Guyana Times - Friday, May 10, 2024.pdf

jets participate

...millions earmarked for agriculture, education in Batavia Govt's approval was sought, granted for ExxonMobil to increase production – VP Jagdeo

– says Govt did its own independent review of plans to upgrade FPSOs President Ali maintains teachers’ strike political Conversation Tree Road project likely to be completed by S Jagmohan Construction – Edghill

– as GTU threatens total shutdown of education system

Chinese national dies following boat mishap in Essequibo River

Haags Bosch landfill site not a threat to new Govt Office Complex – Edghill

Medical students robbed by motorcycle bandits

Berbice man wanted for brutally chopping, stabbing lover nabbed in Suriname

Motorcyclist involved in Berbice accident succumbs

Court to determine compensation packages for Peters Hall residents

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 10 – 04:00h-05:30h and Saturday, May 11 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, May 10 – 05:10h-06:40h and Saturday, May 11 –05:50h-07:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to light showers are expected to prevail during the day and at night. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.58 metres.

High

Low Tide: 11:38h and 23:48h reaching minimum heights of 0.46 metre and 0.73 metre.

Govt wants hinterland communities to be self-sufficient, supply food to mining districts – Pres Ali

– millions earmarked for agriculture, education in Batavia

n his first trip to Batavia, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) since Amerindian Heritage celebrations in September 2023, President Dr Irfaan Ali laid out his vision for hinterland communities to be food-secure and self-sufficient, with the ability to supply food to nearby mining districts and earn revenue for themselves.

On Thursday, the President and his team visited Batavia to hear the concerns of residents. The President also talked of his vision for the community, in the areas of security, education, and agriculture.

According to the President, technical officers within the Agriculture Ministry will do their assessments to determine the best possible crop to grow in Batavia. This, he explained, will be based on the soil type, to eventually supply nearby mining outfits. The President wants hinterland communities across the country to seize such opportunities.

“We’re now experimenting. For example, I see your soil type here. And we’re trying to grow onions for example. We’re trying to grow onions on a national scale. So, within a year, a year and a half, we don’t need to import onions into Guyana anymore. We will grow all our onions right here in Guyana. We’re looking to grow carrots, so within a year and a half, you won’t need to import carrots.

“We will have all the carrots, all the black eye, and red beans. And we want every community to be integrated in this process. There’s no reason

why miners must go out to Georgetown to buy black eye, to buy eggs and chick -

ry school to the tune of approximately $10.9 million. Upgrades will also be done to the teachers’ quarters, amounting to approximately $9 million.

Agriculture

Among the interventions the Government has made to directly benefit Batavia is the distribution of shade house materials, a cassava mill, insecticides, pesticides and weedicides, fertilizers, in addition to the black giant chicken.

According to Agriculture Ministry Director General Madanlall Ramraj, much more is in store for the Amerindian community. Already, millions have been spent on infrastructural development.

“We have done $130 million in drainage and clearing of areas. We are now embarking on a bigger project. We are embarking on the apiary culture. Training

ed the President and his Government, for their efforts at bringing development to Batavia. Williams, who is expected to leave office later this month after six years at the helm of the community, also urged the people to continue to support the work being done by the Government.

“Now we have the LCDS (Low Carbon Development Strategy). The carbon credits that we’re benefitting from. Also, other finances coming in from the quarries operating within our village. So today we’re no longer in that stage where we only have $800,000 per year. Today, we are millionaires.

“And we must say thanks to this government for giving us all these opportunities that we have today. I’ve served you for six years and on the 15th of this month, we’ll be electing a new leader. And I do

en when we can develop those things right in these communities and be able to sufficiently supply the mining community. We just have to work on a plan, a vision, and a strategy.”

In addition, the Head of State noted that $24 million was transferred from the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) funds for the community, $13 million of which has already been disbursed. Money has also been spent on the community from the presidential grant initiative.

In the area of education, he noted that $90 million has already been spent and a new $45 million nursery school will be constructed. In addition, work will be done on the prima -

has started at the prison, where the prisoners themselves are using the wax to make soap and a host of other things,” he said.

Outgoing Toshao Orin Williams laud -

hope and I want to encourage you, to continue working closely with this government. I know and I’m proud of my village, that we are a red village,” Williams stated.

President Dr Irfaan Ali (left) and Batavia Toshao Orin Williams

A section of the attendees

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Internet of Things

Last year, in an editorial titled “Digital IDs in the New Year”, we discussed the Government’s initiative to issue digital IDs in line with the world’s inexorable movement from analog communication to digital. We noted, “the ID cards will have a secure chip, which can store data including blood type, date of birth, drivers’ licence and taxpayer’s identification number.” But these IDs would only be the initial step in plugging us into “the Internet of Things”. And no, this is not science fiction. With the evolution of the fifth-generation (5G) wireless network and the ongoing work on 6G, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a revolutionary technique that enables a diverse number of features and applications.

The Internet of Things, or IoT, evolved from the convergence of development in a host of hardware and software in the communications sector: wireless technologies, microelectromechanical systems microservices and the internet. One critical outcome from this confluence has helped to remove the barriers between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT). This outcome facilitated unstructured machine-generated data to be analyzed for insights to drive improvements.

In layman’s terms, the IoT would potentially be connecting all living and non-living things via the internet; with the information gleaned or generated being used in unimaginable ways. Since it is “a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction”, the entire earth can be in communication. In the IoT, a “thing” can be a vehicle or any other device that has those built-in sensors that already inform us when one or more devices are malfunctioning. It can be a person’s pacemaker or cows with biochip transponders and digital IDs.

The IoT is a new paradigm that has changed the traditional way of living into a high-tech lifestyle. Smart city, smart homes, pollution control, energy saving, smart transportation, smart industries, healthcare, environmental, commercial, industrial, infrastructural applications are such transformations due to IoT. Smart homes are already being built that are equipped with smart thermostats, smart appliances and connected heating, lighting and electronic devices can be controlled remotely via computers and smartphones. Such buildings can, for instance, reduce energy costs using sensors that detect how many occupants are in a room. The temperature can be adjusted automatically — for example, turning the air conditioner on if sensors detect a conference room is full, or turning the heat down if everyone in the office has gone home.

Even complete smart cities can be created, and from what we have heard, Silica City on the Linden Highway will be built along these lines. In a smart city, IoT sensors and deployments such as smart streetlights and smart meters can help alleviate traffic jams, conserve energy, monitor and address environmental concerns, and improve sanitation. In healthcare, IoT offers many benefits, including the ability to monitor patients more closely using an analysis of the data that’s generated. Hospitals often use IoT systems to complete tasks such as inventory management for both pharmaceuticals and medical instruments. Increasingly, organizations in a variety of industries are using IoT to operate more efficiently, better understand customers to deliver enhanced customer service, improve decision-making, and increase the value of the business.

Security of data would clearly be a major issue, since the IoT connects billions of devices to the internet and involves the use of billions of data points, creating an exponentially expanded attack surface. Because IoT devices are closely connected, hackers can exploit a single vulnerability to manipulate all the data, rendering it unusable. Additionally, connected devices often ask users to input their personal information, including names, ages, addresses, phone numbers, and even social media accounts — invaluable information to hackers.

Beyond leaking personal data, IoT can pose risks to critical infrastructure, including electricity, transportation and financial services. To prevent security attacks, several security mechanisms are involved in IoT applications, including authentication, encryption, blockchain, and trust management. Welcome to the brave new world of IoT.

PM Phillips calls for collective action to tackle climate change and protect the earth for future generations

Dear Editor,

Like President Dr. Irfaan Ali and former President and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the Prime Minister, former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Mark Phillips, has made the defence of Guyana’s territory against the spurious claim to more than two-thirds of it by the Maduro regime his primary concern and focus.

For more than two decades, former President Jagdeo has been at the forefront of the border controversy. Today the mantle has been passed to President Dr Ali. Our leaders have always placed Guyana’s interests ahead of theirs, and they have articulated to the nation that the Government will, in any circumstance, spare no effort and will use any and every means possible to defend Guyana’s territory against Venezuela or any other international actor.

This was expressed by Prime Minister Phillips on November 1, 2023, when he informed the Extraordinary Special Session of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) that Guyana is a peaceful country that respects the rule of law, and that Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region poses a serious and dangerous threat, not only to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also to its development prospects and to regional peace and stability.

Echoing President Dr. Ali’s words, the former Army Chief has made it very clear to the members of the OAS Permanent Council that Guyana’s territory is non-negotiable, and not an inch will be yielded to Venezuela.

Brigadier Phillips apprised the OAS that since the discovery of oil in Essequibo six years ago, Venezuela has intensified its campaign of intimidation and threats to use force to annex Essequibo and discredit the 1899 Arbitral Award.

The PM has wisely told the OAS Council that there is no ambiguity concerning the facts of the border controversy, because the 1899 Arbitral Award which determined the boundaries between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela continues to be the legally binding instru-

ment that remains in effect. And even though the case is actively before the ICJ, Venezuela has declared that it will not be bound by the ICJ ruling.

In putting forth Guyana’s case, Prime Minister Phillips candidly told the Permanent Council of the OAS that the Government and people of Guyana are attentive and vigilant of the intentions of the Maduro regime’s threats to use force to unilaterally annex more than twothirds of Guyana’s territory; which would not only threaten the peace, stability and security of Guyana, but also the entire Caribbean region.

Prime Minister Phillips's commitment to advancing Guyana’s interests was evident at the 23rd edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), held in New Delhi, India between February 7 and 9, 2024, where he affirmed Guyana’s dedication to sustainable development not only in words, but in action. Expressing concerns over the looming threat of climate change globally, PM Phillips emphasized that economic progress must be harmonised with a firm commitment to sustainable development in order to leave a secure future for all.

He acknowledged that the challenges the world faces are daunting, but said they are not insurmountable, and that environmental stewardship and visionary leadership are indispensable elements for fostering collective action to combat climate change. He intoned that in balancing economic growth with environmental protection, Guyana serves as a beacon of inspiration for the world.

Prioritizing the relationship between India and Guyana, the Prime Minister asserted that both countries have been focusing on building a resilient and sustainable future. Focusing on the theme of the World Sustainable Development Summit 2024, Brigadier Phillips genuinely appealed to the leaders present that, despite their differences and challenges, they are obligated and beholden to the peoples of their respective countries and to the peoples of the world to forge lasting and meaningful partnerships, and them must do everything in their power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contain climate change

and its devastating impact on the earth.

Once again, the Honourable Prime Minister Mark Phillips, in his patriotic fervour, has placed Guyana’s interests first. Addressing the 3rd Iteration of the Guiana Shield Dialogue at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, PM Phillips called for collective action to protect the territorial integrity of members of the Guiana Shield, which encompasses Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Venezuela, Brazil, and parts of Colombia. He highlighted the importance of the Guiana Shield, and emphasized that every effort must be made to safeguard it as one of the last wild places on earth, and which is considered the greenhouse of the world in that it contains one of the largest rainforests on earth, with regional and global significance and with a wealth of natural resources, including oil, natural gas, diamonds, bauxite, manganese, and gold, among others.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of preserving the Guiana Shield, and urged all participants to act towards this goal by strengthening their commitment to preserving the Shield, as exemplified by initiatives like the Guyana Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which is expected to yield positive results by 2030.

The Prime Minister warned that the Guiana Shield faces grave threats that require a united regional response. He pointed to challenges like deforestation, unlawful mining, illegal resource extraction, climate change impacts, habitat fragmentation due to development, and wildlife trafficking, to name a few. He cautioned that while the challenges are great, collective action is urgently needed to protect the untouched biodiversity and ecological integrity of the Guiana Shield for future generations.

It was one of the most inspiring and invigorating speeches by Prime Minister Phillips, who counselled that stronger collaboration and innovation are vital for shared prosperity, environmental sustainability, and tackling climate change.

Sincerely,

Dr Asquith Rose

An aerial view of a section of Linden featuring Watooka Guest House, one of the town of Linden’s historical monuments, built sometime in the 1900s. The 700-foot Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge that was constructed in the 1960s is also featured in this Paul Whyte photo

The belle of the Shiela

By Ravi Dev

In the decades after the initial stop and start of shipments of indentureds up to 1851, there were a regular stream of time-expired immigrants who exercised their right to a return passage to India. They were accommodated in the ships that returned directly to India after dropping off their cargo. A recurrent theme about these returnees is their difficulty in readjusting to the India they had left, or in the case of children born in Br Guiana, to an India they had never seen.

One complaint was the money demanded for ceremonies in their villages that were supposed to remove the demerits that accumulated after crossing the Kala Pani and made them lose caste. Another was the changes they had undergone in the ten years they had spent in Br Guiana under a system that was regimented to have them work strenuously but allowed a wide range of mobility within their fellow indentureds. Caste restrictions had quickly broken down and inter-caste marriage or relationships became the norm due to the shortage of women. Others had been fleeced. Many quickly gravitated back to the Kidderpore docks in Calcutta from where they had departed and attempted to either reindenture to their original colonies or new ones. Those who were rejected and were unable to pay their return passages soon formed a slum at a nearby location called Metiazburg.

But starting in the 1870s in almost each outgoing shipment there were a few returnees who were paying passengers. One of the most interesting was described by the captain of the ship Shiela in its return to Trinidad and BG in 1877.

“Amongst our coolie passengers (she paid her own passage money down), was a fine looking woman about forty years of age. She had returned to India from Trinidad, having completed her term entitling her to a free passage. She got the name among us of the " Queen of Sheba." She had made quite a considerable fortune in the island, partly by judicious marriages, and partly in her widowhoods, and as a trader, for as such she had a natural inclination ; but in time a longing came over her to return to the land of her birth, but a short experience was enough for her. The priests got hold of her, and required her to do heavy penance, and pay a lot of money to get back her caste, which she had lost by leaving India ; but she declined to buy the goods at the price asked, and came with us again, her expression and verdict on the subject being, " India only fit place for coolie." She made a corner in fresh fish at St. Helena by buying up all the fishermen's catch for the day, as a treat for the coolies on board. The lady was a sight to look at when she was fully dressed, according to her ideas.

For one thing slie was loaded with jewellery all over her person — immensely heavy silver bracelets from the elbows to the shoulder, also from the wrists to the elbows on both arms ; similar from ankles to knees ; a kind of diadem on the forehead ; a lot of rings of all sorts on her toes and her fingers ; a pendant nose ring ; and the ear-lobes were pierced with holes big enough to admit bottle corks, which were the customary adornment at ordinary times, but in cases of ceremony, the holes were decorated in the same manner as the rest of her person. Of course, I have not described the rest of her wearing apparel, but I believe she did have some on — must have had, or I should have noticed the deficiency ; but being a mere man I must plead inability to describe the intricacies of ladies' apparel. Anyhow, you may depend on it, she was in the height of fashion.”

MP Maureen Philadelphia apologises for false claims on teacher training

APNU/AFC Member of Parliament

Ms. Maureen Philadelphia has retracted a statement she had made in regard to teachers, and has issued an apology therefor on Thursday in the National Assembly. Her statement, issued in January, had asserted that teachers who had dropped out of training college and those who hadn't received grades were still graduating and teaching in schools.

Despite facing pressure in the National Assembly to substantiate

her claim, and having a five-month window to do so, she had failed to produce any evidence in this regard. This morning, Philadelphia withdrew her statement and apologized for having made same.

Two other APNU-AFC Members of Parliament, Ms. Cathy Hughes and Ms. Juretha Fernandes, have also withdrawn statements made and apologised to the House for making wholly untrue claims regarding the education sector.

The Ministry of Education has

achieved a historic milestone with 99 per cent of teachers being trained or are in training. This is in keeping with the MoE’s Education Sector Plan to have 100 per cent trained teachers in the classroom.

This achievement has also facilitated a significant decrease in the teacher-to-student ratio in classrooms, and is expected to produce a higher quality of education across levels.

Overbearing fiasco of illegal street vending must end immediately

Dear Editor,

‘The running sore of illegal vending’ in Guyana is yet again a burning issue. I note that Attorney General Anil Nandlall came out once more to condemn the City Council and the police for ignoring this dangerous and distasteful practice.

In fact, he is so incensed, and rightfully so, that he is urging affected businesses to take legal action against the Council. His urging hopefully will be adhered to, and soon, I hope, we will get answers and accountability from “the Mayor and City Councillors of Georgetown, as well as the Guyana Police Force (GPF), for their ineffective handling of the issue of illegal vending in the country’s capital.”

What I do know is that this activity causes a lot of disadvantages, including traffic congestion, environmental pollution, visual pollution, and reduced food safety. Thus, it must be prohibited, or at least be effectively managed, so that Guyana can reduce these significant negative effects.

According to the AG, and as most of us do know, “The City Council is simply not carrying out its statutory responsibilities, and neither is the Guyana Police Force. There has been a combination of neglect, both on the part of the City Council and the Guyana Police Force, for decades. As a result, you have a monstrous situation of unlawful vending permeating the city, with the resultant chaos, disorder, garbage, stench of bacteria, and unsanitary conditions.”

This is right to the point, and yet there is more.

Editor, for one, street vending can be, and has been, a veneer for theft and robbery. If we are to count

the actual vendors involved in some form of business, they will make for a small fraction of the vast number of ‘others’ with them; and, far too many times, this kind of situation has allowed for pick-pockets, snatch-andrun, and choke-and-rob perpetrators, among others, to blend right in and protect their criminality.

Then how about the proliferation of counterfeit goods, fraud schemes, selling smuggled items, and even ‘passing narco’ in this melee? It suits the purpose, and no wonder these spates of activities and quite a few others have been escalating in Guyana. In fact, I ask readers to revisit how a “Cane View vendor (was) stabbed to death” (Stabroek News:https://www.stabroeknews.com) and the case of a “Shoe vendor (who was also) stabbed to death on Regent Street (https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline. com).

Let me expand on something that has always bothered me: that is, how street vending is fraught with selling counterfeit or pirated goods such as fake designer clothing, electronics, or counterfeit currency. This practice not only impacts the legitimate economy, but can also expose consumers to substandard or dangerous products.

It gets even worse, as there are food safety issues in which street food vendors, particularly those without proper licences or permits, may pose health risks to consumers. Inadequate food handling practices, poor sanitation, and lack of appropriate storage facilities can lead to foodborne illnesses and poisoning. I mean, the nonsense must stop.

I will add here the mad-

ness of traffic congestion and pedestrian safety; as street vendors often occupy sidewalks or public areas, leading to congestion and reduced accessibility for pedestrians. This, of course, can increase the risk of accidents and potentially contribute to traffic congestion.

So, I am very glad that local businesses are now planning to take legal action in the High Court. “They are seeking injunctions against the City Council, demanding that vendors be removed from the vicinity of their stores”. And like the AG, I am hoping that things will start to go the right way.

Nandlall enlightened thus, “It is a criminal offence to encumber pavements and public roadways. It is a criminal offence to block someone’s ingress and egress to their premis-

es. It is a criminal offence to vend without permission. It is a criminal offence to erect permanent structures without permission on parapets, public roadways and public reserves.”

May I remind all that, in San Francisco, a temporary ban on street vending on Mission Street is ongoing. This is an effort to continue to improve safety and cleanliness along the commercial corridor. The city cited concerns about unpermitted vendors — some of whom were selling stolen items -and inaccessible sidewalks. During the band’s first 60 days, street conditions improved.

Guyana is dilly-dallying too much, and all because of some collusive entities.

Yours truly, HB Singh

06:00

MOE

Page Foundation

CSEC MATHS

1.If 60% of a number is 90, what is the number? (A) 30 (B) 54 (C) 150 (D) 180

2. The H.C.F. of 12, 15 and 60 is (A) 1 (B) 3 (C) 12 (D) 60

3. (1/2)3 is the same as (A) -1/8 (B) -1/6 (C) 1/8 (D) 1/6

4. If 3n is an odd number, which of the following is an even number? (A) 3n + 2n (B) 3n + 2 (C) 3n – 2 (D) 3n – 1

5. The next term in the sequence 1, 6, 13, 22, 33 is (A) 44 (B) 45 (C) 46 (D)52

6.Which of the following sets is equivalent to {a, b, c, d} ? (A) {4} (B) {a, b, c} (C) {p, q, r, s} (D) {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

7. A company employs 12 gardeners at $2600 per day, and 8 clerks at $1700 per day. What is the mean daily wage, of the 20 employees? (A) $2000 (B) $2150 (C) $2240 (D) $3150

8. Given 2x +3 > 9, the range of values of x is (A) x > 3 (B) x > 3

(C) x > 6 (D) x > 6

9. The lengths of the sides of a triangle are x, 2x and 2x centimetres . If the perimeter is 20 centimetres , what is the value of x ? (A) 10 (B) 8 (C) 5 (D) 4

10. A car travels 80 kilometres in 2½ hours. What is its speed in kilometres per hour? (A) 6 (B) 32 (C) 82.5 (D) 200

Choose the word that is similar in meaning

1.Resentment (A) Pique (B) Delight (C) Contentment (D) Hatred

2. Pronounced (A) Obvious (B) Spoke (C) Strong (D) Slight

3.Anger (A) Ill humour (B) Delight (C) Wrath (D) Calm

4.Unlawful (A) Honest

(B) Illegal (C) Lawful (D)Legitimate

5. Thwart (A) Prevent (B)Aid (C)Help (D)Alleviate

6.Surprise (A) Amazement (B) Indifference (C) Happiness (D) Awe

7.Reward (A) Punishment (B) Award (C) Discipline

(D) Winnings

8.Hinder (A) Hamper (B) Help (C) Assist (D) Gift

9.Discipline (A) Regimen (B) Order (C) Control (D) Indiscipline

10.Sufficient (A)Scarce (B) Enough (C) Plentitude (D)Total

WORD SEARCH:

Conversation Tree Road project likely to be completed by S Jagmohan Construction – Edghill

Work on the incomplete section of the Conversation Tree-to-Dennis Street Road Expansion Project could be executed by the contractor who completed the first section of the road.

Initially pegged at $1.8 billion, the Conversation Tree-to-Dennis project was split into two lots, with the first lot having already been completed by S Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc.

The second phase, which was awarded to controversial Trinidadian company Kalco Guyana Incorporated, has been stalled for several months now. That contractor has been flagged on multiple occasions for poor performance and has since abandoned work on the roadway.

Even though the initial project deadline was set for November 5, 2023, during an inspection conducted on March 4, 2024, it was noted that Kalco had instructed its engineers to halt operations and no other work has since been done.

Consequently, the

Government had announced last month that it was moving to terminate the $830 million contract with Kalco after the company “did not live up to expectations”.

On Thursday, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill was asked by Guyana Times whether the Government has identified a contractor to complete the work.

The Minister indicated, “…the likelihood is the contractor who was working on the other lot [would be retained to complete the road] at the same rate – that is what we’re looking at… That is the important thing – it’s at the same rate of the works that were being done when he did his lot.”

The contract awarded to S Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc for Lot 8A of the project was to the tune of $$1,066, 358,738.

In the meantime, the Guyana Government has been working to recover the entire mobilisation payment made to Kalco, who was awarded the $830,293,458 contract for Lot 8B of the road project.

Minister Edghill told this newspaper that, “…we are at a particular stage of winding up [the termination of] Kalco’s contract and that road will be finished shortly” .

Last month, the Public Works Ministry activated the process to terminate the contract with the Trinidadian company.

The Minister previously reported that the Ministry and the contractor have ironed out all the measures including payments, and the termination agreement was slated to be finalised in the coming weeks. He had noted that Kalco agreed to exit the contract in a “non-adversarial manner”.

“Government will recoup every dollar for the mobilisation advances paid, and Kalco will receive payments for all measured works done,” Edghill had explained.

On April 13, Minister Edghill and his team had a virtual meeting with the principals of the company to iron out the conditions of the termination. Negotiations had been ongoing since,

leading to the agreement reached between the two sides.

Last month, President Dr Irfaan Ali and a technical team had inspected the incomplete section of the road, and the Head of State had instructed that the team to find a way forward to complete the stalled works.

Drainage works

As the Public Works Ministry works to advance the road project, President Ali had also ordered during his April 12 site visit that immediate drainage and irrigation works be done at the unfinished section of the road in the meantime, to avoid flooding in the event of heavy rains.

He had noted that if left in their current state, the drains could cost the State more money in the future if flooding were to occur.

Consequently, works are ongoing to clear the drains in the area.

“We have rain that is here and we have to ensure that people are not flooded, and we have to ensure that

mosquitoes are not taking over the place and so on. And we do have a contractor that is doing some work to ensure that the residents’ welfare is protected at this particular time,” Edghill told this publication on Thursday.

This move by the Government to end the contract with the Trinidadian company comes on the heels of efforts to clamp down on contractors who are lagging on projects being executed for the State.

Only last month, during a meeting with representatives of Ministries and agencies responsible for awarding and monitoring Government contracts, President Ali had ordered that penalties outlined in several Government contracts be enforced for companies that continue to default on their contractual obligations.

At that meeting, the Guyanese Leader also instructed that project updates for several ongoing works be completed for review, and according to Minister Edghill, work has been ongoing to fulfil the President’s order.

The project updates will be provided to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, and letters of notice will be issued, while the Finance Ministry is tasked with calculating the liquidated damages.

Further, the Head of State disclosed that action must now be taken to strengthen project management teams in the public sector. Consequently, units are now being established at the various ministries and state agencies to assess the performances of contractors carrying out Government projects.

Additionally, a Contract Compliance Unit has been established at the AG Chambers to support the work of those units. President Ali had noted that all project managers and senior engineers under this unit would be properly qualified, and it was subsequently announced that 50 scholarships would be given to 50 officers from various fields to better monitor and evaluate projects. (G8)

Drainage works being done at the incomplete section of the Conversation Tree-to-Dennis Street Road Project

Chinese national dies following boat mishap in Essequibo River

Chinese national Dai Jianhua has been killed in a boat mishap that occurred at Timber Grant Landing in the Essequibo River at Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) on Wednesday evening.

The police have said that Dai Jianhua had been travelling with two other Chinese nationalsSongyajun and Meng Yi Feng - in a speedboat which collided with a tugboat in the vicinity of Timber Grant Quarry, causing these men

to fall overboard.

Crew members of the tugboat jumped into the river to rescue the men, and they were pulled from the water and taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where Jianhua was pronounced dead.

Songyajun, who sustained injuries to his upper body and face, has been admitted a patient at the hospital, while Feng was treated and sent away. The captain of the tugboat has been taken into custody to assist with investigations.

Medical students robbed by motorcycle bandits

Three medical students on the way to their rented apartment in Cummings Lodge have been relieved of their valuables by two bandits - identifiable males who pulled up on a motorcycle and confronted them.

This incident occurred at First Street, U.G. Road in Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara on Wednesday evening; and Mahendra Maheldajam, 23, was robbed of one silver ring, while Deepatie Rejeergopaul, 23, was re -

lieved of one silver chain and Laveanya Ravi, 25, was robbed of one silver chain.

Police have said that the pillion rider jumped off the motorcycle, placed his right hand on the waist of his pants, and instructed the victims to hand over their belongings; and out of fear, they complied.

The suspects then fled the scene, but the matter was reported to the police, and the area was visited as investigations continue.

Motorcyclist involved in Berbice accident succumbs

Thirty-two-year-old

Mahendra Narine, a motorcyclist who was involved in an accident on Saturday along the Number Five Village Public Road, Corriverton, Berbice has succumbed to his injuries.

Narine, of Number 76 Village Housing Scheme, Corriverton, Berbice, was at the time driving a motorcycle when he collided with a motor car driven by a 26-year-old resident of Number 51 Village, Corentyne.

As a result of the collision, Narine sustained injuries to his body and was taken to the Skeldon Hospital where he was treated and referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he

remained a patient until his demise on Monday.

An autopsy performed on his body proved that he died from a “fractured skull”. The driver of the motor car who had been detained was subsequently released.

Keeping… …family intact

There are now eight billion of us in the world…and the population is growing so fast that it’s projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050. That’s another 1.8 billion more in just 27 years!! And to think that, less than 100 years ago -- 1927 to be exact -- the world had only 2 billion people! Maybe we should quit talking about “breeding like rabbits” and start talking about “breeding like humans”!!? Well, to be fair, and not to exaggerate our copulating prowess, most of the increase was due to better living conditions and medicine etc -- and family values!! And, next week, we’ll commemorate Global Family Day 2024 with the theme: “Embracing Diversity, Strengthening Families”.

But we can’t take things for granted on the population front, since countries like Japan, with declining populations, remind us there’s still the need to breed, to ensure at least we keep our species going. And to do that takes two -- not only to tango, but to tangle and make babies. While there’s a growing tendency in certain societies to have a growing number of single mothers, there’s still a consensus that the family is the best arrangement to make babies. This was a social innovation even before we were walking on our knuckles! No matter how you cut it, slice it or dice it, human babies really can’t raise themselves and remain “human”!

And it’s why, in 1993, the UN decided we need to be reminded to commemorate the “International Day for Families” every May 15. It seemed to’ve slipped us last year -- so this early warning is to make good! It doesn’t look like we think much about families here in our dear old mudland. And it shows!! Somewhere along the line, it seems, we’ve lost the plot about families. To a large extent, that’s because parents seem to’ve forgotten they’re the members of the family who’re supposed to socialise their children to be responsible members of society. These parents want to remain infantilised more than their children!!

So, the next time you feel like complaining about crime, or bad drivers, or bad anything that’s done by people, remember that much of it goes back to the failure of the family and their heads – old Mom and Dad!! They used to say that “it takes a village to raise a child”, but that’s tough when there’s a failure of the child’s parents! Some of this estrangement comes from the newfangled ideas about “parenting”, which forbid disciplining children. Now, your Eyewitness ain’t saying you gotta be like Matilda’s parents - the Wormwoods –but still, kids gotta know that society got rules!!

Anyhow, your Eyewitness hopes the authorities don’t ignore Family Day again. Or we may have to discipline them with the rod of correction in 2025!!!!

…vigil

When you’re dealing with a madman, you gotta always be on guard; and when you’re dealing with a DESPERATE madman, then you gotta be more proactive and take defensive measures! Your Eyewitness is talking about Mad Maduro, of course, who’s getting more desperate by the minute as the clock ticks inexorably to the elections. We gotta take his threats to take over Essequibo seriously!

Your Eyewitness has been stressing that we continue with the diplomatic initiatives, but also arrange our defences so that even Mad Maduro would think twice about attacking us. Our ace in the hole is the US, which has its own beef with the Madman, and it makes sense to collaborate with them in matters military. So, we just saw the visit of US Marine Corps Major General Julie Nethercot of Southcom. Washington says it’s a sign of its commitment to partnering with the GDF, which “continues to increase its capabilities and expand its force”.

But, more potently, two U.S. F/A-18F Super Hornets from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington just did a flyover of Georgetown and its environs. Take that, Madman!!

…teachers’ strike?

Your Eyewitness wants to know what’s going on with this brinksmanship by the GTU with the Government. Do they really think it’s wise to continue demanding increases for 2019-2023??

Pres Ali maintains teachers’ strike political as GTU threatens total shutdown of education system

resident Dr. Irfaan Ali

Pis maintaining that the nationwide teachers’ strike being called by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) is political. He reiterated this position during his address to scores of residents of Batavia in Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) on Thursday.

Teachers resumed their strike on Thursday, but this time around, there will be no protest involving placards outside Government buildings. Instead, those participating in the strike are reportedly staying at home until further notification from the union.

This is according to GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald, who was unable to report the magnitude of support the union has received from teachers nationwide.

However, in light of this

development, President Ali has posited that, over the last year, his administration has seen an increase in cases in which the views and opinions of unions and associations have been hijacked by the political opposition.

Notwithstanding, he made it known that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government would continue working at the national and policy lev-

els to improve the welfare and well-being of teachers.

He also maintained that Government, through the Education Ministry, is prepared to negotiate a multiyear agreement that begins in 2024 and goes beyond.

“We have to follow and understand the basis through which these organizations are operating, and we have to appreciate that many times these organiza-

tions carry a political view, and that political view has been consistently against the People’s Progressive Party Civic Government,” he said.

“Everything that we do is to enhance their livelihoods, enhance conditions and enhance services that will give you a holistic and total appreciation for the investments that we are making,” the President added.

The Guyana Teachers’ Union has said, “There will be a total shutdown of the education sector until the demands of teachers are met”.

According to McDonald, the strike action is aimed at negotiating better payment, improved working conditions, and increased benefits for teachers; and is not targeted against learners.

“We are either getting 2019-to-2023, or we are not taking anything else. Because starting from 2024 will bring us to what the CEO (Chief Education Officer) was telling us the other day about the figure he had to offer us, a single-digit figure which I’m sure was not even nine percent. So, don’t let them tell us that they are prepared to talk from 2024 and onwards,” she declared.

“As teachers, the stand that we are taking here is not a stand against any of our learners, it is not a stand against any of our parents; we have no troubles with them…we have a struggle and a fight with the Government of the day,” she declared.

At the moment, it is unknown how many teachers have participated in this current strike, and how this issue is being addressed by the Ministry of

Education, and by extension the Government.

On Wednesday, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Saddam Hussain reassured that measures would be put in place to deal with teachers' absenteeism in schools, but the specifics have not been disclosed.

Resumption of strike

The resumption of strike action by the teachers has resulted from a breakdown of talks between the GTU and the Education Ministry. Teachers returned to the classroom on March 6, following more than five weeks of protest; but, more decisively, following an agreement struck by the GTU and MoE after the intervention of Justice Sandil Kissoon, who appointed Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo and Robin Stoby as mediators following the deadlock.

It was decided that, within 48 hours of the agreement, both sides would return to the table to discuss the requests of the GTU, as well as those of the MoE, but talks have again failed.

Government, through the Ministry of Education, has made it clear that it stands ready to engage the Union on the Multi-Year

Agreement from 2024 onwards, but the GTU is holding out that talks should take effect from 2019 to 2024.

When the first strike had ended, the Union and the Government began engaging in discussions on issues affecting teachers. In a telephone interview with this publication on Tuesday, McDonald disclosed that the decision to resume the strike is because the union believes nothing is forthcoming from the Government as it relates to collective bargaining. The Government has already addressed over 20 issues affecting teachers, aimed at improving their working conditions and overall welfare. In fact, at the time of the last strike, President Dr Irfaan Ali had reminded that he had already met with teachers across the country and outlined the Government’s plan to improve their livelihoods. Moreover, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had calculated that at the end of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s first term in office, graduate teachers would have benefited from salary increases amounting to nearly 50 per cent.

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing residents of Batavia Village in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Thursday

Guyana Teachers’ Union General Secretary Coretta McDonald

Govt’s approval was sought, granted for ExxonMobil to increase production – VP Jagdeo ..says Govt

did its own independent review of plans to upgrade FPSOs

Government’s approval was sought, and granted, for ExxonMobil to increase the production capacity of its oil projects in the Stabroek Block, through debottlenecking, according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Jagdeo’s announcement comes in the wake of a recent press conference from ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge, during which he said that Exxon would be using the upcoming shutdown of production on the Liza Unity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, to do upgrades that would increase production. The Vice

President acknowledged that this has been a concern in some quarters.

“Of course, with the production. This has been some cause for concern, about the production being 645,000 barrels per day, which is above the rated, initially-announced capacity, which would be nearly 100,000 less.

“Because I believe it is 120,000 in the first FPSO and then 220,000 each from the others. So, the question has been, if you’re producing more than the initial capacity of the FPSOs, whether you’re doing so safely.”

Jagdeo assured that the Natural Resources Ministry and the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) did their own independent verifications to determine whether the production capacity of Exxon’s FPSO vessels could be safely increased. And the answer, according to Jagdeo, is yes.

“And so, the Ministry has assured me that before this is done, they have reviewed this. The EPA has reviewed the plans of the operators to increase production. And they have said that this is safe. So, it’s safe and it was based on optimisation,” Jagdeo explained.

“So, was there an independent check by the

Government or approval by the Government, and was this submitted to the Government? They have assured me, the Ministry, that this was done. And they had their technical people review these plans.”

During the recent press conference, Routledge had announced that the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity FPSO vessels would be shut down in July-August, to facilitate installation activities for the Gas-to-Energy Project.

Routledge had further revealed that during this shutdown, debottlenecking activ-

ities would also be done on the Liza Unity that is modifications to allow the vessel to produce above 250,000 barrels of oil per day. When the vessel was first commissioned, it had a target capacity of 220,000 barrels per day.

Routledge had also noted that even with the modifications that have already been done, the reservoirs are performing exceptionally well.

He further assured that debottlenecking is a standard industry practice.

When it comes to the Prosperity FPSO, which services Exxon’s third project –

Payara, the company is also eyeing the possibility of increasing production there. Routledge explained that they awee going through reviews with Government Ministries and agencies such as the Natural Resources Ministry and the EPA. The oil executive had also assured that safety was an ever-present factor and in fact, it was the workers on board who make the final determination on increasing production and whether it was safe to do so. Further, he reminded that extensive reviews must be done, including by independent parties such as the Government.

Exxon’s plans to boost production figures will be further buttressed by the Yellowtail and Uaru developments, which are already underway and are anticipated to contribute 250,000 barrels of oil each following their respective start-ups. Meanwhile, Exxon has already received approval for its sixth project – Whiptail. In addition to at least these six projects offshore Guyana that Exxon anticipates will be online by 2027, it is also eyeing the possibility of having 10 FPSOs operational by 2030. (G-3)

The Liza Unity FPSO is due for modifications in a few months

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

New Demerara River Bridge construction High Court to determine compensation packages for Peters Hall residents

In light of the ongoing impasse between the Government and residents of Peters Hall on the East Bank of Demerara over the acquisition of their lands for the construction of the new bridge across the Demerara River, steps will now be taken to have the court determine the adequate compensation to have the 15 property owners relocate.

“The law provides that a Judge will determine what the price the Government needs to pay to ensure that the person [resident] is not violated, robbed, or cheated. So, we will approach the Judge by way of an application to the court and the Judge will determine the outcome,” Public Works Minister Juan Edghill told reporters on Thursday.

The Government is looking to acquire 21 properties in the area in question, but so far, only six residents have accepted the compensation packages while the remaining 15 property owners have refused the offer, citing their dissatisfaction.

The compensation packages include a free plot of the residential land (or commercial and industrial where applicable) or a house with lot; monetary compensation to the market value of the resident’s land/ building; monetary compensation for crops, and accommodation affording the resident time to rebuild.

However, with no progress made over several engagements held between Government officials and the property owners over the past two years, Notices of Eviction were issued on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, to those 15 residents, informing them that they have to relocate within a month.

The notice, sent by Minister Edghill, explained that while engagements with the residents were unable to yield an ‘amicable consensual financial package’, the Government is pressed for time given that the project is ongoing. Hence, the decision to proceed with the compulsory acquisition of the properties in accordance with Sections 6 and 7 of the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes Act, Cap. 62:05.

According to the Public Works Minister, the Government has undertaken the necessary steps to reach this stage of compulsory acquisition of the lands, which are now the property of the State.

The affected residents are contending that they were willing to relocate but want a “fair” compensation package. One resident, Fannet Belgrave, called for equal treatment of everyone, noting that some persons who have already agreed to move were given higher compensation than what is being offered to the remaining persons.

But this claim was dismissed by Minister Edghill on Thursday, revealing that there were three valuations done.

“The Government did a valuation of all properties and we gave that to everybody… they disagreed and said this is too low. They went out and got private valuations. One of the valuators who did that is my Opposition colleague and predecessor at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Mr [David] Patterson. After that was done, and that came in huge and very high, we went out and got a private valuator… who works all the banks and the banks rely on his expertise to be able to deal with properties and mortgages and all the rest of it. So, we have three valuations,” he noted.

The Public Works Minister related that it was that same independent valuation that was used to determine compensation packages for the six residents who have agreed to move as well as the offer that was made to the other 15 residents.

“The only issue is the amount of money, you know. There is no other issue… People want the Government to acquire their property. The issue is what is fair payment… So, a judge will now sit down and look at all the facts… and we have to obey the courts,” Edghill stated.

The court proceedings are yet to be filed, but the Minister told <<<Guyana Times>>> that the Attorney General’s chambers and its lawyers are working on getting the documents ready.

Meanwhile, Minister Edghill used to the opportunity to lash back at those critics who have been accusing the Government of bullying the residents. He contended that at no point did any Government official, including himself, have a confrontation with the residents.

Nevertheless, the Public Works Minister further outlined the importance of the

bridge project, adding that it would be a major transformation for Guyana’s infrastructural landscape.

“The successful completion of the new Demerara River Bridge, which as you can see is moving apace, is a major game-changer for Guyana… There are some people who will go with a big smile on their face in the name of being a nationalist and a patriot, [but] will use all kinds of manoeuvrings and scheme-mongering to block it for political advantage. And this is what is disgusting. Every Guyanese who understands the suffering of the masses at that current Demerara [Harbour] Bridge every day will understand that that kind of infantile politics and immature progging and probing and agitating should not be encouraged and allowed.”

Works on the bridge,

which will stretch from Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD) to La Grange on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), started in May 2023 and is expected to last for two years. The hybrid-design bridge will feature a modern fourlane structure and cycle lane, 2.65 kilometres in length, and driving surface of about 23.6 metres wide and will have a lifespan of some 100 years. It will replace the current floating structure that has outlived its 10-year lifespan but serve as a critical link to connect several regions with the capital city. This move by the Government is necessary in acquiring the residential properties, as the December 2024 deadline inches closer for the completion of the structure. Currently, some 43 per cent of the works have been completed. (G8)

Works ongoing on the new bridge across the Demerara River

Haags Bosch landfill site not a threat to new Govt Office Complex – Edghill

The Government is currently construct-

ing a massive office complex on the East Bank Demerara corridor to accommodate approximately 6,000 staff members.

The complex will occupy 20.8 acres of land in the vicinity of the Haags Bosch landfill site at Eccles, EBD, and Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill has assured that the landfill would not affect the building or its intended staff.

ing completed within strict guidelines to guard against negative impacts to the surrounding environment.

The office complex facility was initially set to be built on a block of land measuring 1089ft by 400ft (10 acres), but this has been upgraded to 1458ft by 600ft by 874,800 sqft (20.8 acres) following the link of the East Bank Road network to the East Coast at Ogle.

layout, and that is awaiting the response of the supervisory consultant,” he explained. He added that the Government has hired a supervisory consultant this year to oversee the project. According to the minister, this practice is being employed by the Ministry to “the best possible skills to supervise the work that is being done,” to manage the projects properly.

Minister Edghill has said that, so far, works are at an advanced stage.

“I don’t think it has ever

“That entire area, as far as we are concerned at the Ministry of Public Works, has been deemed safe and adequate for the kinds of development that (are) taking place,” Edghill told the National Assembly on Thursday morning as he responded to questions from Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Annette Ferguson, who asked whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been done.

arisen at any time during the development of this project - or any other projects and activities that are being done - that there was

some issue for a need for an EIA,” Edghill said as he explained that the activities at the Haags Bosch sanitary landfill facility are be-

“The entire site has already been cleared. Tonnes of sand have already been done for the landfilling. All of the geotechnical boreholes have already been completed. The soil sampling and everything (has) been completed. The mobilization of equipment is onsite. The contractor has also submitted his new design based on the location and

The total cost of the project is $15,874,143,300, and the project has been awarded to Caribbean Green Building Inc. So far, $2.6 billion has been paid out in mobilisation fees in 2022; $4 billion in 2023; and $1 billion in 2024. The complex will feature four towers, and is intended to consolidate some of these Government agencies into one location, thereby improving the delivery of services.

2023 Toyota Agya up for grabs as MMG launches “Race for the Keys”

promotion

Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) on Thursday announced an exhilarating opportunity for its customers to win big through its “Race for the Keys” promotion.

Lucky participants can walk away with winnings of $50,000 weekly, but the grand prize in this promotion is a 2023 Toyota Agya.

MMG Marketing Executive Chandroutie Budhram has said, "MMG has launched an exciting promo, where customers can win $50,000 weekly by just completing 3 transactions with MMG.”

Participants need only complete three or more transactions using the MMG app, or do so at any MMG agent nationwide. “Whether it's topping up your phone, pay-

ing bills, sending money to friends, or activating a data plan, every transaction counts towards eligibility for the weekly draw of $50,000”, she explained.

"In this challenge, every three transactions you make brings you closer to the $50,000 prize. Also, those weekly qualifiers will be entered into a grand finale where one person will drive away with the Grand Prize of a 2023 TOYOTA AGYA!" Budhram added.

The challenge is open to all MMG customers, and those who haven't yet signed up for MMG are encouraged to do so in order to capitalize on this incredible opportunity. Registering for mmg is easy, simply scan the QR code within this article, or visit https://www.mmg.gy/ today.

Artistic expression of what the Government Office Complex would look like upon completion

Speeding minibus driver dies after crashing into lumber-laden lorry

Aminibus driver was on Thursday killed after he crashed into a lumber-laden lorry along the Orangestein Public Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

the day in question about 05:15h, the lorry reversed out of a stone depot and collided with the minibus which was proceeding along the roadway at a fast pace.

Based on reports received, at the time of the accident, Baldeo was driving minibus BSS 7322 when it collided with the motor lorry bearing registration

Dead is 33-year-old Deoraj Baldeo of Zeelugt, EBE.

US fighter jets participate in “flyover” joint exercise

With approval from the Government of Guyana, two U.S. Navy aircraft F/A-18F Super Hornets participated in a friendly flyover exercise conducted over mainland Guyana in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The exercise builds upon the American Government’s routine security cooperation and expansion of bilateral defence partnership with Guyana.

A joint press statement issued by the US Embassy in Guyana and the GDF has said, “The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS George Washington and Carrier Strike Group Ten are in the region as part of a twomonth transit to the Pacific. During its transit, USS George Washington will conduct exercises and exchanges with longstanding defense partners to increase interoperability, build capacity, and support hemispheric security and stability.”

It stated further that these engagements reflect what General Laura

Richardson has described as “Team USA’s unwavering commitment to partner with like-minded nations who represent Team Democracy."

As part of its worldwide defence mission, U.S. Navy vessels routinely transit international waters around the world, conducting similar exercises and exchanges with partners and allies.

Earlier in the day, the Government of Guyana, in a statement, related, “The Government of Guyana has approved the flyover of two US Navy Aircraft F/A18F Super Hornets in Georgetown at 2:00 pm on 9 May 2024. This exercise is being coordinated by the Guyana Defence Force in collaboration with the United States Southern Command.”

The exercise, the release stated, is being conducted as part of the defence cooperation pact between Guyana and the United States of America, and seeks to deepen the ongoing security cooperation programme between our two countries.

number GVV 9777 driven by a 60-year-old resident of Parika Outfall, EBE.

Preliminary investigations revealed that on

As a result of the collision, Baldeo and another occupant of the minibus, Fazal Abrahim, 55, were trapped in the vehicle.

They were eventually pulled from the wreckage by members of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where Baldeo was pronounced dead on arrival. Abrahim, who received injuries to his head, was later transferred to the

Georgetown Public Hospital in stable condition. The driver was arrested and subjected to a breathalyser test which showed no trace of alcohol in his system.

Dead: Deoraj Alex Baldeo

The lumber-laden truck that was involved in the accident

The mangled minibus that Baldeo was driving

The two US Navy aircraft during the friendly flyover

guyanatimesgy.com

The Miss Guyana India Worldwide franchise has unveiled the contestants for the various categories – Miss, Teen and Mrs. The delegates will be officially sashed on June 2 at the Princess Ramada Hotel followed by the talent segment on July 5 and the grand coronation on July 7.

Meet the delegates:

ANNA GAFOOR

Age: 20

Academic Pursuit: Psychology

Favourite Quote: “May I never forget on my best day, that I still need God as desperately as I did on my worst day.” – unknown

DIANA HERALAL

Age: 26

Academic Pursuit:

Business Administration

Favourite Quote: “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”

– Princess Diana

RUCHIRA RUSHANA GUYADEEN

Age: 22

Academic Pursuit: Medicine (MBBS)

Favourite Quote: “Know that you’re unique and that’s what makes you beautiful, stop comparing yourself with others.” – Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu

CHANDANIE LACKHAN

Age: 20

Academic Pursuit: Business

Administration

Favourite Quote: “You can’t control everything –You just have to do your best with every opportunity.”Priyanka Chopra

ELIZABETH ALLY

Age: 27

Academic Pursuit: Nutrition, Fitness & Health.

Favourite Quote: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” –(Proverbs 31:25) (The Holy Bible)

ANGANIE PERSAUD

Age: 33

Academic Pursuit:

Business Management

Favourite Quote: “The future depends on what you do today.” – Mahatma Gandhi

AKEELA SUKNANAN

Age:17

Academic Pursuit: Psychology

Favourite Quote: “You can’t just sit there and wait for life to come to you. You should go get it.”

SHANEZA FIDDEL

Age: 21

Academic Pursuit: Medicine

Favourite Quote: “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” – Audrey Hepburn

MANISHA RAMGOBIN

Age: 20

Academic Pursuit:

Accountancy Quote: Never let the influence of the modern world affect the moral of who you are.

CHITRA DEVI SINGH

Age: 19

Academic pursuit:

Accountancy

Favourite Quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

MRS CATEGORY

DEVI LIM

Age: 33

Academic Pursuit:

Innovative Entrepreneurship

Favourite Quote: “Action is thy duty, reward not thy concern.” –The Bhagavad Gita

TEEN CATEGORY

SHANIYA SINGH

Age: 15

Academic Pursuit:

Business Management

RANI DEVI GOBERDHAN

Age: 24

Academic Pursuit:

Bachelor of Education

Favourite Quote: “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.” –Confucius

SOPHIENA MOHAMED

Age: 19

Academic Pursuit: Business Management and Marketing

Favourite Quote: “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” – Taylor Swift

UMADAI HAITRAM

Age: 30

Academic Field: Teacher/

Psychologist Quote: “Embracing abnormalities with normalcy” – yours truly

Favourite Quote: “Keep your face always towards the sunshine –and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman

TIMRAN DOOKNA

Age: 17

Academic Pursuit:

Accountancy

Favourite Quote: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

RCGC to upgrade Uncle Eddie’s

Home following signing of MoU

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Uncle Eddie’s Home, the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central (RCGC) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to upgrade and refurbish sections of the facility.

With funding support received from the LDS

Charities, RCGC will undertake refurbishments to the second cottage and repairs to the roof in the southern wing; reconstruction of the visitors’ and residents’ restrooms; electrical rewiring of the south wing; upgrading of the plumbing system; refurnishing of the dining area; refurbishing

of the main pantry and repainting of interior walls, among other upgrades.

Speaking at the simple ceremony, RCGC President Peter Pompey expressed appreciation for the collaboration as well as for the funding received.

“With the support of our partners and people from

Java Coffee Bar closes Giftland Mall outlet

after 9 years

After nine years of serving as a hub for coffee aficionados and shoppers looking for a quiet escape, Java Coffee Bar on Thursday announced the closure of its outlet at the Giftland Mall.

Since its inception, Java Coffee Bar has been more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee, it has been a cornerstone of camaraderie, creativity, and connection within the Giftland Mall community.

From the familiar faces of loyal patrons to the countless memories shared over steaming cups of java, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Embracing the winds of change, the company is pivoting its focus to meet the evolving needs of the energy sector.

Recognising the pivotal role that coffee and good food play in fostering productivity, creativity, and collaboration, Java Coffee Bar is poised to become a vital ally in energising the workforce of tomorrow.

Furthermore, Java Coffee Bar is excited to announce its future plans to expand into intimate cafes nestled within hotel and other property developments. These new ventures will not only provide patrons with a welcoming respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, but also create vibrant spaces where moments of inspiration and connection can flourish.

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Java Coffee Bar Inc, Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran, said,

“Our journey at Giftland Mall has been our training ground; we have been through it all here, and we are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our patrons and the Giftland Mall community.”

Further, KanhaiGurchuran added, “As this chapter comes to an end, we eagerly anticipate the advent of fresh opportunities and the forging of new alliances. Our commitment to setting the benchmark for warmth, hospitality, and innovation will persist into the future.”

While the doors of Java Coffee Bar at Giftland Mall are closing, the MovieTowne location, Duncan Street Bistro and Java “On the Go” Mobile Unit continue to offer fan favourites daily.

all walks of life, our Club was, and is still, able to make a significant impact by undertaking and executing projects under the Rotary International Focus Areas,” he added.

This particular project is being undertaken under the theme of “Environmental Enhancement for Improved Well-being” to create surroundings that promote physical, mental, and emotional health, and over time, allow for the improvement of the economic circumstances of the institution.

Signing on behalf of the Association of Uncle Eddie’s Home were its President, Yolanda James; Vice President, Denise Bentinck, and Administrator, Christine Hales.

Pompey was joined by Service Projects Director Judy Semple-Joseph and President-Elect Jagdesh Haripershad in signing on behalf of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central.

IDB to collaborate with PPC to train evaluators

The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) on Wednesday met with representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to enhance the execution of its functions towards strengthening procurement processes in Guyana.

The PPC is vested with oversight of the public procurement system and is, inter alia, responsible for organising training seminars on procurement and making recommendations to the subject Minister for amendment(s) to the legislation to enhance the efficiency of the procurement process.

During the meeting, several key matters were addressed, including a pledge by the IDB to support and guide the PPC in international best practices in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for monitoring the procurement process, execution of contracts over-

sight, and standard bidding documents.

This includes international best practices in the evaluation process, evaluation guide, and standard evaluation report format.

In addition, the IDB is committed to collaborating with the Commission in training evaluators in international best practices for the evaluation process. This builds on previous training exercises of the PPC supported by the IDB.

Further, the meeting follows prior engagements between the two sides particularly in the area of legislative reform aimed at improving Guyana’s public procurement framework emanating from the 2018 Report, “Strengthening of the Public Procurement Framework in Guyana.”

In the past, the IDB has engaged with the PPC on various initiatives, and other areas of support, including training for con-

tractors and suppliers in IBD-funded projects.

The PPC maintains an ongoing working relationship with the IDB to continually strengthen public procurement systems.

The meeting was part of the PPC’s commitment to fostering collaboration and implementation of best practices to optimise procurement procedures for the benefit of the nation.

The Commission was represented by its Chairman, Pauline Chase; Deputy Chairman, Berkley Wickham and Commissioners Dianna Rajcumar, Joel Bhagwandin, and Rajnarine Singh along with its Chief Executive Officer, Michael Singh.

The representatives from the IDB included IDB Representative in Guyana, Lorena Solórzano Salazar; Chief of Operations, Iván-Alonzo Gaviria and Procurement Specialist, Patricia Yamilee Payen.

Representatives of the IDB and PPC during their engagement

President James and President Pompey after the signing of the agreement

Rotary Club of Georgetown Central President Peter Pompey and Uncle Eddie’s Home Association President Yolanda James signing the MoU

Java Coffee Bar in the Giftland Mall

Venezuelan migrants in Guyana to be trained, certified to join workforce – Min Hamilton

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton has told the National Assembly that the Guyana Government is working on an initiative aimed at ensuring Venezuelan migrants are properly trained and certified to join the local labour force.

Responding to a question from Opposition Member of Parliament Tabitha Sarabo-Halley regarding whether the Ministry has conducted a skills audit of Venezuelan migrants here, Minister Hamilton told the National Assembly on Thursday that Government has to first get a better understanding of the number of migrants in the country, as well as a detailed breakdown of their gender and current skillsets.

However, he said that Government is currently engaged in conversations with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to sponsor a programme for Venezuelan migrants in Guyana to be trained through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

“…and for those who

have a skill, to work with them to ensure they can be accredited and certified,” the Labour Minister explained. “All of these things are a work in progress,” he added.

“By the end of the third quarter, we should have a preliminary report to speak definitively about what has happened since August 2020 up to today regarding the issue of an audit of skillsets of Venezuelan migrants,” he clarified.

Nevertheless, Minister Hamilton has said that Government continues to engage with various international partners on the subject of Venezuelan mi-

grants in the country.

Those organisations include the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd had noted in March 2024 that the long-term objective is to integrate Venezuelan migrants into Guyanese society. He was at the time chairing a meeting of the Multi-Agency Coordinating Committee to address the influx of migrants from Venezuela into Guyana.

The Government of Guyana has always tak-

Berbice man wanted for brutally chopping, stabbing lover nabbed in Suriname

Sasenarine Sankar, called 'Barber' or 'Wire', the 47-yearold man who has been wanted for attempted murder committed on Sandy Persaud, has been arrested at Julianastraat in the Nickerie district of Suriname.

Sankar has been accused of brutally chopping his lover at his home at #55 Village, Corentyne, Berbice in April 2023. After committing the act, Sankar had fled to Suriname, but has been arrested by RBTW ranks while working at a tyre shop in Nickerie.

It was reported that 36-year-old Persaud, called ‘Baby’, of # 69 Village Corentyne, Berbice, had been chopped several times about her body, and had had to be hospitalized following the attack. Persaud’s mother had also been lashed with a cutlass.

It was reported that Parbatie Dyal, an aunt of the victim, had heard screams at her sister’s home and realised that her niece was in danger. She immediately rushed over to the house, but by then the suspect had already left the scene. She, however, found her niece with chops to her shoulders, forearm, back, head, and feet; and she was also stabbed to the abdomen.

The suspect, a barber of #69 Village, and the victim Persaud had started to see each other when she had ended her marriage to her husband four years ago.

The barber is reportedly married, and his wife, who now resides overseas, had been making arrangements to have him join her, until she got to learn of his relationship with Persaud.

Persaud’s 16-year-old daughter had told the media that her mother had been constantly abused by her stepfather, who had even banned her from contacting her children. She said that on many occasions her mother had marks of violence on her body. In February last, the suspect had forced Persaud to move out of the district, but she subsequently returned.

The barber had reportedly made several threats

to Persaud’s life, some of which were sent via voice notes. In some of the voice notes, the suspect has been heard making threats, while in others he has been heard appealing to Persaud to return home, while at the same time promising not to harm her.

One of the voice notes had seemed to suggest that the barber had had no intention of killing Persaud, but just harming her. “If you don’t come back home, I will cripple you…You see how people ah kill dem wife? If you want murderation, stay way you dea; and if you don’t want murderation, come to the house”, that voice note had said.

Meanwhile, once handed over to the Guyanese lawmen, the barber is expected to be slapped with an attempted murder charge among other charges.

en a policy decision to offer humanitarian assistance to migrants fleeing from Venezuela.

Venezuelans have been entering Guyana’s territo-

grants, thus preventing or reducing their vulnerability to trafficking and sexual and labour exploitation.

In Guyana, all children of migrants, legal and ille-

has already taken steps to import labour for certain jobs.

“We’ve said over and over, and I’ve repeated this: that in some areas, we’re al-

ry in droves in recent times, fleeing harsh economic conditions in their homeland as they search for betterment here. Venezuelan migrants seeking refuge in Guyana are being encouraged to present themselves to immigration authorities to get registered to benefit from services offered by the Government.

Registration is made easy through the implementation of “roaming immigration officers” who traverse the areas usually populated by migrants and offer registration and extension of stay services remotely. This process is focused on the regularisation of these mi-

gal, from Venezuela and other countries are allowed full access to be enrolled in the public school system within the host communities, and to benefit from Government-funded support programmes, including school feeding programmes, school uniform vouchers, and the “Because We Care” cash grants given to all students.

Reports indicate that there are about 40,000 Venezuelan migrants residing in Guyana, with only 21,704 officially documented.

Meanwhile, due to severe labour shortages in the country, the Government

lowing labour to come in to work. We pointed out that we’re allowing the Chinese to bring in their labour for the bridge, and they said they were gonna bring people from Bangladesh to work there, because they worked with them in building the stadium in Qatar for the World Cup…We allowed others to bring in labour because we have a labour shortage in Region Four, particularly for some types of labour. And if we want these projects to be completed – the bridges, the highways etc. -- we have to do that,” Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had recently contended.

Miner busted with ganja at Itaballi checkpoint

Acheckpoint in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Police have said that during an operation conducted on Wednesday, motor pick-up GPP 2262, being driven by a 43-year-old male of 4th Avenue Bartica and having four other occupants, including the suspect, was intercepted. And during a consequent search of the vehicle and its occupants and their belongings, the suspect was found carrying a bulky plastic package that contained a quantity of ganja. As such, he was cautioned, arrested, and placed in custody. The ganja, when weighed, amounted to 58.4 grams. Investigations are continuing.

The ganja that was found in the miner’s possession

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton

Nabbed in Suriname: Sasenarine Sankar Victim: Sandy Persaud, called Baby

$53M training centre to be constructed in Reg 1

Residents of Port Kaituma, in the Matarkai sub-district of Region One (Barima-Waini), will now have easy access to training opportunities and services offered by the Labour Ministry, as the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is set to construct a new training centre in that region.

The sod-turning ceremony in regard to the construction of this $53 million state-of-the -art facility was held on Wednesday; and the building, which will be constructed at Oronoque, is expected to be completed within six months.

This new facility would feature a design similar to centres being constructed at Corriverton and New Amsterdam in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and the welding and fabrication and joinery facil-

ities would have state-ofthe-art standards as per the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs). Construction of this much-needed centre has been made possible through collaboration of the Housing and Water Ministry with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), which facilitated the allocation of the land.

During the sod-turning ceremony, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton highlighted that Ministry’s commitment to delivering technical and vocational training programmes irrespective of geographical location. This approach, he said, aligns with Government’s efforts to address the shortage of skilled individuals.

“Region One has been pleading for a technical training building, and so today’s event is the Government’s way of re-

sponding to such a recommendation. And so, they (residents) should expect a very holistic and comprehensive programme from the Labour Ministry,” he said.

A Labour and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) officer is presently assigned to the sub-district. However, once construction works are completed, a technical officer from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) would be employed to manage the facility.

Minister Hamilton has said that establishment of the Regional Labour Office aims to decentralize the Ministry’s services. This approach, he said, would ensure timely response to labour-related matters, workplace accidents, and health risks, and ensure frequent monitoring and inspection of operations.

ECD duo slapped with cattle-rustling charges

Troy Ward, a 51-year-old butcher of Haslington New Scheme, East Coast Demerara, and Aubrey Josiah, a 59-year-old butcher of Duke Street, Golden Grove, ECD, were arraigned on Wednesday before Cove and John Magistrate Peter Hugh on several charges related to cattle rustling.

Initially arrested on May 03, 2024, these two butchers have been charged with the following offences: failure to give notice of intention to slaughter; failure to produce skin of animal; and possession of meat for which no reasonable account can be given. They each pleaded guilty as charged, and were each fined as follows: $25,000 or an alternative

Charged: Troy Ward Charged: Aubrey Josiah

of three months’ imprisonment for failure to produce skins of animals slaughtered; $25,000 or an alternative of three months’ imprisonment for possession of meat for which no reasonable account can be giv -

Meanwhile, 20 residents of Sebai and Canal Bank, riverine villages in the Matarkai sub-district of Region One (BarimaWaini), would soon be equipped with the necessary skills to become licensed small engine technicians. The four-month skills programme which will be facilitated by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) will see 10 residents from each village participating.

Minister Hamilton has noted that implementation of this skills programme fulfills a request made by residents during a recent community visit, and he is urging the potential trainees to complete the programme despite any challenges they may face.

Food Price Index up marginally for April – FAO

The benchmark for world food commodity prices has edged higher in April, as higher prices for meat and modest upticks in prices for vegetable oils and cereals have outweighed decreases in prices for sugar and dairy products.

This is according to a recent report published by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), whose Food Price Index tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globally-traded food commodities. This Index averaged 119.1 points in April, up 0.3 percent from its revised March level, while it went down 9.6 percent from its level a year ago.

The FAO Cereal Price Index rose by nearly 0.3 percent from March, ending a three-month declining trajectory. Global wheat export prices were stabilised in April, as the strong competition among major exporters offset concerns about unfavourable crop conditions in parts of the European Union, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America.

The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index also increased by 0.3 percent from March, reaching a 13-month high as higher quotations for sunflower and rapeseed oil more than offset slightly lower prices for palm and soy oils.

en; and $10,000 fine or one month’s imprisonment for failure to give notice of intention to slaughter.

The court has also ordered that the meat be confiscated.

Further, the FAO Meat Price Index increased by 1.6 percent in April from the previous month, as international poultry, bovine and ovine meat prices all rose. By contrast, world pig meat prices fell marginally, reflecting slack internal

demand in Western Europe and persistently lacklustre demand from leading importers, especially China.

The FAO Sugar Price Index declined by 4.4 percent from March, to stand 14.7 percent below its April 2023 level. The decrease was mostly related to improved global supply prospects, notably due to larger-than-previously-anticipated outputs in India and Thailand, and improved weather conditions in Brazil.

The FAO Dairy Price Index decreased marginally, by nearly 0.3 percent, ending six consecutive months of increases, led by sluggish spot import demand for skimmed milk powder and by lower world cheese prices, impacted by strengthening of the United States dollar. World butter prices, by contrast, increased amid steady global import demand.

Wheat forecasts trimmed FAO also released a new Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, slightly raising its forecast for the world total cereal production from 2023 to 2024 to 2,846 million tonnes, a 1.2 percent increase from 2022 to 2023.

The new forecast primarily reflects revisions to rice

production in Myanmar and Pakistan.

The forecast for world cereal utilisation in 2023 to 2024 was increased to 2,829 million tonnes, mostly reflecting higher-than-previously-anticipated feed use of maize and barley. Global maize utilisation is now expected to rise 1.6 percent over the year, while that of wheat is expected to expand by 1.9 percent, and rice total utilisation would likely dip mildly.

World cereal stocks are forecasted to end the 2024 season at 890 million tonnes, a 2.1 percent increase from the outset of the year, pointing to a worldwide cereal stocks-to-use ratio of 30.9 percent.

FAO has also adjusted its forecast for global wheat production in 2024, now standing at 791 million tonnes, less than had previously been expected, but still marking an increase of 0.5 percent from 2023. For coarse grain crops, the main harvest period begins soon in southern hemispheric countries, where recent adverse weather conditions have curbed yield prospects in leading producer countries, notably Brazil and South Africa. (FAO)

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton with other officials at the sod-turning ceremony

The group of young people undergoing training to enable them to undertake engine repairs

Power ship to reduce electricity woes, but isolated instances of blackouts may still occur – Jagdeo

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) on Thursday stated that it has completed testing the engines, transformers, fuel, metering and telecommunication systems on the power ship to begin generating electricity to add to the grid.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, during his press conference, noted that the Government hoped that this connection would be able to stop the frequent blackouts experienced by Guyanese in recent months as a result of low generating capacity.

“We’re hoping that with the 36 megawatts now added to the system, that we’ll have enough power in the system to end the current spate of blackout which comes from the unavailability of power.

“There may be isolated instances, because of the poor transmission and distribution system,” he added.

Jagdeo said the Government was still looking to get an additional 30 megawatts of power through a similar arrangement until the much-anticipated Gasto-Energy Project comes on stream

The power ship was chartered from Urbacon Concessions Investments, W.L.L (UCI), a subsidiary of

UCC Holdings, a company incorporated in the State of Qatar.

However, GPL earlier in the day stated that its engineers are currently finalising testing of the protection relay devices to ensure there was communication between the ship and its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. The SCADA system will monitor and control the power distribution network to ensure efficiency and system reliability.

“Once completed today (Thursday), the team will commence dispatching power from the power

ship to the grid. The power will be injected into the DBIS [Demerara Berbice Interconnected System] incrementally, beginning with Berbice and continuing through the various load centres in Demerara,” the company said.

GPL has to pay a fee of 6.62 US cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as a monthly charter fee for the power ship and a monthly operation and maintenance fee of 0.98 US cents per kWh based on electricity generated. GPL is also required to provide Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for the operation of the generators onboard the vessel.

The power ship at the Everton, Berbice location

Around the World

OOIL NEWS

Oil edges up to 1-week high on rising demand hopes after China, US data

Israel strikes eastern Rafah as ceasefire talks end with no deal

Israeli forces bombarded areas of Rafah on Thursday, Palestinian residents said, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed US President Joe Biden’s threat to withhold weapons from Israel if it assaults the southern Gaza city.

il prices edged up to a one-week high on Thursday on data from China and the United States signalling demand in the world’s two biggest crude-consuming nations could climb.

Brent futures rose 30 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to settle at US$83.88 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 27 cents, or 0.3 per cent, to settle at US$79.26.

That was the highest close for both crude benchmarks since April 30.

Limiting those price gains was US energy data showing gasoline and diesel demand last week was the weakest since the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

“Oil prices traded in a very tight range. There’s not a lot of oil news out there. The geopolitical news from the Middle East is in the background and it’s unclear,” Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group, said of the small changes in crude prices.

In China meanwhile, crude oil imports rose on the previous year in April, and exports and imports returned to growth last month, indicating an increase in demand at home and overseas as Beijing moves to shore up a shaky economy.

“The improved China trade balance data added to the upside momentum,” said Tina Teng, an independent market analyst.

In the US, the number of new claims for unemployment benefits rose last week to the highest in more than eight months, further evidence that the labour market was cooling.

Analysts projected that ebbing labour market momentum puts two interest rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve this year back on the table.

Lower rates would reduce borrowing costs and could spur economic growth and demand for oil.

The Bank of England took another step toward lowering interest rates as a second official backed a cut and Governor Andrew Bailey said he was “optimistic that things are moving in the right direction”.

Middle East turmoil

Israeli tanks and warplanes bombarded areas of Rafah, Palestinian residents said, after President Joe Biden said the US would withhold weapons from Israel if its forces mount a major invasion of the southern Gaza city.

“If the Biden boycott spurs the Israelis to sign a ceasefire deal with Hamas, then WTI crude oil could potentially squeeze another US$10 (a barrel) of geopolitical risk premium out of the market,” Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho, said in a note.

“However, if Iran becomes emboldened by the US stance and jumps back into the fray after keeping (a) low profile for weeks, then the market could rally back to multi-month highs,” Yawger added.

In response to Israel’s latest operation, the leader of the Houthis in Yemen said the Iran-backed group, which has already disrupted shipping in the Red Sea, would target ships of any company related to supplying or transporting goods to Israel. (Reuters)

The People’s National Movement (PNM) and the United National Congress (UNC) of Trinidad have started preparations for by-elections in the Lengua/Indian Walk and Quinam/Morne Diablo.

Both parties made this announcement on May 9. In a statement, PNM General Secretary Foster Cummings said the party has officially opened nominations in both districts.

Morne Diablo/Quinam falls with the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC) while Lengua/ Indian Walk is under the Princes Town Regional Corporation (PTRC). Both corporations are controlled by the UNC. Cummings said the nomination period runs from May 9 to 15 with screening to begin shortly afterwards.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

A senior Israeli official said late on Thursday that the latest round of indirect negotiations in Cairo to halt hostilities in Gaza had ended, and Israel would proceed with its operation in Rafah and other parts of the Gaza Strip as planned.

Israel has submitted to mediators its reservations about a Hamas proposal for a hostage release deal, the official said.

“If we must, we shall fight with our fingernails,” Netanyahu said in a video statement. “But we have much more than our fingernails.”

In Gaza, Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad said their fighters fired anti-tank rockets and mortars at Israeli tanks massed on the eastern outskirts of the city.

Residents and medics in Rafah, the biggest urban area in Gaza not yet

overrun by Israeli ground forces, said an Israeli attack near a mosque killed at least three persons and wounded others.

Video footage from the scene showed the minaret lying in the rubble and two bodies wrapped in blankets.

An Israeli air strike on two houses in the Sabra neighbourhood of Rafah killed at least 12, including women and children.

Among the dead was a senior commander of the militant Al-Mujahedeen Brigades, and his family, and the family of another group leader, medics, relatives and the group said.

Russia could open new front as Ukraine remains weapons-poor, say officials

Russian forces continued to exploit a window of opportunity to make small, tactical gains during the past week, as Ukraine began to receive parcels of long-delayed US military aid for the first time in weeks.

Ukraine also reported that Russia was building up worrying numbers of troops on its northern border, and prepared to face a potential new front.

Against this tense background, Europe sought to boost Ukraine’s own defence industrial base to ensure political problems among its allies never interfere with weapons deliveries again.

Russian forces managed to steal another march on Ukrainian defenders in Ocheretyne. The village sits at the western point of a salient the Russians have gradually built west of Avdiivka after taking that city in February.

They took advantage of a poorly-executed substitution of Ukraine’s defending battalion to enter Ocheretyne in late April, but faced fierce resistance.

Russia’s Defence Ministry announced Ocheretyne had

fallen on May 5, Orthodox Easter Sunday.

Satellite imagery appeared to confirm that, and three days later Russian forces consolidated their catch by advancing four kilometres (2.5 miles) north of the village and extending their gains to its south.

National Guard captain Volodymyr Cherniak told The Guardian the Russian forces did this by flanking defences the Ukrainians had taken too long to dig because they lacked construction crews.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has fired the head of the state guards following allegations that two members were involved in a plot to assassinate the embattled Ukrainian Head of State.

Zelenskiy dismissed former leader of the state guards, Serhiy Rud on Thursday, after the state security service (SBU) said earlier this week that it had unearthed an assassination plot against Zelenskiy and other important officials. A successor for Rud has yet to be named.

(Excerpts from Reuters and BBC News)

Israel says Hamas militants are hiding in Rafah, where the population has been swelled by hundreds of thousands of Gazans seeking refuge from the bombardments that have reduced most of the coastal enclave to ruins.

In the United States, the White House repeated its hope that Israel would not launch a full operation in Rafah, saying it did not believe that would advance Israel’s aim of defeating Hamas.

“Smashing into Rafah, in [President Biden’s] view, will not advance that objective,” spokesperson John Kirby said.

Kirby said Hamas had been pressured significantly by Israel, and there were better options to hunt down what remains of the group’s leadership than an operation with significant risk to civilians.

Israel’s assault on Gaza has killed nearly 35,000 Palestinians and wounded nearly 80,000, most of them civilians, the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Twin decisions from Colombian courts deal blows to Petro’s Government

Colombia’s Supreme Court has ordered the country’s Interior Minister to testify in a corruption probe and the Constitutional Court struck down the creation of the equality ministry in a double blow for the Government of President Gustavo Petro.

The courts’ decisions –released late on Wednesday – topped a torrid 24 hours for Petro, Colombia’s first leftist leader, after two Magistrates from the National Electoral Council called for an investigation into the financing of his 2022 campaign.

The Supreme Court called on Interior Minister Luis Fernando Velasco to testify in a probe into suspicious purchases of water tankers by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD).

The vehicles, purchased for 46.8 billion pesos (US$12 million), were supposedly bought to supply remote areas of Colombia’s La Guajira province with water.

Three other current and

former officials were also ordered to testify, including Sandra Ortiz, a close Petro ally who resigned as presidential adviser for regions amid the scandal.

“The investigation begins with the hypothesis of the crimes of bribery and possible illicit enrichment,” the Supreme Court said in a statement.

Former UNGRD director Olmedo Lopez and former Deputy Director Sneyder Pinilla, who are accused of having ties to the purchases, this week said they were willing to testify in exchange for immunity and protection.

According to Pinilla, Senate President Ivan Name and Chamber of Representatives President Andres Calle received huge sums of money to help push the President’s social and economic reforms through Congress.

Both Name and Calle deny the accusations, and will be investigated by the Supreme Court. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Palestinians ride on a vehicle as they flee Rafah after Israeli forces launched a ground and air operation in the eastern part of the southern Gaza City, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, May 9, 2024

(Reuters/Mohammed Salem photo)

Colombian President Gustavo Petro at a march in support of the reforms on health, retirement, employment, and prisons sectors proposed by his Government, in Bogota, Colombia, May 1, 2024 (Reuters/Luisa Gonzalez photo)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

Don't share personal information or allow others to misinterpret your words. Pay attention to where your money goes and keep up with changes at work and in your community.

Participate in something that interests or concerns you and will inspire you to make a difference. Don't limit yourself, make excuses or set unnecessary boundaries. Be open to new beginnings.

SUDOKU

(May 21-June 20) (April 20-May 20)

Being too chatty will cause problems. Know when to share feelings and when to keep things to yourself. Focus on personal improvement, discipline and finishing what you start.

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Keep an open mind, but don't let anyone talk you into something you don't need or get involved in something that doesn't benefit you. Work only on things that matter to you.

Rethink your next move. Don't be a follower. Think for yourself and focus on broadening your awareness rather than taking a risk on something foreign to you. Minimize debt.

Discussions may go differently than planned, but try to accept the circumstances and move forward. Be patient and accommodating. Take advantage of an opportunity.

Information you receive will mislead you. Ask questions, and you'll discover how best to press forward while sticking to a budget. Don't expect an outsider to look out for your interests.

Plan to have some fun. A break from the grind will help you regenerate and spark your imagination. The people you connect with will give you food for thought and intriguing suggestions.

Verify the information you receive and adjust only what's necessary. Use your connections, intelligence and backbone to get what you want without giving up too much.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Get out and about. Too much time spent at home or with negative people will lead to stress and anxiety. Focus on events and activities that challenge and inspire you to try something new.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Don't settle for less when you can have so much more. Be realistic about your situation and the changes happening around you. Discuss your intentions with someone you trust.

Being in control of your emotions will give you the upper hand. Don't let anyone know what you are thinking or how you feel. Conversations will reveal all the information you require.

Kohli keeps R CB alive in Playoffs Race

-as Punjab Kings are knocked out

Virat Kohli's breakneck 92 off 47, plus his spectacular direct hit to run Shashank Singh out, were the bases of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB's) fourth consecutive win, this time against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Dharamsala.

The result has kept alive RCB's hopes of making the IPL 2024 playoffs, if only just, but PBKS have been knocked out of contention.

RCB batted first, and blasted their way to 241 for 7, with Rajat Patidar crashing 55 off 23 and Cameron Green hitting 46 off 27. Both had productive partnerships with Kohli, respectively worth 76 off 32 and 92 off 46.

In response, PBKS started strong, but RCB's spinners - Karn Sharma and Swapnil Singh - were effective through the early middle overs, dismissing Rilee Rossouw in the ninth, Jitesh Sharma in the 11th, and Liam Livingstone in the 12th.

With the required rate

(who was the more aggressive partner in their stand) and then Green. It was a vintage Kohli innings, full of powerful wristy flicks and hard running, though towards the end he also got his six-hitting game going, finishing

crease, they had an outside chance. But that's when Sam Curran dropped one towards midwicket and called for two, and that was when Kohli took off from deep mid- wicket, speed - ing towards the ball,

now high above the run rate, it was curtains for PBKS. They ended 181 all out after 17 overs.

The Kohli Show, Part I Kohli, anyway, started the match as the IPL's highest run-scorer. But having been reprieved on zero, he went on to play one of his best innings of a stellar season, finding boundaries through the covers, through midwicket, and down the ground -- his footwork often immaculate.

Although he opened the batting, he didn't have a lot of the strike, facing only 14 balls in the powerplay. But before long, he was striking at well over 150 as he found capable partners in Patidar

with six maximums overall.

He seemed poised to make his second triple-figure score of the season, but sliced a wide Arshdeep Singh delivery and was caught at deep cover in the 18th over.

swooping on it, and skidding it mid-dive towards the one wicket he had to aim at, and found his target. Shashank was not as committed to the run as Kohli was to this piece of fielding, and Shashank was centimetres short of his ground, not having put in a dive. He was out for 39 off 19 balls, leaving PBKS at 151 for 6. They ended up losing their last five wickets for 30 runs.

Karn also took two big wickets. He first had the opposition's best batter, Rilee Rossouw, caught at long-on in the ninth over, and then bowled a big, juicy legbreak that clattered into Jitesh's stumps in the 11th over.

A fairly good start

Although they eventually fall well short of the target, PBKS did look capable of chasing down 242 at the

to Rossouw, who had clobbered seven fours and a six while the fielding restrictions were in place.

Rossouw continued to blast RCB seam bowlers in particular as he motored his way to a 21-ball half-century, before Karn eventually got him. Jonny Bairstow's 27 off 16, and Shashank's knock were the other serious contributors.

Fourth ball of the 14th over into the PBKS innings, they needed 92 runs off 39 balls, and as long as Shashank was at the

Karn Sharma celebrating Rilee Rossouw's wicket, Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL 2024, Dharamsala, May 9, 2024 RCB spinners made big inroads Before that Kohli run out, however, legspinner Karn and left-arm spinner Swapnil had made vital strikes as well. Swapnil removed Prabhsimran Singh in the first over of the innings, before coming back in the middle overs to get Liam Livingstone tamely off a leading edge into the covers.

start. They made 75 in the powerplay, thanks largely

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Vidwath Kaverappa 4-0-36-2

Arshdeep Singh 3-0-41-1

Sam Curran 3-0-50-1

Harshal Patel 4-0-38-3

Rahul Chahar 3-0-47-0

Harshal Patel took three wickets in his final over to become the Purple Cap holder

Virat Kohli brought up his half-century off 32 balls

Rajat Patidar smashed 55 off 23 balls, which included three fours and six sixes

Cameron Green and Kohli added 92 runs for the fourth wicket off 46 balls

Glasgow: "I’m doing everything I can to put Guyana on the map"

Considered one of those rising stars in the Caribbean, Golden Jaguars striker Omari Glasgow is seeking to lead his nation to a first-ever World Cup.

Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup™ out of the Concacaf region has never been more open than it is for the forthcoming home edition. With the USA, Mexico and Canada serving as host nations, opportunity knocks for the other Concacaf nations to secure one of the additional three automatic berths, plus another possible two via the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

One of those hopeful nations is Guyana, whose team, the Golden Jaguars, is spearheaded by talented young striker Omari Glasgow. The

feeling to celebrate it with my team-mates, because they are the ones who helped me achieve it.

FIFA: What did you learn from playing in the FIFA Series against Cape Verde

hearing the anthem, knowing that you are representing the country, and knowing that you have the whole country behind you. There is nothing better.

FIFA: What’s your as-

we haven’t played Belize or Nicaragua, and (we) haven’t played Panama in a while. We just have to go out there and play the way we have been playing for the last year, and go get a result. : Do you like that the first game is against group

proved since joining Chicago Fire II?

me, because I’m always getting messages from them. They look up to me, and they want tips on how to become like me; so, I try to help them out in any way possible, and be the best role model I can be for the kids back home.

FIFA: What would it mean to Guyana to qualify for World Cup 26?

Glasgow: It would be massive! In the last couple of months, we had meetings with the President of Guyana, and he was telling us how happy he would be and what it would mean for the country to qualify. He gave us his full support to do such things. It would be something big.

Inter-School Kayaking Competition…

I think we can go and make a statement by beating them. If we do beat dence to continue to do well in the group. I think it’s going ing to put up a fight and try to go get a result. I don’t think we have a lot of pressure on ourselves; we have nothing to lose, so we just have to go out

A player from Guyana who I liked was spired me because he was one of the Guyanese players who actually came to the USA to play in the early days. I have Gregory’s number, and we communicate sometimes; so, when I go home for vacation, I see him and he gives me

Glasgow: I think my biggest improvement is becoming more mature on the football field and just being more patient, having that composure. Quality-wise, I think I have improved massively through the years here. I think I have improved a lot in many ways, like with my scoring and defending.

FIFA: When you train with the Chicago Fire firstteam, you get to be with guys who played in a World Cup, like Xherdan Shaqiri and Kellyn Acosta. What is that like?

Glasgow: The first time I trained with the first team, I was playing left wing, and ‘Shaq’ saw me and told me that I played like (Sadio) Mane. We were walking back to the locker room, and he was telling me that I need to have more composure, that my game is going to change massively. In pre-season I met Kellyn, and since then, we’ve been best buddies. They talk to me a lot; they’re motivating me and helping my game.

FIFA: Do you feel like you are the leader of a new generation of Guyana football?

Glasgow: Yes! I hope so. A lot of young guys look up to

Team dedication and collaboration key to tournament’s success

Following the successful hosting of the third Annual Inter-School Kayaking Competition on Sunday last at Watooka House in Linden, the organizer Deon Anderson has been ecstatic about the dedication of participating teams, and more so about the support of the spectators.

Linden Foundation, with their ability to move swiftly through the water, finished the competition with 71 points and walked away with the $400,000 first prize.

Harmony Secondary had posed a threat to the title winners, but had to settle for second place and $250,000; while 2023 Champions Kwakwani Secondary finished in third with 56 points and took home $150,000.

In an exclusive interview with <<Guyana Times Sport>> event organizer Deon Anderson divulged that dedication of the teams has been the key to the tournament’s success.

“The key to the hosting of this tournament is the dedica-

the

tion of the teams and also the good collaboration with the schools; because the kids, more than anybody else, are looking forward every single year,” Anderson related.

“You know, coming down close to this time, they are like, ‘When is gonna be this competition?’; so, that excitement, that enthusiasm, is what keeps the competition going.

So, when is time for practice… time for the competition to happen, students come out in their numbers, the teams are being formed, and they put their best arm forward basically to have a quite successful and competitive tournament,” Anderson detailed.

With the Nationals edition of the Tournament set for July, Anderson, in expounding on

his expectations of the tournament, said, “We expect to see teams from Rupununi District, Berbice District, Pomeroon District, and all these districts. So, we expect the best of the best to come forward and put their best foot forward in this competition. So I know it's going to be great, and they are looking on to see what is it they need to do to prep and put

themselves in a good position for July,” Anderson revealed. This competition has seen participation from 13 schools hailing from Linden, Kwakwani, Georgetown, Berbice, and the West Side; namely North Ruimveldt Secondary, North Georgetown Secondary, St. Stanislaus Secondary, West Demerara Secondary, Berbice High, Mackenzie High, Christiansburg Wismar Secondary, Wisburg Secondary, New Silvercity Secondary, Linden Foundation Secondary, Harmony Secondary and Kwakwani Secondary. (Omar McKenzie)

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ENTERTAINMENT

Winners of

2024 Inter-School Kayaking Tournament, Linden Foundation Secondary

Tournament organizer Deon Anderson

(Sourced from FIFA Interview with Omari Glasgow)

Omari Glasgow has said World Cup qualification would be “massive” for Guyana

Omari Glasgow is one of the brightest young football stars the Caribbean, and by extension CONCACAF, has to offer

ExxonMobil/Petra launch 5th edition of U14 Boys and Girls tournament

Beginning next Saturday, May 18th, more than 50 secondary school boys and girls Football teams would converge on the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground at Carifesta Avenue for kick-off of the ExxonMobil Under-14 Schools’ Football Tournament.

This comes on the heels of the launch of the fifth edition of the tournament on Thursday afternoon at Cara Lodge in Georgetown, where it was revealed that ExxonMobil have plunged some $17.7M into the expansion of this year’s tournament.

Speaking at this launch was ExxonMobil’s Community Relations Manager Suzanne DeAbreu, who cited inclusivity and several benefits to players as reasons for the company’s continued support.

DeAbreu shared, “For us at ExxonMobil, investing in sport is investing in the community. For the past 5 years, supporting Petra in this initiative has allowed us to make a positive contribution in one of

our community investment focus areas: women, youth and community empowerment. When I think back to my days at school and the part team sports played in my life (and) that of my peers; and more recently, when I see the impact sport (has) had on my own children; I’m really pleased that we’re supporting this initiative, which brings so many benefits to young people.

“I’m also really please at the inclusivity of boys and girls, and that we’re seeing more teams taking part from around the country,” DeAbreu articulated.

This year’s tournaments will see 32 boys’ teams and 24 girls’ teams competing over the course of 7 weeks. As such, Co-Director of the organizing body, Petra, Troy Mendonca, gave a breakdown of the tour-

GFF 3rd VP Inniss represents Guyana at inaugural FIFA

Integrity Summit

…Federation prepares for training with stakeholders on match manipulation

Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s)

Third Vice President Dion Inniss in April attended the first FIFA Integrity Summit in Singapore organised to update Member Associations on global integrity trends and best practices.

The April 4 and 5 conference was held in collaboration with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), and was attended by representatives from FIFA’s 211 member associations and the six confederations.

This is part of FIFA’s ongoing initiatives to tackle match manipulation, corruption, and other unethical or illegal activities by providing education and training to players, referees and integrity officers.

Since his return, Inniss has been directing his efforts towards preparing the GFF for FIFA’s comprehensive educational training materials’ rollout in June, which will be used to inform Guyana’s football stakeholders about match manipulation.

The GFF will also be implementing an anti-match fixing policy in accordance with

FIFA’s guidelines.

“We discussed strategies on how to combat match fixing, including investigative methods.

But the biggest thing was how do we educate our stakeholders: the players, match officials, coaches and our external stakeholders like law enforcement, to deal with this ever-increasing phenomenon,” he explained.

Participants also covered global integrity trends and the exchange of best practices and significant decisions by FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding match manipulation. They were also presented with the new FIFA Integrity Handbook. Inniss said the summit

gave him an opportunity to interact with other representatives and deliberate on the challenges they also encountered in ensuring the integrity of the game.

Underlining the urgency for proactive measures to be in place in Guyana to preserve fair play in football, the GFF official shared that only fifteen countries globally possess legislation explicitly addressing match manipulation.

A presentation he found particularly impactful was given by former England professional footballer Moses Swaibu, who shared his personal journey and revealed how his involvement in match-fixing had led to imprisonment and ultimately transformed his life. He has since founded a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that is committed to educating players and others about the dangers of match-fixing.

Also present at the summit were representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Interpol, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

nament’s format.

“Both boys and girls will have a round-robin knockout.

For the boys, eight groups of four, then we go to a roundof-16 and then quarterfinals.

Of course, the eight teams that remain in the quarterfinals will play for place 1-8, so nobody will be going after then. Of course it’s developmental,” Mendonca explained.

“And similar for the girls. It’s gonna be six groups of four, and then we break down to 16 and then 8. And of course, just like the boys, the girls will play for 1-8,” the Petra Co-Director went on to divulge.

GABF U23 Championships…

“I know our organization will put our best foot forward to make this tournament a successful one. So that, come next year, we can be here or probably somewhere else to launch the sixth edition, and we can see many of these kids being incorporated within the national setup,” Mendonca further committed.

Teams from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 are set to compete in this tournament for first to fourth place prizes that would materialise as a school project. The ExxonMobil U14 competition is tentatively set to conclude on June 29th.

Pepsi Sonics secure 1st win, as Bounty Colts remain unbeaten

Pepsi Sonics and Bounty Colts have secured wins on the third day of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s (GABF’s) Under-23 Club Championships, held at the National Gymnasium on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 to showcase their shooting skills for jubilant supporters.

Bouncing back from a previous loss against Meadowbank Nets, Pepsi Sonics pounced on Leonora D-up Bad Boys, and

card reading 74-36 in their favour. They scored 24 points in that quarter, while their opponents netted only 14 points.

The Sonics secured the win in the final quarter with a scoreline of 98-52.

Speaking to media operatives, Sonics Captain Mervin Mars disclosed the key to their victory.

“Well, tonight we pushed the ball, we went home and made some adjustments, talk-

scoreline reading 15-9. In the second quarter of the game, the Colts, playing up to the hype, conquered the defense of the Eagles as they scored 12 points, pushing their score to 27 points, while the Eagles were restricted to 4 points and a total of 13 points. In the ensuing struggle of the third quarter, the Eagles seemed to be making a comeback, but the Colts scored 17 points to take their score to 44,

started their game on a high to lead the first quarter against a very strong team. The scoreline read 27-10 at the end of that session.

The second quarter saw the Sonics taking many shots at the basket as they continued to prevail. They extended their lead to 50 by scoring 23 in that quarter, at the end of which the opposition had scored 12 points to take their tally to 22 points.

The Sonics continued to show their class by ending the third quarter with the score-

ed about the mistakes that were made; we came back and we put it in place to secure this victory. So, it’s all about teamwork, pushing the pace of the game and (getting) our players set, and that was it,” Mars said.

Meanwhile, with their lightning-fast play, the Bounty Colts secured their second win of the tournament and continued their unbeaten streak as they penetrated the defense of Stabroek Eagles in the second game. The Colts forged a first-quarter lead with the

while the Eagles managed only 14 points to carry their score to 27.

In the final quarter, the Colts sealed the deal with a breakthrough of their opponents’ defence that left the scoreline reading 63-49 in their favour.

This league is sponsored by Wilson Plumbing Services and General Supplies, and is supported by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

A look at the FIFA Integrity Summit in Singapore

Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca

ExxonMobil Community Relations Manager Suzanne DeAbreu

Pepsi Sonics

Bounty Colts