Guyana Times - Friday, May 31, 2024.pdf

Ground-breaking ceremony held for beautification project at Anna Regina 50-member Guyanese delegation for Suriname trade mission next week

...to further invest in high-value crops ...$10M for dredging of Moruca River, $10M to rehabilitate sports facilities

has been happening for years, but this is the worst” – Linden resident

Bridges, roads washed away as heavy downpours persist in Region 9

Ruimveldt woman busted with over 3kg ganja

Japan, Guyana pledge to deepen political, commercial ties

show host gets $200,000 bail for cybercrime offence

Bridges, roads washed away as heavy downpours persist in Reg 9

– RDC activates transport system for affected villagers

Several villages in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) remain inundated following the prolonged downpours that have occurred over the past few days. Among the villages most affected are Potarinau, South Central Rupununi, Aishalton, Parishara and Nappi.

In addition to these villages, several bridges and roads have been rendered inaccessible to vehicular traffic. One such bridge is in the Iwokrama Reserve, approximately 15 minutes away from the Kurupukari Crossing.

Moreover, the Pirarato-Lethem Road has been rendered completely inaccessible, and scores of passengers have been left stranded on either side thereof.

Responding to these occurrences, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has dispatched a team to the affected areas to conduct a thorough assessment of the situation. In addition, cleaning supplies have been delivered to the Regional Authorities to be distributed to the residents.

The Regional Democratic Council (RDC), in responding to this situ-

ation, called an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss and address the challenges the Region faces from rising levels of water. During that meeting, systems were activated to ensure the safety of all residents at this time. Residents have nevertheless been advised to take all necessary precautions against waterborne diseases and flooding, and to be vigilant.

“Residents are encouraged to listen to the local radio station and follow updates on the Office of the Regional Executive Officer’s Facebook page and the Regional Democratic Council Region #9 page for accurate information,” the RDC has said.

The RDC staff have,

three bridges were identified with significant erosion issues. Contractors have been instructed to address these problems immediately (in order) to prevent further degradation and ensure safety. The inspection covered all bridges from Annai, beginning with bridge number 19, to the washout bridge number 3,”

up to Thursday, assumed a vital role by providing free boat transportation to ensure the continued safe passage of Lethem residents following the submergence of the Pirara Bridge.

However, the Public Works Ministry, late Thursday evening, related that it had completed a series of site visits to assess and address infrastructural concerns within the region.

A team led by the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, focused primarily on bridges and areas showing signs of erosion.

“During the visits,

the ministry has said.

“In addition to erosion repairs, some bridges require the widening of their channels to facilitate better water discharge. This measure is crucial to enhancing the resilience of the infrastructure against potential flooding.

“All relevant contractors have been informed of the necessary work to be undertaken. Notably, the (washed out) bridge repair is underway, with MMC beginning the stockpiling of materials required for the fix.

Some villagers have had to be transported by boat after the Pirara Bridge had been washed away

Stranded passengers

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 31 – 23:30h-01:00h and Saturday, June 1 –12:30h-13:15h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily. Friday, May 31 –10:50h-12:20h.

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to light rain showers are expected during the day and at night, with sunshine in the late afternoon. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East SouthEasterly between 1.34 metre and 3.57 metres

High Tide: 11:08h and 23:48h reaching maximum heights of 2.32 metres and 2.36 metres.

Low Tide: 17:12h reaching a minimum height of 0.85 metre.

Govt invested over $13B in Reg 1 since 2020 – Pres Ali

...to further invest in high-value crops ...$10M for dredging of Moruca River, $10M to rehabilitate sports facilities

Since assuming office in August 2020, the Guyana Government has pumped over $13.8 billion into the development of residents in Region One (BarimaWaini) in a bid to improve their livelihood and quality of life.

This was revealed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a community meeting with residents of Waramuri Village on Thursday.

According to the Head of State, the sum of $5.5 billion was expended over the last four years on the construction and rehabilitation of public infrastructure; $4.1 billion was expended on the drilling of wells and housing in the region; $1.2 billion was invested through Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) for the expansion of poultry production and $1.8 billion in ‘Because We Care’ cash grants for school-aged children.

Additionally, $600 million in presidential grants were provided to villages; $500 million to support agriculture and the ramping up of food production; $107 million for the construction of recreational facilities, and $58 million in support grants for children and adults living with disabilities.

President Ali explained that the monies invested are part of a targeted and multifaceted approach geared at creat-

ing growth and development for those residing in the region.

“We are making this investment because we care about you, we want you to have a better life, we want you to be successful, we believe in you and as long as the People’s Progressive Party Civic is in office you will continue to see these investments in your community and your villages,” the Head of State told those gathered.

However, Region One continues to make significant strides towards becoming a major centre for food production, and according to President Ali enormous possibilities in food security still exist.

He said the region alone can produce all the cassava, eddoes, sweet potatoes, yams, turmeric, ginger, and cage-culture fish for the small Island States like Trinidad and Tobago.

Nevertheless, the Guyana Government plans to continue investing in agriculture, specifically high-value crops.

This commitment was made by the President, who explained that the distribution of 10,000 coffee plants, and 20,000 high-bearing Brazilian nuts will commence very soon.

“Breadfruit production is another important regional commodity and we are going to support

you by having the market available but these are long-term crops. We want to replant 5000 breadfruit plants in Region One so that we can become an important supplier of bread fruit for the country. We are going to move into these productions because these are crops that have value on the regional market, ease to transport,” he explained. Further, to ensure that residents and visitors are guaranteed safety when travelling along the Moruca River, the government has made available $10 million to commence the cleaning and dredging of the waterway.

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering at Waramuri

Residents turned up in their number

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Monitoring, compliance & enforcement

Last year environmental regulations in Spain were amended and stipulated that tobacco companies will be charged to clean up cigarette butts off the streets and beaches.

These regulations were enforced after according to a BBC report millions of butts are thrown away each year - releasing toxic plastic waste which can take decades to break down.

This position by Spain shows that the country is taking a tough stance against smoking and the adverse impact cigarette waste is having on the environment.

A report by the Catalan Rezero Foundation called cigarette waste the "most abundant waste" on the beaches of the western Mediterranean, pointing out that existing measures to tackle it - such as awareness campaigns and portable beach ashtrays - had been insufficient.

The new rules make manufacturers responsible for collecting discarded butts as well as transporting them for waste treatment., the BBC reported.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that more than 40 million young people aged 13-15 have already started to use tobacco. This, by any measure, is quite alarming, and one can only imagine the kind of impact this would have on our young people if urgent action is not taken to discourage such actions.

The WHO, for some time now, has embarked on a global campaign to highlight the “strategic, aggressive and well-resourced tactics” employed by the tobacco industry to target youths and to debunk the myths they create.

The campaign seeks to provide young people with the knowledge required to easily detect industry manipulation – from product design to marketing campaigns – and equip them with the tools to rebuff such tactics, thereby empowering young people to stand up against them. The WHO described this effort as a counter-marketing campaign, as it would reinforce work in assisting countries to implement effective policy interventions to reduce the demand for tobacco.

Here in Guyana, Chronic Diseases Coordinator Dr. Kavita Singh had, in the past, lamented the fact that the tobacco industry is capitalising on new trends, targeting young persons. She noted that it was during this point in time that ‘big tobacco’ was using strategic marketing techniques to try to get young people to experiment with new and emerging novel products, like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

While there is a myth that these products are safe, they are equally as harmful as the smoke of an actual cigarette. According to WHO, smoking e-cigarettes and hookah pipes – marketed as “safer” alternatives to conventional cigarettes – is harmful, addictive, and increases the risk of developing heart and lung diseases.

Of note is that these products have the same tobacco, which has cancercausing agents among other deadly emissions. The WHO notes that most of the countless flavours on offer – such as bubble gum and candy – are there to attract youngsters, who at least double their chances of smoking cigarettes later in life.

It should be stated that tobacco is responsible for over seven million deaths per year worldwide. This includes approximately 900,000 persons who die from diseases related to exposure to tobacco smoke. Over 40 per cent of all tobaccorelated deaths are from lung diseases like cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and tuberculosis.

Guyana’s tobacco control law, enacted in 2017, follows several of the Articles of the WHO Convention and mandates the adoption and implementation of a series of tobacco control policies that make it one of the most complete tobacco control laws. These include 100 per cent smoke-free environments in all indoor public spaces, indoor work spaces, public transportation, and specified outdoor spaces to protect people from exposure to tobacco smoke; a ban on all forms of advertising and promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products; health warnings featured on 60 per cent of tobacco product packaging, including images. It also includes a ban on the sale of tobacco products to and by minors, a prohibition on vending machines’ sales, and a ban on the manufacture and sale of toys candies, and any other goods in the form of tobacco products.

There is no strict enforcement of the measures enacted in the local 2017 control law and more so no provision like that of Spain to have companies pay for the damage they are causing to the environment.

Having the necessary legislation in place is a good starting point, but the challenges relate to monitoring and compliance, stricter enforcement of the legislation has still not yet been addressed.

PNC candidates vying for party leader is like running to be captain of Titanic

Dear Editor,

The news has reported that Mr. Norton, Mr. Forde and Ms. WaltonDesir are running for the position of party leader of the PNC. This is akin to running to be captain of the Titanic.

After its dismal attempt to rig the 2020 elections while the whole world was watching, the PNC has branded itself forever as a party that would always attempt to rig to stay in power, as its Founder-Rigger Mr. Burnham has done for 28 years and pauperizing Guyana in the process. Guyana has had too much trauma with rigging in the Burnham/ Hoyte years, and the attempted rigging in 2020 solidifies that the PNC will use “any means necessary” to hold on to power. And “Older” Green’s remarks at a party training that it’s OK to rig for only the descendants of slaves to be “pan tap” does not help the repu-

tation of the PNC. Mr. Green contends that only Afro-Guyanese deserves to run Guyana and that the Opposition should keep rigging national elections to keep the PPP out of office. He has since apologized.

None of the candidates running for party leader has condemned the statement by “Older” Green. That will not win crossover votes in an election. Without crossover votes, the PNC cannot win an election with its traditional voting bloc. It will be condemned to the benches of the Opposition, as it has nothing to offer Guyanese. In a news article, “Norton defends Green’s irresponsible, reckless comments about electoral rigging (Chronicle, Feb. 23, 2024), Mr. Norton was cited as saying Mr. Green’s remarks were taken out of context. There was no condemnation.

The Public would

like to know whether the 3 candidates for Party Leader still believe the President was “installed.” Can the 3 candidates tell us what is their position on rigging? Is it OK for the PNC to rig to get into power?

The Candidates must say whether they believe in and would work hard to renegotiate the bad oil contract signed by the PNC+AFC so that the country will get tons of additional cash to fund projects across Guyana. Mr. Norton does not seem to favour renegotiation. We don’t know Mr. Forde and Ms. WaltonDesir’s position on renegotiation.

A recent letter by Egland Gomes is cause for alarm (“Time to elect new credible leadership for the PNCR,” KN, May 28, 2024). Gomes feels that things are not going well under current leadership. The younger Mr. Forde has done much legal work for the PNC, and comes over as more

“polished.” The young, likeable Ms. WaltonDesir may also prove attractive to the women delegates. Women do the heavy lifting in the PNC. But whomever is elected, the PNC is destined to be in the Opposition for a long time, as it does not command trust from any other small parties in existence to form any kind of coalition. The AFC may go it alone in 2025. The PPP seems to be gaining ground in winning crossover votes from the PNC given its development efforts in those communities. The PNC’s refusal to participate in the Independence Day celebrations in Linden is disappointing as the Venezuelans are noticing our divisions. The PNC, as is, is quite uninspiring, and new, progressive leadership may be what it needs to improve its performance.

Sincerely,

M Singh

An aerial morning view of downtown Georgetown, overlooking the Demerara River and the Harbour Bridge. This photo by John Duncan was shortlisted in the ‘Snap and Share’ competition hosted by the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry to commemorate Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary

Out of the logies

By: Ravi Dev

The Moyne Commission, which was taking evidence in British Guiana in 1939 following Caribbean labour protests, when five sugar workers were shot and killed at Leonora Estate, made political and social recommendations that were to be implemented after WWII. A Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund (SILWF) was established in 1947 by applying a levy on exported sugar, to be used for rehousing sugar workers. It was not mere altruism, since the system of “cut and drop” was changed the following years to “cut and load” –precipitating the 1948 Enmore protests and massacrebecause it extracted more money from workers’ wages than the levy.

Extra-Nuclear Housing Areas (ENHA) were to be created by legislation passed in 1947 to accommodate ALL sugar workers and their families WHO WERE STILL LIVING IN BARRACKS OR LOGIES, because their living conditions

had shocked the members of the Commission. Latrines, for instance, were over drainage canals, which could contaminate irrigation canals from where the drinking water was sourced.

The number of ranges/logies in the various estates were as follows: Skeldon 49; Port Morant 95; Albion 67; Rose Hall (Canje) 132; Providence (EBB) 2; Blairmont 39; Bath 21; Enmore/Non Pariel 70; Lusignan 101; LBI 71; Ogle 35; Ruimveldt 17; Houston 23; Farm/Diamond 194; Wales 54; Versailles 52; Leonora 80; Uitvlugt 145. Eventually between 1951 and 1964, some 10,785 lots were allocated and the same number of houses built. By 1971 when only 17 logies were standing at Port Morant and 13 at Leonora. the number had reached 12,000: by then it was the largest housing drive in the British Caribbean.

The loans in 1951 were typically for approximately BWI$1200 (US$480) and this was supposed to provide lumber, gutters, carpenters fees, paint, and painters fees for a house approximately 24’x20’ with a 12’x10’ kitchen. The lots were leased and the loans were to be repaid at a rate of $2 weekly, to be deducted from wages.

INSERT: Estate house with grilled windows and door - kitchen at left

For example, the 145 logies of Uitvlugt where I was born were in five sections – Ni**er Yard; Letter “A”; Bound Quarters; New Range and Five Bed. Their relocation started in 1947 in waves with 226 house lots allocated in the cleared land north of the Public Road to the Atlantic Ocean – once the Provision Grounds of the slaves and dubbed “Ocean View” – and the same number of houses were built with the SILWF loans. Simultaneously, another 288 lots were allocated and homes were built in the section between the railway line and south of the Public Road.

Other occupants from the Logies were then relocated to ENHA lots created in successive waves westwards from 1954 through the early 1960s to Zeeburg (94), De Willem (167), E. Meten meer Zorg (151), W. Meten meer Zorg (194); Zeelugt (164) and finally Tuschen (80).

The 145 logies gave rise to 1,364 homes with that many families.

Aquaculture Advancements in Guyana: A Comparative Analysis of Minister Zulfikar Mustapha's Tenure Versus the APNU/AFC Administration

Dear Editor,

Aquaculture has emerged as a vital sector in Guyana's agricultural landscape, and its progress under different administrations showcases the impact of policy and leadership. A comparative analysis of the strides made under the current Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, against the backdrop of the APNU/ AFC administration, reveals significant advancements in the sector under Minister Mustapha’s leadership.

Aquaculture under the APNU/AFC Administration

During the APNU/ AFC administration (2015-2020), efforts in aquaculture were relatively modest. While the government recognized the potential of the sector, investments and comprehensive policies to boost growth were limited. Statistics from the Guyana Bureau of Statistics show that by 2020, aquaculture production was approximately 1,000 metric tons annually, with the sector facing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited technical support, and insufficient funding.

Transformative Changes under Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Since taking office in August 2020, Minister

Zulfikar Mustapha has prioritized the development of aquaculture, implementing a series of strategic initiatives that have resulted in remarkable growth. Under his leadership, the Ministry of Agriculture launched targeted programs to enhance production, improve infrastructure, and provide technical and financial support to farmers.

1. Increased Production: By 2023, aquaculture production had surged to 3,500 metric tons annually, reflecting a 250% increase since 2020. This significant rise demonstrates the effectiveness of the policies and support mechanisms put in place by Minister Mustapha.

2. Infrastructure Development: The government, under Mustapha’s guidance, has invested heavily in modernizing aquaculture facilities. This includes the construction of new fish ponds and hatcheries, and the upgrading of existing infrastructure. These improvements have enhanced the capacity and efficiency of aquaculture operations across the country.

3. Technical Support and Training: Recognizing the importance of knowledge transfer, the Ministry of Agriculture has provided extensive training pro-

Bridges, roads washed...

To effectively manage the significant water flow, MMC needs to accumulate 80% of the materials before commencing the blockage of the washout.”

Further, the Minister also visited the washout area and spoke with stranded passengers, indicating that vehicles should be able to traverse the area by noon on Friday. This assurance comes as part of the Ministry's commitment to promptly restore connectivity and minimize inconvenience to the public.

“The Ministry of Public Works remains committed to maintaining and improving the infrastructure in Region 9, ensuring the safety and connectivity of the community,” a release stated.

grams for aquaculture farmers. These programs focus on best practices in fish farming, disease management, and sustainable production techniques. The Ministry has collaborated with international experts to ensure that Guyanese farmers are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.

4. Financial Support and Incentives: To encourage investment in aquaculture, the government has introduced various financial incentives, including grants and low-interest loans. These measures have made it easier for farmers to expand their operations and adopt modern technologies.

5. Research and Development: Under Mustapha's tenure, there has been a significant increase in research and development activities aimed at improving aquaculture practices. The establishment of research facilities and partnerships with academic institutions has led to innovations that enhance productivity and sustainability in the sector.

Comparative Impact

The comparative impact of the two administrations is stark. While the APNU/AFC administration laid some groundwork, the lack of comprehensive policies and limited investment hindered substantial growth. In contrast, Minister Mustapha's tenure has been marked by robust policy implementation, significant investments, and a focus on capacity building, resulting in a thriving aquaculture sector.

The statistics clearly indicate that under Minister Mustapha, aquaculture in Guyana has advanced rapidly, positioning the country as a potential leader in the Caribbean’s aquaculture industry. The substantial increase in production, coupled with improved infrastructure and farmer support, highlights the transformative impact of strategic leadership and investment in this critical sector.

Sincerely, Satrohan

Singh

Meanwhile, some eight households in Region 4 (DemeraraMahaica) particularly the villages Mocha Arcadia and Little Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and Adventure Village on the LindenSoesdyke Highway were battling high waters.

A few families have been relocated to alternative housing sites while others were provided with cleaning hampers, mosquito nets, and buckets, as they await a recession of the flood waters. Residents are urged to be cautious during this period and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 6007500 at any time.

FROM PAGE 2

Page Foundation

VP Jagdeo “worried” about consequences for teachers if High Court decision overturned

As the resumed strike action across the country continues, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said he is worried about the consequences for teachers when the High Court decision that they be paid is eventually overturned in a higher court.

Last month, High Court Justice Sandil Kissoon found that the five-week strike action taken in February by teachers across Guyana was “legal and legitimate.” Consequently, the court ruled that, among other things, the Government could not cut the salaries of those teachers who were on strike and did not show up to work.

The Government has appealed this decision last week, seeking “…an order setting aside the whole of the decision of the Honourable Mr. Justice Sandil Kissoon…”

However, the industrial action led by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has resumed, and is now in its third week. Confident that the Government would be successful in its appeal, the Vice President has explained that, should the High Court decision be reversed, the teachers would have to face the consequences, since their absent days are being racked up, and this would not bode well for them when their salaries would eventually be deducted.

“Basically, I’m worried about the teachers, because, if they keep striking, then the number of [absent] days are growing, and we’re gonna get that decision reversed…

It can’t stand on an appeal. Anytime that stands on an appeal at the CCJ (Caribbean Court of Justice), you have to shut down the country,” he declared.

“Because if it says you cannot work and [still] receive pay; you don’t show up to work and your employers, by law and in the constitution, would have to pay you, then you wouldn’t show up… What will happen in a country then, you just have to shut down,” Jagdeo contended.

The Government, through the Education Ministry, is continuing to engage in negotiations on the way forward with the GTU, which is pushing for a backdated collective bargaining agreement.

However, the Government has insisted that it would only consider an agreement covering 2024 onwards – a position Jagdeo reiterated on Thursday.

According to the Vice President, since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration took office in 2020, it has already spent over $90 billion on public sector salary increases. He pointed out that the Government needs to look at the sustainability for any other increases in the public sector.

“For wages and salaries in the public sector, in three areas – central government, the statutory bodies, and public corporations – have grown from about $120 billion in 2020 to $210 billion… That’s a massive growth…,” he explained.

“All of this growth has to be financed in the future, regardless of the price of oil or the revenue flow in the future. So, this means you have about 80 to 90 billion dollars more of disposal income to people… and that’s only from the public sector that has to be financed. We said that the revenue flow in the future years, if sustained maybe through a sovereign fund, would be able to sustain higher levels of renumeration in the future,” he explained.

“In the future, our revenue will grow to maybe $10 billion per year, we’re under $2 billion now. So, in the future you will be able to see more increases in wages and salaries,” Jagdeo outlined.

In a marathon ruling on April 19, Justice Kissoon found that the recent five-week GTUled strike action by teachers across Guyana was “legal and legitimate.”

Initially slated for two weeks but ended up running for over a month, the GTUorganised countrywide strike started on February 5, calling for better pay and working conditions.

The Government had labelled the industrial action as illegal, and consequently announced plans to cut the salary of those teachers who did not show up to work for over a month, and to also stop deducting union dues from the wages and salaries of teachers.

However, the High Court Judge, in his ruling on the case filed by the GTU to challenge

the Government’s decisions, had found that the teachers were justified in their strike action, since there was no proper collective bargaining between the Education Ministry and the union, which had a multiyear agreement that included salary increases for the period 2019 to 2023.

The High Court Judge further ruled that any move to deduct or withhold the salaries of those teachers on strike would be “arbitrary, unlawful, unreasonable and unconstitutional.”

Similarly, he also ruled that the Government acted “arbitrarily” when it halted the deduction of union dues from teachers’ salaries.

According to Justice Kissoon, “…the right to strike, like the right to engage in collective bargaining, is firmly embedded in the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to every citizen of Guyana under the Constitution…”

However, Government argued in its appeal, filed by the Attorney General’s Chambers on May 22, that the High Court Judge “erred and misdirected himself in law when he, having found that the applicant’s pleadings could not withstand judicial scrutiny, failed and/or refused to strike out the pleadings as being frivolous, vexatious, and as disclosing no cause of action… erred in law in considering issues which were not properly and adequately pleaded or pleaded at all, and which did not fall to be determined by the Court.”

Government’s appeal has added that the judge also erred “…when he held that the ‘no work no pay’ principle was raised by the pleadings as an issue to be determined” and “…when he found that there is no difference between a right to strike and the freedom to strike, notwithstanding that the Constitution of Guyana, Chap. 1:01 does not provide for a right to strike, rather, the freedom to strike is expressly guaranteed by Article 147 of the Constitution.”

The appeal document further detailed that “The Learned Trial Judge erred and misdirected himself in law when he held that the strike action called by a trade

union was ‘justified’, and that the ‘no work no pay’ principle had no applicability, and that the employer was required to pay wages which had not been earned, contrary to, and in contravention of, the provisions of the Labour Act, Chap. 98:01.”

Another ground in the appeal is that “The Learned Trial Judge erred in law and fact when he found that the Government’s discontinuation of the gratuitous deduction of union dues and the remittance of the same to the respondent Guyana Teachers Union constituted a direct interference with the Union’s right to collective bargaining as guaranteed by Article 147 of the Constitution.” (G-8)

Govt invested over $13B in Reg 1...

The Moruca River is located in the Barima-Waini region of northern Guyana and is known for its varying water levels depending on the season. The river mouth opens to the Atlantic Ocean, with mangrove forests along the shoreline.

“I know one of your main issues here is the Moruca River…I have instructed already, that this week, $10 million be transferred to the region and by tomorrow, you must start cleaning the river,” President Ali told the residents.

In addition to the dredging of the river, an extra $10 million will be provided to the Waramuri Village for the upgrading and rehabilitation of their sporting facilities.

President Ali reaffirmed that investments are being equally injected into all regions for their fullest development potential and prosperity. Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal has been tasked with spearheading both projects.

Talk show host gets $200,000 bail for cybercrime offence

Local talk show host Kadackie Amsterdam of Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was on Thursday placed on $200,000 bail by Magistrate Faith McGusty, before whom he was arraigned on a cybercrime-related offence for

which he has pleaded not guilty.

Police have said that the 46-year-old Amsterdam had used a computer system to encourage or incite persons to commit a criminal offence against the President of Guyana, following which he was arrested

by ranks of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday and was kept in the lockups until Thursday, when he was arraigned in the Georgetown court of Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty.

After being placed on bail, the matter was

Talk show host Kadackie Amsterdam

adjourned to June 10, 2024. Guyana Times understands that additional charges are slated to be filed against him.

Body of man, 73, found in ECD home

The lifeless body of 73-year-old Norman Emanuel Vieira, also called 'Peter', has been found on Wednesday in his home at Section 'E', Cummings Park, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The deceased had reportedly lived alone in a two-bedroom wooden structure, and had last been seen alive on Tuesday at about 19:00h.

He had reportedly been a patient of the cardiology clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Police have said that on Wednesday, at about 16:00h, a neighbour reported that she was in her yard when she was struck by a foul stench emanating from the home of the deceased. Upon checking, she found Vieira lying motionless in his home, and she immediately contacted the police through the 911 hotline.

The police responded, and upon arrival, the body of the deceased was discovered in one of the bedrooms, clad in brown and white striped boxers. The body was examined for marks of violence, but none was seen.

A post mortem is expected to be performed to determine the cause of death.

Blame…

…game

Is the PNC blaming the PPP for the floods in Linden actually a compliment- since it implies the PPP is responsible for the heavy rainfalls?? Up to now, your Eyewitness assumed those were due to acts of God or Mother Nature – who might very well be God for all we know!! But this habit of blaming the PPP for their own shortcomings has long passed the annoyance stage. It’s gotten to a point where the PNC’s admitting they literally can’t even clean their own derrieres - after dumping their loads!! How long haven’t the filth of Georgetown not been blamed on the PPP??

So why the heck do we have Mayors and their Councils to run our Municipalities? As far as your Eyewitness knowsapart from Central Government providing the Municipalities a subvention annually- it’s up to the local bodies to look after their own affairs! Don’t they collect rates and taxes?? Then there are the Central Government subventions that are supposed to “top up” their collections. So what happened to all the subventions they collected up to now?? Wasn’t $1,000,000,000 – 1 BILLION – allocated to Municipalities in 2018?? And we know Linden’s cheque for 2024 was just collected …so will this disappear into a black hole also??

But we have a more fundamental problem playing out here. The PNC’s weaponizing every challenge in the communities where African Guyanese – their major base – dominate. Just to make political mileage. Never mind they’re increasing the misery of their supporters – cynically hoping that the “Blame PPP” routine will work. Rather than advising and assisting these communities to become self-sufficient and independent of the Central Government - as they’d announced grandly when they introduced “decentralization” with the RDCs, NDCs and Municipalities - they blame the PPP whenever the latter are in government!!

But ole people say “all smart fly do end up in a cow’s backside”!! And from what we’re witnessing across the country, the PPP’s change of strategy to engage in direct courting of ethnic communities is bearing fruit. Since their “own” party insists they can't do anything for them and the PPP is stepping up to the plate, who can blame even old PNC party stalwarts for taking a new look at the PPP?? This tendency is exacerbated by the collapse in the PNC leadership as they fight each other to become “leader”. How can they inspire confidence in their base when they can’t get their act together to show they have a chance of capturing the government??

Their walkabouts in communities amount to nothing more than shooting the breeze since they’ve been unable to unfurl a strategy that even SUGGESTS they can undercut the PPP’s drive to 2025.

The question is: “will they be alive in twenty-five”??

…the PNC dogfight

The word “dogfight” was widened after WWI when those little bi-planes went at each other in the skies like dogs on the ground as they fought viciously over scraps or whatever. Well, there’s quite a dogfight going on within the PNC as they approach their party’s Congress come end of June!! At this stage partisans of the challengers to Leader Norton are coming out of the woodwork snarling and slathering with their fangs bared!! Now, when all the heat’s directed at one man, you know these are acts of desperation – cause the incumbent’s unassailable!! So we hear trash-talk about the leader being autocratic, highhanded, out-of-touch – even corrupt!! But their founder-leader Burnham used to say – “Never canoe can bore punt”!! The fact of the matter is Norton’s doing exactly what every PNC leader before him did – including Burnham. They use whatever means available to remain in office – whether in the party or in the government. All is fair in love and war – and politics is war, baby!!

…Congressman Jackson

Interesting letter in the press advising Congressman to fix his own constituents’ problems in Chicago rather than skylarking in Guyana. But he’s just following in his father’s footsteps, innit? What problem in the States did Jesse ever solve??

Guyana blasts “blatant disregard for rule of law” over Israeli air strikes in Gaza

As the onslaught continues in Gaza, Guyana has reiterated its strong condemnation of Israel’s actions following last weekend’s airstrikes that killed over 40 Palestinians who were seeking refuge in a camp in Rafah.

On Sunday, airstrikes from the Israeli Defence Forces struck Tal al-Sultan in western Rafah, setting fire to a displacement camp where some 45 Palestinians seeking refuge were killed and over 200 were injured. This incident has sparked widespread condemnation globally.

At a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Meeting on Wednesday, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, joined in denouncing

the actions of the Israeli Government. Noting that the war crisis is in the occupied Palestinian territory, she also sounded calls for an international probe into the incident.

“It had seemed that the Gaza crisis could not get any worse, until we learned of last Sunday’s events in Tal al-Sultan in Rafah, where displaced Palestinians sheltering in tents were set on fire after Israeli airstrikes.

People were injured and burned alive. And all of this (occurred) in a designated safe zone – a chilling reminder that there is no safe place in Gaza,” she asserted.

“Guyana calls for a swift, independent and international investigation to establish the facts surrounding this incident, including to identify the perpetrators.

This Council must not continue to accept the all-too-familiar explanations of these incidents being mistakes or miscalculations,” the Guyanese UN Representative posited.

According to Ambassador RodriguesBirkett, there is no justification for the killing of innocent civilians, and

halt military operations in Rafah when the attack in Tal al-Sultan took place. This Council must seriously consider how to address this blatant disregard for the rule of law,” she asserted.

she pointed to Israel’s continued disregard for the international rule of law.

“The ICJ (International Court of Justice) has issued three sets of provisional measures, but there is no compliance. Indeed, two days had not yet passed following the last order by the Court for Israel to

In fact, Guyana’s UN Representative further noted that all parties in this conflict must strictly adhere to international law, including international humanitarian law. To this end, she called for the immediate and unconditional release of the more than 100 persons who were taken hostage by Hamas from Israel on October 7, 2023 and are still being held in Gaza.

Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett has reiterated Guyana’s longstanding call for a ceasefire in Gaza and for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza.

“Unless the violence ends, the humanitarian situation will not improve, and the suffering will continue. A ceasefire is also one critical element for improving the security situation for humanitarian personnel to operate unimpeded… The needs in Gaza are massive, and the non-operation of several crossings has rendered the humanitarian response ineffective,” she added.

The Guyanese UN Representative further renewed calls for a twostate solution to end the decades-old war between Palestine and Israel. She noted that the Palestinian people must exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, and it is the UN that must guarantee the exercise of that right.

Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett addressing the UNSC meeting on Wednesday

Japan, Guyana pledge to deepen political, commercial ties

Foreign Secretary

Robert Persaud on Thursday met with Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, His Excellency Hosaka Yasushi, who was in Guyana on a oneday visit.

The Japanese envoy was accompanied by the Non-Resident Ambassador of Japan to Guyana, His Excellency Matsubara Yutaka, and representatives of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Japan.

During the meeting, Foreign Secretary Persaud expressed Guyana’s appreciation for the support offered by the Government of Japan through economic and technical cooperation projects at the bi-

lateral level; alluded to the growing presence of Japanese investors, particularly in the oil and gas sector; and affirmed Government’s commitment to creating a safe environment to attract foreign investors. He also acknowledged the close working relationship between Guyana and Japan, as elected members of the United Nations Security Council.

Vice-Minister Hosaka underscored the importance Japan attaches to its traditional friendship with Guyana, which he described as based on the core principles of freedom, the rule of law, democracy, international law, and human rights.

He signalled the

Japanese Government’s interest in the economic development of Guyana, and assured of Japan’s readiness to explore further areas of cooperation that would seek to enhance closer collaboration.

Guyana and Japan established diplomatic relations on 11 June 1969, and Guyana has since benefitted from the receipt of several technical projects from the Government of Japan in the areas of training and capacity building, water sanitation, and disaster risk management.

The World Expo 2025, in which Guyana is expected to participate, will be held in Osaka, Japan from April 13 to October 13, 2025.

Edghill urges new, enhanced approach to road construction, concrete works

– says there is need for resilient, efficient work

Engineers of the Ministries of Public Works and Local Government are being encouraged by Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill to embrace a new and enhanced approach to road construction and concrete works.

Construction work ongoing along the Mabura-Lethem trail

“The Government of Guyana is committed to delivering value for money.

During a training session for staff of the two ministries, held at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown on Thursday with the aim to empower staff with the skills and knowledge to adapt to evolving development needs and construct high-performing roads and infrastructure, the minister pointed out that Guyana’s construction boom has brought a strong need for resilient, efficient work, as the number of new and ongoing projects surges.

Officials from both sides during the meeting on Thursday

Govt working to strengthen internal audit capabilities – Min Singh

Guyana’s oil and gas industry is driving the need for more robust auditing systems in order to ensure continued compliance with internal regulations.

This is according to the Senior Minister in the

Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, who was at the time speaking during a training seminar hosted by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Guyana Chapter Inc. at the Regency

Suites Hotel in Georgetown on Thursday.

The minister emphasised the importance of these systems in ensuring adherence to relevant laws and policies.

Against this backdrop, the minister said

Edghill urges new, enhanced...

We don’t just want to say we spent money on a project, we want to be able to build it. In case anybody is thinking we are just building things for the short term, this PPP/C administration, whatever we are doing here, is not for 5 or 10 years; this is a legacy,” Edghill has posited.

He said that while the country’s oil wealth has paved the way for a plethora of developmental projects, Government prioritizes responsible financial management to ensure long-term development, not wasteful spending.

“We are not splurging, but we also need to be projecting into the future,” he disclosed, as he underscored the responsibility of engineers to ensure that inconveniences are minimised and projects are completed on time. “People’s patience has an expiry date. Your num-

ber one priority is to ensure that projects are completed on time, and within budget,” the minister underscored.

Further, he declared, there is a vast improvement in contract management under the MoW leadership, in that when the PPP/C Government took office, overpayment of contracts was a major problem for the then-Public Infrastructure Ministry.

“That has significantly changed. We are not going to pay for what was not done,” the minister has said.

The minister expressed hope that the twoday workshop would foster interactive discussions on existing gaps in the road construction process, and how these gaps can be filled effectively.

Permanent Secretary of the Works Ministry, Vladim Persaud, has

echoed these sentiments and called for enhanced communication between the engineers and the clerks of works, especially in relation to the design and methodology process.

“The idea is to have more communication and working with the engineers and the clerks of works within the various regions that are implementing the Miscellaneous Roads programme, so that in the final design, we don’t have situations whereby there is always an issue or there must be changes to the design,” the PS has said.

Participants have been engaged in sessions covering various topics, including Procurement and Finance, Survey and Assessment, Durability and Reliability of Road Works, and Rigid and Flexible Pavement Systems.

Government is working to strengthen existing internal audit systems in order to achieve more comprehensive coverage across all ministries.

Internal audits are independent review processes that examine an organisation’s operations and financial records, among other aspects. The process is aimed at identifying areas for improvement, and for making recommendations.

Government currently has an effective internal audit system in the Finance Ministry, but Dr Singh acknowledged inconsistencies across other ministries.

“Some ministries have an internal audit department [and] some don’t, so we ourselves in Government are considering how we can better deploy the internal audit capabilities in the Ministry of Finance across the whole of Government, so that we can address [and] identify

critical areas that we are of the view should be covered by the internal audit function,” Dr Singh has disclosed.

He explained that this system would help to bolster oversight and accountability; would align with Government’s aim to ensure responsible management of public resources; and would maximise the value of Guyana’s growing economy.

“It is our intention to further roll out the internal audit function across the whole of Government, (in order) to ensure that we have comprehensive coverage, and to ensure that we maximise on the tremendous value that can be added by internal audit in Government,” he explained.

Further, the minister has noted that information and communications technology (ICT) is also a critical element in managing Government resources and

ensuring they are expended effectively. In this regard, Minister Singh recalled that a comprehensive Integrated Financial Management and Accounting System had been deployed years ago at the Ministry of Finance, and he said this system continues to prove effective.

FROM PAGE 10

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh making his address on Thursday

Ground-breaking ceremony held for beautification project at Anna Regina

In a dedicated endeavour to enhance the allure of the Anna Regina Township in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali participated on Thursday in a ground-breaking ceremony that took place at Independence Park, adjacent to the Anna Regina High Bridge, in the heart of the township of Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast.

This is yet another beautification project the First Lady is undertaking for the benefit of people all across Guyana.

During her address at this event, Mrs. Ali explained at length that this endeavour forms a pivotal component of a nation-

already been undertaken in Regions Three, Four and Six, and expressed enthusiasm for inaugurating a similar initiative in Region Two.

Mrs. Ali underscored the communal ownership of the project, and urged residents to uphold and cherish the park. "Preserve its cleanliness, refrain from vandalism. This park serves as a communal asset for Region Two, thus it deserves our collective stewardship," she urged.

mental lighting, security personnel, and surveillance systems to deter vandalism.

wide campaign directed towards augmenting the visual appeal across all administrative regions.

She underscored that similar initiatives have

Further, she highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, involving the Office of the First Lady, the Public Works Ministry, and their benefactor, Sheriff Guyana. She disclosed that this project would feature modern amenities, including an outdoor gym, complimentary Wi-Fi, seating arrangements, restroom facilities, orna-

Mayor of Anna Regina, Devin Mohan, has articulated that the project would significantly contribute to the town's progression, while offering a tranquil space for its citizens. He declared, "The project's impact will be widespread across the region. Over recent years, we have witnessed substantial development, and this initiative serves as a continuum of that positive trajectory."

He also extended gratitude to the First Lady and the project's sponsors for bringing this beautification endeavour to fruition in Region Two. The ground-breaking ceremony was graced by the presence of Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, project sponsors, and other regional dignitaries.

MACORP launches sign-up booth to support online shopping experience

The Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP) has unveiled its latest customer service enhancement with the launch of the MACORP Parts,Cat. Com (PCC) booth.

This initiative, part of the 'MORE in 2024' campaign, underscores MACORP's steadfast dedication to improving the online shopping experience for its customers.

Located at the MACORP Head Office at Providence, EBD, the PCC booth operates from 8:00h to 16:30h, providing registration and extensive support for customers accessing its online parts store: https://parts.cat.com/en/ catcorp.

A sales representative assisting a customer at the PCC booth

Felix Rojas, Parts Manager, has emphasized, “We value our customers, and aim to deliver convenience and efficiency using technology through our online shop, where they can buy parts online 24/7 from anywhere, and also enjoy great savings.”

The company has a listing of various parts on its e-commerce site, and encourages customers to initiate requests for replacement parts using the digital platform, in order to receive discounted prices at their convenience.

The company is hopeful that more customers would embrace and adopt the digital shopping experience as it continues to make the portal more convenient

First Lady Arya Ali with regional officials and the project’s benefactor at the groundbreaking ceremony

Stricter measures in place to address garbage pileup around Stabroek Market – M&CC

The impending rainy season has heightened concerns over the accumulation of garbage in and around the capital city, and the Mayor and City Council's (M&CC’s) Solid Waste Management Department has intensified efforts to combat this pressing issue.

In a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, Deputy Director of the M&CC’s Solid Waste Management Department, Floyd Rollins, disclosed that the department has taken a proactive approach in addressing the mounting pile-up of garbage, which often obstructs drainage systems and leads to potential risks of flood-

Deputy Director of the M&CC’s Solid Waste Management Department, Floyd Rollins

over, revealed that there are plans to bolster public awareness campaigns on proper garbage disposal practices and storage protocols during potential delays in waste collection

ing, particularly in the Stabroek Market area.

"We have established street boundaries in the affected areas (in order) to conduct daily cleaning of both the drains and any accumulated waste. While this practice has been ongoing for years, we are now implementing enhanced systems to ensure consistent maintenance daily," Rollins has said.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by vendors previously operating in these areas, Rollins noted there is currently an ease of operation due to the clearance of these spaces, and he emphasized the tangible impact of the M&CC’s cleaning efforts by stating, "The results of our work in the area are now more visible and effective."

Rollins has, more-

services. While the exact timeline for the rollout of these initiatives is still being finalized, Rollins has assured that these initiatives would be implemented soon.

In a bid to curb the improper disposal of garbage citywide, Rollins mentioned, departmental staff members are actively monitoring contractors, conducting sensitization programmes, and urging citizens to refrain from contributing to the persistence of waste accumulation, particularly in the Stabroek Market area.

These proactive measures of the M&CC are aimed at mitigating the continuous build-up of waste and enhancing the overall cleanliness and sanitation standards in Georgetown, Rollins has explained.

The Ministry of Health's Chronic Disease Unit on Wednesday handed over a quantity of nicotine- replacement therapy (NRT) supplies to the Eccles Health Centre to support smoking cessation efforts. This initiative has been taken in observance of World No Tobacco Day, being observed today, and is aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and the harmful use of tobacco products.

The Eccles Health Centre, located on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor, is the first facility to receive these supplies as part of the treatment programme of the MoH.

Last year in observance of World No Tobacco Day, a tobacco cessation clinic was launched at the Industry Health Centre, East Coast Demerara (ECD), as a measure to help tobacco users quit smoking. This initiative was lat-

er rolled out at nine other health facilities. These clinics are located at health centres in Craig, Grove, Buxton, East La Penitence, Lodge, Festival City, Industry, Enmore and Kitty. Through the clinic, healthcare workers would use the ‘five A’ strategy to encourage patients to quit smoking. As such, patients would be asked about tobacco use at every visit, and their status would be recorded, followed by the patient’s

commitment to quit within 30 days of the first visit.

At the clinics, advice would be provided and personalised in a manner that would persuade every tobacco user to stop using tobacco, non-tobacco users to remain tobacco-free, while assisting and helping all tobacco users to stop using same based on their willingness.

With the Eccles Health Centre now being added to the collection, the nicotine replacement therapy will be a new addition to the tobacco cessation clinics, and tobacco users would gradually reduce their nicotine dependence, making it easier to quit smoking and improve overall health. The nine other health centres are expected to have this addition within a month.

In her remarks, Technical Officer for Tobacco, Dr Shelieza Gopie, noted that with the NRT, instead of smoking, tobacco users

would be given nicotine lozenges, “which are like little candies you let dissolve in your mouth”. She added that the lozenges come in different flavours, and help to reduce the cravings for cigarettes without exposing users to harmful (toxic) chemicals.

Director of the NonCommunicable Disease Programme, Dr Lachmie

In a significant development for Guyana's maritime sector, El Dorado Offshore (EDO), Noble Corporation and MATPAL, in an industry collaboration that is aimed at addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in the nation's burgeoning maritime sector, on Thursday announced a new scholarship programme that would propel six exceptional Guyanese cadet officers towards extraordinary futures.

The scholarship programme, representing a significant investment in Guyana's future workforce, is expected to address critical skill gaps in areas like navigation, marine engineering, and offshore operations.

Chosen for their academic achievements and potential, these scholarship recipients would be able to pursue maritime qualification without fi-

nancial constraints. "This initiative reflects a shared commitment to capacity building within Guyana's maritime industry," Thalia Wilson, Senior Human Resource and Engagement Officer of El Dorado Offshore, stated while adding, "These scholarships empow-

er the next generation of leaders to navigate the exciting opportunities that lie ahead."

This collaboration could serve as a model for future partnerships aimed at fostering a robust talent pipeline within Guyana.

"Investing in education is an investment

in the long-term success of Guyana's maritime industry," shared Vice President of El Dorado Offshore, Sarona Samaroo. "Programs like this can ensure a skilled workforce is available to capitalize on future growth opportunities."

El Dorado Offshore has said it remains stead-

Lall, has said this move is part of the Pan American Health Organization’s package to achieve tobacco control and reduce smoking rates in Guyana. Also present at the handover ceremony were Chronic Disease Unit Coordinator Dr. Dianele Drepaul and Acting Doctor in Charge, Dr. Michelle Singh-Sarran.

6 Guyanese cadet officers receive full scholarships to pursue maritime studies Eccles Health Centre now offers nicotine-replacement therapy

fast in its commitment to capacity building, and is eager to embark on more initiatives that foster educational growth. The company is encouraging other organizations to join in this mission to unlock the transformative power of education for all.

EDO on May 15 hosted an awards dinner to celebrate these rising stars and their families.

Ruimveldt woman busted with over 3kg ganja

A24-year-old woman has been taken into custody following the discovery of over three kilograms of ganja during a police operation conducted at Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The female was told of the offence committed, cautioned, arrested, and escorted to the East La Penitence Police Station, where the ganja was weighed and amounted to 3015 grams.

The woman remains in custody pending investigations.

The police have said that, acting on information received: that a quantity of narcotics was being stored at a house along the public road in Ruimveldt, Georgetown, several ranks on Wednesday visited the residence and informed the suspect of the reason why they wanted to search the premises. During the search, eleven transparent Ziplock bags containing cannabis were found in a bedroom on the upper flat of the building, which was secured by a padlock.

The awardees are pictured with representatives of EDO, Noble and MATPAL

Staff of the Eccles Health Centre

Some of the products that are used to support smoking cessation efforts

GTU now willing to negotiate salary increases for teachers from 2022-2025

–

Manickchand maintains

General Secretary of the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) Coretta McDonald has confirmed that the union is prepared to compromise and begin negotiation on an agreement that would cover the years 2022 to 2025.

According to McDonald, this proposal was presented to the Government through the Education Ministry during conciliations talks, which recently ended in deadlock.

The GTU has been pressing for its outstanding 2019 to 2023 proposal to be examined and negotiated first before moving on to this year, but it was

negotiations will continue only when teachers return to classrooms

noted that the agency was always willing to comprise.

Guyana Times understands that the 2022 to 2025 agreement would have been dealt with by both parties, whereas the union drafts an agreement for 2022 and 2023 and the Government drafts the 2024 to 2025 portion.

McDonald said this proposal among others has been turned down by the Ministry.

“GTU has made several offers to the Ministry of Education. We were prepared to look at 2022, 2023, 2021, 2023. They said no, we said okay, we are prepared to look at 2022 and 2023 while you

(the Ministry) look at 2024 and 2025. So, we have two years and you (the Ministry) have your two years. They threw that one out,”.

She reiterated that GTU will not call off the strike until a reasonable offer, which caters to the welfare of teachers is made.

“And again, if the Ministry of Education and by extension the government, if they are interested in the welfare of teachers, and more so in the education of our children, good sense should prevail. And say to them, let's compromise, let's come and meet each other halfway. But the Ministry and by ex-

tension the government is bent on bullying and using all kinds of tactics of intimidation to our teachers and driving fear into them.”

On the other hand, the President of GTU is adamant that the Education Ministry should show its seriousness and agree to negotiate from 2022.

“if the union is ready to compromise on some of those back years, the Government has got to be prepared to compromise on its position. But all we are hearing is that the union must compromise and not the other side, and it is unfair to workers of this country to be asked through their union to compromise

Guyanese companies to participate in int’l forum in Brazil

– to use opportunity to enhance regional trade, foster new business opportunities

with Chief Investment Officer (CEO), Dr Peter Ramsaroop and other officials

Several Guyanese companies are slated to participate in LAC Flavors, 2024 - one of the premier food and beverage forums within the region. It is slated to take place in Manaus, Brazil on June 5 and 6, 2024. Organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) with support from the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil),

this event seeks to expand and strengthen regional trade by fostering new business opportunities among small enterprises in the food and beverage sector.

Historically, LAC Flavors has facilitated over 23,000 "one-on-one" matchmaking sessions, generating over a billion dollars in both finalized and prospective deals. This year, two Made in Guyana-certified companies: Precision Global-

Only Coconuts, and SS Natural Fruit Flavour, have been selected to participate.

These companies were chosen by the IDB for their export readiness, high-quality marketing materials, and substantial production capacity. They companies are also expected to meet with several companies from the USA, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Lebanon, who have already expressed inter-

for five years when there is no compromise on the other side. I would say this now, if the Government is prepared to take two years –2022 and 2023 – and we go with 2024, and 2025, then we can have a four-year agreement ASAP, if the Government is prepared to go with that. We are prepared to give up some of the years under the proposal that we submitted. Is the Government prepared to go back and compromise, rather than hold its position to say 2024 and no more?” Lyte told New Source.

He also stated that while they understand that the children are suffering the Ministry and the Government have got to take responsibility.

“This strike should have ended a long time ago. And the Government with the capacity to end it, is not making the right moves.”

est in their products.

On May 23, Chief Investment Officer (CEO) Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, met with the selected companies to refine their strategies and ensure they are fully prepared for the upcoming forum.

Dr. Ramsaroop has said, “We encourage other businesses to meet with our office for guidance on how we can help get their products to the wider market.”

Moreover, the Guyana Office for Investment, the country's export promotion body, will be represented at LAC Flavors by its Senior Director of Investment, John Edghill.

He will provide technical assistance to the local companies as part of their meetings with potential partners, buyers, importers, and distributors. The agency will also showcase a variety of other Guyanese products as part of its plan to bolster exports during the forum.

One day ago, Education Minister, Priya Manickchand related that her Ministry is prepared and ready to continue engaging the Guyana Teachers Union but the teachers must return to the classrooms.

The Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) resumed strike action across the country after talks between the union and the Education Ministry broke down.

The Union had requested a 20 per cent across-theboard increase for teachers before they return to the classrooms. This request was shut down by the ministry.

“We are ready, and we have said very clearly the minute that you are ready to honour the agreement that you signed that says once conciliation begins, the teachers, the membership of the union, will return to work in a state of normalcy, and there is no gun to our head saying pay 20% before we begin talking, we are ready to talk. It was we, who initiated this conversation that has been left hanging. The union seems very happy to do lives on Facebook and conversations and group meetings, and I am not sure how that is fulfilling this calling that their membership has collectively, which is to advance the Education of the children in their care”, Manickchand told another section of the press.

Guyana blasts “blatant disregard for...

In addition to its calls for a ceasefire, the Guyana Government had, back in February, pledged US$150,000 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in support of Palestinians displaced and affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Another US$80 million in donations was raised by local stakeholders during the month of Ramadan in April.

During Wednesday’s UNSC meeting, Ambassador RodriguesBirkett underscored the importance of UNRWA, and pledged Guyana’s unwavering support for the relief agency. She also expressed deep con -

cerns about, and rejected, moves to designate UNRWA as a terrorist organisation.

The UN Representative has said Guyana is prepared to work with the Security Council to accomplish peace for Palestinians and Israelis. However, even as international outcry continues against Israel’s onslaught in Gaza, it has been reported that another airstrike on Thursday morning killed 12 more Palestinians.

Since the October 7 attacks, more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed, and over 80,000 injured –many of these victims being women and children. (G-8)

Representatives of Precision Global-Only Coconuts and SS Natural Fruit Flavors are pictured

50-member Guyanese delegation for Suriname Trade Mission next week

Amassive delegation of more than 50 representatives from mainly Guyanese companies will form a trade mission that would be in Suriname next week to seek out new opportunities with counterparts there.

This trade delegation is being hosted by the Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) from June 5 to 9, 2024. This will be the Chamber’s inaugural trade delegation from Guyana to Suriname, and is set to be the largest on record.

The delegation will comprise over 50 representatives from 23 esteemed companies –22 Guyanese and one Trinidadian – and would be aimed at fostering stronger business ties and collaboration between Suriname and Guyana.

According to the SGCC, this significant event would feature al-

most 100 B2B meetings meticulously planned between Surinamese and Guyanese companies, thereby providing an unparalleled platform for networking and collaboration.

Highlights of the delegation include a dedicated networking session, interactions with the Curaçao Mission, and a meeting with the VSB and the Suriname Investment & Trade Agency.

Moreover, the SGCC is participating in the Suriname Energy, Oil, and Gas Summit (SEOGS), wherein they would proudly showcase companies from both Suriname and Guyana. Representing Suriname at the Summit are Optiek Ninon, Optimum Enterprises, RCFA Accountants and Tax Advisors, SOGLASS, Loyals Caribbean, and Creative Tech Hub Caribbean. From Guyana, the ex-

hibitors include Quality Deliverer, M. Sookhai & Co., and International SOS, while Ardant Solutions from Trinidad and Tobago would also be present. The sectors represented in this mission span construction, tourism, transportation, finance, consultancy, oil and gas, logistics, agriculture, auto parts, and ICT.

Further, the SGCC would be a pivotal part of a seminar titled “Guyana

Flooding in Reg

10

in Focus”, which would encompass discussions on enhancing trade relations between Guyana and Suriname, and promoting the upcoming International Business Conference that is scheduled to be held in Guyana from October 15 to 17, 2024.

The mission will be supported by the Guyana Office for Investment through the country’s Chief Investment Officer Dr Peter Ramsaroop,

who is expected to address SEOGS delegates on Thursday, June 6. Further, his office will be providing technical assistance to, and sharing best practices with, the Suriname Investment & Trade Agency as the two countries forge stronger relations.

The Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce is excited to lead this groundbreaking initiative, reinforcing its commitment to fostering business growth and collaboration within the GuyanaSuriname region.

Inc; Quality Deliverer; Steadfast Logistics; SURE GIG INC; the Corentyne Chamber of Commerce; Total Property Management; Trail Masters Adventure Tours, and Ardant Solutions (Trinidad & Tobago).

The SGCC was inaugurated in Georgetown back in February to strengthen the economic and diplomatic ties between Suriname and Guyana.

“This has been happening for years, but this is the worst” – Linden resident – as over 300 households affected

Over 300 households and several farmlands in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) have been severely affected by flood waters that have accumulated from persistent rainfall over the last two days. Among the areas affected are Wismar, Mackenzie, Christianburg, West Watooka, Hymara Creek, and Green Valley. Rockstone has also been impacted by rising water levels in the Essequibo River, and at least one family has temporarily evacuated their home.

This information has been provided by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), which is currently assisting those affected. In an interview with Guyana Times, Linden residents shared that while the issue of poor drainage has been a norm in the mining town, this year’s rainy season has resulted in “the worst” flooding they have ever experienced.

Ronnel Gonsalves related that this year’s flooding has been significantly worse than what had obtained in previous years, and many of his assets have been severely damaged.

The 23 companies that would be part of the upcoming trade delegation are: ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc; AFG IT & Business Solutions Inc; Amaya Milk Company; Atlantic Marine Supplies Inc; Caribbean Motor Spares; CCA Guyana Inc; Comfortsleep; Dominican Republic Chamber of Commerce; Dagron Tours; EICCIO Advisors; Francis Financial Business and Consultancy Service; GISCAD Limited; International SOS; MBW Energy Support Services; M Sookhai & Co; Pinnacle Solutions

The Chamber’s Chief Executive Officer, Rahul Lildhar, along with its Chairman, Dr Vishnu Doerga, had laid out the SGCC’s mission as being to bolster business and economic relations, enhance trade and investment, and advocate for a seamless economic space between the two countries.

At that event, it was announced that the SGCC would be participating in Suriname’s upcoming energy conference in June, and an invitation was extended to Guyanese companies interested in showcasing their products and exploring business opportunities in Suriname to join the delegation.

Man, 23, remanded on rape charge

Taleshwar Persaud, called “Baggi”, has been remanded to prison by Bartica Magistrate Teriq Mohamed, before whom he was arraigned on Thursday on an allegation of rape of a child under the age of 16 years.

Police are alleging that the 23-year-old committed the act on May 23, 2024.

Persaud, in his arraignment, was not required to plead to the indictment, and will make his next court appearance on June 21, 2024.

Rape accused Taleshwar Persaud, called “Baggi”

Executive Members of the Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce are pictured with Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi (File photo)

Around the World

Donald Trump guilty on all counts in historic criminal trial

After several minutes of almost unbearable silence

Thursday at Donald Trump's hush-money criminal case, the court officer’s voice rang out loud and clear through the courtroom.

She asked the jury to read the verdict. And in a steady, even tone, the foreman began.

A wave of guilty verdicts washed over Trump, as he sat motionless at the defence table.

At each “guilty,” he did not flinch or react physically.

In the courtroom Thursday, as the verdict was read, it felt like the air had turned to stone.

Sitting silent and still at the defence table, Trump kept his lips

pursed as his lawyers, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove on either side of him, glanced sternly to-

ward the judge. As each juror verbally confirmed the decision to convict him, Trump

turned his head in their direction and followed their faces one by one as they answered.

Reuters Donald trump pictured leaving court right after verdictReuters

His pursed expression remained unchanged as his attorneys pleaded with the judge for acquittal, claiming Trump’s former fixer had committed perjury with his damning testimony on the stand.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office charged Trump with 34 counts of falsification of business records. he was guilty on all counts.

Prosecutors said that with Trump’s approval, his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, paid adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 to stay silent just before his 2016 presidential run about an alleged sexual encounter. Trump then was accused

of approving a fraudulent scheme to disguise the reimbursement to Cohen as legal expenses. He pleaded not guilty and denied having sex with Ms. Daniels.

The judge thanked the jury, and they left. In a a quick pivot, Justice Merchan turned to the matter of scheduling a sentencing.

When court finally adjourned, Trump rose from his seat with a deep frown on his face.

As he walked past son Eric Trump, he grasped his son's chest for a moment - though it was not clear who was comforting whom.

A few moments later, his son followed him out the door. (Excerpted from BBC)

“This has been happening for years, but this is...

Gonsalves explained that before the commencement of the May/ June rainy season, he took precautionary measures to safeguard against such losses. Notably, he invested in the rehabilitation works on his home and even raised the lower flat of his house to a higher height.

Revisiting the current situation, Gonsalves explained that flood water in his home is almost at his knees and he is almost six feet.

“Basically, furniture, clothing, shoes, the electrical appliances, that's more or less the whole list and I estimate damages to be roughly over a million “he stated

Additionally, he stated that requests for compensation have not been made as yet.

In addition, a mother of two a 5-week-old baby and a 2-year-old from Third Ally Wismar Linden highlighted that

flooding is a normal occurrence in the area during the May/June rainy season.

She stated that this is the second time her apartment was flooded. “In August of last year my husband and I worked the night shift and when we came home the morning everything was in the water” she stated. The mother shared how the recent flood affected her and her family. “We lost a lot even

down to the food stuff was damaged I have a five-month-old baby and a two-year-old so after the flood, I had to move and come at my mom.”

She further noted that they had not received any relief efforts as she noted that officials were in the area but did not stop to interact with residents.

“They showed no interest they just drove through and didn't interact with residents my husband was at

home because he goes to clean up and stuff. And he was at home and he said he was looking out for them to show them the damages but they didn’t stop in the neighborhood.”

With the weather conditions intensifying every year, residents are calling on the government to put necessary systems in place to eliminate flooding in their communities.

Moreover, the Mayor of Linden, Sharma

Solomon stated that the severe flooding and erosion have caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, leaving many facing hardships and uncertainty.

“The recent floods have exposed the deficiencies in our drainage systems, the inadequacy of our erosion control measures, and the overall fragility of our infrastructure with the need for studies of drainage networks across the

town. These problems are not new; they are the result of years of underinvestment and neglect,” he added. He nevertheless, called for a comprehensive review of our current disaster preparedness and response strategies to ensure that such situations do not occur again. This review, he added should meaningfully involve stakeholders such as the Municipality, RDC, experts, and community representatives to develop a robust and coordinated approach to future crises.

Meanwhile, the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) has dispatched a team to the Region to conduct a thorough assessment of the affected communities, and to deliver cleaning supplies to the Regional Authorities. Other government agencies are also on the ground providing mitigative measures to the residents.

Flooded areas in Linden

Donald Trump in the New York City Court after being found guilty on all counts in his hush-money case on Thursday

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Double-check information. Knowledge is your ticket to success, so be prepared and you'll make the right decision. Look for ways to broaden your skill set.

You'll gain stability if you make personal changes that distance you from people who confuse or trouble you. Assess situations honestly, and you'll gain insight into opportunities.

Take the path of least resistance. An opportunity to explore your capabilities will boost your ego and give you the confidence to turn your desires into something tangible.

Focus on what's possible. Don't feel obligated to pay for someone else. Look for opportunities that make money instead of those that require it.

An energetic approach will pay off. Call in favors and stick to basics to avoid unnecessary costs. Collaborate with someone who has something to contribute. Romance is on the rise.

Conversations will impact your decisions. Gain knowledge and set your plans in motion. Reach out to people who share your interests and concerns; additional opportunities will follow.

You can make great strides if you apply yourself. Direct your energy into what matters to you; the results will make you smile Romance is in the stars. Get out there and take part!

Explore your options and experience what life offers. Conversations will spark your imagination. Express your feelings and intentions, and you will find out on whom you can rely.

Take a moment to rethink your options. A domestic issue will surface. Go over every detail before implementing a change. Honesty and integrity will help you avoid setbacks.

Look for ways to fill your time or to approach something that interests you. Sign up for a seminar, conference or event that offers mental stimulation and the chance to connect with people.

Take pride in how you look and what you do, and you'll get valuable feedback. A domestic change will help build momentum. Focus on what you want to achieve.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Be honest about your expectations and align yourself with people who can help you reach your goal. It's OK to do things differently if you are thorough and practical.

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T20 World Cup Group A preview…

India, Pakistan headline exhilarating neighbourhood showdown

In Group A, a pair of neighbours – India and Pakistan along with the USA and Canada – will be joined by Ireland.

Let’s dive deeper into what Group A has to offer at the upcoming tournament:

India

India enter the T20 World Cup with a burning desire to shatter their streak of near misses in world events, having come agonisingly close in recent tournaments only to falter at the final hurdle.

With a formidable squad at full strength, India now stands poised to reclaim the elusive title they last clinched in the inaugural edition back in 2007.

Under the seasoned leadership of Rohit Sharma, who embarks on his second stint as captain in the T20 World Cup, the team boasts a formidable top-order lineup featuring the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav.

Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson are currently in scintillating form, presenting a pleasant dilemma for Rohit and the team management in selecting the wicket-keeper for the World Cup campaign.

India’s all-round prowess is further bolstered by the likes of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube, providing depth and versatility to the squad. The bowling department boasts formidable talent with the presence of Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav and others, ensuring a well-rounded line-up.

India take on Ireland in their tournament opener on June 5 before the focus shifts to the epic clash against Pakistan on June9 in New York.

Squad

Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Fixtures vs Ireland – Wed, 5 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time vs Pakistan – Sun, 9 June 2024, New York, 10:30

AM local time vs USA – Wed, 12 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time vs Canada – Sat, 15 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Pakistan Pakistan, much like their counterparts India, have been tantalisingly close to clinching an ICC trophy, having reached the semi-finals and final in the last two editions of the T20 World Cup.

With the disappointment of those near misses driving them, Babar Azam leads Pakistan into the upcoming tournament with a fervent desire to end their trophy drought.

Babar and Mohammad Rizwan have been linchpins of the Pakistan batting line-up for years and will be supported by Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman and Iftikhar Ahmed.

Pakistan have a variety of spin-bowling options in Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim and Abrar Ahmed to go with the abundance of riches in the pace bowling department.

Spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi, the team in green have an admirable pace battery with the presence of Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir and Abbas Afridi.

Pakistan take on cohosts USA in their opening clash on June 6 before facing off against India in a much-awaited clash on 9 June.

Squad Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan

Fixtures vs USA – Thu, 6 June 2024, Texas, 10:30 AM local time vs India – Sun, 9 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time vs Canada – Tue, 11

June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time vs Ireland – Sun, 16 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Ireland

For the eighth consec-

utive edition, Ireland have earned their spot at this year’s T20 World Cup, a testament to the nation’s evolving cricketing journey over the years.

Ireland will be under new leadership heading into the tournament, with veteran batter Paul Stirling taking over the reins of the team from Andrew Balbirnie, who

fuelling their aspirations to progress beyond the group stage in the T20 World Cup for the first time in their history.

Squad

Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham

Shayan Jahangir

Fixtures vs Canada – Sat, 1 June 2024, Dallas, 7:30 PM local time vs Pakistan – Thu, 6 June 2024, Texas, 10:30 AM local time vs India – Wed, 12 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time vs Ireland – Fri, 14 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Canada

ICC event since 2004 when they competed in the group stages of the Champions Trophy.

Monank Patel will lead USA’s charge in their historic campaign and will be a key part of their batting line-up along with Aaron Jones and Steven Taylor.

The inclusion of former New Zealand international

had led the team in the last two editions.

The batting line-up revolves around the dynamic opening duo of the current and former captain, supported by the likes of Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ross Adair and Curtis Campher.

In the bowling department, Mark Adair and Josh Little headline the pace attack, complemented by Graham Hume, Campher, Barry McCarthy and Craig Young. Meanwhile, the spin duties are entrusted to the duo of Ben White and Gareth Delany, offering a balanced and varied bowling arsenal.

Ireland face a formidable challenge in their tournament opener against India on June 5. However, a victory in this encounter could serve as a significant morale boost for the team,

Hume, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young

Fixtures

vs India – Wed, 5 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time vs Canada – Fri, 7 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time vs USA – Fri, 14 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time vs Pakistan – Sun, 16 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

USA

USA embarks on a historic journey as they make their debut appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, earning their spot as co-hosts of the tournament. This marks their first foray into a major men’s

Corey Anderson adds depth and experience to the middle order, further strengthening USA’s batting prowess.

The return of Ali Khan provides a significant boost to USA’s bowling attack, with support from Saurabh Netravalkar and Milind Kumar.

USA commence their T20 World Cup campaign against neighbours Canada on June 1, aiming to set the stage for a successful tournament with a victory in the opening match.

Squad

Monank Patel (c), Aaron Jones, Andries Gous, Corey Anderson, Ali Khan, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Milind Kumar, Nisarg Patel, Nitish Kumar, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Nethralvakar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor,

Like USA, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will mark the maiden appearance of Canada at the showpiece event.

However, Canada are no strangers to the big stage, having previously played the 50-over World Cup first in 1979 and then on three consecutive occasions in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

The veteran Saad Bin Zafar will captain Canada at the upcoming tournament in a side filled with experienced players, with only four players under the age of 30.

Uncapped batter Kanwarpal Tathgur, who has only played six List-A games, was a surprise inclusion in the team. Additionally, the return of pacer Jeremy Gordon and seasoned 39-year-old all-rounder Junaid Siddiqui further bolsters Canada’s squad depth.

Canada commence their T20 World Cup campaign on June 1 against co-hosts USA in Dallas, marking the beginning of their quest for success on the global stage.

Squad

Saad Bin Zafar (c), Aaron Johnson, Ravinderpal Singh, Navneet Dhaliwal, Kaleem Sana, Dilon Heyliger, Jeremy Gordon, Nikhil Dutta, Pargat Singh, Nicholas Kirton, Rayyankhan Pathan, Junaid Siddiqui, Dilpreet Bajwa, Shreyas Movva, Rishiv Joshi

Fixtures vs USA – Sat, 1 June 2024, Dallas, 7:30 PM local time vs Ireland – Fri, 7 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time vs Pakistan – Tue, 11 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time vs India – Sat, 15 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Team India will need to get past their infamous rivals this World Cup

The India v Pakistan clash is expected to attract thousands, as usual

Beatrice Masilingi to run women’s 100m at AP Invitational

…Jasmine Abrams, Michelle-Lee Ahye in the line-up

With just 23 days remaining before the return of the AP Invitational, the women’s 100m field is shaping up to be the highlight of the track and field event, which will be held on June 22.

The field will feature Commonwealth Games (2018) champion from Trinidad and Tobago, Michelle-Lee Ahye; Namibia’s 100m record holder, Beatrice Masilingi and 2023 Central American and Pan Am Games silver medallist, Jasmine Abrams.

Also competing will be Athaleyha Hinckson, the CARIFTA Games 100m champion, alongside fellow Guyanese athletes Keliza Smith, Shantae George, and Juvonna Cornette.

For Masilingi, the 2021 World U20 100m silver medallist, the AP Invitational could be her last chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics, following her return to the track after serving a suspension imposed by World Athletics due to elevated testosterone levels.

In 2021, a week before the Tokyo Olympic Games,

World Athletics barred Masilingi and her compatriot Christine Mboma from competing in events between 400m and one mile unless they agreed to take drugs to lower their natural testosterone levels.

The pair competed in the 200m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where Masilingi finished sixth, and Mboma took silver, finishing behind Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah.

In March 2023, World Athletics announced that female athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD), resulting in high naturally-occurring levels of testosterone, would need to reduce their blood testosterone to below 2.5 nanomoles per litre— half of the previously accepted level of five nanomoles—for a minimum of 24 months.

Having successfully lowered her natural testosterone, Masilingi is now ready to compete and vie for a place at the Paris Olympics.

Masilingi holds Namibia’s national record in the 100m, with a time of 11.20 seconds.

ICC T20 World Cup… Canada-based Guyanese Dillon Heyliger spurs Canada to warm-up victory

In their International Cricket Council (ICC)

T20 World Cup warmup encounter on Monday in the USA, Canada defeated Nepal by 63 runs thanks to impressive bowling and batting performances from right-arm seamer and Guyana-born player Dillon Heyliger, who is based in Canada, and front-line batsman Nicolas Kirton.

Following Kirton’s brilliant 52 to lead the Canadians to a commanding 183-7 from the 20 overs given, Heyliger claimed 4-21 from 2.3 overs as Nepal were bowled out for 120 in the 20th over.

Jeremy Gordon, a fellow pacer who took 2-25 from four overs, and Zaad Bin Zafar, the captain and left-arm wrist spinner, both provided Heyliger with strong support with similar figures (2-25).

With 37, Kushal Malla gave the Nepalese some

For Michelle-Lee Ahye, who missed the Tokyo Olympics following a twoyear ban for failing to notify doping testers of her whereabouts, the goal will be to run under the 11.07 seconds set by World Athletics.

Ahye and Jasmine Abrams share a bit of rivalry in the 100m.

At the Pan Am Games last November in Santiago, Chile, the Guyanese athlete clocked 11.52 seconds to finish second in the final, just behind Cuba’s Yunisleidy Garcia, who ran 11.36 sec-

onds. The Trinidadian finished third, running 11.53 seconds.

Abrams and sprinter Emanuel Archibald became the first Guyanese track and field athletes since Marian Burnett and Aliann Pompey in 2003 to medal at the Pan Am Games.

Meanwhile, the event’s organiser, Aliann Pompey, expressed her excitement for the 100m showdown, adding that the line-up for other disciplines will be announced in due course.

With the AP Invitational

being part of the World Athletics Continental Tour, Pompey noted that the June 30 deadline for Olympic qualification adds an extra layer of excitement for both participating athletes and fans.

She encouraging fans to turn out in large numbers at the National Track and Field Centre in Edinburgh.

Pompey, Guyana’s Commonwealth Games 400m gold and silver medallist, had to cancel the fifth edition of the AP Invitational in 2020 due to COVID-19.

With the completion of remedial work at the National Track and Field Centre, Pompey anticipates an epic meet, offering local fans the chance to witness top-notch talent from the country and the region.

The 2018 AP Invitational saw Kirani James, the 2012 Olympic champion, 2016 Olympic silver medallist, and 2020 Olympic bronze medallist, clocking 44.99 seconds to win the 400m and set a new track record.

At the inaugural AP Invitational in 2016, 11

Top drivers expected to battle in 2nd round circuit championship

Tmeasure of resistance. Kirton hammered two fours and four easy sixes in his 39-ball knock as Canada were asked to bat first. Towards the conclusion, opener Navneet Dhaliwal scored 32 while opener Ravinderpaul Singh struck a scorching 41. In three overs, Abinash Bohara took 2-27. Meanwhile, the ICC T20 World Cup bowls off Saturday in Dallas, USA. Both Canada and USA are in Group A, which also contains heavyweights India and Pakistan together with Ireland.

he second round of the 2024 circuit championship is set for June 30 at the South Dakota Circuit, and top drivers will be battling for supremacy.

Some of the Guyanese drivers are fresh from the SpeedJam Motorsport Festival in Trinidad and Tobago, which was curtailed due to an accident.

According to President of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRS&C), Mahendra Boodhoo, exhilarating racing is expected for June 30, and drivers will be bringing their ‘A’ game.

“Once you have a reliable car, you can compete at the top. Reliability plays a major part in motor racing, especially now,” Boodhoo said.

The star-studded roster expected for the June 30 race include drivers from Guyana and the United States of America.

The drivers include Vishok Persaud, Mark Vieira, Mohan Rangasammy, Danny Persaud, Mahendra Boodhoo, Nasrudeen

Mohamed Jr, and Gavin Gayadin among others.

While the fans will be expecting to see the top drivers in action, Boodhoo is calling on prospective drivers to take the brave step in the need for speed.

“Everyone has a hidden side of them. Most people do like speed. What we do at GMR&SC is put the speed under a controlled environment. We have a rookie class, and once your equipment is up to safety standards, we allow you to race in that class. From there on, once the driver is developed, they are placed into groups,” Boodhoo advised.

In the opening round of the circuit race in April, lap records were bro-

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ken. In the rookie class, Jeremy Ten Pow with his Honda Civic clocked 1:28.105. The Group 2 Lap Record was broken by Shan Seejatan with his Honda Civic at a time of 1:25.370. The Group 3 Lap Record was broken by the ever-consistent Mark Vieira with his Lotus Exige, where he stopped the clock at 1:21.033.

In the Super Stock B Bikes, Alain Hopkinson broke the Lap Record with his Yamaha R6 at 1:21.674.

Some of the sponsors for the second round of the circuit championship are GuyOil, Castrol, ENET, Tropical Shipping, AJM Enterprise, and Pegasus.

Top drivers will return to South Dakota on June 30 for the second round of the circuit championship

Dillon Heyliger

athletes from overseas qualified to compete at the Olympic Games in Rio.

Pan American Games 2023 silver and bronze medallists Jasmine Abrams (left) and Michelle-Lee Ahye (right) will also compete

Ninvalle focused on advancing boxing after miss at Olympic qualifiers

Afour-member Guyanese boxing team competed in Bangkok, Thailand over the past week, in hopes of securing a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics this July.

However, fortune was not on the side of the Guyanese as Desmond Amsterdam, Emmanuel Pompey and Joel Williamson lost their opening bouts against the Dominican Republic’s Christian Javier Pinales, Mauritius’ Louis Richarno Colin and Russia’s Georgia Kushitashvilli re-

spectively.

Keevin Allicock, however, had better chances winning his first bout against Guatemala’s Jose Felipe after the referee stopped the contest, but fell in a 4-1 split decision battle with Turkey’s Batuhan Ciftci on Tuesday.

President of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle expressed his content with the Guyanese group, noting that they did their best.

“I think they did of their best. We would’ve made

U23 Club Championships…

Bounty Colts and Prospect Kobras reap victories

Bounty Colts and Prospect Kobras found themselves in the winners’ circle on Wednesday night when the Guyana Amateur Basketball Association Under-23 Club Championships continued at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Bounty Colts, with their ability to counter to the basket, remained undefeated against a winless Leonora D-up, with the Colts starting the game on a high to lead the first quarter with the scoreline reading 15-10.

In the second quarter, the Colts continued to convert shots and held on to their lead as their score

they managed to top-score with 13 points.

In a post-match interview with media operatives, Bounty Colts ViceCaptain Domitre Rankin spoke on the key areas of improvement that spurred the win.

amounted to 31 points at the end of the quarter, scoring 16 points while Leonora D-up scored 10 points for a total of 20 points.

The Leonora side continued to keep their composure and showed their class, as they managed to minimise the Colts’ lead, netting 17 points while the Colts were restricted to 9 points, with the scoreline reading 40-37 after the third quarter.

Bounty Colts went on to secure the win in the final quarter with a scoreline of 66-54.

Captain Ronoko Vaughn, with support from Carmelo Man-Son-Hing, was pivotal in the offensive attack as

“Well, we just needed to tighten up on the defence and our mindset actually, ‘cause coming into the game coming into the game we had a slack mindset pertaining to the team, so I know that we had to lock in and when we locked in was an easy win for us,” Rankin said.

The Prospect Kobras defeated the UG Trojans in the second game of the evening as they handed the Trojans their second straight defeat of the tournament. Using the jump ball to grab an early 13-5 lead, the Trojans set the tempo for the game.

The second quarter of the game saw Kobras showing their ability from the

three-point line as they minimised the Trojans’ lead, scoring 15 points to elevate their score to 18 points while the Trojans scored 13 points for a total of 28 at the end of the quarter.

In the third quarter of the game, the Kobras showed their composure turning the game around as they managed to score 18 points, elevating their score to 36 while the Trojans struggled offensively scoring 11 points for a total of 39.

With seconds on the clock, the Kobras pounced on the Trojans and sealed the deal, breaking through their opponents’ defence with the scoreline reading 46-44 in their favour.

In a post-match interview with media operatives, Prospect Kobras Coach Orin Joseph expounded on the challenges and the key elements that led to their success Joseph explained, “We were down and we believed that we could come back; we just had to stay poised, hold our composure, work our game plan and we know we would have come out victorious. We start lacklustre. That is because of the lack of practices because of the weather, but as we managed to settle down, hold our composure, understand exactly what the other team was doing and we managed to come out successful.”

done for the sport in the Caribbean in order to replicate the feat of Michael Parris, who remains the only Olympic medal winner in the Region.

Ninvalle highlighted, “If you look across the Caribbean; the Caribbean would not have been able to go further. Trinidad and Tobago sent five boxers, and they would’ve stayed in Thailand for three weeks and they were not able to go forward.

sure that we had the highest possible training for them. My heart grieves for Keevin Allicock, because I know exactly what he went through. I looked at the fight, I think he did exceedingly well, but have to go back to that drawing board. The good thing is that most of these guys are quite young as it relates to boxing,” Ninvalle related to media operatives in an invited comment on Wednesday.

Looking at the wider region, Ninvalle highlighted that more needed to be

“It tells us that, collectively as a Caribbean region, that we need to sit and start discussing how we as a Region, not Guyana alone as country, but as a Region how do we approach boxing. Maybe it needs to be something like how cricket is being approached, whereby we have higher figures trying to determine where we go as a Region. Up to now, Michael Parris remains the only medal for Caricom that has been won at the Olympics in boxing and that spells a bigger picture,” the GBA President added.

Focusing on his charges,

Ninvalle detailed plans to advance the level of competition locally.

Ninvalle divulged, “What we will continue to do, from the Guyana Boxing Association, is to continue exposing the boxers and especially the young ones. We have started an aggressive programme for the young boxers and especially for the females.”

“We now have a group of females, larger than we’ve ever had in boxing before and we intend to aggressively deal with that though our U16 programmes and when we have our national novice, which is coming up in another week or so, we intend to have overseas participation in that, in order to try to raise the level for our local boxers,” he went on to share.

After all, all is not lost in the realm of Olympic boxing since there is still a chance of a Guyanese boxer qualifying through the tripartite system, which had granted table tennis player Chelsea Edghill a spot back at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

DDL kicking with ExxonMobil

U14 for another year

The Demerara Distillers’ Limited (DDL) has officially joined a star-studded list of sponsors for the ongoing ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Under-14 Schools’ football tournament, boosting the tournament for a fifth consecutive year.

A few days after round one of the group stage kicked off, the sponsorship cheque was handed over to coordinators Petra Organisation on Thursday morning at the company’s Diamond, East Bank Demerara office.

There, Brand Communications Manager Schemel Patrick spoke of the company’s willingness to continuously support the tournament, which is fuelled by the equal opportunities presented to young athletes.

“DDL and Pepsi, we’re committed to supporting youth through sport and especially through these grassroots initiatives that really allow our young athletes to embrace teamwork and develop in the sport. We are also committed to providing equal opportunities for young athletes. So, including girls in the competition is something we’re very happy about,” Patrick shared.

The DDL Brand

Communications Manager further expressed, “We actually like that the girls are given an opportunity to develop their skills, their confidence and they’re able to shine on the field. We think it’s important for players to showcase their skills and have fun in the discipline that they love so much.”

On the other hand, Petra Organisation’s Troy Mendonca highlighted the tournament’s growth and thanked Pepsi for staying along for the ride.

Mendonca related, “As we would’ve noted this year, the support and the enthusiasm from the schools in terms of being part of this programme, we’ve moved from more of a competition to more of an event where these kids now coming and

interacting with their colleagues and other team members. We’re seeing a [rising] level of participation by parents, teachers, coaches.”

“And so, the support of Pepsi has helped us to grow and we grow together. So, on behalf of myself and CoDirector, we would like to say a big thank you to the management and staff of DDL, through this Pepsi Brand for their continuous support,” he went on to add.

The ExxonMobil U14 tournament will continue this Saturday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue with the second round of the group stage. Stenna Drilling Inc and MVP Sports are amongst the tournament’s other sponsors.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle

DDL’s Brand Communications Manager, Schemel Patrick

Petra’s Co-Director Troy Mendonca

The Bounty Colts

Prospect Kobras

Abrams, Michelle-Lee Ahye in the line-up