quash the defendant summons allegedly served on Mr Burke and that resort to Criminal Defamation to protectindividualreputation i s u n n e c e s s a r y , disproportionate, excessive and reasonably justified and or required to protect reputations, rights and freedoms of other persons a n d t h e r e b y unconstitutional.

A discernible break with tradition

Good Friday in Guyana isnotwhatitusedtobe.The day has lost much of its solemnity The one day of the year in which Guyana came to a halt was on Good Friday Itwasadayinwhich if a pin dropped you could hearit.Itwasadayinwhich the country halted Not anymore.

Long ago, businesses –big, small and tiny – closed their doors. Christians went to church and then hurried homeinsilencetomournthe death of Jesus. The streets were barren for most of the day Noalcoholwassoldon Good Friday The bars were shut tight. The radio played solemn music all day There was no noise nuisance on GoodFriday

Notakitewastobeseen in the sky People stayed lockedawayintheirhomes.

Many persons who had neverbeentoachurchdoor, allyearlong,wouldnotmiss attending one of the Good Friday services. It was almostunheardofforagood Christian to miss a Good Fridayservice.

Most Christians did not eat “rank” on Good Friday

Cross buns and vegetarian meals were consumed in austere amounts on this day by both Christians and nonChristians.

Things have changed Tradition is being uprooted. GoodFridayisnotthedayit was.

Thesedays,GoodFriday is like any other holiday or Sunday There are lots of vehicles on the roads. Most shops are closed, but at the markets, things are abuzz, something that you would nothavefoundinthepast.

There has been a discernible break with tradition Long held traditions are being dispensedandthefearisthat thisbreakwithtraditionwill result, as it has in many societies, in diminution of socialcontrolsandorder

The changing face of Good Friday is seen as representing a threat to certain values which have long been institutionalized. But it is also a relaxation of certain forms of cultural hegemony which were institutionalized.

Good Friday traditions wereinstitutionalizedbythe

State, which passed laws prohibiting the opening of businesses, the sale of alcohol, and which made Good Friday a public holiday

Guyana is multicultural society; Guyana is not a Christian society But the thaw in Good Friday traditions has nothing to do with the fact that nonChristian faiths no longer felt the need to be constrained by Good Friday traditions. In fact, there are many Christians themselves whoarenolongerobserving Good Friday in the traditionalmanner

Christianity is also undergoing changes in Guyana The traditional Churches – Anglicans, Catholics, Lutherans and Methodists–arenolongera dominant force in C h r i s t i a n i t y. T h e P e n t e c o s t a l s a n d Evangelicals have emerged asapotentforceandarenow replacing the traditional churches as the dominant Christian denominations Andmanyofthesenewsects do not observe Good Friday inthetraditionalmanner

DEM BOYS SEH

PutonyuhSundaybesttoday!

Today is a Holy Day So dem boys wan be careful with what dem say Nuffhypocritegantunupat Church door today If yuh nah go to Church all year, dis is one day when yuh doesfeelyuhgatadutyfuh tun up. Dem boys however want tell dem backsliders nahfuhgotoChurchtoday

Becausetruthbetold,ifyuh onlygattimefuhGodonce a year, deh probably gat a whole queue waiting just fuhyuh.

We gen hear a lot of sermons today pun

t e l e v i s i o n a b o u t forgiveness, repentance, and all kinda sweet talk. But tomorrow, it’s back to business as usual Dem same people who begging forgiveness today gon be back to spreading gossip and grudges like peanut butter on bread. Leh we hope that this Good Friday canbring morepermanent changes.

But yuh know what really tickles dem boys’ funny bone? Dem politicians showing up to Churchliketheyain’tbeen up to all kinda mischief all

year round. Dem praying for guidance and wisdom liketheyain’tbeenmaking decisionsthatgotthewhole country scratching dem heads. But hey, as long as theyflashasmileandkissa babyortwo,demthinkthey canfoolevendeangels.

So, on this Holy Day, dem boys want to remind yuh: it ain’t just about showing up to Church today;it’saboutlivingwhat yuh preach every day.And if yuh can’t do that, well, good luck explaining yourselfatdepearlygates.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf

The changing face of GoodFridayisthereforenot only about the increased secularization of society –onewhichhasseenthisyear theopeningofsomepubsin Ireland – it is also about the changing of the guard in Christianityitself.

The “ new’ churches emphasize a more experientialandemotionally charged form of worship, often diverging from the liturgical practices of the traditional denominations Consequently, Good Friday observances in these communities may take on different forms, focusing more on personal spiritual experiencesandexpressions of faith rather than adherence to traditional rituals.

But should we totally liberalize Good Friday and allow persons to do whatever they wish. Should bars and restaurants be opened on this day? Should more people eat meat on Good Friday? Should sports beplayedonthisday?

The answer is that while traditions can change, they should not be totally eliminated Guyana does needtoholdontosomeofits old, cultural traditions These traditions serve as a vital link to Guyana’s rich heritageandprovideasense ofcontinuityandidentityfor its people They offer valuable insights into the history, values, and customs that have shaped the nation overgenerations.

Good Friday is a day of

rest.Inthepast,wetendedto dolessandconsumeless.We needsuchdaystoremindus thatthekeytoprotectingour environment is tied to a reduction in consumption. To the extent that we consume less, travel less, rest more and stay at home more on Good Friday, then the traditions of that day are worthpreserving.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

ExcellencyAli:thepowerandthepowerlessness

A friend sent me a short clip of President Ali being interviewed for the BBC's Hard Talk program. I was pleasantly astonished. Then joylessnessfollowedinshort order ForIsawthepresident rising to a high plateau, and almostimmediatelycamethe troubling reminders of how lifelessandlosthecanbe,has been. Iwatchedandlistened to President, a rare activity for me, and I saw a leader flashing with fire, coming alive with energy, bristling with potency. The first questionaskedofmyselfwas simple:whynot? Thesecond was, if then and there and about that, then how come….? And the last was, the contradiction, why the uglinessofthecontradiction?

ExcellencyAi was asked of carbon emissions from Guyana, given this country's rapid escalation of oil production and all that that holdsforwhatisreleasedinto the atmosphere and environment. Two billion tons is a staggering, devastating number Before the question could be

completed, Guyana's president leaned forward, index finger pointed, and almost rose out of his chair He was that energized, galvanized, electrified Pardon the redundancy (thrice),butIthinkitvitalto relay the passion and conviction that came out of the eyes, the body language, andtheveryporesofDr Ali. I will skip over the verbiage about vast forests preserved, carbon sink and carbon credits involved, and offset, and other elements, as they were all encapsulated in the president'svibrantresponse. Wheresomehaveopined that he was arrogant, I saw President Ali as assertive, and aggressively so. Where some may see him as unmannerly, I observed Guyana's head of state operating with a full head of steam, on fire for Guyana's interests. Where others are sure to conclude a man lacking in style, I beheld a nationalleaderspeakingwith power and authority And I shall table, some strains of perspicacity Like I said,

there was amazement at this startling incarnation of His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana. It was a moment to savor Alush sound for ears that have longed to hear similar vitality, identical compelling potency when dealingwithothermattersin the national portfolio of challenging issues. The national portfolio is the presidentialportfolio. Tomy immenseregret,itisnowmy compulsory duty to point to the blinding contradiction, the crippling weakness, and the alarming cowardice that haveallcometocharacterise theattitudes,theapproaches, and the actions of the same PresidentAliinmanagingthe Exxon-Guyanarelationship.

It is a relationship that beggarstheimagination,that insults the intellect, so obscene it is It is a relationship prostituting its self in the finest of glittering finery as a partnership. A corporate-political one, that is; a multinational-national one,ashailed. Likehellitis. When the same presidential

vigor displayed over carbon emissions for BBC viewers (and the world) is called for, with Exxon, Excellency Ali is reduced to whimpering in the manner of a cowed cur Why, sir? When the same powerful presence of mind, and unsparing, even scorching, string of words and phrases are demanded (as for no other occasion), with the Exxon contract standing as the matter at hand, President Ali is the thinnest and palest of thin and pale shadows. He is a nonstarter: invisible and inaudible, MIA and AWOL; theformeristruetohisname, while the latter fits nicely: a weightonthisland.

WhenIcastaboutforthe same formidable essence in President Mohamed Irfaan Ali,asmanifestedbeforethe microphone and the videophone of the immaculate British Broadcasting Corporation, regarding the Exxon 2016 contract, the best that is encounteredisanabsenceof strength, a paucity of courage, a lack of heart and

guts,someonedevoidof the family jewels below

It is my grim duty to sum thisupinthetersestmanner: when the 2016 Exxon contractiswhatPresidentDr MohamedIrfaanAlimustgo towarfor,evenbewillingto die for (politically or otherwise),heisadeserter Gone is the surety of stature,asshowntotheBBC. Running away is the shrinking, fearful condition that is presented to the new barbarians, Alistair the Hun and Darren, the one who has nowrisentobethedarlingof the Westminster Dog Club anddogshowset. Againand again, I cry out in anguish. Where is that Irfaan Ali, the man and the leader, that was sostrongandunrelentingand in the face during the BBC HardTalkinterview? Whyis he content to be so piteously paralytic, so hideously gutless, when the 2016 Exxon contract is the subject? What2020contract has Ali's PPP negotiated for itself with Woods' Exxon? What price power? What price is being paid by the

Guyanese people for the contractworkedoutbetween the PPP and Exxon? For access to power? For retentionofpower?

When it is that most repugnant and lethal of legal and corporate instruments (a nuclearweapon,noless),the 2016 contract that is the issue, President Ali is not fighting off the BBC inquisitor, he is off to sea. President Ali is less than a shadow, he is nonexistent. The other president, as incredible as this sounds, is infinitelyworse. Onthisday ofthegreateststoryevertold, andthegreatestsacrificeever made,itisthesickeningduty of Guyanese to live with leaders who save their own skin,dealintheir30piecesof worthlesssilver

(Theviewsexpressedinthis article are those of the author anddonotnecessarilyreflectthe opinions and beliefs of this newspaperanditsaffiliates.)

Jagdeo,Nortontradewordsoverrecruitment ofBangladeshihealthworkers

...Govt. says foreign workers being paid the same as locals

Allegations that the governmentispayingforeign workers far more than the local public sector were dismissed by the Peoples Progressive Party's (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, who holds the vice presidency portfolio within thecurrentadministration.

D u r i n g a p r e s s conference on Thursday, Jagdeo clarified that the salaries for foreign workers are on par with Guyanese public workers – contrary to insinuations put forth by the APNU+AFC opposition “Anyone who is recruited from abroad to work in the public sector the conditions of service will be no better than what the Guyanese get,” Dr Jagdeo said as he engaged reporters at Freedom House, Georgetown.

He said these claims are merely falsehoods and are nothing but an attempt to misleadthepublicandcreate havoc among public sector e m p l o y e e s . “ T h e y [opposition] try to say that

we'repayingthemmorethan what our people will get and that's patently false. It's fake again. It's conjecture by the opposition. They don't even know the contract,” Jagdeo said.

Currently, the PPP/C governmentisexpandingthe healthcare and other sectors, creatinganeedforadditional skilledpersonnel.Toaddress the shortage of healthcare workers,thegovernmenthas decided to import nurses from Bangladesh and Cuba. Dr Jagdeo justified this decision by pointing out that 12 state-of-the-art hospitals are currently being constructed in several regions of Guyana and there is a need for a skilled labour force to meet the demand.

“We can't just build the hospitalandleavethemthere without staff,” the general secretarystressed.DrJagdeo alsoexposedtheopposition's hypocriticalinterestinpublic service, pointing out that during their administration, thousands of workers were unemployed and tax-

burdened.“Thisfakelovefor public servants and for people in the public sector…It's crocodile tears and APNU is really good at that,”heunderlined.

Dr Jagdeoremindedthat the government has always prioritised the welfare of Guyanese citizens including the public sector, highlighting that the wages and salaries of this specific group have improved under the PPP/C Administration.

“They want to generate dissatisfaction in the public service. Now if you look at the track record of the People'sProgressiveParty,in government, you would see that we took public servants who were pauperized under the PNC, in the early period you can see the evolution of wages and salaries and, and conditions ofserviceinthepublicsector madethegreatestprogressin the years when the PPP was inoffice,”heposited.

Meanwhile,Leaderofthe Opposition, Aubrey Norton told a news conference on

Thursday that the government's approval for the recruitment of 500 Bagladeshi health workers clearly testifies to its continued reluctance to provide the necessary wages and salaries and working conditionstoretainourlocal healthcare workers. “It is evident that the government intends to ensure that Guyanese healthcare workers, teachers and all public servants continue to live in poverty This is so because while the government says that the Guyanese workers should wait until 2027 for them to have a livable income, the government is seeking to giveforeignworkersabetter salary, and concomitantly, a better way of life than Guyanese,”Nortonsaid.

He said it is in this contextthatGuyaneseshould note the following “(1) the salaries and benefits being offered the foreign workers are substantially higher than for equivalent Guyanese workers in the health care system. This is a slap in the face of our hardworking Guyanese by the PPP government. 2) The use of work contracts to recruit public servants from other countries is a devious

stratagem by the PPP to suppress wages and benefits for local workers as well. UnderthePPP,thisstratagem foreign recruitment of workers will likely spread to theeducationsystemandthe wider public service. Guyanese workers will end up being second-class workersintheirowncountry, and 3) the government is trying to secretly introduce foreigners into our society, with total disregard of the views and concerns of the peopleofGuyana.”

Norton added that it should not be missed by Guyanese that the choice of Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan workersisdeliberatesinceas c i t i z e n s f r o m t h e Commonwealth, in one year these migrants will become eligible to vote in Guyana.

“Consequently,thisisaclear attemptbythePPPregimeto use migrants to boost its fading popularity in its traditional strongholds. It is important to note that the

government in coming to powerdeliberatelyclosedthe CharlesRosaNursingSchool inLindenthuspreventingthe trainingofhealthworkers.In addition, there are many young people who can be trained to become health workers. The PPP strategy seems to be to underpay health workers and public servants generally, leave them in poor working conditions and to reduce the training of Guyanese to fill these positions The government clearly is creating the conditions for health workers and public servants to migrate so that they can replace them with foreigners who they are likely to exercise control over The government needs todesistfromthisdestructive strategy and create conditions conducive to Guyanese wanting to be health workers and public servants and remain in Guyana.Wethereforecallfor ahalttothisprocess.”

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

UNCommitteeconcernedoverGuyanalackof institutionalframeworktocombatcorruption

TheUnitedNations Human Rights

C o m m i t t e e (UNHRC) on Thursday released its findings on Guyana,expressingconcerns overthenation'sinstitutional framework to combat corruption.

The report acknowledges Guyana's adoption of laws and regulations to tackle corruption, including the establishment of a Special Organized Crime Unit (S.O.C.U)withintheGuyana Police Force (GPF). However, it highlights lingering concerns regarding the effectiveness of the institutional setup to prevent and prosecute corruption, particularlywithinthepolice force and among high-level publicofficials.

Specific concerns outlinedinthereportinclude instances where the C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Informationfailedtoaddress public requests and the delayed enforcement of the Protected Disclosures and WitnessProtectionAct.

To address these issues, theCommitteeurgesGuyana to intensify its efforts to promote good governance and combat corruption at all levels of government. This includes addressing the root causes of corruption as a priority, ensuring impartial investigationandprosecution of all corruption cases, enhancingtheindependence, t r a n s p a r e n c y, a n d accountability of anticorruption bodies, guaranteeingeffectiveaccess to information held by relevant authorities, and e x p e d i t i n g t h e implementation of measures

toprotectwhistleblowersand witnesses. Additionally, the Committeecallsforthorough investigations into allegations of corruption in the management of natural resources,particularlywithin the oil and gas sector highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability measures in thiscriticalarea.

M o r e o v e r , t h e Committee expressed concern over reports of corruption and lack of transparency in the management of natural resources,particularlywithin theoilandgassector

It calls for thorough investigations into allegations of corruption in this sector and emphasises the importance of t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountabilitymeasures.

Last week, Minister of

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira appeared before the UN Committee, where she was asked to answer several questions in relation to corruptioninGuyana.

In response to the UN report, Minister Teixeira's ministry in a statement on

Thursday clarified that after the hybrid review from March 18 to 20, 2024, initiallyfocusedontheThird PeriodicReportsubmittedto the UNHRC in 2021, the government submitted additional information within the 48-hour window post-review, as per the

established methodology

Theministrysaidthatdespite timely submission, the Committee issued the Advanced Unedited Version of its Concluding

Observations to Guyana on Wednesday,March27,2024, granting a mere 24-hour window for corrections and

comments.

To this end, the ministry stated that surprisingly the Committee published the same version on March 28, 2024, without considering the substantive corrections provided by the State party, despite their timely submission.

(From left) Carlos Gómez Martínez (Committee Member), José Manuel Santos Pais (Vice-Chair) and Hélène Tigroudja (Committee Member) yesterday during a press conference on the findings

Safe thief, caught on camera remanded

After allegedly breaking in and stealing a safe with $7milllion from Dalip TradingEnterprise,twomen landed before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty onThursday,wheretheyhad to answer to a break-and enter-and-larcenycharge.

Thirty-year-old Keon Simon, a Port knocker of Charlestown, Georgetown and63-year-oldRyanKhan, afishermanofAlbouystown, Georgetownbothmadetheir first court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court, before Magistrate McGusty, where the charge was read to them. The duo pleaded not guilty to the chargethatstated,onMarch 25, 2024 at Lot 1114 Broad

and Lombard Street, Charlestown,theybrokeinto and entered, the business place of Dalip Trading Enterprises and stole a safe with $7million, and a quantity of receipts and cheques. This publication had reported that on March 25, 2024 at about 04:00hrs and 5:30hrs, the security guard saidhewasalertedtosounds coming from the hardware store. He reportedly made checksandsawthefourmen exitingthebuildingwiththe safe. The security guard did not attempt to stop the men nor did he pursue them becausehewasunarmed.

Detectives were informedofthesituationand

...man who helped open safe granted bail

during their investigation discovered that the building housesseveralofficesandis securedbyinternallocksand reinforcedbyirongrills,Itis noted too that the security hut is located on the eastern side of the building and the safe was stolen from the cashier's office located on the bottom flat of the hardwarestore.Thecashier's office police said it has a metal door and is also secured with internal locks. Police observed that there werenosignsofforcedentry into the building but noted that the metal door to the cashier's office was prised open. The bandits after gaining entry ransacked the office before fetching away

thesafe.

Detectives are presently reviewing CCTV footage whichtheyobtained.

During the court proceedings, Khan was represented by Attorney-atLaw Patrice Henry, who refuted the claims levelled against his client The attorney highlighted that nothing linked Khan to the offence he is being charged with before the court. He addedthattheonlyevidence policehasagainstKhanwas that of an oral statement given from the co-accused (Simon) which stated he (Khan) was involved by assistinginopeningthesafe. The lawyer also highlighted that the video footage

obtained by police shows that his client was nowhere to be seen. Henry noted that such evidence against Khan is an invalidation of his constitutionalrights.

M e a n w h i l e , a n unrepresented Simon pleaded with the court for bailtobegrantedtohim.The prosecution objected on the groundsoftheseriousnessof theoffencehehasbeforethe court.Bailwasalsoobjected on the fact that he (Simon) appeared before the city court multiple times for offences of similar nature.

The prosecutor also disclosedthatduringavideo

interview conducted with Simon, he admitted to the offenceandtoldpoliceKhan helped him getting the safe open.

The Magistrate after listening to the lawyer and the prosecution remanded Simon and granted bail to Khaninthesumof300,000 with reporting conditions attached.

As such, Khan is required to report to the Ruimveldt Police Station on thefirstandthirdFriday'sof every month until the conclusionofthematter The duoisscheduledtoreturnto courtonApril16,2024.

Granted bail: Ryan Khan Remanded: Keon Simon

Applying innovation to climate action in the Barima Mora Passage ...UK

donates Drone to GMCS for Mangrove Monitoring

A group of young indigenous girls and boys are being trained to champion conservation efforts in the BarimaMoraPassage.

They are being trained to use drone technology to protect mangroves and raise awareness about their importance within their local communities,theBritishHigh Commission here said in a press release. On the 20th March, British High Commissioner, Jane Miller, Programme Manager, Kassia

DeSantos andPolitical,Press & Public Affairs Officer, TiannaGrahamvisitedRegion one to observe the training provided as part of the UK's Blue Social Challenge Fund. During the visit, the High CommissionerpresentedaDJI Mavic 3 Pro drone toAnnette Arjoon,ProjectDirectorofthe Guyana Marine Conservation Society Through the threemonthpilotprogramme,seven youths from Aruka, Smith Creek, Morawhanna, and Imbotero were trained and

‘Gunbutt’ shot in foot

CalvinJohnsonalsocalled “Gunbutt” is currently hospitalised, nursing two gunshot wounds in the foot after he was attacked Wednesday night in Warlock, WestRuimveldt.

The man was attacked by five men, two of whom were armed with handguns around 20:30hrs on Wednesday.

P o l i c e s a i d t h a t , “investigations revealed that thevictimwasintheWarlock area when his 14-year-old stepson informed him that some boys in the area took advantage of him. As such, Johnson approached the five young men his stepson told himabout,andwhileJohnson was finding out what happenedbetweenhisstepson andtheboys,heobservedtwo men approaching him, both armedwithhandguns.”

About three shots were discharged in Johnson's direction, two of which hit him in the ankle. Luckily, he managed to escape without further injuries He was rescued by public spirited

citizensandtransportedtothe hospital,wherehewasseenby adoctoronduty Hiscondition is regarded as stable. Police arelookingforthesuspectsas investigationscontinue. is currently hospitalized, nursing two gunshot wounds.

Themanwasattackedbyfive men, two of which were armed with handguns around 20:30hrsonWednesdaynight.

received certification in drone operation for monitoring mangroves and the coastal ecosystem. Their work will support the Barima Mora Passage blue economy and enhanceclimateresilience.By monitoring and capturing aerial footage of areas impacted by illegal clearing and natural as well as manmadefires.Theclimate

(Continuedonpage16)

Injured Calvin Johnson also called “Gunbutt”

Some of the persons being trained in the use of the drone

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Record increase in dengue cases in region

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on Thursday warned about the surge in dengue cases in the Americas. As of March 26, 2024, over 3.5 million cases and more than 1,000 deaths have been reported in the region.

“This is cause for concern, as it represents three times more cases than those reported for the same period in 2023, a record year with more than 4.5 million cases reported in the region,” PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa said during a press briefing.

While dengue is on the rise throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, the hardest-hit countries are Brazil (83%), Paraguay (5.3%), and Argentina (3.7%), which account for 92% of cases and 87% of deaths. This increase is attributed to the higher transmission season in the southern hemisphere, when the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector of dengue thrives due to warm and rainy weather.

However, Dr. Barbosa cautioned that “we are also seeing an uptick in cases in countries such as Barbados, Costa

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Rica, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Martinique and Mexico, where transmission is usually higher in the second half of the year.”

The PAHO Director also noted the presence of the mosquito vector and cases in new geographical areas, raising concerns that some countries may not be prepared to face an increase in transmission. Several environmental and social factors contribute to the spread of dengue, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the El Niño phenomenon. Rapid population growth and unplanned urbanization also play a crucial role: poor housing conditions and inadequate water and sanitation services create mosquito breeding sites through discarded objects that can collect water.

PAHO maintains a rigorous surveillance of dengue in

- PAHO calls for collective action in response to crisis

the region and has issued nine epidemiological alerts in the past 12 months, providing essential guidance to Member States on disease prevention and control. The presence of all four dengue serotypes in the region increases the risk of epidemics and severe forms of the disease. The simultaneous circulation of two or more dengue serotypes has been observed in 21 countries and territories of the Americas. Dr. Barbosa emphasized the importance of taking prompt action to prevent and control dengue transmission and avoid deaths, noting that “despite the record increase in cases in 2023, the dengue case fatality rate in the region remained below 0.05%.” This, he noted, “is very encouraging, considering the spikes in cases we have seen since then.” This accomplishment has been possible thanks to

PAHO’s support to countries since 2010 through a comprehensive strategy to control dengue and other mosquitoborne diseases. This strategy includes strengthening surveillance, early diagnosis, and timely treatment, and has contributed significantly to saving thousands of lives.

The PAHO Director called for action, urging intensified efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and protect against mosquito bites, increase preparedness in health services for early diagnosis and timely clinical management, and continuous work to educate the population about dengue symptoms and when to seek prompt medical attention.

“Facing the dengue problem is a task for all sectors of society,” Dr. Barbosa said, calling for “community engagement in order to succeed in our efforts.”

Applying innovation to climate action...

From page 15 champions will help to monitor the mangrove ecosystems and report threats so action can be taken to prevent further degradation.

High Commissioner Miller emphasised to the trainees the critical importance of mangroves in sequestering carbon.

She impressed on them that the training will be transformative helping them to apply innovation to climate action in their communities. This is important since many indigenous communities depend on the ecosystem services provided by mangroves and fisheries from the adjacent rivers for their livelihoods. She told them their

efforts hold significant potential for positive change.

The Pilot she added, is instrumental in shaping the UK’s Blue Social Challenge Fund to be agile, responsive and effective in supporting communities to develop solutions to their climate challenges, while building resilience and livelihoods linked to the blue economy.

Programme Lead Annette Arjoon believes the training will help in the long-term to strengthen monitoring capacity of BarimaMora Passage communities. It will support research and raise awareness and knowledge to improve the blue economy through conservation of critical marine and mangrove ecosystems,

building sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience.

Two days after the graduation of the drone training course, graduates of the course, were called upon for their services by the Protected Areas Commission to assist in identifying the location of a forest fire in the Shell Beach Protected Area Guyana’s only coastal protected area which was established in 2011. The Barima Mora Passage drone unit was headed by Shakira Yipsam of Aruka. She was accompanied by Mariam Jerome and Mark Sam who prepared a mission report for the Guyana Marine Conservation Society on successful completion of their first drone mission.

Former Chancellor Desiree Bernard...

From page 15 established several firsts: First female Judge in Guyana; First female Chief Justice in Guyana. First female Chancellor. First Female Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice. She was a stalwart who contributed greatly to Guyana and our region’s jurisprudence. In addition, she was dignified, kind, honest and compassionate to everyone. She was a wonderful lady. Desiree was deeply admired and respected at home, regionally and internationally by others,

including judges”, the Chief Justice of Belize noted. She said Bernard’s contributions to the region’s jurisprudence was recently quite fittingly recognised by the Caribbean Court of Justice Academy for Law, honouring her as a Pioneering Woman Jurist. Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar AliHack said “Despite having an extensive practice in the Civil law before she was appointed as a Puisne Judge she sat in many criminal cases in the High Court in the Assizes as

well as in the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice showing her diligence and ability to deal with all aspects of the law. She has set a high standard for all judges who aspire to emulate her especially female judges. She always commented at the admission of a young female lawyer to the bar that more women are now being admitted but they must not just be numbers they must strive to excel at the bar. This was her charge to young female lawyers on their admission.”

PEN PAL

Haiti’s children caught in ‘cataclysm’ of gang violence

(BBC NEWS) A new report by the UN describes the “outrageous practices” used by gangs in Haiti to brutalise,punishandcontrol thecivilianpopulation.

It says that the gangs, which are estimated to controlmorethan80%ofthe capital, Port-au-Prince, recruit and abuse children, sometimeskillingthosewho try to escape. UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk chief said the situation was “cataclysmic”.

Hewarnedthatweapons continue to pour into the country

Thereport published on Thursday found that there had been a significant increase in armed violence caused by criminal gangs in thefivemonthsleadingupto March.

Gangs used sexual violence in particular to spread fear in areas where

they fought for control, it says: “During gang attacks, several women and girls havebeensubjectedtorape, including collective rape, in their homes, often after having witnessed the killing oftheirhusbands.”

It adds that some of the rape victims had been mutilated or killed after the attacks.

According to the report, Haiti’sarmedcriminalgangs also inflicted violence on children.

The victim in one particular incident was a three-month-old baby while in a surge of violence in an areaofthecapitalpreviously considered relatively safe, entire families were burned aliveintheirhomes.

The studied September 2023totheendofFebruary

Itfoundthatarmedviolence caused by criminal gangs had “significantly increased

in intensity” and the gangs had expanded their geographicreach.

Speaking to the BBC on Wednesday, the head of the International CommitteeoftheRedCross (ICRC)delegationforHaiti, Marisela Silva, said that almost 90% of Port-auPrince, the capital, was now controlled by or under the influenceofarmedgroups.

Ms Silva described how there had been a shift in the violence in recent weeks as rival armed groups appeared to have united and were now attacking the police rather thaneachother

She warned that the population was caught in the crossfire

With so much of the capital under gang control, access to emergency services has become almost non-existent.

President Ali promises better working conditions for fisherfolk at Three-door Sluice, Region 5

During a visit to Threedoor Sluice, D’Edward Village,WestCoastBerbice, Region Five on Wednesday, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali interacted with local fisherfolk and committed to improving t h e i r w o r k i n g conditions Several issues were raised including the need for a shed for mending fishing gear and the expansion of the current wharf.

More scenes from President Ali’s engagement on Wednesday

In addition to this, the fisherfolk requested the installation of lights to enhance safety during fishing activities in the wee hours and nights; they also requestedatarmactobebuilt at the water front In response, President Ali immediately ordered his supportstafftocompilealist of all the concerns and requests made by the fisherfolk so that they could beaddressedswiftly

Forde to challenge Norton for PNCR...

Frompage8 solutions that improve the lives of our fellow Guyanese. It is imperative that we refocus on what unites us, rather than what separates us, as a party and asanation.”

“Wemustembarkonthis journey of rebuilding with courage and determination, standingontheshouldersof those who have laid the foundationforustobuildto deeper depths and higher heights.”

“We must rise above the

fray of petty and lawless politics and chart a course towards a brighter, more inclusivefutureforourparty andallGuyanese,”headded. Meanwhileathisweekly press conference, the incumbent Aubrey Norton expressedconfidencethathe will hold on to his post as Leader of the Opposition party “And I am one of the persons who stand out as someone who has integrity and this government has nothingonme,”Nortonsaid as he declared himself

incorruptible and fit for the postofLeader Norton insists that the party membership is politically intelligent and will not allow inexperience toleadthem.

“IbelieveIqualifytorun for leader of the party… I satisfyallrequirementsandI amveryexperiencedwhenit comes to the party’s structure and workings.” At Norton’s press conference, Ganesh Mahipaul, another member of the party considering the party

leadership in response to a questionfromareportersaid if he is nominated for the post, he would not turn it down. “And if groups from this People’s National Congress Reform see me fit andnominateme,Iwillgive it serious consideration,” Mahipaulsaid.

The head of state instructed other officials to work along with the fisherfolktogettheestimate and design for the shed and promised to engage the Ministry of Agriculture to address the issue of the wharf.

“You’ll work with them to [get] the estimate and design for this shed [by tonight] and we can get [Ministry of Agriculture] to look at the wharf issue,” he said.Inadditiontotheissues raised by the fisherfolk, PresidentAli also instructed the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) representative to meet with farmers in the area and distribute seedlings to help themgetbacktofarming.He also informed those present

that his administration has made significant strides in addressing previous concernsandrequests.

The fishing community also benefitted from significant investments to improve their surroundings. “We want to continue to see howwecansupportyouand deal with some of the new challenges,” President Ali affirmed.

T h e P P P / C Administration under the leadership of President Ali has been actively engaging citizensandothersectionsof society at the grassroots levelto get a first-hand look at the issues affecting their dailylivelihoods.

This approach has enabled the government to address concerns promptly and suitable to the needs of the respective communities. (DPI)

World Court orders more land crossings open, more aid to Gaza

(The TIMES OF

ISRAEL) The International Court of Justice issued new provisional measures aimed at Israel on Thursday, ordering it to increase the provision of basic humanitarian goods to the Gaza Strip, including food, water,fuelandshelter,dueto what it said are worsening living conditions for Palestinians in the war-torn territory

“The catastrophic living conditions of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have deteriorated further, in particular in view of the prolonged and widespread deprivation of food and other basic necessities to which the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been subjected,” thecourtsaidinitsdecision.

There was no immediate comment from Israel’s Foreign Ministry on the World Court ruling. Israel has said it is making efforts

to expand access for humanitariangroupstoGaza overland, through airdrops, andbyship.

“PalestiniansinGazaare no longer facing only a risk of famine… but that famine is setting in,” the court said onThursday,notingthat“the provisional measures indicated in the Order of 26 January 2024 do not fully address the consequences arising from the changes in the situation thus justifying the modification ofthesemeasures.”

On January 26, the ICJ ordered Israel to comply with a series of provisional measures based on its finding that there was plausibilitytoanapplication filedbySouthAfricaagainst Israel that Israel’s actions in Gaza fall under the scope of the Genocide Convention.

Lawyers for Israel denied allegations of deliberately causing humanitarian suffering in the enclave,

where hunger is rising, and said SouthAfrica’s repeated requests for additional measures were an abuse of

Displaced Palestinians were reportedly killed in an overnight Israeli air strike on a building in Rafah

procedures The ICJ on Thursday reaffirmed those measures and further orderedIsraeltoensure“the unhindered provision at scale… of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance, including food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements,” and to allow in medical supplies, as well as “increasing the capacity and number of land crossing pointsandmaintainingthem open for as long as necessary.”

The court also ordered Israel to ensure that the military “does not commit acts” that violate the Genocide Convention, “including by preventing, through any action, the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance,” and ordered Israel to report back to the court within one month.

Israel blames the ailing humanitarian situation on aid agencies’ failure to distribute supplies, and on Hamas and armed groups who have looted trucks enteringtheGaza.

The agencies say their work has become far more difficult amid the fighting andalackofsecurityforaid convoys.

COGAT, the Israeli Defense Ministry body governing civilian affairs in thePalestinianterritories,on Saturday,postedanimageof whatitsaidwasaidthathad

“accumulated” on the other side of the border at Rafah and was waiting for distribution by the United Nations. “This is the equivalentofhundredsofaid trucks — which isn’t being distributed to Gazan civilians. We remain committed to the transfer of aid to Gaza,” it wrote on X. Washington on Thursday saiditwasstillreviewingthe ICJ’s most recent decision and had no immediate comment on its substance.

“But as a general proposition, of course, increasing humanitarian assistance to Gaza is something that we support and something that we have urged Israel to help facilitate, ” US State Department spokesman MatthewMillersaid.

Earlier in March, South AfricaapproachedtheICJto request additional preliminary measures againstIsrael,“inlightofthe newfactsandchangesinthe situation in Gaza particularly the situation of widespread starvation brought about by the continuing egregious breaches” of the convention byIsrael.

Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s foreign minister, saidinmid-MarchthatIsrael had defied the January ruling, alleging a campaign of“starvation”inGazaamid Israel’swaragainst.

Among the preliminary measuresrequestedbySouth Africa was an emergency

order for Israel to step up humanitarian aid to address what aid organizations warn is a looming famine. Aid groups say all of Gaza is mired in a humanitarian crisis, with the situation in the largely isolated north standing out. Many of the estimated 300,000 people still living in northern Gaza have been reduced to eating animal fodder to survive, accordingtosomeaccounts.

The UN says that one in sixchildrenundertheageof 2 in the north suffers from acute malnutrition In total, around 1 1 million people abouthalfthepopulation are said to be experiencing “catastrophic” hunger The war began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, in which thousands of Palestinian terrorists killed around 1,200 people and took 253 hostages More than 100 of them were released during a weeklong temporary ceasefire in November, leaving 130 people captive in Gaza, of whom 33 are no longer alive, according to Israeli militaryintelligence

Gaza’s Hamas-run HealthMinistryhassaidthat more than 31,800 people have been killed since the startofthewar,afigurethat cannot be independently verified and includes some 13,000 Hamas terrorists Israel says it has killed in battle. Israel also says it killed some 1,000 gunmen insideIsraelonOctober7.

Former Chancellor Desiree Bernard passes on

Former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Desiree Bernard passed away on Thursday at her home in Trinidad and Tobago, relatives confirmed. She died in her sleep accordingtoreports.

Shewas85.

Leading tributes was President Irfaan Ali who said “It is with profoundsadnessthatIhavelearnt of the passing of a true icon of the legal profession, Justice (rtd ) Desiree Bernard. Her remarkable career as Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Co-operative RepublicofGuyana,alongsideher esteemed tenure as a Justice of the Caribbean Court of Justice, left an indelible mark on our legal landscape, one that all Guyanese shouldtakepridein.”PresidentAli said Justice Bernard was a trailblazerforwomeninthefieldof law “Her stellar legal career, personal integrity, and her outstandinglegacy,Iamconfident, willcontinuetoinspireallwhoseek toservewithinourlegalsystem.On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I extend my deepest condolences to her relatives and the entire legal

fraternity. The loss of Justice Bernard is deeply felt, not just within our country but throughout theregion.”

Justice Bernard's legal career began in 1963 when she acquired her Bachelor of Arts Degree. She would start practicing privately, betweenthe1964and1980.Justice Bernardchangedlanesin1980and started her judicial career She becamethefirstfemaleHighCourt Judge in the Supreme Court of Guyana. In 1992 Justice Bernard again created history in Guyana and the Caribbean when she first female Court of Appeal Judge.

Justice Bernard was also instrumental in setting up the Women Lawyers' Association in Guyana, for which she is a former president. At a special session to honour her life back in 2024 then PresidentoftheCaribbeanCourtof Justice,DennisByronhadsaidthat Justice Bernard had served as an international tribunal interpreting theRevisedTreatyofChaguaramas that governs the 15-member regionalbloc,CARICOM,andwas awarded the Caricom Triennial AwardforWomen.

She broke barriers in Guyana and the Caribbean when she becamethefirstfemaleChancellor of the Judiciary in Guyana. She served in that position between 2001 and 2005. In 2005 Justice Bernard took up a position at the Caribbean Court of Justice According to Justice Byron, throughoutBernard'scareershehas openedvariousavenuesforpeople intheCaribbeanRegioninthearea of Commercial, Land and Public law etc. Regionally, she was the founding Secretary of the

CaribbeanWomen'sAssociation, a Member and Chair of the Caribbean Steering Committee for Women's Affairs, later established as the Women and Development Unit of UWI. Internationally, she served as both rapporteur (19821984)andChair(1985-1989)ofthe United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination againstWomen.

Justice Bernard was born on 2 March 1939 in Georgetown- the only child of William and Maude Bernard.[HerfatherwasaSergeant ofPolice.SheattendedStAmbrose School in Georgetown and won a place at Bishops High School. She plannedtobecomeateacher,untila family friend encouraged her to consider law She attained a Bachelor of Laws degree with honours from the University of Londonin1963.Bernardqualified as a solicitor in 1964 and was in privatepracticeuntil1980.Shewas appointedaMagistratein1970and a Commissioner of Oaths and NotaryPublicin1976.In1977,she wasadmittedtotheEnglishRollof Solicitors.

In2011,Bernardwasappointed

as a judge of the Inter-American DevelopmentBankAdministrative Tribunal in Washington, D.C. In December2014,shewasappointed totheBermudaCourtofAppealby Governor George Fergusson Bernard had received two of Guyana's three highest national awards, the Cacique Crown of Honour and the Order of Roraima. In 2005, she received the CARICOM Triennial Award for Women for her role in advocating forwomen'sdevelopment.In1989, Bernard was awarded the University of Guyana Award for Achievement in Law In 2007, she was given an honorary Doctor of LawsbytheUniversityoftheWest Indies.[In October 2017, she was honoured in NewYork City by the Guyana-Jamaica Friendship Association.

Chief Justice of Belize, Guyanese, Justice Louise Blenman,inastatementnotedthat Justice Bernard was a female trailblazer as a lawyer and judge, both in Guyana and the wider Caribbean “Desiree was an exemplarwhoblazedthetrailand (Continuedonpage16)

Former Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana, Desiree Bernard

Slight changes for Port Mourant Turf Club Easter Cup horse race

Systems are moving apace for Sunday’s (March 31) Port Mourant Turf Club horse race meet.

All the top horses from the top racing stables will take centre stage with more than 10 million dollars in cash and prizes will be up for grabs, and seven races are on the cards.

Two changes were made to the programme, the E Class race will be cancelled and the three-year-old race will now be only for Guyana bred horses.

The feature event is the Easter Cup which will be open to all horses and the distance will be 1,700 metres, along

Seven races will be on the cards for Port Mourant on Easter Sunday.

with a top cash prize of G$1,500,000.

Newly imported Trinidadian horse Soca

Friday March 29, 2024

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Efforts to advance your career that have led to past successes might actually put you in the public eye today. You could find yourself the center of attention, Aries.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

An opportunity to travel could come your way today, Taurus, perhaps in the company of friends or colleagues. This might involve education in some way.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

A number of new people could come your way, Gemini, perhaps through projects of some kind with which you're involved.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

The opportunity to attend one or more huge social gatherings, such as balls or banquets, might come your way today, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Expect a strong boost to your ego and self-confidence today, Leo. Your physical and mental energies are very high, and you're apt to feel that you're capable of moving mountains.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Some unusual dreams could have unexpected side effects, Virgo. They could spark new ideas for creative projects or possible innovative concepts to advance your career or social life.

Harmony is expected to debut in Guyana, while Jumbo Jet’s top duo of Spankurst and Easy Time

BCB Under-19 Trails… Port Mourant lights up as trial match gets underway

- BCB/Orvin Mangru Contracting Company U19 Inter-Club semis set for April 3rd

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)

Under-19 50-Over trial match played Wednesday at the Port Mourant Ground featured a number of top individual performances as players look to make a statement ahead of final selection.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

An increased level of physical and mental energy could have you feeling especially determined and highly motivated to move ahead with whatever means the most to you at this time, Libra.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

New opportunities, perhaps involving modern technology in some way, might present themselves to you in such a way as to transform your working life, Scorpio. You could find yourself

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Changes in your working environment could result in a rise in your income, Sagittarius. You've been working very hard in order to advance yourself in this regard.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The

Today you're likely to complete a creative project of some kind that you’ve been working on for some time, Capricorn. You might want to consult with friends or colleagues.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Some revealing conversations with friends or relatives could bring up old traumatic memories from the past that you may have been repressing.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Today you can expect some noticeable changes in your neighborhood, Pisces. Some new neighbors who might become your friends could be moving in. This could alter your life ever so subtly.

will be aiming to extend dominance. Stolen Money, fresh from a win at Bush Lot, will also be a main challenger at Port Mourant on Sunday.

Additional races include the three-year-old Guyanabred, H3 & Lower non-winner in Guyana five years and over, ‘L’ Class & J 3 maiden.

The ‘G’ & Lower and first-time West Indies starters, J & Lower four years and above and the fouryear-old West Indies and Guyana-bred races will complete the day’s event.

All races are run under the guidance of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority rules and races are subject to change.

Only jockeys with less than five (5) wins for year 2023 will be allowed to ride in the ‘L’ Class and J3 maiden.

All non-Guyana jockeys will not be allowed to compete.

Any info or queries, horse owners are asked to contact Gingo on telephone 618-7278.

The Easter Sunday horse race is sponsored by KP Jagdeo General Contractors, Jumbo Jet and Old Broom Longue.

Blue Water Shipping...

From page 23 consists of players who emerged from Petraorganised tournaments, including distinguished athletes like Omari Glasgow, a senior national footballer.

As the 2024 Milo U18 Schools Football Tournament continues, the upgraded facilities provided by Blue Water Shipping will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the event.

Matches are set to continue tomorrow at the Ministry Sports Complex venue and also at the Queen’s College ground.

After winning the toss, Matthew Pottaya XI elected to bat and posted 239 for 9 in 50 overs, led by a string of scores from the likes of; Damian Cecil (83), Avishkar Persaud (43), Rashad Gaffur (20), Matthew Pottaya (20).

Khemraj Tika grabbed 323 from 6 overs while Okazie Boyce chipped in with 2-32 bowling for Algoo XI. In reply, Sanjay Algoo XI finished on 204 all out in 34.4 overs with Justin Doobay (43), Kevin Kisten (38) and Salim Khan (28) leading their batting.

Afraz Budhoo 2-17, Devon Wharton 2-18, Collis Harcourt 2-23 and Micah Amsterdam 2-24 were the primary wicket-takers for Pottaya’s XI.

Meanwhile, the BCB/

Matthew Pottaya’s team drew first blood in the first BCB U19 trial match.

Orvin Mangru Contracting Company U19 Inter-Club cricket competition has reached the semifinal stage. The two semi finals are set to be played on Wednesday April 3rd.

Semi-final 1 will feature Port Mourant Community Centre playing Tucber Park at Port Mourant from 9.30 am.

Meanwhile, the second semi-final between Rose Hall Community Centre and Albion Community Centre will be played at Rose Hall, Canje; with both matches starting at 9.30h.

Tianna Springer eager to showcase at CARIFTA Games

BYRAWLETONEY

After a series of outstandingperformancesin 2023, Tianna Springer, dubbed the ‘wonder girl’, is eagerly gearing up to compete in this year’s CARIFTAGames,settotake place from tomorrow at the Kirani James Stadium in St. George’s,Grenada.

“Returning to the CARIFTAGamesisexciting

for me,” Springer shared exclusively with Kaieteur Newsuponherarrivalinthe SpiceIsle.

In 2023, no athlete from Guyana,acrossallsportsand age groups, could match Springer’s remarkable achievements, with sprinter Emanuel Archibald being theonlyonetocomeclose.

It was during the CARIFTAGamesinNassau,

Bahamas, where Springer grabbed global attention with her breakout performance in the Girls’ U17400mevent.

Springer’s remarkable gold medal performance in thegirls’400meventleftthe audience at the Thomas A. RobinsonStadiuminNassau in awe, eliciting a standing ovation that spoke volumes ofherexceptionaltalent.

Tiannacrossedthefinish line in an impressive 54.32 seconds, showcasing a stunning come-from-behind effort that secured her victory Her time outpaced Jody-Ann Daily of Jamaica (54.81s), who settled for silver, and De’cheynelle Thomas of St Kitts and Nevis(55.46s).

Now competing in a higher age group, Springer acknowledges the increased challenge ahead In an exclusive statement to Kaieteur Sport, she expressed,“Thecompetition willbetougherthisyear,but I’m still excited to compete. I’m not focusing on any specific opponent; my goal is simply to represent Guyanawithprideandmake mycountryproud.”

Springer will run the 400m, 200m, 4x400m and the4x400mmixedrelay

“I’m not too sure about the200m.I’mhopingtorun aPersonalBestinthatevent andhopethatIwinamedal. Butforthe400m,Iknowfor sure that I’m in the top three,” Springer boldly stated.

Despite excelling primarily in the 400m, Springer’s 2023 time of 23.53s in the 200m placed her among the top U18 athletes globally, ranking ninth according to World Athletics.

By the end of 2023, she boasted the fastest 400m time (53 28s) in the Caribbean and Americas, also clocking the seventhfastest time globally among U18athletes.

Springermadehistoryas the first and only Guyanese individual Gold Medallist at the Youth Commonwealth Games,sealingvictoryinthe Girls’ 400m event held in

Trinidad and Tobago last year Furthermore, she played a pivotal role in Guyana’s record-breaking 4x400m mixed relay, teaming up with Malachi Austin, Javon Roberts, and NerissaMcPherson.

Theirtimeof3:22.07not onlywongoldbutalsostood as the second-fastest 4x400m Mixed Relay time worldwide in 2023, trailing only behind the USA’s 3:18.07.

“Whatever the team needs from me, I’m fully committed, whether I’m anchoringornot.I’mexcited about the mixed relay because like running with the team But for sure, winning is the goal,” stated Tianna, a resident of Plaisance.

Tianna’s outstanding performance throughout the year earned her a coveted NIL deal with the global sportswear giant, Adidas, making her the first Guyanese athlete to have such a contract and the only Adidas-sponsored athlete in Guyana.“Yeah,landingthat dealwashugeforme.Ican’t even put it into words. I’m lookingforwardtoshowcase theirgearandprovethatthey made the right choice by signing me,” the evercheerfulathleteexpressed.

She continued, “I’m honoured to serve as a role model, especially for young girls.

Being a positive influence means a lot, and I’m dedicated to continuing tomakethemproud.”

The South American U20 Championships 400m record holder said she remains unfazed by expectations, and is focused on enjoying herself, staying true to who she is, and

adding more medals to her collectionalongtheway

U-20Females:

-TiannaSpringer:400m, 200m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mix

- Charissa December: 400mHurdles,4x400m

- Attoya Harvey: 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 4x400m, 4x400mMix

- Nerissa McPherson: 400m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mix

- Nalicia Glen: 100m, 200m

U20Males:

- Jaheel Cornette: 100m, 200m

- Javon Roberts: 800m, 1500m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mix

- MalachiAustin: 200m, 400m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mix

- Rodell Green: Long Jump,TripleJump

- Jamal Sullivan: 800m, 1500m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mix

- Robert Marcus: Long Jump,TripleJump

- Dhnielson Gill: 400m, 4x400m,4x400mMix

U17Females:

- Athaleyah Hinckson: 100m,200m

- Esther McKinnon: 1500m,3000m

-AkillaBlucher:1500m

- Keneta Fraser: Long Jump,100m,200m

- Marissa Thomas: 400m,800m

U17Males:

- Duel Europe: Long Jump,TripleJump

- Skylar Charles: 100m, 200m

-KaidonPersaud:400m, 800m

- Ezekiel Millington: 100m,200m

- Ryan Joseph: Long Jump,TripleJump

- Nathaniel Samaroo: ShotPut,DiscusThrow

Blue Water Shipping donates Light pole to Petra Org.

A glimpse of the Lamp post donated by Blue Water Shipping.

In a groundbreaking move, Blue Water S h i p p i n g h a s partnered with the Ministry of Education and the Petra Organisation to donate

cutting-edge concrete poles (forlighting)attheMinistry SportsComplexfacility This significant contribution was made official yesterday during a

Tony’s Jewellery Store of Alexander Village, Visie Tech and ASSI Security Service of Brickdam have joinedthelistofsponsorsfor the Next Level, Gittens and Untouchable Boss Dominoes competition, which is set to conclude tomorrow, Saturday at Next LevelSportsClub,Tucville.

Phantom, All Season’s, Mix Up A and B, Gold is Money, Wild Bunch, NA

ceremony held at the Carifesta venue, where representatives from Blue Water Shipping showcased their commitment to global and social responsibilities throughthiscollaboration.

This sponsorship comes at a crucial time, perfectly aligning with Petra’s o n g o i n g c a l e n d a r programme.

Recently,Petralaunched the Milo Under-18 Schools FootballTournament, which is now entering its second weekofpreliminaryrounds.

With over 21 teams participating, including 15 fromGeorgetownandothers fromregions1,3,5,7,and9, the tournament promises to beavibrantdisplayofyoung talent.

Troy Mendonca, CoDirector of the Petra Organisation, expressed immense gratitude for the partnership, recognizing its monumental impact on their

operations.

Improved lighting not only enhances the quality of playbutalsofostersfairness in the game, ultimately benefitingallparticipants.

Richard DeNobrega, Blue Water Senior VicePresident of Sales and Development, lauded Petra fortheircommendablework overthepastdecade.

Tony Rebel

Killers and Big Boss Girls haveadvancetothelasteight with Phantom and All Season drawing the bye. Action will commence at 16:00hrs.

The winning team will take home a trophy and $200,000,runnerupatrophy and $100,000, third place a trophy and $40,000 and fourth place a trophy and $20,000.

The MVP will be given

one week lunch at Guinness baronDurbanStreetandthe best female team $20,000. All GDA rules will be in effect.

Other sponsors are Beck’s Lumber Yard, Golden Touch Restaurant, Pressy’s Gift Store, Lloyd Rollins Ross Gas Station, ABU Transportation, HJ 94.1, LG Refrigeration and Repairs and Strikers Sports Club.

He emphasized the potential for growth in this partnership,highlightingits aim to support Petra in nurturing talent for the nationalprogramme Notably,around50%of theU20nationalteam

(Continuedonpage21)

(L) makes a presentation to Organiser Lyall Gittens.

Andrew Daly of ASSI Security Service presents a Trophy to Lyall Gittens.

GCOS provides financial support to Carifta Athletes

Th e G u y a n a Committee of Service (GCOS)

once again demonstrates its unwavering dedication to supporting athletes across the nation, this time extending financial assistance to the 2024 Carifta teams heading to Grenada.

As a non-profit organisation, the Guyana Committee of Service has been a steadfast ally to young athletes in their pursuit of dreams Their recent donation adds to a legacy of support, which includes providing over 700 pairs of running shoes to athletes in the past year

alone In a significant gesture, Leslie Black, an executive member of the GCOS,presentedagenerous contribution to James Cole, the General Secretary of the Athletics Association of Guyana, to help cover any additional costs associated withtheupcominggamesin Grenada. Reflecting on the importance of such d o n a t i o n s , B l a c k emphasized his personal connection as a former athlete, understanding the

challenges faced by young and aspiring sportsmen and women.

Black highlighted the organisation’s longstanding commitment to assisting athletes across various disciplines,withaparticular focusonathletics.

Heexpressedgratitudeto all stakeholders involved in facilitating this timely donation, extending special appreciation to Joseph Ramkumar of Payless VarietyStoreforhissupport.

This latest act of generosity from the Guyana Committee of Service underscores their ongoing dedication to nurturing sporting talent and promotingexcellencewithin the nation’s athletic community

2024 CWI Rising Stars U-15 Championships… Guyana vs. Trinidad & Tobago

Khan, Griffith scythe through defending Champs, as Guyana surge to 9-wicket win

Guyanamadelightwork of defending champs Trinidad & Tobago, who sufferedahuge9-wicketloss yesterday at the Coolidge Cricket Club Ground when play resumed across Antigua, after the opening roundwaswashedout.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first didn’t playoutwellforTrinidad,as a hostile Guyana shot them down for just 83 in 24.2 overs Vice-Captain Zakariyya Mohammed top-

scoredwith24ashewatched teammates fall around him, as Shaun Ramthahal (12) and Ra’ed Ali Khan (12) triedtohelp.

Trinidad’s demise came courtesy of some clinical bowling by the Guyanese, led by fast-bowler Arif Khan;who snappedup 5-18 from 6 overs Spinner Gilbert Griffith who returned 3-19 from 6 overs and a wicket each from Brandon Henry (1-3) and Darvir Seegobin (1-0)

helpedkeeptheTrinisatbay Guyana then strolled to their target, ending on 84-1, needing just 18.4 overs to complete a commanding chase. Opener Parmeshwar Ram was the anchor of the innings;with37notoutwith 6 fours, while Vice-captain Emmanuel Lewis ended on 31*off24(5x4),afterlosing their only wicket in opener JustinDowlinfor7.

Guyana will face Jamaicainthenextroundon SaturdayMarch30.

General Secretary of AAG, James Cole collecting the financial assistance from Leslie Black, an executive member of GCOS, while flanked by members of the 2024 Carifta team.

Guyana U15 pacer Arif Khan bowled his team to victory during Thursday’s second round.

Spinner Gilbert Griffith ended with 3 scalps as he shared 8 wickets alongside his fast-bowling partner

Digicel,TeamMohamed’ssupportRupununiRanchersRodeo

The highly anticipated Digicel Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo is set to unfold in the bustling town of Lethem, Region 9, from March 29th to31st.

Lethemwillmorphintoa hub of electrifying rodeo action,acaptivatingpageant, and various celebrations, drawing fans from far and wide.

The rodeo has cemented its placeas a majoreventon the national calendar, drawing primarily three g r o u p s : R u p u n u n i communities, coastlanders (bothGuyaneseandexpats), and tourists from neighbouringBrazil.

The event not only injects a significant economic boost into the Rupununi but also showcases its rich cultural heritage and the vibrant indigenouscommunitiesthat callithome.

This year’s event has garnered unprecedented support from corporate Guyana and the Guyanese government across various ministries.

TheRupununiLivestock Producers Association (RLPA) and the Rodeo Committee extend heartfelt gratitude to their partners and sponsors for their invaluable contributions to Rodeo2024.

M a r i a M u n r o e ,

Sponsorship Manager, emphasized the escalating costs of maintaining the event’s infrastructure but expressed gratitude to the unwavering support of partnersandsponsors.

“Wearereallygratefulto the private sector for assisting us in creating an unforgettable event for all stakeholders.

Ourcommitteeisgreatly encouragedbythecontinued support of all the businesses and ministries that agree to participate year after year,”

Munroesaid.

ShewentontothankThe Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), Ministry of Tourism/GTA, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, CorporateGiantBanksDIH, Blue Spring Waters, and the GovernmentofGuyana.

The sponsors of this year’s event include longstanding partner DIGICEL – serving as the title sponsor, alongside ExxonMobil, Frontier Pharmacy, and Team Mohamed’s.

Patrons can anticipate enjoying 14 main events sponsored by

Lethem, Republic Bank

Construction.

Team Mohamed’s principal, Azruddin Mohamed, makes his presentation to Maria Munroe.

Maria Munroe (left), Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo Sponsorship Manager, with Simone Pierre, Digicel’s Head of Commercial.

Troy Mendonca (2nd from left), Co-Director of the Petra Organization, sealing the partnership with Blue Water Shipping through its Senior VPof Operations

DeNobrega (Blue Water) and Joel Gonsalves (MoE)

Tianna Springer T

FLASHBACK! Tianna Springer on top of the podium after winning the

Girls 400m at last year’s

Games.