Guyana Times - Friday, November 17, 2023.pdf by Gytimes

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5556

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Claims Guyana promoting xenophobia against Venezuelans “patently false”, “misleading” – VP Jagdeo

Page 3

…says Venezuela’s VP trying to “score political points” at ICJ

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Local content earnings P10 projected at US$720M by year end – Pertab ...says companies involved in ‘fronting’ will be refused Local Content Certificate

Reg 1 man acquitted of 2016 murder at Perseverance Backdam P8

UK, Guyana P11 hold technical consultations on UN Security Council matters

...UK to support Guyana in assuming seat on Council – diplomat

President Dr Irfaan Ali and other Caricom leaders on Thursday met with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and officials as the CaricomSaudi Arabia Summit gets underway. The Summit is being held in the capital city of Riyadh

Man jailed for 3 years, fined $61M over P8 ganga in barrel

GuyExpo 2023 showcases Guyana’s See story on page 20 economic transformation, Hall man glimpse of future – PM Phillips Peters charged with assaulting, forcing 151 deaths from AmCham Guyana Venezuelans P 129 accidents to strip boosts trade relations Page recorded to 7 with Texas-based date – Traffic Chief Chamber of Commerce ...motorcyclists most prevalent among fatalities, speeding main cause Page 9

– released on $460,000 bail

Berbice engineer now charged, remanded for murder of fiancée

Page 19

GPF, partners assist family of murdered Detective Corporal P16

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, November 17 – 20:00h-21:30h and Saturday, November 18 – 04:00h-05:30h. The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, November 17 – 06:40h-08:10h and Saturday, November 18 – 07:25h-08:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers are expected throughout the day, with late afternoon sunshine. Light rain showers with instances of thunder are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius. Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres. High Tide: 06:51h and 19:02h reaching maximum heights of 2.44 metres and 2.55 metres. Low Tide: 12:34h reaching a minimum height of 0.84 metre.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2023

LOTTERY NUMBERS F

05 14

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Crude Oil

77.57/barrel

+0.19

Rough Rice London Sugar

$312.48/ton $734.20/ton

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Change %

USD Per Ounce $1983.70 $1961.70 +2.90

$1984.70 $1988.50 +0.15

Claims Guyana promoting xenophobia against Venezuelans “patently false”, “misleading” – VP Jagdeo …says Venezuela’s VP trying to “score political points” at ICJ

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo has rejected statements made by his Venezuelan counterpart, Delcy Rodriguez, saying that she misled the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by claiming that Guyana tolerates the abuse of Venezuelan migrants who are seeking refuge here. During her presentation before the World Court on Wednesday, Vice President Rodriguez alleged that Guyana is targeting the Venezuelan migrants living here in violation of international human rights and promoting xenophobia against migrants from the Spanish-speaking nation who have escaped harsh social and economic conditions in their country and are seeking betterment here. At a press conference on Thursday, the Guyanese Vice President denounced these claims outright, and stated that the Venezuelan official was trying to score political points with the ICJ by making these allegations. “You have seen at this press conference and elsewhere speak out against xenophobia. This’s a total misrepresentation by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez before the ICJ. She’s trying to score political points there… So, she’s hoping to get the sympathy of the court by citing that this is happening now in Guyana… Her statement before the ICJ is false, this is not happening in Guyana. This is misleading the ICJ on this issue,” he stated. According to Jagdeo, these remarks by the Venezuelan Vice President are a cause for concern. As such, he was questioned on Thursday whether Guyana’s legal team would be filing additional memorandums to the court on this mat-

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

ter. In response, Jagdeo said: “I hope our lawyers point this out because… it’s a cause for concern… We’ve spoken out against xenophobia, and [called for the] fair and decent treatment of Venezuelans here, and all the institutions of State are according people that treatment in keeping with our obligations on the international law and standards of decency – the norms of decency. We have consistently held that view. “I’ve even gone so far as to argue that as a nation that sent people abroad, including into Venezuela, when times were difficult here – they became economic migrants – that beyond international law, we have a moral obligation to treat people fairly when they come here to look for a living – those economic migrants… So, for her to go and tell the court that we’re practising and promoting xenophobia here is patently false and so, our lawyers should address that.” According to the Vice President, the Guyana Government has ensured that all Venezuelans living here, the majority of whom are either Guyana-born or have Guyanese parentage, are treated with dignity and re-

spect once they abide by the local laws. In fact, only earlier this month, Jagdeo denounced the inhumane treatment of Venezuelans here as reprehensible. This was after a video had circulated on social media in which two migrants, accused of being thieves, were bullied into stripping and walking along the road. The Guyana Police Force has since arrested and charged 37-year-old Ahmad Ally, a joiner, of Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD), over the matter. “We are not going to be part of any movement to promote xenophobia in our country against people,” the Vice President declared at a previous press conference earlier this month. On Thursday, Jagdeo reiterated that Government has and continues to condemn such treatment of Venezuelans – an official policy position of not just the Administration but the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). As a matter of fact, he noted that this posture has even gotten him into trouble with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) Opposition parties – whenever he condemns xenophobia and maltreatment of migrants. “It wasn’t done for political reasons. It’s largely because we knew that they would misrepresent this issue and we’ve seen how misrepresentation has caused a whole range of issues in the past,” the Vice President posited. Guyana has asked the ICJ to impose provisional measures to prevent Venezuela from posing certain questions to its population via a planned referendum that is set for December 3, 2023 over its

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez (ICJ photo)

claim to the Essequibo region. On September 21, 2023, Venezuela’s National Assembly passed a resolution calling for a referendum regarding Venezuela’s unsubstantiated claim to Essequibo, two-thirds of Guyana’s territory . Subsequently, the Venezuelan National Electoral Council last month published a list of five questions that it plans to put before the Venezuelan people. The referendum will seek the Venezuelan people’s approval to, among other things, annex Guyana’s territory in the Essequibo and create a Venezuelan state. This particular question (#5) also seeks the citizens’ approval for Venezuela granting citizenship and identity cards for residents of Essequibo. Guyana’s legal team argued before the World Court that the country was not attempting to halt Venezuela’s referendum, but rather, seeking provisional measures that will prevent its Essequibo region from being annexed by any means. After hearing from the two countries on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, the ICJ is expected to hand down a ruling soon. (G8)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Views

Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

That thin line between discipline and abuse

lmost daily, Guyanese discuss the many issues positively or negatively impacting their collective lives. The recent upsurge in criminal activities involving young people has reignited the debate on whether the absence of strong disciplinary measures within the nuclear family setting and learning institutions is a strong contributing factor to such anomalies. Much emphasis has been placed on the issue of child abuse; almost every discussion and debate pertaining to the proper and efficient rearing of children seems to suggest that the abolition of corporal punishment is largely responsible for the upsurge in social ills and criminal acts within Guyanese society. There is a comparative theory that defines the size of a car’s windscreen as against its rearview mirror. The theory emphatically denotes that going forward should be the basic aim, but glancing backward should not be totally eliminated. Guyanese born up to around the late sixties could attest to the curtailing factor of the wild cane. In those days, even the elder brother and sister were vested with responsibility for keeping the young siblings in check. Such ‘courtesies’ were further extended to the school environment, and the sight of some teachers wielding that wild cane was enough to send loiterers and others engaged in deviant activities sprinting for refuge. These days, it’s the parents and teachers who are being punished after doling out punishment. One of the supportive theories is that children left to their own devices will engage in demeaning activities that, in the end, attract stiffer, lifedefining penalties, thus the need for early intervention. Unfortunately, this methodology is, according to the naysayers, counter-productive and only leads to unchecked deviancy among the youths. The bosses at the Ministry of Education (MoE) have clearly defined their stance on this tremulous issue, and the disciplining of learners has rightfully attracted much debate over the years. There are, also, divided views on the legal and moral extent to which educators can enforce corporal punishment. Meanwhile, the general objective of the officials of the MoE is the maintenance of order and discipline within the learning institutions, which begs the question, “Are such rigid policies contributing positively to the prevalence of desired/ acceptable behaviours?” The MOE further pronounces that several important variables must be attained within the walls of learning: (1) a healthy and supportive school climate to support the teaching/learning process, (2) a spirit of teamwork and group cohesion among the school population, (3) safe school environment, (4) respect for those in authority (5) strong home/school/community links (6) meaningful use of instructional time, (7) child -friendly school environments, and (8) respect for peers and schoolmates, among others. Obviously, those methods are not as foolproof as they are thought, as children spend an average of 60 hours per week in the school environment, and the balance of their time is purportedly under the care of their parents. While in the school environment, they are under the instruction and guidance of their teachers. When they return home, their parents are expected to take over the reins. Even so, there must be collaboration of the two groups, parents and education providers, with the sole objective of raising and grooming our children to be assets of a greater macro policy. Obviously, there is a need for educational classes where the many variables missing from previous disciplinary strategies at schools must now be examined and compared for credibility.

President Dr Irfaan Ali shares a light moment with Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit and Prime Minister of St Kitts, Terrance Drew at the historic Caricom-Saudi Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Venezuela border controversy Dear Editor, Venezuela has never owned the Essequibo, and never will. Long before we became an independent country, the Essequibo region: that is, all the land due west of the Essequibo River within the boundaries of Guyana, was part of British Guiana. Unfortunately, however, as Sir Shridath Ramphal, better known as “Sonny” to all of us, puts it in the book “The New Conquistadors, the Venezuelan Challenge to Guyana’s Sovereignty”: “There are classes and forces in Venezuela that have made the acquisition of most of Guyana their life’s cause, and sought to turn it into a national crusade”. Venezuela is the 5th largest country in South America, and Guyana is one of the smallest. Venezuela is 4½ times the size of Guyana, and has a population of over 30½ million, Guyana is less than one million, but the Essequibo holds much of our wealth, including out to sea in our waters, oil and gas, so the Maduro government wants to grab it. Venezuela’s economy, first under President Chavez and worse under Maduro, is on the verge of collapse, and its people are fleeing the country in order to survive. Those who can are coming to Guyana as migrants. We must welcome them and ensure they are duly processed as migrants. Guyana’s borders with Venezuela were legally settled and internationally recognized between the United

Kingdom and Venezuela over 100 years ago. The Treaty of Washington, in 1897, agreed to a Treaty of Arbitration to settle, for all time, the boundaries between Venezuela and British Guiana, and to consider the results of the Tribunal of Arbitration as a full, perfect and final settlement of all the questions referred to the Arbitration. Every Guyanese knows; indeed, the world knows, that on October 3rd, 1899, the International Tribunal of Arbitration presented its Award. In fact, the Award was exceedingly generous to Venezuela. It gave Venezuela the Orinoco and control of the Orinoco Basin, which at the time was Venezuela’s principal objective. What was left has become, since Independence, the country of Guyana. Shortly after the Award, America’s President William McKinley expressed his satisfaction in his State of the Union Address to the US Congress on December 5th, 1899, describing the Award as “equally satisfactory to both parties”. History tells us that the boundaries determined by the Award were demarcated by a Commission appointed by Britain and Venezuela, and an official boundary map was signed on January 7th, 1905 by representatives of Venezuela and the United Kingdom. The Commissioner representing Venezuela, Civil Engineer Dr. Abraham Tirado, and Head of the Boundary Commission, pronounced that “the honourable task

is ended, and the delimitation between our Republic and the Colony of British Guiana an accomplished fact”. In 1931, Venezuela, Brazil and British Guiana demarcated the trijunction boundary point on the summit of Mount Roraima, reaffirming the border between the three countries for all time. For 60 years, successive Venezuelan governments honoured and respected Guyana’s borders with Venezuela, but greed and avarice for the mineral wealth which lies within the Essequibo, and now the oil and gas in the ocean within those boundaries, drives the ambition of the Maduro regime to take possession of two-thirds of our country. Suddenly, in 1962, when Guyana’s Prime Minister Dr. Cheddi Jagan raised the matter of Guyana’s Independence before the United Nations, Venezuela demanded that the Arbitral Award be revisited prior to any Independence being granted to Guyana. Venezuela President Romulo Betancourt expressed concern to the US Ambassador in Caracas about Guyana becoming independent under a Communist government led by Dr. Jagan. One year later, in 1963, US Secretary of State Dean Rusk, prior to a meeting between President John Kennedy and UK Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, asked his ambassador in the UK to explore how best to persuade the British

Government that British Guiana be prevented from becoming independent under a Communist government. All of this took place behind closed doors. The Venezuelan Government now challenged the legitimacy of the Arbitral Award, declaring to its people that Venezuela had been robbed, and that the Essequibo region of Guyana must be reclaimed for Venezuela. Well, on what grounds? Believe it or not, a Memorandum written in 1944 by a junior American lawyer in the Arbitral Tribunal hearing, Severo Mallet-Prevost, published after his death in 1949 -- 45 years after the Tribunal was settled -- contended that the 1899 Award was the result of a conspiracy to cheat the Venezuelans out of the land within the Essequibo region between Great Britain and Russia, effected by the British and Russian Judges of the Tribunal. That is: none other than the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, another Judge of the US Supreme Court nominated by the US President, and the Lord Chief Justice of England, presided over by an internationally recognised Professor of International Law from Russia. Not a shred of evidence supports this spurious and unfounded anancy story that the Venezuelans, to this day, are advancing in support of their claim to annex, take possession of, Guyana’s territory in the Essequibo. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023

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

“One Guyana” slogan represents oneness and patriotism Dear Editor, There’s a logo recently in circulation, showing the map of Guyana surrounded by its neighbouring countries and the Atlantic Ocean, with the expression “One Guyana” written in the ocean, and the words “Essequibo belongs to Guyana” at the bottom of the

logo, which is set in a golden circle. Editor, I think the imagery is perfect, and so, too, is the timing of the presentation of this logo. Like most people, I first heard of the expression “One Guyana” when President Ali launched his “One Guyana” initiative. I immediate-

ly appreciated it. I saw it as the expression of exactly what our country needs at this juncture of our history – a reboot to galvanize us to grasp and become the true meaning of our national motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”, by encapsulating this aspiration

in an easy two-syllable expression. I later realised that not all my countrymen and countrywomen viewed it that simply and straightforward. It soon became apparent that traditional PNC supporters skeptically view the

Venezuela border...

Today, of course, the US Government, along with the British, the Commonwealth Commission, Canada, the Caricom countries, and the majority of the countries within the Organization of American States, have firmly rejected the Venezuelan claim. On the eve of Independence, Britain entered into an agreement with Venezuela, the 1966 Geneva Agreement, joined later by an independent Guyana, to guarantee that Guyana’s borders would remain unchanged. The Agreement, identifying the “controversy” raised by Venezuela, stipulated the means to be followed to resolve the controversy, which if not settled by discussions between the two countries, be settled by law, the judicial process. A mixed Commission of Guyanese and Venezuelans, followed by a Moratorium of 12 years, followed by 27

years of a UN Good Offices process, all failed. So, Guyana, in 2014, as the Agreement provided, requested the United Nations Secretary General to choose another path for the settlement of the controversy. On January 30th, 2018, the Secretary General advised Guyana and Venezuela that “having carefully analysed the developments in the Good Offices process during the course of 2017”, and “significant progress not having been made toward arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy”, he had “chosen the International Court of Justice as the means now to be used for its solution”. On March 29th, 2018, Guyana filed its application to the court. The court has ruled that it can, and will, adjudicate on the merits of Guyana’s case in spite of Venezuela’s objection. Its determination

is on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the related question of the settlement of the land boundary. The Court’s judgement will be binding on both parties. Refusing to abide by the court’s decision, Venezuela’s President, Maduro, has now announced a so-called referendum proposing that Venezuela annex Essequibo by force. It has been denounced by the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Luis Almagro, as “an irreputable violation of Guyana’s territorial rights”. The Caribbean Community, in a consistent stand with Guyana, reaffirmed that “international law strictly prohibits the government of one state from unilaterally seizing, annexing or incorporating the territory of another state. An affirmative vote as aforesaid opens the door to the possible violation of this

FROM PAGE 4

fundamental tenet of international law.” Let me conclude by quoting again from Sir Shridath Ramphal. “The Venezuelan claim of a massive chunk of Guyana’s territory is a calumny born of greed, nurtured by falsity and fable, and maintained by political demagoguery. It is a claim that is contemptuous of the rule of international law and scornful of the sanctity of treaties”. Guyana’s appeal to the international community to protect our country, small and defenseless as we are against the military might of Venezuela, has been heard. Only one country, Nicaragua, has supported the referendum. The great majority have condemned it. Venezuela’s aggression against our country cannot, and will not, succeed. Respectfully, Kit Nascimento

expression as a PPP thing – receiving its undoubtedly patriotic and unifying message with caution, and requiring proof as to its sincerity. Such proof could only be established over time. I suspect that traditional PPP supporters also received “One Guyana” with reservations, based on some real skepticism as to the practical workability of the initiative; a position that I think would have been similarly taken by the PNC faithful had former President Granger taken the initiative, rather than his successor. I recently uncovered an article published circa 2006 by Global Security. org entitled “Guyana – Political Parties – 2006”. This article opens by stating “Nomination Day went off with hardly a hitch (on) 26 July 2006. Eleven parties appeared at Georgetown’s City Hall to present their candidate lists….” The first of those parties was named as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) with presidential candidate Bharrat Jagdeo. The second party on that list was named the One Guyana People’s National Congress Reform (OG/PNCR) with presidential candidate Robert Corbin. The article went on to observe: “The ungainly OG/ PNCR acronym made its first appearance on Nomination Day…. The ‘One Guyana’ part of the platform includes

the small National Front Alliance party, unnamed unions, and unnamed civic organizations”. Editor, it is small wonder, then, that traditional PNC supporters know not that the expression “One Guyana” is in fact of PNC origin. I must assume that President Ali was fully aware of that fact – and adopted the expression, not to revive OG/PNCR but because the expression embodies exactly what is needed for Guyana today: oneness and patriotism as foreign faces from different places take an avid interest in getting a piece of the action happening in the oil-rich Co-operative Republic of Guyana. In the face of Venezuela’s most recent aggressive statements, supported currently by its military movements on the border, all of Guyana’s political parties have banded together to reject Venezuela’s threats and present one united face to the international community; upon whose support we depend, given the huge population and military disparity between the two countries. This is “One Guyana” operating in practice out of bare necessity But shouldn’t we be “One Guyana” anyway on any day and in every way? Yours truly, Ronald Bostwick

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:05 13:35 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 23:00 23:30 00:00

(Sign on) Inspiration Time Cartoons Evening News (RB) Stop Suffering Guy's Grocery Games Grand Designs Paternity Court Divorce Court News Break Movie - The Mystery Cruise (2013) Wheel of Fortune Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir S5 E13 The Tom and Jerry Show S2 E16 Indian Soaps Sydney to the Max S1 E19 Austin & Ally S3 E3 The Young & The Restless CNN The Evening News Stop Suffering Stand-up Comedy Friday Night Smackdown Ballers S3 E1 Kim's Convenience S4 E12 Sign off

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions I swim down a lonely road. On each side is endless blue. There is none to befriend, on this gulf stream with no end. At the expense of my prey I grew. My techniques for centuries have been handed down. In the hunt, I’ve known no other way. The other fish take flight, When my silhouette is in sight. The Islanders, to me, used to pray. One day a shadow from above, took my brothers and sisters from me. We were to the land dwellers misunderstood. They killed us off for their greater good. And my race was depleted unfairly. A friend of mine attacked a human by mistake. He as wearing some suit for an underwater spelunk. My friend for his crime was lynched on high. I guess the man was surprised he took a chunk of his thigh. He was dressed like a seal, who’d thunk? Some may envy my reputation, My unbridled dominance you may desire. You’ll need

Step 4: Paint the salt dough maps according to the elevation

4 cups of flour, 2 cups of salt, 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar

Step 1: Make the dough for the salt dough maps

Using your hands, mix together 4 cups of flour, 2 cups of salt, 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar.

Step 2: Print, cut out the outline, trace the country

Look on-line for printable maps: Eduplace has it organized by state, country, or continent. If you want to be able to print larger maps, I used YourChildLearns maps, where you can specify the map to fit on 1 page, 4 pages (2×2), 9 pages (3×3), up to 64 pages! That’s a big map… and a lot of dough! We chose 4 pages, and taped them together, and cut them out. I realised that

you don’t have to be extremely careful cutting out the intricate bays and jagged coastline.

Step 3: Press the dough onto the map

Take balls of the dough and flatten them into the outline you have traced. I pulled up pictures of “physical maps” on my computer of their countries/continent so that could see the landforms. First make the map flat, and slowly build up the elevation according to the maps you find on-line.

When the dough is dry (ours took a couple of days because it was very humid here), it is time to paint. If you are making a physical map, as we did here, the different colours represent changes in elevation, and NOT vegetation. For example, green signifies lowlands, not tropical forests. Normally blue is water, green is the lowest land, yellow is climbing in elevation and brown is mountainous. The highest peaks of the mountains are sometimes red, purple, or white. Make sure to include important rivers and other bodies of water. Have your kids paint a “key” to tell the viewers what each colour means for them. There are different ways to finish the maps: some people like to place little pins in the dough before it has hardened to label landforms or major cities. (kidworldcitizen.org)

But there is no place to rest my head. No heir to act in my stead. In this empire I’m the only sire. Some say I should change my ways. They say I should try the seaweed. Or if I crawl onto the shore, I could rather get my fish from the grocery store. Then maybe the humans won’t make me bleed. For paranoia should I change? Should I surrender my hunt for idle fear? I would rather die. My liturgy I cannot deny. I will not appease for the spear. 4668 tiger sharks were killed between 1959 and 2000, in an effort to protect the business of human tourism (poetrysoup.org)

WORD SEARCH

TOURISM

7 151 deaths from 129 accidents recorded to date – Traffic Chief NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

...motorcyclists most prevalent among fatalities, speeding main cause

he Guyana Police Force’s (GPF’s) Traffic Department has recorded a 71 per cent increase in road fatalities across the country, resulting in the deaths of a little more than 150 persons thus far in 2023. Traffic Chief Mahendra

Serious accidents went down by 19 per cent, from 323 last year to 263 so far in 2023. There was a reduction in minor accidents, with 471 cases reported this year compared to 565 last year, representing a 17 per cent decrease. A seven per cent decline was also re-

previous year. There were 17 deaths from accidents in 2023, against 14 last year. And Regional Division #6 (East Berbice-Corentyne) had 193 accidents, with 16 fatalities so far this year, compared with 164 accidents and 10 deaths recorded in 2022. This represents a 17 per cent increase. The other nine divisions across Guyana recorded a reduction in their traffic statistics, including in the capital city, where there was a nine per cent decrease, with 1363 accidents recorded this year compared to 1499 in the previous year.

Georgetown traffic statistics

Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh

Singh, on Wednesday, during the launch of the GPF’s Annual Christmas Plan, give an update on the traffic situation in the country covering the period January to November, 2023. According to Singh, a total of 2264 accidents were recorded so far this year, reflecting a nine per cent decrease, or some 200 less accidents than the 2464 cases in 2022. Based on the temporal and spatial analysis provided by the Traffic Chief, there were 129 fatal accidents during this period, compared to 81 such accidents last year; that is, a 59 per cent increase. This year, the fatalities from these accidents amounted to 151 – a 71 per cent increase from the 88 deaths in 2022. The comparative figures show the following: five children were killed during the reporting period in both years.

corded in the damage accident category, with 1401 cases reported in 2023 in comparison to 1495 last year. “This was achieved through significant efforts invested and/or total manageable enforcement by all ranks throughout the country,” Singh noted. Moreover, the Traffic Chief outlined that only three of the 12 Police regional divisions recorded increases in accidents. These are: Regional Divisions #2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam), which had a 40 per cent increase, with 56 cases this year compared to 40 in 2022. From these accidents, there were six fatalities so far in 2023, compared to two last year. Regional Division #4 ‘B’ (East Bank Demerara) also recorded a one per cent increase, with 231 accidents this year, compared to 229 in the

In fact, during a separate presentation on Wednesday, Commander of Regional Division #4 ‘A’ (Georgetown), Simon McBean, revealed that there were 26 fatalities this year, against 20 last year. According to the Commander, a total of 3740 traffic-related cases were made out as at November 13 this year, compared to 3887 in 2022. Of the cases filed so far in 2023, there were 2576 arrests made, and 278 summons were issued along with 886 ticketed offences. McBean further disclosed that Rupert Craig Highway and Mandela Avenue are prevalent locations for accidents – most of which occurs between midnight and 03:00h.

Speeding

The Georgetown Commander further outlined that speeding is the main cause of fatal accidents in the Division, with 47 per cent; fol-

lowed by inattentiveness, with 21 per cent. The 21 to 40 age range accounts for the most significant number of accident victims, with 78 per cent in Georgetown. A breakdown of the overall traffic statistics across the country similarly identified speeding as the major cause of accidents, and also showed motorcyclists as the most prevalent category of victims to die. Singh highlighted, “The categories of road users who would have lost their lives comparatively, we saw in 2022 the order being pedestrians, motorcyclists and drivers… When you fast further to 2023, there is slight change, whereby motorcyclists are in the lead, followed by pedestrians, drivers themselves, occupants in motorcars, and pedal cyclists.” It was further revealed that there was an almost 90 per cent increase in total traf-

fic cases made out so far this year; that is, 68,602 cases compared to 35,486 in 2022. “Speeding has amounted to more than 15,000 tickets issued from January 1, 2023 to now… DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol) continue (to be a prevalent cause as well) with more than 1000 cases. We would have had several persons charged and placed before the courts, and the fines range from $50,000 to $200,000. Publications are made periodically, informing the members of public how some of us…conduct ourselves when we’re under the influence,” the Traffic Chief posited. Additionally, Singh reported that August 2023 has recorded the highest number of fatal accidents, with 27. Since then, according to the Traffic Chief, there has been a significant reduction in those figures.

Singh also outlined that the time period 18:00h to midnight is the prevalent time for fatal accidents in Guyana, with 58 of them being recorded during the reporting period this year. These accidents occur mostly on the main thoroughfares across the country. According to the Traffic Chief, this analysis helps the Traffic Department with refocusing their policing operations to areas where these accidents are prevalent in the country. “This type of analysis helps us to understand better where our problems lie… [Consequently] our shifts, that is, our placement of traffic ranks, has been realigned to ensure visibility either on foot, motorcars, or motorcycles. It helps us to prioritise where our presence should be in each regional division. That realignment has been done…,” Singh stated. (G-8)

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Reg 1 man acquitted of 2016 murder at Perseverance Backdam

Murder accused Allen Fredericks

drian John who was accused of committing a capital murder over six years ago has finally been freed, after a jury on Thursday declared him not guilty. Reportedly in his early 20s, John was found not guilty of both the capital charge of murder and the lesser charge of manslaughter, the jury having returned a unanimous not guilty verdict in both cases. This former resident of Gold Mine, Matthews Ridge, Region One (Barima-Waini) had been on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the High Court in Demerara, accused of killing Orville Williams on September 8, 2016 at Perseverance

Backdam, North West District, Region One. As she typically does with those found not guilty of heinous crimes, Justice Barlow encouraged John to view his acquittal as an additional chance to “make a man of yourself”. “You still look pretty much like a boy. You have an opportunity to learn something. It’s never too late to learn to read and write. Make somebody of yourself. If you see trouble coming, run from it; don’t run after it”, the Judge advised the former murder accused. Inquiries revealed that the men were at a camp at Perseverance when Williams reportedly choked a nine-year-old girl. Her parents had intervened after it was brought to their attention. However, John and another man, Allen Fredericks, who has been charged with the same murder and is currently on remand awaiting trial, allegedly carried Williams to a camp, where they beat and hanged him. Fredericks was charged with Williams’s murder in February 2018, while John was arraigned before a magistrate one week after the unlawful killing.

Man jailed for 3 years, fined $61M over ganga in barrel

Jailed: Mervin Glen and his common-law wife Nicola Williams

ervin Glen has been slapped with a three-year jail sentence and a fine of $61.9M after he entered a guilty plea to a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking midway through his trial before Georgetown Magistrate Rhondell Weever. Glen, a 47-year-old resident of Norton Street, on Wednesday admitted that, on September 2, 2021, he had 68.8 kilograms of cannabis sativa (marijuana) in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. Magistrate Weever thus sentenced Glen to three years in jail, after taking into account the gravity and prevalence of the of-

fence, among other factors. In addition, she imposed on him a fine of $61,927,200. Glen’s reputed wife Nicola Williams has also been charged with the crime. Her trial is ongoing before Magistrate Weever. It has been reported that ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit discovered 152 pounds of both local and foreign cannabis at the Norton Street home occupied by the couple in an intelligence-led operation conducted by members of the drug enforcement body. On the upper flat of the building, there were three plastic barrels containing several well-wrapped parcels of cannabis.

Wukking… A

Adrian John, when he was charged back in 2016

Peters Hall man charged with assaulting, forcing Venezuelans to strip – released on $460,000 bail

The Venezuelan nationals who were assaulted and later forced to strip

hmad Ally of Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara appeared on Thursday before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts to answer four charges. Two of those charges were for using a computer system to publish an image of someone’s private area in violation of the Cybercrime Act of 2018. These acts were allegedly perpetrated on Luigi Hernandez and Keilysmar Astudillo, two Venezuelan migrants whom the 37-year-old Ally had allegedly forced to strip and walk down the street naked, saying they were thieves. The other two charges were for assault committed on Astudillo and Hernandez. Ally pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and was released on bail in the following amounts: $200,000 for each of the cybercrime offences; $40,000 for the accusation of assault causing actual bodily harm, and $20,000 for the assault charge. His entire bail is set at $460,000. The cases have been postponed until January 17, 2024. This defendant was arrested by the Police after a video that was widely circulated on social media showed the two foreign na-

tionals allegedly being coerced by individuals to confess to theft. Afterwards,

Ahmad Ally

they were told to strip and walk naked down a public road. This video has sparked outrage among the Guyanese community. Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during a recent press conference, strongly denounced the cruel treatment of Venezuelans in Guyana, and declared that Guyana will not tolerate xenophobia. Referring to the video in question, Jagdeo said, “I’ve seen one video that made my stomach turn. We are not going to be part of any movement to promote xenophobia in our country. As refugees, they are entitled to the protection of the state…You have to treat people with dignity.”

…for world peace

superpower’s work is never done…yet it’s a thankless job!! Think about it. When the Brits were the superpower, they had to look after so many countries that the globe was speckled red to signal their responsibilities! That’s right…we natives just couldn’t get our act together - and the po’ Brits had to take up what they bravely called “the white man burden”. Imagine bearing the burden of more than a quarter of the world’s population!! You think it was easy for them to ship out most of what we produced and then use the money to build up their own economy, since we didn’t know how to live in luxury?? The burdens…the burdens!! Yet, some ingrate snarkily explained that the expression “the sun never sets on the British Empire” was because if it did set, then the Brits would’ve looted them even more!! Neemakharams, that’s what such people are!! Anyhow, it got to be too much for the Brits to bear, after they fought the “Great War” of WWI that would “make the world safe for democracy” for us - and also be the “war to end all wars”. But even after that sacrifice, we insisted the Brits had to still take care of us, since we just weren’t imbibing the democratic values fast enough to be given independence!! Governors and administrators had to be sent out, and it got just too much. The US, with their “special relationship” with the Brits – no, it wasn’t just that they were white; they were DEMOCRATIC, and cared for us – had to step up to the crease!! After they had to fight World War II to save us from some mustachioed German, the US graciously started doing all the heavy lifting for us. During WWII, imagine the Indians - who were the Brits’ biggest burden - actually COMPLAINED when Churchill shipped their rice and wheat for the war effort, and 10 million Bengalis died in their “famine”. We natives could never understand the need to sacrifice for the greater cause!! The US, as the new superpower holding up the world on their shoulder like Atlas of yore, immediately ran into competition from the Ruskies - who insisted they had a better shtick for us natives. We were now called the “Third World” by the US and the rest of the West, and the Ruskies were dubbed the “Second World”!! – to which they didn’t take too kindly!! The beef between the two contestants was called the “Cold War”, because they didn’t fight each other. They left that to us natives, who hotly supported one or the other side!! So now you know why the US had to send warships to the Mid-east…and pay for Kenyan police for Haiti!! …the schools If there’s one good thing that came out of our British past, it is the respect students inculcated for teachers. It really came out of the respect our fore-parents had for education - they having come out of slavery, and later indentureship - as the tool to deliver real emancipation. As such, your Eyewitness was very disappointed to read about the attacks on teachers by students, and violence in some schools. And of the weapons these students now tote around! But let’s face it…this behaviour is coming straight outta Compton and other American inner-city ghettoes. Sadly, it’s the culmination of the glorification of that ghetto culture by youths that’s taken over schools in what’re now called “hoods”. It started with the misogynic Gangsta Rap that glorified violence – and influenced Dancehall singers like Elephant man, Vybz Kartel, Skeng etc – that’s the first step. Look what happened in Jamaica – which has the same colonial background we have. We gotta get this out from the roots!! …for the AFC Geez…you’d think that after Moses parted the PPP’s Red Sea in 2011 and 2015 - giving the AFC the cred for the PNC to court them into office - he’d at least get a mention nowadays!! Was he too much of a lapdog?? The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

AmCham Guyana boosts trade relations with Texas-based Chamber of Commerce

AmCham Guyana President Devindra Kissoon and CEO of the Bilateral Chamber of Commerce, Aida Araissi, signing the MoU in the presence of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and US Ambassador Nicole Thierot

he American Chamber of Commerce in Guyana (AmCham Guyana) has inked an agreement with the Bilateral Chamber of Commerce out of Houston, Texas. Signing of this landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at enhancing trade and investment relations, was done during a reception held on Wednesday evening in Georgetown. This MoU symbolises a new era of collaboration aimed at fostering economic growth and educational advancement, and promoting trade and investment between the two organisations. As part of this strategic alliance, AmCham Guyana, in conjunction with the commercial arm of the United States Embassy in Guyana, and MHM Holdings, Inc., hosted a reception to welcome a distinguished trade delegation from the Bilateral Chamber of Commerce comprising over 20 U.S-based businesses specialising in key sectors, such as energy, oil and gas, engineering, law, banking, and logistics. Notable companies within the visiting delegation included Champion Foods, Arc Energy, BakerRisk, Andalusian Energy, and Citadel Engineering, among others. The MoU was formally executed by AmCham Guyana President, Devindra Kissoon, and Chief Executive Officer of the Bilateral Chamber of Commerce, Aida Araissi. The ceremony was witnessed by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and new U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Thierot. Both officials commended the partnership between the two chambers, and expressed their support for the continued growth of trade and investment in Guyana. Kissoon remarked, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for AmCham Guyana and the Bilateral Chamber of Commerce. By joining forces, we aim to cre-

ate a conducive environment for our members to thrive, and to attract foreign investment that will contribute to the economic development of Guyana.” CEO Araissi expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership by stating, “We believe that together we can achieve greater heights. This collaboration opens new avenues for our member companies to explore opportunities in the vibrant Guyanese market.” The MoU signifies a commitment to mutual cooperation, and sets the stage for joint initiatives that would benefit the members of both chambers. As Guyana continues to emerge as a key player in the global business landscape, AmCham said, this strategic alliance is poised to make a lasting impact on trade and investment in the country. Founded in 2018, AmCham Guyana has been a pivotal force in facilitating US business growth and US investment in Guyana. AmCham boasts almost 200 members, and is constantly driving initiatives to foster US business growth in Guyana. The Chamber is a leading business association dedicated to promoting economic growth and fostering a business-friendly environment in Guyana. Since its establishment, AmCham Guyana has been instrumental in facilitating partnerships between US and Guyanese businesses, providing networking opportunities, and advocating for the interests of its members. The Bilateral Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in Houston, is a global business community with a focus on fostering economic growth and educational advancement. With a diverse membership and a commitment to building international relationships, the Bilateral Chamber plays a vital role in connecting businesses across various sectors, and promoting trade and investment on a global scale.

Attendees at Wednesday’s reception in Georgetown, where AmCham Guyana and Texas-based Bilateral Chamber of Commerce inked an agreement to partner in trade and investments

10 NEWS Local content earnings projected at US$720M by year end – Pertab ...says companies involved in ‘fronting’ will be refused Local Content Certificate FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ocal Content earnings for the first half of 2023 have accounted for US$322 million, while thousands of Guyanese have benefitted from opportunities to provide services to the sector. Those positives coming out of the country’s Local Content Act have been shared by Head of the Local Content Secretariat, Martin Pertab, during a recent press conference in which he projected earnings of US$720 by the end of the year within 40 carved out areas under the Local Content framework. Some US$518 million has been categorized as expenditure under procurement. These projections were made by utilizing data from annual plans submitted by registered companies, as well as from data garnered from actual expenditure over the half-year period. Pertab told the media, “As of June 2023, our actual expenditure related to the 40 carved out areas was somewhere around US$322 million, representing 62 percent of the annual target. We have also seen an increase in new hires…We have seen a 24 percent increase in Guyanese hire.” There are 840 local companies registered to provide services under the Local Content Secretariat. This translates to employment for 33,943 Guyanese directly and indirectly linked to supporting the sector. The National Assembly passed the Local Content Act in December 2021. It outlines 40 different service areas that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese and Guyanese-owned companies. Those include 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services,

Head of the Local Content Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab

laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 100 per cent local insurance services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.

‘Fronting’

Pertab has again drawn attention to complaints of ‘fronting’, a practice also called ‘rent-a-citizen’, in which foreign companies employ Guyanese citizens and/ or Guyanese businesses in order to bypass the provisions of the Local Content Act, including the stipulation that only companies that are 51 per cent owned by a Guyanese can benefit from the 40 carved out service areas. In terms of beefing up requirements to clamp down on such practices, Pertab has informed that the Secretariat is working in unison with the relevant authorities, while adding that companies involved in ‘fronting’ will be refused Local Content certification. “The Private Sector has been very vocal. We have met with them and discussed ways of addressing this. One of our approaches is to add some more require-

ments when it comes to the purpose of registration. As

of now, companies will have to submit additional documents, like audited financial statements, where we would see their performance. We’re also working closely with GRA, where Guyanese who claim to own 51 percent of the company will declare they are working with them,” Pertab indicated. This week, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo divulged that Government will soon revise the Local Content Act (LCA) with the aim of expanding the carvedout areas that were set aside to benefit Guyanese companies, as well as fixing all the loopholes that are being taken advantage of. He has been quoted as saying, “There are some

loopholes that people have been capitalising on, and some local companies have been acting as a front for some foreign companies, and they have to beware, too, that we’re coming after these local companies through the tax system. So, if they’re using that to benefit unfairly by bringing in the foreign to just utilising them, we’re gonna be looking at a number of measures that will hopefully address these issues too. So, yes, we’re looking at [revising the Local Content Act]. It should happen soon.” United States oil giant ExxonMobil, which is producing oil offshore Guyana with its partners Hess Corporation and CNOOC

Limited, disclosed earlier this year that it spent some US$400 million in 2022, with more than 1500 local companies and over 5000 Guyanese employed under the company and its contractors. Last August, Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Martin Pertab, had noted that the strengthening and revising of the Act is high on the agenda. In fact, he disclosed that work had already started on the process of drafting the new legislation, and once completed, it would be released publicly for countrywide consultations and feedback from stakeholders, before being finalised and taken to the National Assembly.

Forestry sector has seen "strong recovery" in last 3 years – acting Commissioner ... says 5% growth recorded for 2023

cting Commissioner of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Edward Goberdhan, has reported a strong recovery within the sector over the past three years in both production and environmental scopes, and has credited this development to proper resource utilization and robust policies at the level of the State. During a press conference held by the Natural Resources Ministry this week, the acting GFC Commissioner pointed to a gradual upscaling over the last three years. He said 2022 has seen a 10 percent growth compared to 2021, and 2023 growth stands at about five percent. This contrasts with the period 2015 to 2020, when the sector had seen a decline in production. Goberdhan relayed,

Acting Commissioner of Forests, Edward Goberdhan

“The sector has shown robust growth over the last three years. We know also of the COVID, tremendous rainfall, and flooding in the interior. So, it went through quite a difficult period, and we are happy. With the good weather pattern, the robustness in

the sector, good Government policies, interventions in terms of allocation and resource utilization, we have seen strong recovery within the sector.” The GFC Head shared that local consumption has been high for traditional and lesser-known species; and even with this progress, the country’s deforestation rate remains among the lowest in the world. “In terms of monitoring the forest cover, illegal logging, sustainability, illegality, we have to report that we have strong environmental credentials from both the administration of the GFC and also compliance level within the sector,” he declared. The National Forest

An important focus of the GFC has been to propel more value-added products. Within the last two years, investors

Inventory has been completed this year. It entailed updating forest resource information that is essential for national and concession-level planning, and scientific research and referencing to support the modern outlook of the National Forest Policy and the Low Carbon Development Strategy. Last December, an agreement was signed between the Guyana Government and the European Union in a bid to give buyers assurance that timber products from Guyana are legal. That agreement would help improve forest governance, further curb illegal logging, and promote trade in verified legal timber products. The GFC is currently at the stage

have been encouraged to explore opportunities in this aspect. The Commissioner reported that there has been a gradual shift in persons investing in value-added using local timber. “This is an area we will continue to advocate, because it creates more employment, higher value for our timber, and it’s more environmentally friendly. We have also started to work with communities, and having them set up value-added projects that can sell locally; and eventually we can export it,” Goberdhan explained. The Community Forestry Programme involves about 70 villages. Small loggers also benefit under the banner of this initiative. (G-12)

of implementing this agreement. Among the achievements this year is the completion of a National Standard for Forest Certification, the endorsement process for which is being carried out across agencies. “Next year we will have a national standard that companies could apply and have certification using a Guyana Standard. We had started this project over 20 years ago, and we are now happy that it is completed in 2023,” Goberdhan shared.

Value-added products

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

UK, Guyana hold technical consultations on UN Security Council matters ...UK to support Guyana in assuming seat on Council – diplomat

he Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, engaged representatives of the United Kingdom (UK) on United Nations Security Council (UNSC) matters on Thursday. This initiative forms part of a series of consultations with the five permanent members and 10 elected members of the UNSC as Guyana prepares to assume

its non-permanent seat on the Council. Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud has said the consultations are excellent opportunities for Guyana to learn about the various priority areas for security council members, and explore areas for increased collaboration and further discussion. “This type of dialogue allows us to have an understanding of what the views are, and what are some of

the issues that we would have to confront; and how we can come out with a more informed approach in dealing with them,” he said. Guyana has already held technical consultations with two permanent members of the UNSC: China and the United States, and consultations will soon be held with France. Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) during Thursday’s session, British

MoPW engage ECD residents on possible relocation as road project intensifies

Works ongoing along the ECD Railway Embankment

he Public Works Ministry on Thursday engaged residents who may be in the way of ongoing road projects along the Railway Embankment of the East Coast Demerara corridor on possible relocation. Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, accompanied by a team, initiated a face-to-face meeting with residents as he walked along the Railway Embankment Road, while engineers and technical officers took measurements of properties and assessed potential encroachments on Government reserves. Edghill has said that apart from gathering essential information about land ownership and encroachments, the primary objective of Thursday’s engagement was to discuss viable solutions for those who may need to relocate, and for support of farmers whose farmlands will be affected by the ongoing project. This step is integral to ensuring fair compensation, addressing legal considerations, and facilitating a smooth transition for affected residents. Thursday’s exercise commenced at Cummings Lodge and ended at Lusignan. The minister was accompanied by representatives of Beston (consultancy firm) and China Railway First Group (CRFG - contractor). Similar engagements have been held with residents and vendors at Plaisance, residents from Cummings Lodge to Lusignan, and at Enmore. Other meetings were held with residents from Belfield to Ann’s Grove, and with farmers from Hope to Unity.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill engages residents

UK High Commissioner Jane Miller, along with Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and other officials at the event

High Commissioner Jane Miller said the UK aims to support Guyana in assuming its seat on the Council, and this session seeks to ensure that critical areas are explored for a well-rounded perspective. “It’s a mixture between some of the processes, how the UN Security Council works, and how different people work together; and also on content such as food security, which we all know is one of Guyana’s big priorities. It’s also a discussion

on Guyana’s priorities and what they will be discussing on the UN Security Council, and how we can work with them,” she explained. In June of this year, Guyana was, for the third time, elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the period January 2024 to December 2025. In keeping with the theme: “Partnering for Peace and Prosperity”, Guyana’s tenure will see a focus on five key areas: peacebuilding and conflict

prevention; women; peace and security; protection of children in armed conflict; and youth, peace, and security. Government has maintained that this position will be assumed with utmost seriousness and dedication for the maintenance of international peace and security. Guyana’s election to the Council for the third time speaks volumes about the confidence the international community has placed in the country’s capabilities.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Liza Narine flaunt a Rubin Singer designer swimwear

i s s Universe Guyana, Liza Narine, is in El Salvador for the 72nd Miss Universe Pageant, and is confident that she would place in the top 20 on Saturday evening. Narine and 83 other beauties from around the world are competing for the coveted title.

coordinator, entrepreneur, and radio host, took to the stage before a large audience and was well received. Members of the travelling team remain optimistic that the Guyanese beauty, who holds a diploma in business and marketing management, has rocked the stage. First, she was eloquent during her introduction, and slayed in a swimwear preliminary in a piece of h e r

petition. Miss Guyana, who was part of the third batch, wore a Randy Madray design. The gown was inspired by the iridescent beauty of the Blue Morpho Butterfly, found in the rainforests of Guyana. It depicts the fascinating life cycle of the butterfly, is a symbol of transformation, and brought out the radiant feminine beauty of Lisa as "A Transformational Leader."

Miss Guyana decked in a Randy Madray gown for the presidential dinner

The Guyanese beauty in a House of Pearson designer gown

Narine during the n Introductio segment

The official competition, which kicked off on Wednesday evening, saw the delegates competing in introduction, swimwear, and evening gown segments. On Thursday evening, the delegates showcased their national costumes. However, on Wednesday evening, Narine, who is a creative

choice. It was designed by Rubin Singer, an American fashion designer. The outfit was complemented with a pair of heels designed by Jojo Bragais – the official footwear for the competition. After the swimwear prelims, the 84 delegates appeared on stage in batches for the evening gown com-

The gown has a sleek fitted silhouette, halter neckline, and small train; while daunting a daring high slit. It was hand-beaded with over 100,000 rhinestones in hues of silver, nude, iridescent purple, sapphire and turquoise. The rhinestone pendants, shaped like the eye-like patterns on the butterfly, are carefully arranged on the nude rhinestone skirt, a symbol of the

rich, fertile soil of Guyana. The illusion corset bodice daunts elegantly draped iridescent blue glass beads from a heavily embellished band around the neck. The gown for the preliminary competition took over forty days to produce. Now that the preliminaries are over, it’s all over to the judges to select the top 20, which will be announced on coronation night, which gets underway at 22:00h Guyana Time. After the top 20 contestants are named, the competition begins with the swimwear segment. This will be followed by the announcement of the top 10, after which the delegates will compete in the evening gown segment. The 10 will then be reduced to five. The interview segment follows, and the competition intensifies after the final three is announced for the final question. Nevertheless, apart from the official competition, the delegates had dinner with the El Salvadorian President, visited prominent places in that country, and had several photo shoots and media engagements. In fact, during one media engagement, Narine spoke of the project she has been working on during her reign as Miss Universe Guyana. “My project focuses on proving skills-based classes to persons within the communities across Guyana,

so they are able to create a Narine in her steady stream of income Randy Madray for themselves and their evening gown families. The one thing during the that we have noticed is preliminaries that poverty is the root cause of many social issues, The reigning and if we are able to attack queen is delighted at all the the issues from the root and support she has been receivhave a solution-oriented ing since her entry in the mindset, then I believe we foreign country, and promcan truly make a greater ises to represent her counimpact within our country, try to the fullest. and even across borders,” Meanwhile, experts she detailed. who have been keeping a Narine, who is cur- close eye on the competition have suggested their top five for the title of Miss Nar ine sporting a piece by Nachle Designs

Narine at the welcoming gala for delegates

rently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in international relations at the University of Guyana, has come in for harsh criticism for her wardrobe, but her team believes she has been representing Guyana on the world stage with poise, grace and elegance.

Universe 2023. The five are: Nicaragua on top, with France in 2nd place and Thailand in the 3rd position. Dominican Republic comes next in a close 4th place, while Mexico makes it to the Top 5.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt orders return of seized equipment to small miners in Issano – following intervention of Small Miners’ Association

Chairman of the SMAGI, David Daniels (centre) with small miners affected by the seizure

gle to provide for their families. Daniels met with Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and advocated for leniency for the miners. In turn, the minister ordered the Some of the mining equipment that was returned to the small miners

everal pieces of equipment that were seized by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) from small miners in the 14 Miles district of Issano, Region 10, were returned to them on Tuesday following the intervention of the Small Miners’ Association of Guyana Inc.

After the equipment had been confiscated by the GGMC in an exercise that targeted illegal mining activities in the area, several small miners whose operations were halted and equipment seized sought assistance from the Chairman of the Small Miners’ Association Guyana Inc. (SMAGI),

David Daniels, who promptly visited the area and engaged the aggrieved miners. While emphasizing that the association does not endorse illegal mining, he acknowledged the challenges small miners face in accessing legitimate mining lands, even as he recognised their noble strug-

immediate release of the seized equipment. Daniels expressed gratitude to the minister, and encouraged the miners to strictly adhere to legal mining practices in the future. This collaborative ef-

fort highlights the significance of communication between small miners, industry associations and Government bodies in addressing challenges and fostering a sustainable mining environment.

GPF, partners assist family of murdered Detective Corporal

Secretary of the Moto Sharks Dirt Bike Club, Kathleen Shuffler-Tenpow, handing over the assistance to Mrs Johnson

he Guyana Police Force's Men on Mission (MoM) team, in collaboration with members of the 'Moto Sharks Dirt Bike Club', on Wednesday reached out to the widow of Detective Corporal Dwayne McPherson, who was shot dead on New Year's Day while responding to a report of an assault. During the engagement at Eve Leary, some much-needed assistance was given to the wife and children to help the family in the absence of the now dead Police officer. This simple handing-over ceremony serves as a testament to the Guyana Police Force's commitment, along with its corporate partners, to stand firmly beside the family as a pillar of support. This kind gesture, according to Top Cop Clifton Hicken, is to allow the family to usher in the festive season in the best possible

way. While acknowledging that nothing can bring back her late husband, Hicken pledged his unwavering support to the family, and expressed hope that the assistance would serve to make a difference in their lives. “As a gesture from the Guyana Police Force, and understanding that she is still a part of the GPF family… I think (that), in this festive season, this kind gesture will at least bring some cheer to you,” Commissioner Hicken told the widow of the fallen hero. The recipient expressed her gratitude, and thanked the parties who made the assistance possible. In that regard, Secretary of the Moto Sharks Dirt Bike Club, Kathleen Shuffler-Tenpow, related that the club seeks to help persons in and around Guyana, and is pleased to assist Mrs. McPherson. “We know it's hard, and you have a long road ahead

of you, so kindly accept our small token, because we know that it will help in some way,” Shuffler-Tenpow told Mrs. McPherson. Echoing similar sentiments, the Club’s Captain, Ravi Singh, said the club is pleased to be part of such a venture. Superintendent Prem Narine, who is a member of the club, said the Motor Sharks club is big on giving back; and in this regard, the proceeds from the upcoming Moto Sharks Dirt Bike Championship, slated for December 2023, will be donated towards a children's home. Dwayne McPherson, 31, had joined the Guyana Police Force on December 14, 2009, and had been attached to the Mahaicony Police Station when he was shot and killed during a shooting incident on New Year's morning at Huntley, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice engineer now charged, remanded for murder of fiancée

Dead: Ashmin Mahadeo

erbice engineer Neil Madramootoo, who had previously been charged with attempted murder for the shooting injury of his fiancée Ashmin Mahadeo, is now facing a murder charge following the death of the 32-year-old woman. The 29-year-old resident of Shoe Lane in New Amsterdam Berbice appeared before New Amsterdam Magistrate Peter Hugh to answer the new charge, accusing him of murdering Mahadeo of

Murder suspect Neil Madramootoo being escorted by Police

Williamsburg, Corentyne between October and November 13. He was not required to plea to the indictable charge, and has been remanded to prison until November 22. Madramootoo was represented by Attorney Nigel Hughes, who informed the court that he had interviewed Mahadeo while she was hospitalised, and called on the prosecution to include that evidence in its case. Following the court hearing, Hughes told Guyana

Times the defence is hoping the Police would have a full scientific investigation done into Mahadeo’s death. “I am hoping that we have advanced from where they are just relying on statements from people who alleged that they were present,” he said. The attorney has said he believes that science provides a much stronger basis for a case. “I know that, prior to her death, Miss Mahadeo had re-

quested and retained an attorney-at-law, who interviewed her and who received instructions from her prior to her death; and I brought that to the attention of the court and the prosecution, so that the Police can follow up with that and get that information and include it in the file,” he said. Hughes has said there are several bits of scientific evidence that would be presented to the court, including the gunshot wound and

the trajectory of the warhead which went through the body of the deceased. That information, he said, is vital to the case. “It is my hope generally that we have migrated beyond the gathering of elementary evidence,” he declared. Madramootoo had previously been charged with attempted murder of the woman, and had been released on $500,000 bail. However, after the woman succumbed to her injuries on Monday, he surrendered to the Police and new charges were instituted. Mahadeo took her last breath at the New Amsterdam Hospital after battling for her life for more than a month. She had initially been hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital, but had been transferred to New Amsterdam in a decision her brother Narish Mahadeo said had been taken by GPHC. Mahadeo was shot in her neck at her Williamsburg, Corentyne home on October

Defence Attorney Nigel Hughes

At the time of the shooting, the couple were packing items in Madramootoo’s company vehicle to be taken to a location in Port Mourant where the couple’s bridal shower/reception had been expected to take place. It has been reported that the fiancé had initially told the woman’s relatives that he did not know what had transpired, and had even suggested that she was shot during a robbery. (Andrew Carmichael)

20 NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GuyExpo 2023 showcases Guyana’s economic transformation, glimpse of future – PM Phillips

Acting President Mark Phillips and others at the ceremonial ribbon cutting

rime Minister Mark Phillips, in his capacity as acting President, has expressed his firm belief that the return of GuyExpo after a seven-year hiatus demonstrates Guyana’s incredible economic transformation as well as its bright

Thursday evening, the acting President said the exhibition is also a celebration of the transformative changes that are sweeping the country and reshaping Guyana’s economy, which is transforming into greater services. This, he highlighted, is a sure sign of an

evidence of an economy that has undergone a metamorphosis. Guyana’s economic trajectory isn’t just marked by rapid growth; it is characterised by a transformation, a paradigm shift is occurring within our economic structure, evident in the emergence of sectors

Members of the diplomatic community

serves as a reflection of the forward-thinking spirit which is propelling Guyana into an exciting future. “GuyExpo is not just a reflection of where we are,

Alluding to this year’s theme for the exhibition: “Transforming Guyana Through, Investment, Innovation and Resilience”, PM Phillips said it resonates with the path of transformation envisioned for the country by the PPP/C Administration. According to Phillips, GuyExpo 2023 heralds a new wave of economic opportunities for the country’s private sector as Guyana undertakes a promising economic transformation owing to the booming oil and gas sector.

turn of the much-anticipated exposition. GuyExpo, a partnership among the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, GO-INVEST and the Private Sector, allows businesses to increase their competitiveness and efficiency and foster growth. It is Guyana’s largest trade and investment exposition, having begun in 1995 and being held annually between 2004-2016, before it was discontinued by the APNU/AFC during its stint in Government.

The acting President and members of Cabinet

future, and this is due to Government’s strategic diversification of the economy. Addressing the opening ceremony of GuyExpo, at the Sophia Exhibition Complex in Georgetown on

economy that is maturing and modernising. “After tonight’s GuyExpo has been declared open, you will all have the opportunity to visit the various booths and exhibits,(and) you will see the

A dance performance during the opening ceremony

that were not traditionally the mainstays of our economy,” the Prime Minister underscored. Phillips has said the event mirrors the changing features of the country’s economic landscape, and

but a glimpse into where we are headed. Our economic trajectory is not merely about growth, but also it is about qualitative transformation,” the Prime Minister stated. He further explained that the robustness of the country’s financial sector, heightened investments in tourism and hospitality, and the growth of transportation, construction and logistics are reshaping the nation’s future. Additionally, information and communications technology (ICT) is being expanded, as the Government has identified the sector as a new growth pole in the economy. “It is catalyzing innovation, efficiency and connectivity. ICT has become a driver of productivity, streamlining business and fostering entrepreneurship. It is opening avenues for e-commerce and digital services, and has the potential to narrow geographical barriers,” he noted.

A map of Guyana in the centre of the Expo site

Even as the country’s economic growth is attributed to the oil and gas industry, the retired brigadier clarified, Government is investing heavily in diversifying the economy to prevent the occurrence of the Dutch disease, which is why economic growth is expanding. The acting President also congratulated the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, and her team for organising the re-

Among those present were the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues; Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag; Commissioner of Police (Ag) Clifton Hicken; Chief Fire Officer (Ag) Gregory Wickham, and members of the diplomatic corps among other notable officials.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Australia edge low-scoring thriller to book spot in 8th ODI World Cup final Y

awn. Australia are in another World Cup final. Except, this wasn't Steve Waugh's mentality monsters or Ricky Ponting's Invincibles. These men were fallible. They almost didn't make it. South Africa refused to let them. Eerily enough, the target to win was also the score both of these immensely watchable sides had put up in what was for a very long time the greatest One-day International (ODI) ever played. 213. This classic, like the one in 1999, owed much to the spinners. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi weren't turning the ball so much as helping it develop a mind of its own. They operated in tandem for 16 overs, producing a dot once every two balls, a false shot once every four balls and almost the same number of wickets as boundaries – 3 vs 4. The men they dismissed were Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne and extremely crucially, Glenn Maxwell for just 1. Australia were 137 for 5. How did this game come alive? South Africa had recorded their lowest 10-over score in 15 years of ODI cricket. 18 for 2. They came into this semi-final scoring that many runs in a single over 14 times. The tournament's most fearsome batting line-up was shut down like a computer that caught a virus. Only David Miller was immune. He raised 101 for 1 from his end. The others collapsed to 100 for 9 from theirs. Things didn't get much better in the chase either. South Africa needed 52 balls to get their first boundary. Australia needed two. Marco Jansen leaked 12 runs off one delivery. Reeza Hendricks dropped Head on 40 and watched him hit a hat-trick of fours – one of those was a drop too – to get to his half-century. More than half the score they had to defend had vanished in the 15th over. The ghosts of knockouts past had all arrived at Eden Gardens with popcorn and everything. Shasmi, though, told them to bleep all the way off. He was the one who made Labuschagne look very, very silly in the 16th over, an lbw shout turned down even though his leg was literally before the wicket. He was the one who knocked Maxwell's leg stump back, a long hop that suddenly morphed into perhaps the single most important delivery of this game, sneaking below the bat that had last week conjured a double-hundred to recover a lost cause and into the leg stump. Shamsi rounded the whole square in celebration. Temba Bavuma kept better control of his feet, but his eyes were alight.

Steven Smith went about his business despite the loss of wickets

The ghosts of knockouts past had begun to flee when Josh Inglis walked in. In conditions that denied any sense of safety to a batter, this man playing only his 17th ODI played the coolest little cameo of the entire World Cup. Inglis was in control of 89 per cent of the balls he faced – a full 15 percentage points higher than the average. That he would play such a decisive hand became clear with the very first boundary that he struck, targeting Shamsi who was at the peak of his powers, hitting him against the turn, but he did so using a fairly straight bat and a teeny tiny backlift. Those two choices in combination made all the difference. Australia insisted on playing back to even the most invitingly full deliveries from both Shamsi and Maharaj. But where it led to the downfall of two of their very best – David Warner and Maxwell – Inglis thrived because he presented the full face at every possible opportunity and it didn't take him all that much time to bring it down on top of the ball. Eden Gardens was offering quick turn. Winding up as both Warner and Maxwell did – and to a certain extent Head and Labuschagne as well, even if they were playing on the front foot – was flirting with too much danger. The time they lost lifting the bat that high left them unable to protect their pads or their wickets. Australia were 174 for 5 with Inglis at one end and Steven Smith at the other. The ghosts of knockouts past were sharing fist bumps now. Gerald Coetzee, though, told them to bleep all the way off. He wasn't sure he was going to be here. In the middle of saying so to his fiancée the day before South Africa were supposed to announce their World Cup squad, he got a call from the Coach saying he was in. He'd played four ODIs before this tournament, and yet the value he brings, hitting the deck

in the middle overs at 150kph, has proven to be invaluable. He is South Africa's highest wicket-taker (20) and the two he took last night were mighty impressive. In the middle of an eightover spell where he was asked to target the batter's nose, which is very hard work, especially when you

get nine runs away. In ordinary circumstances, Kagiso Rabada would've been steaming in at this point, but he was nursing a bruised heel. So the ghosts won. And Australia with them. They go through to their eighth men's ODI World Cup final

on commentary. "It's almost like a yellow wave." Australia wanted the batters to hit over the top. De Kock resisted for 13 deliveries, but then he lost trust in himself and took the bait. The ball went miles in the air. Cummins ran a long way back from mid-on. He never lost track of it and when he finally had it in his hands, he just lay there on the turf arms spread wide in triumph. This was high-class planning and execution. Hazlewood, especially. The fates had conspired to hand him a brand new ball in dank conditions that required the floodlights to come on. A one-day game had turned into a day-night Test and he's totally metal in that format. Seeing that he was getting just enough seam movement and that it was going both ways, he knew all he had to do from there was be accurate. Forty of Hazlewood's 48 deliveries were on a length or just back of it. Thirty-eight of those 40 deliveries were on the stumps or in the channel. Essentially, he forced South Africa to play almost every ball, but he gave them nothing to drive, pull, or cut. His figures read 8-3-12-2. Starc at the other end did the most Starc thing of all, dismissing the opposition's talismanic captain in the first over of a World Cup knockout match. He, also, for good measure, took out South Africa's T20I Captain, Aiden Markram spooning a catch to backward point and Warner not just taking it

but literally bouncing around with joy. Australia have a long and storied history of cutting off the head, but this was just so greedy. It was only the 12th over and already the finishers were at the crease. Miller began building South Africa's total with a sweet six over wide long-on off Adam Zampa. The only frontline spinner that Australia had brought to the World Cup was going for eight an over in bowling-friendly conditions. He gave away half of the sixes that were hit in the whole innings and Miller was the man who kept sending him over the ropes. The balance was tilting. Cummins threw the ball to Head. He got one to spin big. The next not so much. Facing spin when that happens is a nightmare and Heinrich Klaasen epitomised it. He played for turn. It didn't do as much as he feared. As a result, he got beat on the outside edge and lost his middle stump. The next man in was lbw to a ball that deviated 5.4 degrees. Marco Jansen didn't stand a chance. Not with this much natural variation. Miller persevered though. He became the first batter at number six or lower to hit a century in a World Cup knockout match. And when he came back at the end of the innings, he said they had enough on the board. He said batting was tough out there; that he couldn't afford to look anywhere beyond the next ball that he had to face. It was an incredible knock. It was an incredible game.(ESPNcricInfo)

SCOREBOARD

Travis Head struck twice in two balls to jolt South Africa

also have to maintain that pace, he outsmarted Smith – bowling the wide-length ball when he was expecting a bouncer and having him caught – and bulldozed through Inglis - a yorker that went onto the stumps even though the guy actually managed to hit it – and exposed Australia's tail. South Africa still had 19 runs to play with. They created more chances. Mitchell Starc nicked one, but there was no slip in. Pat Cummins scooped one towards short midwicket, but the ball fell short of a diving Miller. Quinton De Kock, who now that the match is over is no longer an active ODI cricketer, dropped a seriously tough catch behind the wicket with the tar-

– there have only been 12 of those so far – to face India in Ahmedabad on Sunday. For about an hour and 12 minutes right at the start of this semi-final, under ash grey skies, they were playing the kind of cricket that nobody could match. Starc and Josh Hazlewood bowled 13 overs together to start the game and allowed only 11 scoring shots. Overcast conditions offered them swing through the air and seam off the pitch. Their teammates – Warner in particular – offered even more, making a handful of saves in the 30-yard circle that otherwise could easily have gone for four. "You can see by the way they're moving," Ponting said

South Africa (50 ovs maximum) BATTING R B M 4s 6s SR Quinton de Kock †c Cummins b Hazlewood 3 14 Temba Bavuma (c)c †Inglis b Starc 0 4 Rassie van der Dussen c Smith b Hazlewood 6 31 Aiden Markram c Warner b Starc 10 20 Heinrich Klaasen b Head 47 48 David Miller C Head b Cummins 101 116 Marco Jansen lbw b Head 0 1 Gerald Coetzee c †Inglis b Cummins 19 39 Keshav Maharaj c Smith b Starc 4 8 Kagiso Rabada c Maxwell b Cummins 10 12 Tabraiz Shamsi not out 1 5 11 0 0 20.00 Extras (lb 4, w 7) 11 TOTAL49.4 Ov (RR: 4.26) 212 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Temba Bavuma, 0.6 ov), 2-8 (Quinton de Kock, 5.4 ov), 3-22 (Aiden Markram, 10.5 ov), 4-24 (Rassie van der Dussen, 11.5 ov), 5-119 (Heinrich Klaasen, 30.4 ov), 6-119 (Marco Jansen, 30.5 ov), 7-172 (Gerald Coetzee, 43.3 ov), 8-191 (Keshav Maharaj, 46.2 ov), 9-203 (David Miller, 47.2 ov), 10-212 (Kagiso Rabada, 49.4 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W ECON 0s 4s 6s WD NB Mitchell Starc 10-1-34-3

Josh Hazlewood Pat Cummins Adam Zampa Glenn Maxwell Travis Head

8-3-12-2 9.4-0-51-3 7-0-55-0 10-0-35-0 5-0-21-2

Australia (T: 213 runs from 50 ovs) BATTING R B M 4s 6s SR Travis Head b Maharaj 62 48 David Warner b Markram 29 18 Mitchell Marsh c van der Dussen b Rabada 0 6 Steven Smith c †de Kock b Coetzee 30 62 Marnus Labuschagne lbw b Shamsi 18 31 Glenn Maxwell b Shamsi 1 5 Josh Inglis †b Coetzee 28 49 Mitchell Starc not out 16 38 Pat Cummins (c) not out 14 29 Extras (lb 3, nb 2, w 12) 17 TOTAL47.2 Ov (RR: 4.54) 215/7 Did not bat: Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood Fall of wickets: 1-60 (David Warner, 6.1 ov), 2-61 (Mitchell Marsh, 7.4 ov), 3-106 (Travis Head, 14.1 ov), 4-133 (Marnus Labuschagne, 21.5 ov), 5-137 (Glenn Maxwell, 23.4 ov), 6-174 (Steven Smith, 33.3 ov), 7-193 (Josh Inglis, 39.5 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W Marco Jansen 4.2-0-35-0 Kagiso Rabada 6-0-41-1 Aiden Markram 8-1-23-1 Gerald Coetzee 9-0-47-2 Tabraiz Shamsi 10-0-42-2 Keshav Maharaj 10-0 -24-1

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023

KFC Elite League Cup…

Den Amstel, Buxton battle for positions today …Police, Santos pick up wins last weekend

A look at the battle between Police FC and Victoria Kings

here is expected to be a keen battle on at the Police Sports

Club Ground, Eve Leary tonight, as teams in the Guyana Football Federation

(GFF) organised-KFC Elite League Cup attempt to get their hands on much-need-

ed points as the group stage winds down. With most teams having just one more game to go before the semi-final stage, intensity in the KFC Elite League Cup is taking shape. Currently, usual suspects the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC are leading the table in Group A, as they remain unbeaten with nine points from three games. In group B, Western Tigers lead the charge with nine points from three games as well, also being unbeaten thus far. However, below the high flyers lies a ferocious fight to qualify. Prior to last weekend, Buxton United FC and Den Amstel FC sit at second place in Groups A and B respectively. In Group A, Fruta Conquerors and Milerock both have one point each

from a lone draw against each other. However, Conquerors have the better goal difference of the two and as such, sit higher on the table. In Group B, Ann’s Grove United have three points and sit at fourth place, while Victoria Kings were unable to pick up any points in four games and sit at the bottom of the group. But, with Santos FC and the Guyana Police Force FC picking up wins over the past weekend, they have ousted Buxton and Den Amstel from the second-place position. To move up to the spot, Santos FC eased past Fruta Conquerors 2-0 at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown. Stefan Reynolds and Darren Niles were the marksmen in the 45th and

ExxonMobil Futsal continues tonight in Linden

he competition for the coveted $1 million first-place prize in the ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal tournament continues tonight with five matches at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden. Hosted by New Era Entertainment, the action

kicks off at 18:30h with an intense clash between Young Gunners and Coomacka. Following that, the undefeated LA Ballers will face off against the Gorillas. In the third match of the evening, powerhouse teams Gold is Money and DC Ballers will go head to head, a

game crucial for determining the leader of Group C. The penultimate match will feature Hard Knocks taking on Fearless, and the night will conclude with YMCA and Golden Stars battling it out. The tournament is set to conclude on November 25. In Wednesday’s high-

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Scenes from Wednesday night’s games in the ExxonMobil-powered tournament

eenaged Guyanese athletes set to compete in this year’s Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) departed the “Land of Many Waters” for Suriname on Wednesday night. The team were expected to arrive on Thursday. Guyana will be represented in eight disciplines, namely chess, futsal, football, lawn tennis, swimming, basketball, volleyball, and athletics, from today, November 17 to Sunday, November 19. The athletes are expected to return from the Games on November 20. Prior to the departure of the IGG team, the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) shared, “The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) has fielded two Under-18 teams to participate in the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) this weekend in Suriname.”

The Open team consists of former Junior Champion Ricardo Narine, 2023 Under-14 Champion Kyle Couchman, 2023 Under-16 Champion Alexander Zhang and 12-year-old Nicholas Zhang. The girls team comprises Aniyah Couchman, Italy Ton-Chung, Aditi Joshi, and Maliha Rajkumar. The young team was selected by their performances in the National Junior Championship and the Women’s National Championships for 2023. The 2023 IGG games are scheduled from November 17 to November 19, 2023, where athletes of eight sport disciplines will compete with their colleagues from Suriname and French Guiana. The IGG was first held in 1967 as a yearly event. Chess was added to the list of events in 2009 un-

der the stewardship of former Minister of Sport, Dr Frank Anthony. Last year ended the five-year hiatus that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The GCF is excited to participate after many years, stating that the opportunity for the Guyanese players to have more exposure internationally is significant for their growth and development in the game. The officials accompanying the team are Coach FIDE Master (FM) Anthony Drayton, Head of Delegation Preya Rajkumar and Archana Joshi. The GCF extended gratitude to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr and Steve Ninvalle, Director of Sports and the National Sports Commission, for providing uniforms and organising travel for the teams.

CLASSIFIED ADS ASTROLOGY

Inter-Guiana Games athletes off to Suriname

A look at the athletics team for this year’s IGG

59th minutes for Santos. Then later that evening, a double from Adrian Aaron led the home team Police to a similar 2-0 victory over Victoria Kings FC. Aaron netted in the 32nd and 85th minutes. In a bid to regain their previous positions, Den Amstel and Buxton United will be in action when the League Cup continues tomorrow evening. First, Den Amstel will take on Ann’s Grove United FC at 19:00h, while Buxton United and Milerock FC do battle from 21:00h; both at the Eve Leary Ground. The winners of the KFC League Cup will cart off $1.5 million, while second place will pocket $1 million. Third place will receive $500,000, while fourth place will have to settle for $250,000.

lights, DC Ballers secured a 7-3 victory over Youths United, led by Nicholas Gentle's impressive hat-trick. Alan Halley, Kwesi Quintin, and Jaushaun Moore also contributed to DC Ballers' undefeated streak, earning them a spot in the quarter-finals. Deric Bethune scored the lone goal for Youths United.

Jahlu’s double and contributions from Kentral Arthur and Ojani Whittington. The win was crucial for The Money Team's chances of advancing to the next round. Genahside celebrated their first tournament win with a commanding 10-4 victory over Fearless. Tyrese Simon (3); Tekuan Wilson (2); Teryl Johnson (2),

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ENTERTAINMENT LA Ballers maintained their perfect record with a narrow 3-2 win against HH Ballers, courtesy of goals from Andre Mayers, Marcus Tudor, and Jermaine Beckles. Despite Tevin Crawford's own goal and Damian Spencer's effort, HH Ballers fell short in their attempt to defeat LA Ballers. The Money Team faced a tough challenge, but emerged victorious with a 4-3 win over Golden Stars, thanks to Mark

Jermaine Mason, and Seon Murray played pivotal roles in Genahside’s success. Michael Jackson (3) and Nolan Grey scored for Fearless, who are still seeking their first points in the tournament. In additional results, West Side Ballers secured a default win after One Side failed to show up for their encounter, while Finishers and Hillsyde played to an exciting 3-3 stalemate.

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023

UG Berbice campus unveils cricketers’ wall of fame

Chancellor Professor Edward Greene presenting the two scholarships to BCB President Hilbert Foster

he University of Guyana Berbice Campus has unveiled a wall of fame for local cricketers, both past and present, who have made it to the highest level. The event, which was held on Thursday at the Tain, Corentyne campus, was done in collaboration with the Berbice

Cricket Board (BCB). The wall of fame features 31 exceptional Berbice cricketers who have represented the West Indies in the Test arena and other levels such as OneDay International (ODI) and T20 matches. BCB President Hilbert Foster explained that John

Trim, who made his debut in 1948, was the first Berbician to play in the Test arena and since then, many others from the county, including women, have followed in his footsteps. “Since 2018, Berbice cricket has enjoyed unmatched development and I can safely say that our development programme is a role model for others to follow. We have successfully completed over 120 cricket tournaments at all levels, hosted dozens of developmental programmes, honoured almost all of our cricket heroes who have served the county well, and assisted hundreds of cricket clubs and cricketers with millions of dollars’ worth of items in an effort to get them to develop,” he highlighted. The BCB President pointed out that over the past six years, the county has produced a total of 15 new players for the West Indies at the junior and senior levels. “We have invested heavily in providing the necessary items for youth development;

BCB 2023 cricket season…

Reddi, Singh spearhead RHT Poonai to Romario Shepherd U-13 championship

The Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy team

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has successfully completed another cricket tournament for 2023 with the hosting of the Romario Shepherd Under-13 countywide tourney. Playing in front of a sizable crowd of parents and supporters, the Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy team defeated arch-rivals Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Cricket Club by six wickets to win their second Berbice Under-13 title in three years. Rose Hall Canje won the toss and elected to bat first in steamy sunny conditions at their home ground. They got off to a flying start, with skipper Richard Ramdehol and Luke Amsterdam adding 51 in nine overs for the first wicket. Ramdehol was the first batsman to be dismissed when offspinner Dinesh Singh trapped him leg before, after he made an attacking 30 which included six sweetly-struck boundaries. Dinesh Singh then bowled Donovan Newland for nought to leave the home team at 53 for two. Fellow offspinner Balraj Narine then had Amsterdam caught for 8 as the visitors started to apply pressure with the ball.

Rose Hall Canje were eventually bowled out for 82 in 27.2 overs. The rest of their batting collapsed against the medium pace of Leon Reddi and the off spin of Dinesh Singh. None of the remaining batsmen apart from Elijah Sukhdeo (13) reached double figures. The outstanding bowlers for Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy were Reddi with three wickets for nine runs from five overs, Dinesh Singh with four wickets for six runs from six impressive overs of off spin, Narine with one for 15, Sohail Shirkissoon with one for five and Vinesh Singh with one for one from two overs. Needing to score 83 from their allotted 30 overs, Rose Hall Town Poonai lost opener Narine via a leg before wicket decision on the first ball of their innings to Guyana’s Under-13 Vice Captain Ramdehol. Skipper Tameshwar Deonandan and Reddi then added 22 runs for the second wicket before Deonandan was bowled by Ramdehol for eight in the fifth over. Ramdehol then bowled Rafael Mckenzie and Julian Hicks for nought to leave the visitors at 43 for four in the ninth over. Reddi was joined

by a solid-looking Shirkissoon and together they added 43 runs for the fifth wicket to see their team to a six-wicket victory. Reddi was left unbeaten on 30 with three boundaries, while Shirkissoon supported with 15 not out. Ramdehol was the only wicket-taker for

Singh and Reddi were named joint Man of the Final and each received a cash prize along with trophies. BCB Competition Committee Chairman Leslie Solomon expressed thanks to Romario Shepherd for his support of the tournament and noted that it was refreshing when players give back to the game that made them household names. The BCB, over the years, has been using the Under-11 and Under-13 tournaments as a nursery for the Under-15s, and Solomon observed that several exciting cricket talents like Reddi, Dinesh Singh, Ramdehol, and Farooq Balli of Albion are coming through as promising players for the future. BCB President Hilbert Foster announced that in 2024, the Board would introduce an Under-9 inter-club tournament under its ongoing developmental pro-

Dinesh Singh and Leon Reddi

Rose Hall Canje with four wickets for 20 runs from his six overs. Extras contributed 27 runs for Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy. The champions received $70,000 and the championship trophy while the runners-up carried home $50,000 and a trophy. Dinesh

gramme. He also announced that very shortly 100 of the most promising Under-17 cricketers from Berbice would receive over $8 million worth of cricket gear while 23 youth teams would benefit from about $3 million worth of coaching equipment.

30 bowling machines, six batting cages, cricket gears, pitch covers, coaching equipment, coaching manual among others. Cricketing heroes the likes of Curly Ambrose, Sir Andy Roberts, Desmond Haynes, Courtney Walsh, Roland Butcher, Jimmy Adams, and even Joseph “Reds” Pereira have visited as part of this program,” Foster said, noting the BCB has reintroduced cricket at the primary and secondary levels and has 18 Cricket Coaches working across the county as part of the Government of Guyana's 10-day work programme. “Very shortly, a pool of 100 young cricketers would receive $8 million worth of cricket gear, 23 youth teams would benefit from $3 million worth of coaching equipment, and the BCB would get its own mobile grass cutter while a great effort is being made to have our own office space and indoor cricket practice facility,” he added. Meanwhile, UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, at the unveiling of the wall of fame, located at the Tain Campus, explained that the University of Guyana has been intensifying its focus on sport. “In doing this, the Berbice Campus has preceded Georgetown in setting up a wall of fame, so we have some competition now. But I would like to see the growth from a wall to a hall of fame, because we have so many good cricketers not only in Berbice, but around the country.” Even with its small start, the Vice Chancellor said, it is something all Guyana could be proud of. Former West Indies Vice Captain Guyanese Roger Harper also speaking at Thursday’s ceremony said the wall of fame would allow for persons to pay tribute to those who have left their mark on the game of cricket, not only in Berbice, Guyana or the West Indies but throughout the world. “My hope is that it serves as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging our youths: the generation next. I hope that it inspires them to be determined to have their names on this wall also. This wall of fame will evoke stories and in some cases, fond memo-

ries of the remarkable men and women, whose names adorn it,” the former off-spin bowler said. The players featured on the wall are John Trim, Ivan Madray, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Roy Fredericks, Alvin Kallicharran, Sew Shivnarine, Leonard Baichan, Clayton Lambert, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Narsingh Deonarine, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Devindra Bishoo, and Brandon Bess. Veerasammy Permaul, Candacy Atkins, Assad Fudadin, Shimron Hetmyer, Gudakesh Motie and Joseph Solomon are also included. The wall of fame further features Romario Shepherd, Milton Pydana, Royston Crandon, Kevin Sinclair, Tremayne Smartt, Shemaine Campbell, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond, Shabika Gajnabi, Subrine Munroe, and Ashmini Munisar. Also speaking at the ceremony were UG Chancellor Professor Edward Greene and former cricket commentator Perreira. The event also saw the launching of a cricket scholarship by the University. According to the Vice Chancellor, two of the four scholarships being offered by the University are going to the BCB. She pointed out that the scholarships were for any discipline meaning that a recipient did not have to pursue a course in sports once the requirements of the University were met. “So you have to be able to reach the requirements to be accepted by the University. Once you are accepted, the Board then takes over and says this is the person.” She said the scholarships must be gender and ethnically-inclusive as well as geographically inclusive. “We would be ensuring that you maintain a good GPA – you have to be passing your courses. So, you can’t get a scholarship and just do what you want after that; then you will lose it,” she said. The BCB new coaching manual was also released at the ceremony, which was held at the Berbice campus. (Andrew Carmichael)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

Pg 23

GOA backs GRFU for Grenada 7’s Championship Pg 22

GOA President Godfrey Munroe makes a presentation to GRFU’s Kevon David in the presence of other GOA Executives

s members of the Senior Men’s 7’s National Rugby team get ready for the Grenada 7’s Championships, scheduled for November 30th – December 2nd; the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has rendered monetary assistance to the travelling team. At the simple handover ceremony at the Olympic House, President

of the Guyana Olympic Association, Mr. Godfrey Munroe, opined that it gives great pleasure for the Guyana Olympic Association to lend support to the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) and wished the members of the Team much success as they represent the Federation and country in yet another positive step in further strengthening

Guyana’s distinguished presence on the “international scene”. During the simple event on Thursday last GRFU (November 9th) Vice President Kevon David received the cheque from Munroe in the presence of GOA Executives Philip Fernandes, Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon, Emilia Ramdhani and Garfield Wiltshire.

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