Guyana Times - Monday, March 4, 2024

Fishing licence woes

“We are not running away from our responsibility” – Pres Santokhi

…says looking for “best solution” for both Guyana & Suriname

Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi has reassured Guyanese that his Government was not running away from honouring its years-old commitment to resolve the age-old fishing licence issue.

Following a high-level meeting in Guyana during August 2021 between President Dr Irfaan Ali and President Santokhi, the Surinamese Government had committed to issue 150 fisherfolk here with licences starting from January 2022 to operate in Suriname’s territorial waters.

Guyanese fishermen operate from the Corentyne Coast and have to use the Corentyne River to get access to the Atlantic where they get most of their catch. The Corentyne River is Surinamese territory. Over recent years, however, with the failure of the Suriname Government to uphold its pledge, Guyanese fisherfolk are being exploited and made to pay exorbitant fees to rent licences that are issued to Surinamese businessmen in order to operate in the border river.

Priority

Last week, on the sidelines of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government Conference held in Guyana, President Santohki assured that this issue was on the agenda for dialogue between the two countries. In fact, he noted that President Ali was scheduled to visit Paramaribo later this year and it would be a priority topic.

Asked by Guyana Times whether there could be a

resolution this year, the Surinamese leader explained that there were some legal issues in his country that could require parliamentary amendments or a new agreement between the two countries. Nevertheless, he reassured that a decision in the best interest of both countries would be taken.

“It is on agenda, let us look at what the views are [when President Ali visit Paramaribo]. You have to take into consideration that this case was thorough-

ly examined by both sides and one of the issues is that there are some legal implications. But we are leaders who solve things. If things need to be solved in the Parliament, if things need to be solved in agreement, if things need to be solved within the spirit of Caricom Treaty, we have to do it but we are not running away from our responsibility to take a proper decision… The question is on the agenda and we’re looking for the best solution in the interest of both countries,” President

Santokhi affirmed.

Fishing licences issue

Back in March last year, operators in the local fishing industry along the Corentyne had called on the Guyana Government to apply more pressure on its Surinamese counterpart to resolve the fishing licences issue.

Authorities in Nickerie, Suriname, only issue licences to business persons in the Dutch-speaking country, who must own a boat and have been paying taxes in that country. Those licensed persons, in turn, rent the permits to Guyanese fisherfolk at an additional 200 per cent markup on the already 500 per cent they had been demanding.

Licences are issued by Surinamese authorities to fish in its waters for SR$2500 which is approximately US$70. In Nickerie, some Surinamese secure dozens of licences, which are then rented to Guyanese for usually US$3000 annually, but they increased this fee last year to as much as US$5000.

In March 2023, it was

reported that about 250 licences are being rented –an increase from 150. In light of this growing demand by local fisherfolk, the Surinamese licence holders have been demanding between US$4000 and US$6000 in rental fees for the permit document.

Moreover, Guyanese fisherfolk had complained that this high demand locally has led to much corruption with some licences are being rented to two persons.

Not happy President Ali had previously expressed that his Government was not happy with the way Guyanese fisherfolk are currently treated.

Fisherfolk previously explained to Guyana Times that a 1980 agreement between the two countries stated that the Dutch-speaking country must issue 50 licences directly to Guyanese fisherfolk, but this was stopped in 2003. However, Suriname has argued that under its Constitution, it cannot license non-nationals to operate in its waters.

Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi with his Foreign Minister, Albert Ramdin and other officials in Guyana last month

The

Monday,

Monday,

23:31h reaching maximum heights of 2.19 metres and 2.05 metres.

Low Tide: 16:47h reaching a minimum height of 1.02 metres.

Govt confronting El Niño challenge – Pres Ali

…says it threatens not only agriculture, but also mining sector

The recent livestock-related deaths caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon on the Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) are a challenge that the Government is paying attention to, with President Dr Irfaan Ali assuring that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is confronting the El Niño threat.

During a recent live broadcast, President Ali noted that the PPP/C Government has experience rebuilding after disasters such as major floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. He assured that

cattle, sheep and goats have been dying, as a result of the loss of their pastures between Number 52 Village and Number 66 Village on the

ery other day onto the land.

“Most of the animals pine away and dead out,” he explained.

According to Setaram,

the Government stood ready against the El Niño phenomenon, which results in below-normal rainfall and above-normal average temperatures.

“In the battle of COVID, we still had politically-driven instigation to destabilise our path on development. Our path to progress and prosperity. In those years, you would recall, too, that almost all our regions were affected by major floods,” President Ali said.

“We brought relief and benefit to tens of thousands of Guyanese all across the country. We reinvested in agriculture and built back from those two major floods. Today, as part of the challenge we face, we now confront the El Niño situation that, again, affects productivity, not only in agriculture, but also in the mining sector.”

President Ali further assured that these challenges would not deter the PPP/C Government from continuing its efforts to expand the economy, the results of which are evident across the country. Added to this are the Government’s continued efforts to transform the social landscape of the country.

Over the past few days,

lost a lot of weight and are feeble. Seetaram says he has nowhere to carry them so that they can get food. Each head of cattle costs an average of $90,000, but now because of the state of the animals, Setaram says if he tries to sell them, he will not be able to get more than $40,000 per head.

He predicts that all of the animals will die if there is no urgent assistance.

“If the Government dig a canal we can full it with water to go down to the back. We could get water from the front trench but they got to keep the pump working.”

That trench he was referring to is the Seaforth Canal. Currently, sections of it are blocked making it difficult for a steady stream of water to flow even with the pumps constantly working.

Meanwhile, the weather forecast has not predicted exactly when the rains will begin to significantly impact the current dry conditions. However, in Guyana, there is usually a rainy season from December to January, bringing wet conditions in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, 10, and northern Region Six.

This period is considered the ‘short’ wet season, with the transition starting from mid to late November.

Corentyne, as a result of the El Niño phenomenon.

Scores of farmers rear thousands of animals on 12,000 acres of the 20,000acre savannah designated as a pasture for animals. Most of the animals do not have water to drink even with efforts being made by the farmers to access water from the Seaforth Canal – a situation compounded by the drying up of the grass.

Water from the Canje River is being pumped into the Seaforth Canal by the Region Six Administration. Farmers say they are losing animals daily as cattle are finding it difficult to find food.

Lalbeharry Setaram, who has 300 head of cattle, says he has been pumping water ev-

he has already lost about 30 head of cattle. “Dem ah walk and fall down and dead, up to yesterday four dead,” he continued.

Many of his animals have

The highest occurrence of short-duration, high-intensity rainfall is observed during this period, which often leads to flash flooding.

The scorched landscape left by El Niño

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Whither the nation-state

Form dictates function in politics as much as biology, and this is a lesson that Guyanese politicians need to take to heart. The unitary “nation-state” is one such form that forces us to act in ways that may engender conflict when its inhabitants are from different cultural strains. The concept of the “nation-state” has become such a ubiquitous international norm, that it is difficult for us to realize that the modern state was only born in the last few centuries.

While the state and nation are usually conflated, in reality the state can never become identical with the people living within its territory. The state may represent the people but the people inevitably will identify easier with their “nation” as constructed by their lived experiences within a common language, culture and traditions, than their state. This does not mean that the state cannot be a site of identification for the people but since the values promulgated by the state being more abstract and “drier”, these will have to be transmitted independently. Where there are different “cultures/nations” within a state, inevitable systemic strains are unleashed, since to create the unified nation, there has to be continued application of force, symbolic and physical, on some groups to maintain the “imagined community”.

However, while the concept of the “nation state” has become a central pillar of the dominant political paradigm in modern politics, it is but a contingent moment in Europeangenerated history that definitionally insisted on the “societal consensus” and the “melting pot” theory of assimilation. Even within Britain itself, the Scots, the Welsh and most obstinately, the Irish never fully accepted the homogenizing premises of the nation-state. Early in the day, Ireland declared it would go its own way. The disappearance of the Soviet yoke in 1989 precipitated the formation of a score of “ethnic” republics in Europe. National unity is always ultimately impossible if it means homogeneity, since such a unity will have to be created (or more mildly, be represented) by a suppression of differences.

The contradictions and problems of the nation-state were compounded after those imperialistic European states – during their 19th century consolidation phase - partitioned the world into empires and "spheres of influence". Claiming huge swathes of real estate, which they arbitrarily divided into colonies for administrative convenience, the multitude of ethnic groups within each enclave were suddenly told they had to become cohesive "nations". The onus was even greater in those colonies, such as the West Indies, where the “native” groups were practically wiped out, ensuring there were no “natural” cultural strains as in the European model, to evolve into any “national” culture. The society had to be created almost sui generis – patterned on the European ideal, of course.

The local politicians who inherited governance of the colonies adopted this imperialistic homogenising arrogance and insisted on even utilizing force, when necessary to create homogenous "nation-states". We are reaping the whirlwind: while both the competing modernization and the Marxist school in the last century had prophesied the eradication of ethnicity and the creation of unified “nation states” (implied with the Marxists) history has proven them completely misguided.

The reasons for this are complex but essentially lay at the heart of the nature of power, the potential for its abuse, its relationship to status, the power of the modern state and the fact that the group that controls that power is invariably from, or perceived to be, from one section. In a culturally plural society then, power always has an ethnic contour and will be challenged along that parameter. In ethnically heterogeneous states, ethnicity became a dominant cleavage along which mobilization took place even though the politicians strained mightily to claim “multiracialism”. In Guyana, whether the PNC or PPP ran the government, it was seen by the group on the outside as the “other” ethnic group dominating the government. However, with us now becoming a nation of minorities, finally either party can create a stable nation state by agglomerating a governing majority through crafting and executing inclusive platforms.

Ram’s analysis fraught with elementary errors

Dear Editor, In his haste to prove a point, that the Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo was wrong on the ExxonMobil Guyana (EMG) asset valuation, Lalbachan Chris Ram’s analysis was fraught with a myriad of elementary errors (March 1, 2023)

Ram’s Error #1.0

Christopher Ram contends that EMG’s total assets of US$20 billion as stated by the Vice President is incorrect. To prove his point, Ram argued that as of the end of financial year 2023, EMG’s net assets stood at US$7 billion. Now, there are two errors in this statement. In fact, one is an error, and the other is a falsehood.

Ram’s Error # 1.1

Firstly, there is a huge distinction between net assets and total assets. Net assets is the difference between total assets and total liabilities. So, not the same. The Vice President was referring to the total assets as of the end of 2022, not 2023 because the 2023 financials have not been filed as yet.

Ram’s Error # 1.2

Secondly, it must be

noted that when the Vice President or anyone for that matter, refers to Exxon’s total assets, it is understood to mean the total assets for the Stabroek block operations, which include the co-ventures (CoVs), Hess and CNOOC. This is in accordance with the 2016 Petroleum Agreement that currently governs the Stabroek block as there is no other operator in the Stabroek block at this time. In other words, EMG is the operator for all of the total assets in the Stabroek block.

Ram’s Error # 1.3

Thirdly, Lalbachan Ram was being totally dishonest to suggest that he is in possession of the 2023 financials. The 2023 financial statements are expected to be filed by April 2024. To substantiate Ram’s dishonesty coupled with his elementary error thereof, the US$7 billion figure he came up with is the net asset figure based on EMG’s financials for 2022, not 2023. He deliberately excluded the total assets, which would have been derived from the sum total of EMG, Hess and CNOOC total assets, knowing full well that EMG is the operator in the Stabroek block.

Another elementary error on Ram’s part, just to prove a point, which in fact shows how wrong he (Ram) was and not the Vice President.

Ram’s Error # 2

Ram then contends that the Vice President’s reference to the Chevron/Hess deal as a merger is wrong. Here, Ram exposed how divorced he is from the contemporary literature in corporate finance, and he is operating in an outdated world of finance. In the contemporary corporate finance world, the differentiation between a merger and an acquisition is eroding. It is now referred to as “M&A” transactions (mergers and acquisitions). There is no separation anymore. So, the deal between Chevron and Hess is an M&A deal. As such, whether it is referred to as a merger or an acquisition, neither is incorrect. Ram, in his haste to prove a point, ignored the context altogether, coupled with his unfamiliarity with the contemporary literature. But, as demonstrated herein, it’s a trivial matter.

Ram’s Error # 3

The Vice President, in responding to the ques-

tion posed to him by the Kaieteur News reporter, to which Ram refers, said that the deal is US$60 billion. Ram hasten to point out that the Vice President was wrong. But again, it is Ram who was evidently being petty for the third time as already noted above. The deal is actually reported as US$53 billion, however, in the context of the answer the Vice President provided, he was not incorrect. His (the VP) response was understood to mean that the deal is in the region of US$60 billion. Especially, now since ExxonMobil is trying to block Chevron from proceeding, this can amount to a counterbid from ExxonMobil or Chevron, well in the region of US$60 billion or higher.

Finally, the Vice President was correct when he said the total assets of EMG, including Hess and CNOOC stood at US$20 billion, as of the end of 2022. In Lalbachan Ram’s persistent haste inspired by triviality and vexatiousness, he has on numerous occasions exhibited his ineptness, incompetence, and mediocrity in his so-called analysis.

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin

CThere is a similar condition affecting cats -- which has many names, the most common of which is Feline Parvovirus (FPV) -- which can be found in older texts. Please note that this virus is closely related to, but is yet quite different from, the CPV affecting puppies and young adult dogs. We will deal specifically with this cat ailment after the discussion on CPV has been concluded.

Risk and predisposing factors associated with the infection and spread of CPV Research and empirical observations carried out in Europe, North America and elsewhere tend to show that this CPV disease often occurs:-

(i) During warm weather.

(ii) In unvaccinated puppies (and even in unvaccinated adult dogs).

seem to be more disposed to contracting this CPV disease. For example: Labradors, the Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers and American Pit Bull Terriers seem to be more vulnerable than other breeds.

and soon becomes a bloody discharge from the anus.

2: As a result of the loss of fluids (due to diarrhoea), the animal quickly becomes dehydrated, and loses essential elements needed

ed?

Answer: This is one canine disease for which the caregiver needs to have veterinary involvement as early as possible. Please note that the symptoms listed above

Vomiting and diarrhoea lead to serious dehydration. The owner might find great difficulty in rehydrating an ailing pup which regurgitates even water, and surely food.

in transfusion exercises; and this was done with some success. However, some religious doctrines and the costs associated with the regime presented difficulties which became insurmountable.

The ensuing “oral liquid intake/vomit” cycle is something even the vet would have difficulty controlling, especially if he/she is seeing the sick animal only once or twice daily.

Actually, the best (only?) way to counter dehydration, while offering energy supplements and treating secondary infections, is to place the animal on an intravenous drip for extended periods.

(iii) In puppies (and adult dogs) with high levels of worm infestation.

Please do not be fooled into thinking that our own creole/ “common” breeds are not often affected, or that they have some in-built, genetically-anchored resistance. When the CPV wave is on the rampage, many dogs succumb. In the latter part of last year (2023), vet-

(iv) Via exposure to other puppies, young and adult dogs which may be carrying the virus – especially in overcrowded conditions, e.g. in shelter environments.

What we are really emphasizing is that the transmission of the virus is mostly dog-to-dog. Even the sniffing of an infected dog’s anus can facilitate transmission of the virus from one dog to another.

Further, certain breeds

erinarians in Guyana were confronted with an abnormal quantity of puppies exhibiting symptoms of CPV.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ASSOCIATED WITH CPV

Question: What are the symptoms of CPV?

Answer 1: Since this virus primarily attacks certain structures of the intestinal (gut) wall, an initially soft watery diarrhoea develops,

for growth and general wellbeing.

3: Since the intestinal wall is weakened by the onslaught of the virus, bacteria (germs) secondarily invade the gut, causing further infection, septicemia, and the deterioration of the health of the puppy (or adult), and creating a condition of shock just prior to death.

4: Vomiting

5: Loss of appetite

6: Listlessness

7: Fever (especially in the first few days, at the beginning of the ailment).

8: Abdominal pain upon palpation

Question: Can humans get CPV from their infected dogs?

Answer: No. Also, a dog/ cat cannot be infected by a type of Parvovirus (B19) carried by humans.

Question: Can the pet ailing with CPV be treat-

could exhibit themselves as early as 3 days after the animal has been infected.

Question: What is the treatment regime?

Answer: The treatment has to focus on alleviating or removing the symptoms. The vet would prescribe/ administer medications to counter the vomiting, fever, diarrhoea, bleeding, dehydration and listlessness, etc.

It may be better for the caregiver to leave the sick puppy/young adult dog in the vet’s hospital facilities, if such exist. Where these do not exist, the vet would explain to the caregiver what he/she can administer at home, and how often the ailing animal needs to return to the clinic for treatment.

The pet owner/caregiver must recognise that not only is this viral infection lethal, but the symptoms (once they appear) are devastating.

I should mention that when CPV entered Guyana in full force, I kept a few blood donor dogs in the clinic so that I could use their blood

Next week we will deal with even more salient questions and answers relating to this CPV killer disease.

Page Foundation

Negative numbers

Remember…. Zero (0) is neither positive nor negative.

Exercises: Solve

In this fun and easy electricity and magnetism science experiment, we are going to demonstrate magnetism and magnetic fields by creating a ‘dancing snake’.

Materials:

Cotton thread

Scissors

Straight pin

Horseshoe magnet

Instructions:

Cut about an eight-inch length of thread.

Tie the thread around the head of the straight pin.

Touch the magnet to the pin and hold the opposite end of the thread with your other hand.

Pull the magnet away until the thread tightens. Slowly pull the magnet away a small distance.

The pin will suspend in the air.

Move the magnet around and cause the ‘snake’ to dance.

How it works:

Magnets have North and South poles. The same poles repel each oth-

er whereas opposite poles attract. The magnetic field of magnets will attract metal objects like the straight pin that contains iron.

Make this a science project:

Try different types of items like small nails, bolts, or screws. Try putting materials like paper or cardboard between the magnet and straight pin and observe what happens. Try different sized and shaped magnets. Set up two magnets with the same poles facing each other and move the straight pin between the area where the poles repel to observe what occurs. (sciencefun.org)

by Lenore Hetrick

"Is it time to awaken?" the violet asked. The crocus peeped at the sky. "Not yet, dear flower!" she whispered low. "Some snowflakes are going by!"

"Is it time to grow?" The violet questioned After a day had passed. "Not yet," said the crocus, peeping again. "I still feel winter's blast."

The third time the violet opened her eyes, She heard a loud, harsh sound, It shook all the earth, the trees and the hills, And was felt way down in the ground.

"Is it time, friend crocus?" the violet asked, And the crocus lifted her head. "Oh, no!" said she. "There's a wind like a lion! It's best that we stay in bed!"

The violet opened her big, blue eyes, "A wind like a lion, you say? Then March is here! Wild, stormy March! And it's time to be on our way!"

So up from the soil the crocus and violet Pushed their way to the sky, And the wild March wind gave each one a kiss As he went tearing by!

WORD SEARCH

Laws to protect Guyana from oil spill liabilities to be laid soon – Jagdeo

…says will likely be brought before 2024 parliamentary recess

In the wake of the recent oil spill off the coast of Tobago, which has resulted in a massive clean-up effort by the Trinidad and Tobago Government, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has assured that legislation aimed at protecting Guyana from such liabilities would soon be coming.

During a recent press conference, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo indicated that these laws have been in the pipeline long before the spillage off the Tobago coast. Such protection will certainly be important in light of the millions of US dollars usually associated with oil spill clean-ups and T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley’s previous admission that the clean-up would come “at a significant cost”.

“Long before all of this happened, the spillage in Tobago, we’ve been working to have legislation in place. And those will come before the recess, to cover all sorts of liabilities. A law in place, like they have in the US and some other countries, that will also cover transportation,” Jagdeo said.

“Because we have more crude being transported in our jurisdiction. So, it’s not just li-

abilities of the oil companies, but transport companies, etc, and that’s been in the works a long time, so that we can protect this country,” he added.

In addition to legislative protection, Guyana already has guarantees from oil producer ExxonMobil, in the unlikely event of an oil spill. Last year following a court ruling, Exxon affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) had lodged a US$2 billion affiliate insurance guarantee with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to Jagdeo during the press conference, Exxon’s assets can be sold to cover any expenses related to a spill and in response to ques-

tions, he had highlighted how varied and extensive those assets were.

“If I have to list the assets of Exxon, have you read the balance sheet, have you gone to the financial statements and looked at the balance sheets? You should look at that. I have to list every asset that they have and considering something else. We talk about the book value of the assets, let me just give you an idea. You’ve heard about the merger between Chevron and Hess,” Jagdeo had said.

Last year, ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge had made it clear that Exxon had set up a “long line of defences” to prevent oil spills form occurring. These

“We are not running...

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had previously bemoaned that the impasse on the issuance of the fishing licences still exists, despite a number of bilateral talks on the matter between Guyana and Suriname.

This is after he had submitted, since December 2020, a list of Guyanese fishermen who require licences to operate in Surinamese waters.

That list was handed over to Surinamese Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Prahlad Sewdien, who had acknowledged receipt of the document and assured Mustapha that the fishing licences would be issued from January 1, 2021.

Given that stalemate, the Agriculture Minister had left the matter to his Cabinet colleague – Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd, to deal with the matter through diplomatic channels.

Diplomatic resolution

But in September 2022, the Guyana Government said efforts at a diplomatic resolution had so far failed.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry had released a statement recounting the sequence of events from the time it got involved in attempting to resolve the fishing licence impasse between Suriname and Guyana.

According to the Ministry, despite Suriname agreeing

since 2020 to grant the licences, this did not materialise.

“In agreeing to the granting of the licences, the Government of Suriname indicated that it would set up a Government-owned company to be the business partner of the Guyanese fishermen with which they will sign a Vessel-basing Agreement, and which will take care of the registration of the vessels of the Guyanese fishermen. This was in keeping with Suriname’s fishing legislation.”

“The Government of Suriname also proposed the conclusion of a Fisheries Agreement between the two countries which would also address the granting of licences. Guyana continued to engage in the discussions with Suriname in good faith with the expectation that they would result in a mutually-beneficial arrangement,” the Foreign Ministry had stated.

The Ministry went on to note that Guyana had complied with all the requirements Suriname set out for granting the licences, adding that it was evident that diplomacy has so far failed at getting the licences for the fishermen to fish unharassed.

In fact, Minister Todd had met his Surinamese counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of Suriname,

include applying new technologies to the design of the wells, training personnel, and strict safety practices.

FROM PAGE 2

Albert Ramdin, in April 2023 during which the fishing licence issue was among the issues discussed.

Later that same month, it was reported by a Surinamese news outlet, United News, that Guyana had imposed a trade embargo on agricultural products from the Dutchspeaking nation. That allegation was levied against Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who was accused by the Association of Surinamese Manufacturers of retaliating against the non-issuance of the fishing licences.

However, VP Jagdeo had said while he was unaware of any such embargo on Surinamese products, he noted that Guyana has phytosanitary standards to maintain.

Suriname-Guyana Chamber

Nevertheless, with the recent establishment of the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC), which was inaugurated by President Santokhi in Georgetown last month, stakeholders in the local fishing industry are now hoping for “affirmative action on the elusive fishing licences.”

“It would be a hallmark achievement for the SGCC, were this to happen,” one letter writer penned in a February 2024 letter to the editor that was published in Guyana Times (Vahnu Manikchand)

Additionally, the company also acquired a capping stack – a piece of equipment that is placed over the blown-out well to stop oil from spilling. These can be accessed within five days but as of this year, Exxon is required to have this equipment in the country as part of the Yellowtail Permit. Meanwhile, in the event of an oil spill, it was explained that Exxon already has about $20 billion in financial resources set aside to respond to such a “highly unlikely” incident.

Business Service Manager for ExxonMobil Guyana, Phillip Rietema had, meanwhile, said that in addition to the billions of dollars in investments in Guyana the company had, more would also be invested in the country as investments ramp up.

Because of this, he had explained, the oil major would

not want to jeopardise its investments by not upholding its commitment or conforming to requirements. As he put it, the company is incentivised to mitigate dangers from oil spills and to clean them up as quickly and efficiently as possible in the unlikely event they did occur. (G3)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

The vessel that was recently involved in the Tobago oil spill

Bartica businessman, porter shot dead in $37M gold heist

…miners’ association outraged, calls for justice

Two men – a businessman and a porter -were killed during a daring robbery on Sunday morning in Arimu Backdam, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Dead are 50-year-old businessman Mohamed Zaheer Sheriff and 26-yearold Donovan Washington.

Police said the incident occurred around 10:00h Sunday. It was revealed that two masked men, on a red All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), carted off 102 ounces of raw gold valued at $37 million and two licensed firearms (a .32 pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun), property of Sheriff, a father of three of Byderabo Road, Bartica.

Investigations so far revealed that Sheriff was the owner of a six-inch land dredge operation at Arimu Backdam and he had ‘washed down’ on Sunday morning. He then left the camp along with Washington, also a father of three, of Seventh Avenue, Bartica, on an ATV.

The men were en route to Bartica.

According to Police, the General Manager for Sheriff's operation reported that about five minutes after his boss left camp, he heard several loud explosions which he suspected to be gunshots.

He said he went to investigate, and about 500 metres from the camp, found both

Sheriff and Washington lying in the trail with gunshot injuries about their bodies.

Police said that the 39-year-old manager reported that he observed that both of Sheriff’s firearms and the gold were missing. He later made a report to the Bartica Police Station.

Sheriff's body was examined, and Police said he was shot in his right upper chest, upper right thigh, upper right arm, and left upper back.

Washington’s body was also examined. He was shot to his lower abdomen, left chest, left shoulder, left hand, and left elbow, with four wounds to the right thigh, two to the left thigh,

and one to his back.

The scene was processed and one .32 magazine with eight live matching rounds, seven 9mm spent shells, and three .32 spent shells were found.

Meanwhile, a close relative of Washington disclosed to Guyana Times that they received a call on Sunday morning that the duo was ambushed shortly after processing raw gold from the mining operations. The relative said that the family was still in shock at the man’s sudden death.

Condemnation

Responding to the tragedy, Chairman and Managing Director of the Small Miners Association Guyana Inc, David Daniels, expressed profound grief and condemnation for the senseless violence.

"The Small Miners Association Guyana mourns the loss of our esteemed Treasurer and Director, Mohamed Zaheer Sheriff, in a despicable act of violence. Today, we grieve the untimely passing of Zaheer, a dedicated member, friend, and colleague. His unwavering dedication to Guyana's mining community was evident in every endeavour," Daniels stated.

He said the circumstances surrounding the men’s tragic demise, suspected to be a robbery, underscore the grave risks endured by those residing and labouring in Guyana's interior regions.

" Such heinous acts of violence not only rob individuals of their lives but also shatter the peace and security of our communities. We vehemently condemn this cowardly act and demand swift justice for Mohamed Zaheer Sheriff, Donovan Washington, and their grieving families," the association’s statement continued.

Further, the association urged the Government to swiftly implement robust security measures to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of individuals in the country's interior regions.

"It is imperative that decisive action be taken to address the underlying factors fuelling such violence, ensuring the protection of our citizens," the association asserted. (G9)

Party… …matters

With elections due next year, the parties are getting their houses in order so’s to make their best showing in the biggest sweepstakes in our little Mudland. One geriatric from the PNC confessed recently that it’s all about signalling by the party leadership which group’s gonna be “pon tap”. And it ain’t just because – as political scientists put it – the winning group decides who gets “what, when and how”, but about bragging rights even if the winning group has to eat, “salt and rice”!! Our elections, therefore, are always combustible matters.

So it ain’t surprising that the parties’ elections to decide who’ll lead them into General Elections can also become brutal affairs. Remember the 2011 PNC Congress when Norton accused Granger’s backers of rigging and there was that pic of a gunman poised to take out dissenters?? Generally, the party in Opposition generates the most in-fighting – after the passing of the two founder leaders, Jagan and Burnham. When they were around, they pretty much orchestrated matters for outcomes THEY wanted. While everyone cites Jagan in 1962 changing the results so than an African rather than an Indian would be Chairman of the PPP, Burnham never had to be so blatant since the slates were selected by him!!

So, we arrive at the present where the PNC was supposed to’ve held its Biennial Congress since last December – ‘cause the last one that elected Norton as leader was in December 2021. But December 2023 came and went without the Congress!! PNC folks started accusing Norton of hiding from the membership, because he wasn’t sure he could hold off the challengers who’d been on their own hustings over the past year! Norton had been chosen by the party faithful, because they felt that Granger was too passive and hadn’t resorted to violent street action following his rigging attempt in 2020.

But after Norton had demonstrated his “aggressiveness” by just refusing to shake hands with Prezzie, folks were lining up to challenge him. Forced by public calls – and a protest – Norton promised that a Congress will be held “not later than Aug 31”. Interestingly, none of the frontrunners for his position are of the sulphur-breathing species. But they’ve got enough of them on the sidelines to ensure the old PNC standby of violence and rigging will be on the table come 2025!!

In the meantime, the incumbent PPP’s waters have been less turbulent – as is usually the case with parties having access to the State spigots! They’ve announced their Congress will be in May – with Prezzie already declaring he ain’t running.

That means VP Jagdeo – the PNC’s nightmare! –gonna be returning and the only action will be deciding how many of the “old guard” will be left!!

…and shmoozing

Well, there our leader was, back in St Vincent…but this time to attend a meeting with the 33 Latin American and Caribbean members of CELAC. And of course, several of the attendees of the Argyle meeting were there –including Mad Maduro and Ralph Gonsalves!! And once again, our President struck the right tone -- signalling that even though Mad Maduro’s been truculently pushing his annexation of Essequibo claims, we continue to support a peaceful resolution to the controversy through the ICJ!! In this way, we’ve taken the diplomatic high ground –which counts!!

At the meeting, Prezzie exchanged gifts with Mad Maduro – ours being a bottle of 12-year-old El Dorado. This surely wasn’t coincidental, since Venezuela fancies itself as a top-class rum producer, but our rums have consistently topped theirs!! In case you doubt your Eyewitness, just check out the site RumX and you’ll see the top rating they received was 8.9 to our 9.7!!

And once again, Mad Maduro couldn’t look Prezzie in the eye!!

…to fraud

Your Eyewitness continues to be amazed at the PNC’s ineptness in continuing to claim the PPP rigged the 2020 elections – thus insulting the countries that witnessed their clumsy rigging attempt. The same countries they’re seeking to support them!!

Dead: Donovan Washington

Dead: Mohamed Zaheer Sheriff

GTU’s claim of non-discussion of teachers’ salaries in MoE engagements untrue – CEO tells court

…“we cannot be politically bullied” – Pres Ali …urges teachers, GTU to end strike & return to “ongoing process”

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Saddam Hussain has countered claims made by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) in its court proceedings that it was never engaged by the Ministry of Education on salary-related issues for teachers.

In court documents filed by the GTU (Applicant) in February 2024 against the Attorney General of Guyana (Respondent), the union disclosed that only non-financial matters were discussed with the Education Ministry regarding its multi-year proposal for the period 20192023 that was submitted to Government in September 2020.

The GTU said its General Secretary, Coretta McDonald, had wrote President Dr Irfaan Ali on April 18, 2023, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the way forward for teachers. “She penned that the Guyana Teachers’ Union had shared its proposals for salaries and non-salaries benefits dated back to 2020 but they were not engaged at any level to discuss the same,” the court document stated.

It went onto outline that in another letter, dated October 12, 2023, to the Chief Labour Officer (CLO) Dhaneshwar Deonarine, McDonald had requested arbitration. The court document stated, “[McDonald] noted that all matters discussed between the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union up to that point were non-financial matters. Ms. McDonald reported that the Minister of Education informed the Guyana Teachers’ Union that their financial matters were

the concern of the Office of the President, but the Guyana Teachers’ Union had been unsuccessful in engaging the Office of the President.”

Consequently, the GTU said its General Secretary then wrote Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton on January 23, 2024, giving notice of pending industrial strike action which commenced nationwide on February 5, “for better wages.”

Contrary to GTU claims

However, in the Affidavit in Defence, CEO Hussain contended, “Contrary to what the Applicant has alleged that teachers' salaries were not the subject of discussions, at the very meeting of the 31st of January 2024, five (5) of the eleven (11) agenda items of that meeting related to salaries/remuneration and the issue was thoroughly discussed with an agreement to resume the said discussion at the next meeting fixed for 21st February 2024.” The CEO presented minutes of that meeting as an exhibit in his Affidavit.

He further pointed out in the court document that from August 11, 2020 until January 31, 2024, the GTU and the MoE met continuously, at an average of once monthly –sometimes as many as three times per month. Those meetings, he noted, dealt with the demands of the Applicant as well as demands of the MoE regarding the general welfare and well-being of teachers and the best interests of the education sector.

“These engagements were very constructive and led to a large number of mutually beneficial decisions and measures being implemented,” the CEO stated.

In fact, Hussain outlined, in his Affidavit, some of the specific requests of the GTU since 2020 and the number of these requests, which have been favourably addressed by the Education Ministry as well as the Government.

“These range from wage increases, duty-free concessions, scholarships, hinterland benefits, conditions for re-employment, welfare matters, grants and house lots,” said the CEO, who submitted these as an exhibit to the court.

Hussain further explained that the MoE has “successfully and satisfactorily” addressed 30 of the 41 proposals made by the Applicant in the past three years, and of the 11 outstanding requests, two are specifically only to benefit GTU executive members, while two others cannot be granted because they are contrary to the Laws of Guyana.

The CEO went onto note in the Affidavit that the last engagement with the GTU on January 31, 2024 – a mere five

days before the strike action commenced, was “very cordial and constructive and was conducted with an aura of camaraderie.” That meeting, he noted, concluded with a decision to reconvene on February 21, 2024.

“There was absolutely no animosity nor acrimony between the parties when they parted company.”

“In fact, and most significantly, it was agreed at the said meeting that the MoE and the Applicant must meet on the third Wednesday of every month to continue these engagements. This suggestion came from no other than the Applicant's President, Dr Mark Lyte, and it resulted in a unanimous decision.”

The legal proceedings filed by the GTU was to block the Education Ministry from cutting the salaries of those teachers who had been on strike for the past four weeks as well as to reverse an MOE decision to stop deducting union dues from teachers’ salaries and remitting same to the GTU.

Last week, High Court judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon, appointed two mediators in the persons of Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo and Senior Counsel Robin Stoby to engage the Education Ministry

and the GTU with the aim of finding a solution to end the current impasse. Those mediatory talks will continue today.

Will not be bullied

However, Government has stated that GTU has to end the strike if it wants to re-engage the State. During a live broadcast on Saturday, President Ali reiterated pleas to the GTU to call off the strike action and have teachers return to the classrooms.

The Head of State contended that for the meetings with Government to continue, the GTU must end the strike.

“We cannot be politically bullied. There is a system, an ongoing process. You cannot return to that ongoing process under duress. If the union is serious about returning to the process, then they will have the teachers back in school and proceed to the process that was underway…”

“This is the point we have been making consistently, that the meetings that were planned must be allowed to continue, and that is where issues relating to the welfare of teachers will continue to be discussed, but those who are

aligned with the leadership of the GTU allow political directives to supersede the natural course of things, to influence their behaviour… If we are to be a democratic and law-abiding society, a society that stands on the pillar of justice, fairness and honesty, then we have to be faithful to the institutions of our society,” President Ali argued.

However, in a live broadcast on Sunday, GTU President Lyte insisted that the strike action will continue – entering now into a fifth week.

“We are not going back to school unless Government agrees to our terms and this is not bullyism. This is standing our ground and this is what unions do,” Lyte said in a Facebook live on Sunday. (G8)

Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Guyana can be gateway for African investments into South America – Pres Ali

…says investors could have access to market of over 400 million customers

Fresh off his receipt of the African Prosperity Champions Award, President Dr Irfaan Ali had mapped out the potential for closer regional trade ties between South America and Africa, including a vision of Guyana being Africa’s investment gateway to the region.

During a recently aired interview with African Prosperity Network,

President Ali said that the unique position Guyana occupies, geographically. Guyana also has linguistic advantages, as the only official English-speaking country on the continent. The President also noted that Guyana could help Africa access a market of over 400 million people.

“Guyana stands at the most important geographic space. Because we’re the gateway to South America.

And we also are part of Caricom. Now Guyana allows African investment to have access to a market of over 400 million. And that is markets we have trade agreements with.”

“It opens up all of South America to African investors. And with the type of investments taking place in our country, where we’re trying to put Guyana as a leader on climate, food and energy,

Africa can play a key role. And we do have best practices right in Guyana,” President Ali said.

President Ali also referenced Guyana’s oil and gas industry and the help that Ghana has provided the country. The two countries officially established diplomatic relations on May 14, 1979 Ghana has in the past offered assistance to Guyana in the area of oil and gas… assistance which Guyana has taken up in various areas, including in crafting Local Content legislation.

“We had a huge discovery of oil and gas. And our entire local content legislation was built off of the Ghana model. So, we did not go anywhere else. We came right to Ghana and we took that model,” President Ali said.

President Ali was conferred with the prestigious Global African Leadership Award in in January, in recognition of his strong and transformational leadership, during the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards and Presidential Gala Dinner in Ghana.

Only last year, the first Ghanaian Chamber of Commerce was commissioned in Guyana. The organisation will allow the two countries to connect businesses and foster investment which would drive further economic growth locally.

Last year also, a Ghanaian delegation led by Gabby Otchere-Darko, Chairman of the Ghana

Chamber of Commerce in Guyana, alongside President of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce in Ghana, Clement Osei Amoako, and Director of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce in Guyana, Loveland White, along with other Private Sector officials, met with their Guyanese counterparts.

According to a subsequent statement from the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the discussions centred around the extensive opportunities present in Guyana, and the potential for trade. It was also acknowledged that Ghana, which is an oil-producing country with the potential of over 170,000 barrels of oil per day, could offer valuable expertise and advice to support Guyana in the oil and gas sector.

And in 2019, Guyana and Ghana had signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding for trading relations and information sharing between the two states.

Back in December 2021, Ghanaian Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia visited Guyana, during which several bilateral cooperation agreements were signed to further improve relations between the two countries.

During that visit, Dr Bawumia and delegation engaged in high-level bilateral discussions at both the Government and Private Sector levels, including engagements with President Irfaan

Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and other Ministers of Government.

Vice President Bawumia also met with members of the Ghanaian Diaspora, and paid a visit to the University of Guyana. Vice President Bawumia’s visit follows on the heels of the threeday visit VP Jagdeo paid to Ghana in October that year, wherein he held talks with his Ghanaian counterpart. Following those discussions, he had announced that Ghanaian experts would be reviewing Guyana’s draft local content legislation.

During Jagdeo’s meeting with the Ghanaian Vice President, they had also spoken about the initiatives that Ghana implemented to further its industrial agenda and develop its non-oil economy.

In October of last year, it was also announced that the African ExportImport (Exim) Bank had approved a $500 million loan to Guyana for its infrastructure development needs, in addition to the US$15 million that was at the time being negotiated for small and medium-sized local businesses.

These were among the announcements made during the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum, which was held at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana, from October 30 to October 31, 2023. (G3)

President Dr Irfaan Ali back in January when he attended the Sentuo Oil Refinery commissioning with Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo

Man nabbed with loaded illegal gun outside Leonora stadium

A42-year-old man was apprehended by Police after his suspicious behaviour outside the Leonora stadium, West Coast Demerara (WCD) led to law enforcement conducting a search of his person and finding an illegal gun along with matching ammunition.

Teon Allen was arrested about 23:00h on Saturday, by ranks from Regional Police Division Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) who were stationed for security duty at the venue.

Upon observing Allen, also known as “Spoil Child”, acting in a manner deemed suspicious, law enforcement officers intercepted and proceeded to

La Grange resident jailed in absentia arrested

After evading his trial on illegal gun and ammunition charges and being sentenced in absentia, O’Neil Melbourne’s luck ran out and he was nabbed by Police.

Police detained the 26-year-old La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD) resident on Friday. He was sentenced to jail in absentia in 2016.

According to the Guyana Police Force, a Policeman stationed at the Kaikan Police Station in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) executed the arrest.

Melbourne’s previous encounter with law enforcement dates back to 2016 when he was apprehended at Arau Mountain, Region Seven. At that time, he faced charges of illegal possession

of a 12-gauge single-barrel shotgun and three 12-gauge cartridges.

His initial plea of not guilty was made before Magistrate Leron Daly in a city court.

In a bail application, Melbourne’s legal represen-

tative had asserted his innocence, claiming that his client and another miner were traversing through the jungle area between camps when the latter handed him the shotgun upon spotting the Police.

Police Prosecutor Kevin London had highlighted Melbourne’s confession about acquiring the firearm from an acquaintance, referred to as one of his “souljas” under caution.

Subsequently, Magistrate Daly remanded Melbourne to prison, scheduling his return to court on September 5, 2016. The case was transferred to the then Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Some time before the commencement of the trial, Melbourne was granted bail but failed to return to court.

search him. They found an unlicensed 9mm pistol along with 18 live rounds of matching ammunition in his possession.

According to Police, the encounter transpired at the main entrance of the stadium during an ongoing event. Allen, of Georgetown, was seen entering with a black Gucci side

bag, prompting officers to halt him for inspection.

Despite initial resistance, the Police successfully conducted the search, uncovering the concealed firearm and ammunition within the bag.

When questioned about possessing a licence for the firearm, Allen allegedly be-

haved disorderly, Police said. He was arrested and transported to the Leonora Police Station.

Upon arrival at the station, Allen allegedly affirmed his lack of possession of a firearm license, leading to his detention pending formal charges. (G9)

Over 2000g of ganja found in Mahdia drug raid

Police ranks from Regional Division Eight (PotaroSiparuni) carried out a drug raid operation at Mahdia Landing/Arcade on Friday, uncovering 2020 grams of marijuana.

The operation, which was conducted between 14:30h and 16:00h, focused on an unfenced yard housing multiple residences along School Street, Mahdia.

During the operation, law enforcement officers discovered six large plastic bags containing leaves, seeds, and stems in an abandoned area within the yard. The confiscated narcotic was transported to the Mahdia Police Station. (G9)

Arrested: O’Neil Melbourne

The ganja that was discovered by police ranks

The firearm and ammunition that were found in the man’s possession

Thousands flock NA streets as Berbice Mash concludes celebrations

The curtains came down on Mashramani celebrations 2024, with a road march and costume float parade in New Amsterdam on Sunday.

The event in Berbice, which is traditionally referred to as “the people’s Mash”, is the last official activity on the calendar of activities for Mashramani 2024.

Revellers waited at their favourite spots for the band of their choice before joining the procession as they gyrated along Main Street.

More than one dozen bands took part in Sunday’s

event, including those from several Government Ministries.

Notable absent were the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry along with the Agriculture Ministry – two Ministries which are known for their large turnout at the New Amsterdam Mash costume and float parade.

The region’s neighbour, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), which has, in the past, been supportive of the event, also had no representation.

Nevertheless, the event could be considered a suc-

cess as the large parade moving at literally a tortoise’s pace took about two hours to pass an area. This gave people ample time to participate in the entertainment coming from each of the bands.

In keeping with the Mash theme, “Celebrating Our Peoples and Our Prosperity’, the Education, Natural Resources, Housing and Water, Public Works, and Health Ministries along with the Office of the Prime Minister all depicted various aspects of the country’s prosperity.

The Regional Democratic

Council of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) hosted the event and displayed its float under the theme “Building resilient communities by prioritising healthcare, food security and recreational amenities”.

As such, the two new hospitals being constructed in the region were highlighted along with the abundant agriculture scope the region has. The float, which had several parts, also highlighted the recent transformation of areas into parks.

Regional Executive

Officer Navindra Persaud told <<<Guyana Times>>> the focus was on the region’s wealth and prosperity.

He said it also showcased the harmony that existed among the six major ethnicities in Guyana, as well as new developments taking place in the region, including the unprecedented development taking place in the region from housing construction to road improvement and the installation of street lights. It also focused on agriculture portraying the region as one of the main bread

baskets in Guyana and the Caribbean, with sugar, rice and cash crops being featured. The float also depicted the beautiful landscape of the region and some of its world-recognised sportsmen and women including Shamar Joseph.

The parade ended at the New Amsterdam Stelling Road after the almost twomile journey from Marks Bridge, but the festivities did not end there as Main Street, New Amsterdam hosted the street fair which saw thousands flocking the road and beverages flowing. (G4)

Scenes from the 2024 Berbice Mashramani Costume and Float Parade

(President Dr Irfaan Ali's

Upsurge of bush fires recorded – GFS

Following a recent upsurge of bush and grass fires, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is urging citizens to exercise extreme caution and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of fires.

In a statement, the GFS urged citizens to refrain from any activities that could potentially spark fires, such as deliberately setting grass or garbage on fire, discarding cigarettes, or using equip-

ment that generates heat or sparks in dry vegetation areas.

According to the GFS, if anyone notices any signs of smoke or fire, it is advised that they do not hesitate to report it immediately to the Fire Service via 912 or to their Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Regional Democratic Council, Toshao or Village Leaders.

Additionally, the GFS said that it was of high im-

port that persons ensure that properties were adequately prepared for fire prevention by clearing away dry vegetation, maintaining defensible space, and having fire extinguishing tools readily available.

Four days ago, a multi-agency approach was taken to extinguish wildfires in Nappi Village, Central Rupununi in Region

Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

On Tuesday last, the media reported that the GFS and the Civil Defence Commission were monitoring a brush fire in the Lethem region. The fire began last Sunday at approximately 08:30h and was fuelled by dry and windy conditions.

At the time, efforts are closely coordinated to ensure

the safety of residents and effective management of the fire.

Though the terrain hindered fire tenders’ access to the mountainous area, Village Toshaos and fire personnel were seen transporting black tanks of water to the scene to aid in extinguishing the blaze.

On Thursday, a 100-person team consisting of ranks

from the Lethem Police Station and a group of persons from Men on Mission entered Nappi Village to assist in putting out the wildfire.

They joined the Regional Executive Officer Carl Singh, ranks from the GFS, other officials, and residents of the village, to help douse the fire near the Kanuku Mountain range.

Region 2 farmers receive tools, livestock to bolster agri production

In a move to bolster agricultural food systems along the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), farmers received a range of agricultural tools and livestock.

These implements include water pumps and sprinklers, knapsack sprayers, tillers, shade house materials, mist blowers, pigs,

breeding bulls, sheep, and Black Giant Chickens.

The distribution of the much-needed agricultural inputs forms part of a commitment made by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, during several recent engagements with the farmers along the Essequibo Coast.

According to a Department of Public

Information (DPI) report, during these meetings, various issues were highlighted and the farmers were enlightened about the interventions they are bound to benefit from as a result of this year’s trillion-dollar budget.

Director General of the Ministry, Madanlall Ramraj, who facilitated the handing-over of the inputs

on Friday, was accompanied by Regional Vice Chairman of Region Two and other staff of the Ministry. Farmers expressed gratitude to the Government for the timely distribution of the farming inputs and

Essequibo Coast which has already been procured. The delivery is slated to take place in two weeks.

According to the DPI report, farmers there will soon benefit from a portion of the 7000 Brazilian Green

agro-processing.

Communities that will benefit from these initiatives include Queenstown, Mashabo, Anna Regina, Dartmouth, Siriki, and New Road.

The Government’s deter-

continued support, aimed at transforming the overall landscape of the region.

Additionally, Mustapha promised to provide a tractor to cash crop farmers to prepare their lands in the

Dwarf coconut seedlings to expand their production capacity.

The Agriculture Minister will also inaugurate the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) edifice for

mination to strengthen the agriculture sector and guarantee farmers in Region Two sustainable growth and prosperity is emphasised by this strategic intervention.

Persons assisting to extinguish the bush fire in Nappi Village in Central Rupununi, Region Nine

Israel-Gaza war: Kamala Harris urges more aid for starving Gazans

US Vice-President

Kamala Harris says people in Gaza "are starving" and has urged Israel to "significantly increase the flow of aid" there.

She said "there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks", which would "get the [Israeli] hostages out".

Earlier, Israel did not attend truce talks in Egypt, saying Hamas was not giving a list of hostages still alive.

Hamas told the BBC it was unable to do so because of the Israeli bombing.

"Practically it is impossible to know who is still alive," said Dr Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official.

Hamas's team and mediators from the US and Qatar are understood to be in Egypt's capital Cairo for the planned negotiations.

Pressure for a ceasefire deal intensified after Thursday's incident out -

side Gaza City in the north of the Palestinian enclave where at least 112 people were killed when crowds rushed an aid convoy and Israeli troops opened fire.

Speaking at an event in Alabama on Sunday, Ms Harris said: "What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating. We have seen reports of families eating leaves or animal feed, women giving birth to mal -

nourished babies with little or no medical care, and children dying from malnutrition and dehydration.

"As I have said many times, too many innocent Palestinians have been killed."

The vice-president stressed that "our common humanity compels us to act", reiterating President Joe Biden's commitment "to urgently get more

life-saving assistance to innocent Palestinians in need".

On Monday Ms Harris is due to have talks in Washington with Benny Gantz, an influential member of Israel's war cabinet, to discuss a possible ceasefire deal and increased humanitarian aid for Gaza.

Ms Harris said "there is a deal on the table and as we have said, Hamas

needs to agree to that deal. Let's get a ceasefire. Let's reunite the hostages with their families, and let's provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza."

She also said "the Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses."

She was speaking in Selma, Alabama, at an event marking the 1965 attack by state troopers on civil rights demonstrators, known as Bloody Sunday.

The Israeli military launched a large-scale air and ground campaign to destroy Hamas after its gunmen killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel on 7 October and took 253 back to Gaza as hostages.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says at least 30,410 people, including 21,000 children and women, have been killed in Gaza since then, with some 7,000 missing and 71,700 injured.

Dr Basem Naim, a

member of Hamas's political bureau, told the BBC's Newshour programme on Sunday that the group was unable to provide Israel with a full list of surviving hostages.

"Practically it is impossible to know who is still alive because of the Israeli bombardment and blockage. They are in different areas with different groups.

"We have asked for a ceasefire to collect that data", he said, adding: "we cannot accept any preconditions". He was speaking from Istanbul.

The UK, US and their Western partners consider Iranian-backed Hamas to be a terrorist organisation.

"Hamas is a brutal terrorist organisation that has vowed to repeat October 7th again and again until Israel is annihilated. Hamas has shown no regard for innocent life," Kamala Harris said, insisting that "Hamas cannot control Gaza". (BBC)

Bronx man with 19 previous arrests charged in fatal shooting – NYPD

ABronx man with 19 previous arrests on his record was apprehended Wednesday and charged in connection with the murder of a Kingsbridge Heights man who was fatally shot less than a mile away from his home last week.

Police announced the arrest of 46-yearold Deshaun Coleman, of Sedgwick Avenue, who was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon in the fatal shooting of Hasan Richburg, 26, of Heath Avenue.

Police from the 50th Precinct responded to a 911 call regarding a person shot in front of 131 W. Kingsbridge Road just before 11 a.m. on Feb. 8. Upon their arrival, officers found Richburg with multiple gunshot wounds to his body. EMS arrived

at the scene and transported Richburg to Saint Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Richburg’s listed address is less than a mile away from the location where he was shot.

A police spokesperson told the Bronx Times that

members of the Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended Coleman on Wednesday morning and prought him in to the 50th Precinct for processing, but could not provide information regarding what led to his arrest.

Coleman’s record in -

cludes 19 previous arrests on charges ranging from robbery to assault, to criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a controlled substance, the police spokesperson said. (Bronx Times)

The fighting has reduced much of Gaza to rubble and many of the victims were women and children

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Family meDicine, enDocrinology/DiabeTes

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is a common condition with symptoms like those of a cold. There may be sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and sinus pressure.

It is caused by an allergic response to airborne substances, such as pollen. The time of year it happens depends on what substance, or allergen, the person reacts to.

Despite its name, hay fever does not mean that the person is allergic to hay and has a fever. Hay is hardly ever an allergen, and fever is not a symptom.

SYMPTOMS

Hay fever is sometimes, but not always, related to pollen.

Symptoms can start at different times of the year,

depending on what substance the patient is allergic to.

A person who is allergic to a common pollen will have more severe symptoms when the pollen count is high. Common symptoms include:

Sneezing

Watery eyes

Itchy throat

Blocked, itchy, or runny nose.

Severe symptoms may include:

Sweats

Headaches

Loss of smell and taste

Facial pain caused by blocked sinuses.

Itchiness spreading from the throat to the nose and ears.

Some people may experience tiredness or fatigue, irritability, and insomnia.

People with asthma may experience more wheezing and breathlessness at times when hay fever symptoms are common.

TREATMENT

A range of over the counter (OTC) treatments can help manage hay fever. Sometimes, a combination of two or three is best. A physician can advise about options.

Medications

These include:

Antihistamine sprays or tablets: Commonly available OTC, these stop the release of the chemical histamine.

HEALTH TIPS

ALLERGIC RHINITIS

They usually effectively relieve symptoms of a runny nose, itching, and sneezing, but they will not unblock congested sinuses. Older antihistamines can cause drowsiness.

• Eye drops: These reduce itching and swelling in the eyes. They are usually used alongside other medications. Eye drops often contain cromoglycate.

• Nasal corticosteroids: These sprays treat the inflammation caused by hay fever. They offer a safe and effective longterm treatment. It may take a week for benefits to show.

• Oral corticosteroids: Severe hay fever symptoms may respond well to prednisone tablets, prescribed by a doctor.

DIAGNOSIS

A pinprick test can identify what is causing the allergic reaction.

To specify the correct treatment, a doctor will look at the symptoms and ask about personal and family medical history.

A blood or skin test can identify which substance the patient is allergic to.

In a skin test, the skin is pricked with a minute amount of a known allergen.

A blood test will show the level of IgE antibodies. This will be high if an allergy is present. The test takes about 20 minutes.

These are for short-term use only. Long-term use is linked to cataracts, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis.

• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy can provide long-term relief by gradually desensitizing the immune system to the allergens that trigger the symptoms. It is usually received in the form of allergy shots or sublingual drops for people whose symptoms are serious and

Zero IgE antibodies indicate no sensitivity, while 6 indicates very high sensitivity.

Another skin-prick test involves injecting an allergen under the skin and checking for a reaction around 20 minutes later.

HOME TREATMENT

• Keep all surfaces, floors, and carpets as dustfree as possible.

• Choose a vacuum cleaner with a good filter.

• Use “mite-proof” bedding.

• Use a dehumidifier to prevent mould.

• Keep away from cigarette smoke, and quit, if you are a smoker.

• Wash pets when they come indoors on a high pollen count day or smooth their fur down with a damp cloth.

• Smear Vaseline around the inside edges of your nostrils, as it helps stop pollen from getting through.

• Ask a physician for a plan, if you know your susceptible time is just around the corner.

There is currently no cure for hay fever. However, symptoms can be managed during the times of the year that have a high pollen count. For treatment to work in the first year, treatment should be commenced 3 months before the season in which pollen spreads.

Continued treatment

have not cleared up following other treatments. Immunotherapy may lead to lasting remission of allergy symptoms, and it may help prevent the development of asthma and new allergies. Injections are given by a doctor, but sublingual immunotherapy, or medication that is dissolved under the tongue, can be taken at home.

Alternative therapies

Alternative therapies that claim to treat hay fever include acupuncture, but study results have not confirmed significant improvements.

No herbal remedies are recommended.

During pregnancy, it is important to speak to a doctor before taking any medication, to prevent potential adverse effects on foetal development.

An individual cannot prevent the development of an allergy, but people who experience hay fever may find some strategies useful for minimizing the impact.

Here are some tips: Be aware of the pollen count during susceptible months.

• Keep windows and doors shut when the pollen count is high.

• Regularly splash the eyes with cool water, to soothe them and clear them of pollen.

• Shower and change your clothes after coming indoors when pollen counts are high.

• Use wrap-around glasses to protect the eyes from pollen.

• Wear a hat to prevent pollen from collecting in the hair and then sprinkling down onto the eyes and face.

• Have cars fitted with a pollen filter, and drive with the windows closed at high-count times.

• Do not have flowers inside your home.

can have the effect of reducing symptoms, improving immunity to the allergen, and enhancing the quality of life. Three years of treatment has been shown to lead to long-term desensitization against pollen.

However, if symptoms do not improve significantly after one year, treatment should be discontinued as it is unlikely to work.

Hay fever can become more serious, moving into the lungs and developing into allergic asthma. People with a pollen allergy can also become more likely to develop other allergies, such as food intolerance. Severe hay fever can also make the mucous membranes of the nose more sensitive to other irritants, such as cigarette smoke or dry air. This can lead to sinusitis.

Haiti violence: Gangs free 4000 inmates in mass jailbreak

Armed gangs have stormed the main prison in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, releasing many inmates.

The vast majority of about 4000 men held there have now escaped, a local Journalist told BBC News.

Among those detained were gang members charged in connection with the 2021 killing of President Jovenel Moïse.

Violence in Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has worsened in recent years. Gangs aiming to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry control 80 per cent of Port-au-Prince.

The latest upsurge in violence began on Thursday, when the Prime Minister travelled to Nairobi to discuss sending a Kenyan-led multinational security force to Haiti.

Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier (nicknamed

"Barbecue") declared a coordinated attack to remove him.

"All of us, the armed groups in the provincial towns and the armed groups in the capital, are united," said the former Police Officer, who is thought to be behind several massacres in Port-au-Prince.

A wave of shootings left four Police Officers dead and five injured. The French Embassy in Haiti advised against travel in and around the capital.

Haiti's Police union asked the military to help reinforce the prison, but the compound was stormed late on Saturday.

On Sunday, the doors of the prison were still open and there were no signs of officers, Reuters news agency reported. Three inmates who tried to flee lay dead in the courtyard, the report said.

One volunteer prison worker told the Reuters Journalists that 99 prisoners – including former Colombian soldiers jailed over President Moïse's murder – had chosen to remain in their cells for fear of being killed in crossfire.

Violence has been rife since President Moïse's assassination. He has not been replaced and elections have not been held since 2016.

Under a political deal, elections were to be held and the unelected Henry was due to stand down by February 7, but that did not happen.

In January, the United Nations said more than 8400 persons were victims of Haiti's gang violence last year, including killings, injuries and kidnappings –more than double the numbers seen in 2022. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Toyota to invest US$2B in Brazil, says Brazilian Vice President

Japanese auto maker

Toyota will announce on Tuesday an 11-billion real (US$2.2 billion) investment for the next few years in Brazil, the South American country's Vice President said on Sunday.

Toyota said in a statement earlier on Sunday, after local media had first reported the new investments, it had no comment on potential future plans.

Brazil's Vice President

and Minister for Industry, Geraldo Alckmin said on social media the investments would be unveiled at an event in Toyota's factory in the city of Sorocaba, São Paulo state.

He added the investments are expected to create 2000 jobs and launch new models.

Local newspaper O Globo reported earlier on Sunday the planned investment, and its columnist

Lauro Jardim said Toyota would make a hybrid car and a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in the Sorocaba unit, without specifying the models involved.

Toyota would be the latest global automaker to unveil plans for extra investment in Brazil this year, following companies such as Volkswagen, General Motors and Hyundai Motor. (US$1 = 4.9541 reais) (Reuters)

Galapagos: Volcano on uninhabited island starts to erupt

Ecuador's La Cumbre volcano, part of the Galapagos archipelago, has started to erupt, the Government of the South American country reported on Sunday.

There was no immediate danger posed, because the island where the volcano is located is uninhabited, the Environment Ministry confirmed.

"Gas emission and thermal anomalies were detected through satellite systems," the Ministry said in a statement, adding that while it would continue to monitor the volcano, the eruption would not affect tourism to the islands.

La Cumbre on the island of Fernandina is one of numerous active volcanoes in the Galapagos, which are nearly 1000 kilometres (600 miles)

Barbados to host Global Supply Chain Forum

Barbados will host the inaugural Global Supply Chain Forum from May 21 to May 24 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

The island has partnered with the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD) to stage the four-day high-level event.

The Global Supply Chain Forum will bring stakeholders together to address financing, sustainable and resilient transport and logistics, trade facilitation, connectivity, digital-

isation, food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and helping developing countries to prepare for the energy transition in international transport.

“We have begun to look at the way in which we can restructure our supply chains with the war in the Ukraine, the cost of energy, petroleum products, gas and diesel have gone up, it makes it very difficult therefore for industry here to operate because we are still very heavily dependent on importing our fossil

fuels,” said Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kerrie Symmonds.

There are more challenges in the form of rising shipping costs, the Red Sea crisis, disruptions to crucial trade corridors, the Panama Canal, and the Suez Canal.

Supply chains serve an undeniably crucial role in the global economy. Those countries which stand to feel the brunt hardest are Small Island Developing States, like Barbados, said a release. (Excerpt from Nation News)

Panamanian firm at centre of Tobago oil spill, cargo valued at US$2M

On February 7, an oillike substance began leaking from an overturned barge, clearly abandoned, stuck in a reef south of Cove, Tobago.

It has been 25 days since the accident, now contained by authorities in T&T, but causing an environmental disaster through the Southern Caribbean, extending to Bonaire.

The Guardian Media Investigations Desk has partnered with Bellingcat –a Netherlands-based investigative journalism group that specialises in opensource research – to unravel some of the questions which remain: who are the owners of the barge, how did it come to be in T&T’s waters, where was it headed and who will accept liability for the environmental disaster?

The story started in Tobago and connected entities from Sierra Leone, Panama, Venezuela, Guyana, and Nigeria.

The Solo Creed, the tugboat behind the oil spill off

the Tobago coast, belonged to a director of a network of Panamanian companies accused of transporting oil from Venezuela.

The tugboat’s registration documents were provided to Bellingcat and Guardian Media by the Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA).

The documents show the Solo Creed was owned by a director – Melissa Rona Gonzalez – of a Panamabased firm called Melaj Offshore Corporation when it was towing the Gulfstream barge on the ill-fated journey that led to the ongoing oil spill.

Public data from the

Panamanian corporate registry shows that Gonzalez is an officer of Melaj Offshore Corporation and that the power of attorney for Melaj belongs to Augustine Jackson.

Jackson, who also goes by the name Captain Austin Jackson (or variations of that), is a businessman with operations in Panama, Guyana, Dubai, Bahamas and Nigeria, and bears a Sierra Leone passport. In 2020, during the pandemic, he was interested in purchasing vessels from Caridoc, but the acquisition was never completed.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Local Govt poll results will prompt JLP to make changes - Vaz

Wfrom mainland Ecuador.

Images taken from afar and circulated on social media showed glowing lava moving through the pre-dawn darkness in the early hours of Sunday.

The volcano last erupted in 2020, following several years of activity. This eruption was likely bigger than those previously registered, authorities said. (Reuters)

hile beaming at the Jamaica Labour Party’s 7-5 win over the People’s National Party (PNP) in last Monday’s Local Government Elections, Member of Parliament (MP) for Portland Western Daryl Vaz has accepted that electors sent a message to the governing party to which it must listen and respond.

The PNP won the popular vote, flipped at least 16 divisions which were won by the JLP in 2016, and claimed the big prizes of control of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation and

the Portmore mayoral race.

In addition, the JLP lost 0-7 in Hanover, a constituency where it has the two sitting MPs following wins in the last General Election in 2020.

This prompted JLP leader, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, to admit in an interview on Nationwide News Network ( NNN) last Thursday evening that his party underperformed in the Local Government Elections and its base did not come out.

“There are many issues which could have contrib-

uted to that, as I have said – frustration, grievances, and all kinds of issues – and those have to be properly analysed. In any event, even if we did not have a Local Government Election going into a General Election we would have had to analyse what the current state of play is. You now have the best poll in the local government… to tell you where you are and what you need to do,” Holness said in response to questions from veteran journalist and founder of NNN, Cliff Hughes. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Port-au-Prince has descended into violence in recent days

Around the World

Israel said to boycott Cairo ceasefire talks over hostage list

Israel boycotted Gaza ceasefire talks in Cairo on Sunday after Hamas rejected its demand for a complete list naming hostages that are still alive, an Israeli newspaper reported.

A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for the talks, billed as a possible final hurdle before an agreement that would halt the fighting for six weeks. But by the evening there was no sign of the Israelis.

"There is no Israeli delegation in Cairo," Ynet, the online version of Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, quoted unidentified Israeli officials as saying.

"Hamas refuses to provide clear answers and, therefore, there is no reason to dispatch the Israeli delegation."

Washington has insist-

ed the ceasefire deal is close and should be in place in time to halt fighting by the start of Ramadan, a week away. But the warring sides have given little sign in public of backing away from pre-

vious demands.

After the Hamas delegation arrived, a Palestinian official told Reuters the deal was "not yet there". There was no official comment from Israel.

One source briefed on the talks had said on Saturday that Israel could stay away from Cairo unless Hamas first presented its full list of hostages who are still alive. A Palestinian source told Reuters that Hamas had so far rejected that demand.

In past negotiations, Hamas has sought to avoid discussing the well-being of individual hostages until after terms for their release are set.

A US official told reporters on Saturday: "The path to a ceasefire right now literally at this hour is straightforward. And there's a deal on the table. There's a framework deal."

Israel had agreed to the framework, and it was now up to Hamas to respond, the US official said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukrainian rescuers complete search after Odesa drone attack kills 12

Rescue workers completed operations on Sunday after a drone strike on an apartment building in the southern city of Odesa, finding four more bodies and bringing the death toll to 12.

Odesa regional governor Oleh Kiper, writing on Telegram, said rescue teams working into Sunday evening had found the bodies of an eight-year-old girl, near the body of her older

brother, uncovered earlier.

Rescuers earlier in the day recovered the bodies of a mother and baby.

Kiper said five of the dead in the Odesa apartment building were children, the youngest being four months old..

The drone crashed into a residential building in Odesa on Saturday.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said casualties could have been avoided if

English Channel: Girl, 7, dies after boat capsizes near Dunkirk in France

Aseven-year-old girl has died after a small boat attempting to reach the English Channel capsized in northern France.

Officials said the boat was carrying 16 migrants when it sank a few kilometres from the coast of Dunkirk.

The boat "was not appropriately sized to carry so many people," the local authority said in a statement.

It added the girl's parents, who were travelling with three more children, were taken to a hospital in

Dunkirk.

Local authority Préfet du Nord said Police and firefighters were alerted to the capsized boat by a walker.

In a statement it added officials believed the vessel was "probably stolen" and was not big enough to support the number of people on board.

"A couple, whose origin is being determined, with their four children, including the mother who is pregnant, were on board," Préfet du Nord said.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Ukraine had not faced delays in arms deliveries.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, posting on Telegram, said Russian forces had wounded 16 persons in an aerial bomb attack on an apartment building in the eastern town of Kurakhove, west of the Russian-held regional centre of Donetsk.

Two of the injured were children. Dozens of apartment buildings sustained

damage.

Klymenko said on Saturday an infant was found dead alongside his mother in the rubble of the Odesa building. He posted a photograph of a rescue worker next to a bloodied blanket, a baby's arm visible on one side and an adult arm extending out the other.

Sunday was declared a day of mourning in Odesa.

(Reuters)

US lawmakers unveil bill to fund Government, avert shutdown

A

US, January 10, 2024

US congressional negotiators on Sunday unveiled a bill to fund key parts of the Government through the rest of the fiscal year that began in October, as lawmakers faced yet another threat of a partial shutdown if they fail to act by Friday.

The legislation sets a discretionary spending level of US$1.66 trillion for fiscal 2024, a spokesman for Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said. It fills in the details of an agreement that Schumer and Republican House of

OIL NEWS Oil seen opening higher

OPEC+ in November had agreed to the voluntary cuts totalling about 2.2 million bpd for the first quarter, led by Saudi Arabia rolling over a cut it had first made in July.

"The rollover was anticipated, but extending it to the end of the second quarter might come as a surprise," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM. "The market is expected to open stronger."

For the second quarter, Iraq will extend its 220,000 bpd output cut, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will keep in place its 163,000 bpd output cut, and Kuwait will maintain its 135,000 bpd output cut, the three OPEC producers said in separate statements. Algeria also said it would cut by 51,000 bpd and Oman by 42,000 bpd.

Kazakhstan said it would extend its voluntary cuts of 82,000 bpd through the second quarter.

OPEC+ has implemented a series of output cuts since late 2022 to support the market amid rising output from the United States and other non-member producers and worries over demand as major economies grapple with high interest rates.

The total OPEC+ pledged cuts since 2022 stand at about 5.86 million bpd, equal to about 5.7 per cent of daily world demand, according to Reuters calculations.

Sources told Reuters last week that OPEC+ would consider extending the latest round of output cuts into the second quarter, with one saying it was "likely".

The oil demand outlook is uncertain for this year. OPEC expects another year of relatively strong demand growth of 2.25 million bpd, led by Asia, while the International Energy Agency (IEA) expects much slower growth of 1.22 million bpd.

In a further headwind for OPEC+, the IEA also expects oil supply to grow to a record high of about 103.8 million bpd this year, almost entirely driven by producers outside OPEC+, including the United States, Brazil, and Guyana.

(Reuters)

Around 170 executed in Burkina Faso attacks, regional official says

Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson set in early January.

Lawmakers last week passed the fourth stopgap measure since October 1 to keep the Government funded, and set themselves two quick deadlines to act, with funding for a part of the Government, including the Department of Transportation and the Food and Drug Administration, running out on March 8 and most other federal agencies partially shutting down on March 22. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Around 170 persons were “executed” in attacks on three villages in northern Burkina Faso a week ago, a regional prosecutor has said, as violence flares in the country.

Aly Benjamin Coulibaly said in a statement on Sunday that he had received reports of the attacks on the villages of Komsilga, Nodin and Soroe in Yatenga province on February 25, with a provisional toll of “around 170 people executed”.

The attacks left others wounded and caused material damage, the Prosecutor for the northern town of Ouahigouya said, without apportioning

blame to any group.

He said his office ordered an investigation and appealed to the public for information.

Survivors of the attacks told news agency AFP that dozens of women and young children were among the victims.

Local security sources cited by AFP said the attacks were separate from deadly incidents that happened on the same day at a mosque in the rural community of Natiaboani in eastern Burkina Faso and a church in the northern village of Essakane. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli airstrike, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, March 3, 2024 (Reuters/Mohammed Salem photo)

Soldiers from Burkina Faso patrol on the road of Gorgadji in Burkina Faso, March 3, 2019 [Luc Gnago/Reuters file photo]

The remains of an English Channel inflatable recovered by the UK Border Force

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Learn from your mistakes. Don’t trust hearsay or give in to pressure tactics. Surround yourself with those who have something to offer, and share your concerns and feelings.

Don’t rely on others to do things for you. There is no room for error; when in doubt, take a pass. Avoid taking any physical risks. Read the fine print and go over things carefully.

Put your skills, experience and physical strength to good use. Refuse to let others’ words or actions cost you time and money. Use your energy wisely. Rely on yourself to get things done.

Don’t mix business with pleasure. You will be put you in the hot seat if you can’t back up your claims. Think things through and make sure you have your facts straight.

You can have fun without overspending. Say no to shared expenses and joint ventures. Someone will take advantage of your generosity if you aren’t careful. Put your energy into self-improvement.

You’ll get plenty of input from onlookers. Don’t let anyone interfere; do what works for you, and don’t apologize for looking out for yourself. Emotional issues will surface if you aren’t upfront.

Push forward and finish on time. Refuse to let an emotional issue drag you down or cause you to miss an opportunity. Pay attention to your physical well-being.

Consider a lifestyle change. Taking better care of your health will help you build strength, courage and the desire to put your ideas and plans in motion.

Concentrate on what you are doing. You’ll encounter plenty of distractions that require additional discipline if you plan to reach your objective. Refuse to let opposition drag you down.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Look for hidden costs and fine print in contracts, and be wary of canny operators. Call the shots and oversee changes. Balance and integrity will help you avoid temptation.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Learn to rely on experts. You’ll fall short of your goal if you take on too much. Forward-thinking and overseeing your idea yourself may take longer, but both will pay off in time.

Participate, make your mark and follow through until you satisfy your soul. Concentrate on what’s important, monitor expenses and run a tight operation. Success depends on authenticity, simplicity and equability. Know your audience.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

Eve eyes improvement from Soca Warriors in 2nd friendly clash with Jamaica

While pleased with their performance in a 0-1 loss to Jamaica in game one, Trinidad and Tobago's Head Coach Angus Eve was anticipating even more improvements from his Soca Warriors when the two teams met in the second game of the two-match series on Sunday.

With Jamaican debutante Kaheim Dixon scoring the game's lone goal in the 58th minute at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Friday, Eve opted to focus on the positives in the exercise, which provided an opportunity for several local-based players to make their national senior team debut.

Eve gave debut starts to Tiger Tanks Club Sando pair of left-back Shervohnez Hamilton and midfielder Kai Moos, while AC Port of Spain's versatile wingback Liam Burns also got his first start for the twin-island republic. The overseas-based pair of Kai Garvey and Justin Obikwu, who started at the left wing and centre forward positions respectively, also found favour with Eve, who felt the new players adjusted well in their first outing.

"It is going to be difficult for these guys (Garvey and Obikwu) coming from where they are coming from and trying to adjust in just a couple days of work. I thought they adjusted well. They tried to bring the strengths they had to the group," Eve said in a post-match conference.

"For the most part, I thought the group did really well. We gave up a really soft goal and we could not get ourselves back in the game. I think it was a lack of belief and that happens when players are not accustomed to playing at this level con-

sistently. For effort, you must give all of the guys an A," he added.

Still, with the main objective being to identify players to fit into his final squad for the upcoming Copa America playoff fixture against Canada on March 23, Eve is expected to look at a different line-up with hopes that they will be more fluid and consistent in their play to give the coaching staff much to think about.

"I thought it was a great exercise for the guys. When you look at the starting team, we had about six or seven players who were uncapped.

Foden double help Man City back to win derby

PIn

The

sensational eighth-minute strike from 30 yards.

However, in a contest City dominated, Foden took centre stage.

There was an element of controversy over his secondhalf equaliser. United boss Erik ten Hag was booked for arguing his side should have had a free-kick in the City half when Rashford went down under Kyle Walker's challenge.

Contact was minimal and within seconds Foden had curled a superb shot past Andre Onana.

Foden then burst away from a static Casemiro to score City's second from Julian Alvarez's return

pass before Erling Haaland rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, after the Norwegian earlier missed an open goal from barely three yards.

"It is the amount of games he is playing," Guardiola told Match of the Day about Foden.

"He was always a talented player but now he is more mature and understands more the game, especially defensively. He can play middle, right, make moments and cut inside, play in the left, scoring from the left

"What can I say? He is the best player in the Premier League right now

for the amount of things he does. Unbelievable."

It was City's sixth win in seven meetings against United, who suffered their 11th Premier League defeat of the season.

More importantly, the result means Pep Guardiola's side move to within a point of leaders Liverpool before next week's trip to Anfield.

United remain in sixth in the table but are now 11 points behind fourthplaced Aston Villa and six behind Tottenham, in what could turn out to be a fifth Champions League spot, having played a game more. (BBC Sport)

We need more exercises like this to expose these guys and give them the opportunity, because they have been doing well in the league," the tactician shared.

"So, it's now to give the guys who are more estab-

lished a run-out going into the play-off game. Rhondel Gibson was good on the ball and when he came on, the team started to believe a little bit more. He wasn't afraid to get to the ball, and those are the type of players we are looking for to

be that brave and show themselves," Eve ended.

The second game was scheduled for a 16:00h (4:00pm) kick-off (3:00pm Jamaica time), at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on Sunday.(Sportsmax)

Jos Verstappen says Christian Horner controversy “driving team apart”

The controversy around Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is "driving people apart", says the father of the team's F1 champion Max Verstappen.

An anonymous email including messages purporting to involve Horner were leaked on Thursday, a day after Red Bull dismissed a complaint of inappropriate behaviour against him.

Horner has refused to say if the leaked messages are genuine.

"It cannot continue this way," said former F1 driver Jos Verstappen.

"The situation is not good for the team and is driving people apart."

Verstappen denied that he was the source of the leaks.

The 51-year-old told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: "Why would I do that? Max has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, is performing great and feels at home here. I have no interest in that at all."

Verstappen made similar comments to the Daily Mail, saying Red Bull would "explode" if Horner remained in his position, adding: "He is playing the victim when he is the one causing problems."

Verstappen told BBC Sport he made the comments to the two newspapers after falling out with Horner in Bahrain.

He added that Max Verstappen had seen the comments and did not say anything.

A Red Bull spokesperson said: "There are no issues here. The team are united and we are focused on racing."

On Sunday the Telegraaf reported that Max Verstappen had been asked by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of F1's governing body the FIA, to back Horner publicly.

BBC Sport has independently verified the story.

Ben Sulayem's approach came after Max Verstappen gave only qualified sup-

port to Horner when asked four times in the lead-up to the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday whether he had full faith and confidence in him.

The FIA has been approached for comment.

Over the Bahrain event, the FIA repeatedly said that it was in conversation with F1 management on the topic of the Horner allegations.

Jos Verstappen's intervention is potentially significant because Max wields major influence within Red Bull as a result of his success on the track.

It also reflects internal tensions known to exist within Red Bull, between Horner and motorsport adviser Helmut Marko, and between the Thai majority owners and executives at the headquarters in Austria.

Last year the Verstappens backed Austrian Marko after he had a falling-out with Horner.

The company ownership is split, with 51 per cent owned by the Yoovidhya family and 49 per cent by Red Bull in Austria, under Mark Mateschitz, the son of cofounder Dietrich Mateschitz, who died in October 2022.

Max Verstappen started his campaign for a fourth consecutive world title with a dominant win in Bahrain.

The Horner controversy dominated events at the season-opening race.

A day after Red Bull announced that the grievance

against him had been "dismissed" following an internal inquiry, an anonymous email including messages purporting to involve Horner was leaked.

Horner said: "I'm not going to comment on anonymous, speculative messages from an unknown source."

He added that he was "absolutely" confident he would be in his role for the entire season.

"I've always been entirely confident that I would be here," he said.

"There was a full, lengthy internal process that was completed by an independent KC. And the grievance that was raised was dismissed.

End of. Move on."

An attempt to get him to say whether the messages were genuine was shut down by a Red Bull public relations handler.

Red Bull have refused to release the name of the lawyer involved or give any further details about the report that was compiled or how they reached their decision.

Horner's wife Geri visited the Bahrain GP on Saturday in an apparent display of unity.

Chalerm Yoovidhya, head of the Yoovidhya family, was also at the race. Yoovidhya declined to answer BBC Sport's questions.

The FIA said it was discussing the matter with commercial rights holder F1 Management.(BBC Sport)

Angus Eve

Max Verstappen and Christian Horner celebrate victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday

Grave lambasts ICC for unfair economic model, hindering Windies' resurgence

In a scathing critique of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and major cricketing nations, Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Johnny Grave

of Australia from January to February 2024. The underdog West Indies, led by captain Kraig Brathwaite, secured a historic Test series draw against Australia, marking their first Test vic-

cricket is doing everything they can at almost every level to make sure that West Indies Cricket are never strong again."

One of Grave's primary grievances is with the

has accused the global cricketing body of deliberately obstructing the resurgence of West Indies cricket by maintaining an unjust economic model.

Grave's outburst follows the West Indies' impressive performance in their tour

tory on Australian soil in 27 years.

In a podcast with Daniel Gallan, Grave expressed his frustration, stating, "I think everyone is a bit sick of the phrase – world cricket needs a strong West Indies – when we definitely feel that world

ICC's revenue share model, which he deems flawed.

Grave alleged that West Indies' share of the revenue has dwindled from seven to five per cent under the current model, despite headlines suggesting an increase in financial support.

St Lucia plans grand celebrations for Alfred's historic victory

The island of St Lucia is set to erupt in jubilation as the Government plans extravagant celebrations to honour Julien Alfred's historic triumph at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. However, when those festivities occur will likely depend on when the athlete would be available to participate.

The 22-year-old sprint sensation made history on Saturday, securing the gold medal in the 60m dash and etching her name in St Lucian athletics lore.

Already recognised as the fastest woman ever from St Lucia, Alfred's stellar performance in Glasgow elevated her status to unparalleled heights. Clocking a world-leading 6.98s, she held off formidable competitors Ewa Swoboda of Poland (7.00s) and Italy's Zaynab Dosso (7.05s) to clinch the coveted gold medal, marking the first time a St Lucian athlete has achieved such a feat on the global stage.

In the wake of this historic victory, St Lucia's Sports Minister, Kenson

Casimir, expressed the government's eagerness to celebrate Julien Alfred's triumph

Speaking to Sportsmax. TV, Minister Casimir outlined plans for a grand celebration but emphasized that the arrangements would hinge on Alfred's availability, considering her demanding athletic schedule.

“We have a very long season ahead of us, we would love to celebrate it with Julien but we are thinking about whether or not she comes home, that would be entirely up to her, her technical team, and her staff, coach and others," stated Minister Casimir.

The Sports Minister further conveyed the island's desire to demonstrate their pride and support for Alfred by parading her across the entire island. However, recognising the athlete's significant goals and commitments, Casimir expressed the need to coordinate with Alfred's team to determine the feasibility of such a celebration.

“We would love to have her home to really parade her around the entire island, but we have big goals; she has big goals. Of course, I will be on the phone with her soon enough to find out what is possible and what’s not,” he added.(Sportsmax)

"I think that's the bone of the frustration of that as Ian Bishop says in his own words that this is a patronising tone. If you really want a strong West Indies cricket, it would actually not be that hard to do a bit more. ICC are giving us more money in headlines but our percentage of revenue has gone down from seven to five per cent, which we struggle to understand," Grave explained.

The CWI CEO questioned the cricketing community's commitment to

fairness, stating, "If we all just are looking after ourselves then are we really acting as a community? Are we putting the best product on the field?"

This is not the first time Grave has criticised the ICC. In January, he had raised concerns about the economic disparity, claiming that the West Indies made no money from the men's and women's tour of Australia series, with the majority of revenue going to Cricket Australia.

"The revenue-share mod-

el is completely broken," Grave stated. "If we really want to operate as a cricketing community, we are only as strong as the weakest team, and we've got to change the mindset of bilateral cricket.

"CWI has spent over US$2 million sending teams to Australia in the last four months, and whilst CA have received all the economic benefits from those series, we've seen zero dollars back. Is that really fair, reasonable, and sustainable?"(Sportsmax)

Unbeaten Stabroek Eagles and Ravens to meet in national final

The Conference Finals of the “One Guyana” Basketball League culminated at the National Gymnasium on Saturday, as the Kitty-Campbellville Ravens secured their place in the nationals final after a miraculous win in the Harpy Eagle Conference.

They will meet the Stabroek Eagles, who won the Jaguar Conference Final thanks to their ability to convert basket-bound shots and hold the Bounty Colts, who are renowned for their quick play. The Eagles led the game at the beginning of the game, scoring 21 points in the first quarter, and their defence was crucial in keeping the Colts to just 14 points.

The second quarter proved to be helpful for the Colts, as they scored 24 points while keeping the Eagles in check, for just 11 points.

The Eagles team dominated the third quarter, forcing a comeback and cutting the Colts ' lead to one point after putting the ball through the net for 21 points versus the Colts’ 14.

After scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter, the Eagles went on to win the game and the Jaguar Conference Final three-game series 2-0.

In an invited comment,

Stabroek Eagles Head Coach

Adrian Hooper told Guyana Times Sport that it was a well-deserved win as they overcame their obstacles in pursuit of victory.

Hooper said: “Tonight, Eagles came out, we stuck to that game plan and we did it. We overcame all odds, we were down injured players, a next man up, and the mentality that we have on the game and everybody came through for us tonight, and was a great team win.”

Ravens versus Untouchables

With their feisty style of play, the Kitty-Campbellville Ravens managed to contain Kwakwani Untouchables, who are known for their quick play to go up with a win, despite Kwakwani lead-

ing in the first quarter of the game.

The second quarter proved to be beneficial for the Ravens outfit as they managed to put the ball through the net consistently to score 21 points and calm down Kwakwani, who ended up scoring 16 points.

The third quarter was dominated by the Kwakwani outfit, who put the ball through the net for 15 points while the Ravens scored 13.

The Ravens went on to secure the win in the final quarter by scoring 19 points for a total of 74, while Kwakwani scored 12 points for a total of 69 as the Harpy Eagle Conference Final threegame series ended 2-1 in favour of the Ravens.(Omar McKenzie)

Julien Alfred (right) celebrates her historic victory with Italy's Zaynab Dosso, who won bronze

The unbeaten Stabroek Eagles

Stabroek Eagles Coach Adrian Hooper

French Embassy, GOA, UNICEF

Guyana ink partnership

…shared values to be promoted in lead-up to Olympic and Paralympic Games

With preparations underway for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the French Embassy, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), and UNICEF Guyana have signed on a partnership to promote shared values among athletes through several joint events in the leadup to the Games.

The signing of the partnership took place at the Olympic Association headquarters with its President, Godfrey Munroe; Chargé d’Affaires and Head of the French Diplomatic Bureau in Guyana, JeanJacques Forté; UNICEF Area Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Nicolas Pron and Vice President of the Guyana Olympic Association, Cristy

Campbell.

The new partnership is expected to see a kick-start to a series of joint events including putting youths at the heart of the Games with actions in schools such as an essay competition, sporting events and meetings with athletes, promoting inclusive games featuring athletes with a disability, advancing gender equality, organising environmentally-friendly games, and encouraging the learning of French as an official Olympic language.

Chargé d’Affaires Forté, expressed his delight in the partnership, especially since France is organising the upcoming Paris Olympic games.

“It’s going to be a very fruitful partnership as we organise events together to

KFC Elite League…

promote the games. We also want to promote the Olympic values and the values we share together with France and Guyana and universally,” he said.

On the note of shared val-

GDF, Western Tigers storm to commanding wins

Defending champions, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Football Club and Western Tigers FC pulled off dominating victories on Saturday night, when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/KFC Elite League Season Six moved into the second round at the National Training Centre, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

ues, he highlighted that the Games that are being organised will be sustainable games. “This will be reflected in all the buildings that have been constructed in France.

The first building of the Olympic village has recently been inaugurated and is at the very frontline in the use of sustainable development and the fight against climate change,” he explained.

President Munroe said he was elated to work with the French Embassy and UNICEF Guyana to promote the values of the Olympics to

the younger generation.

“The three values of Olympism are excellence, respect and friendship, and I think it’s a new platform to inspire a new generation of persons, whether they are competitive athletes or recreational students and even the public, about the Olympic movement and what it represents.

UNICEF’s Pron said that UNICEF was pleased to join in the collaboration as all efforts lead to increased advocacy for child rights in Guyana.

“I am particularly pleased that many of the planned events and Olympic values also align with UNICEF’s values of care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability and sustainability,” Pron said.

“As we advance our efforts to promote child rights in Guyana, Article 2, 19 and 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child speak to the rights of children and young people having equal opportunity, despite gender or abilities, playing sports, and practising sports in a healthy and safe environment. So, I am very happy to be part of this partnership to ensure that children and youths in Guyana learn their rights, even in the sports arena,” he said.

A media launch of the series of events is expected to be announced soon. One hundred years after first hosting the modern Olympics, Paris will host the XXXIII Olympic Summer Games from July 26 to August 11, 2024, with the Paralympic Games set for August 28 to September 8, 2024.

GBA’s “Learn to Box” initiative punches off on March 25

TA battle between Western Tigers and Ann’s Grove United FC was the first match of Saturday’s double header, as Calvin “Fluman” Allen’s tactics proved to be insufficient for his former team.

sulted in Western’s fourth and final goal in the 70th minute.

Ann’s Grove’s defence held up for much of the first half until Trayon Bobb found the back of the net for Western’s first goal in the 32nd minute, with the first half ending with a 1-0 score.

Andrew Murray brought up Western’s second in the 54th minute, after which Randolph Wagner made it a 3-0 affair in the 63rd.

Then, a volley into the right corner of the goal off the boots of Jermain Beckles re-

The following game, in the initial minutes, appeared to be a test for the defending champions GDF FC; that was quickly overcome before the first 45 minutes even expired.

Cedric Osbourne first found the back of the net in the 9th minute for GDF, but 10 minutes later, Tehow Gordon slipped one past the GDF keeper, Jermain Cumberbatch, to level the scores for Buxton United.

Then in the 37th minute,

the man with the Captain’s armband for GDF, Colin Nelson, pushed his team back into the lead with a goal. Just before the half ended, Abumuchi Benjamin extended that lead.

Benjamin later completed his brace in the 63rd minute, while Delroy Fraser made it a 5-1 game in the 86th minute. Another last-gasp goal from the GDF camp saw Ian Dooker sealing the 6-1 win with a strike in 90th+2 minute.

The KFC Elite League will continue Tuesday, March 5 at the same venue, with another double-header. First at 19:00h, Slingerz FC will lock horns with Fruta Conquerors FC, followed by a clash between Den Amstel FC and Santos FC at 21:30h.

Ten Elite clubs are competing for the top spot in the league and a substantial G$2,000,000 first-place cash prize. The second-place, thirdplace, and fourth-place finishers will claim cash prizes of G$1,200,000, G$800,000, and G$500,000, respectively.

he Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is set to implement its “National Academy and Learn to Box” programme from March 25, with the Andrew “Six Head” Lewis gym in Albouystown serving as the launchpad of the initiative.

The programme, which will last for 12 days and feature a cadre of technical officers, inclusive of coaches and officials, will be staged in several jurisdictions throughout the country as the association continues its mandate to promote and decentralise the discipline.

The project will also encompass the introduction of a refereeing and judging element for individuals who are interested in this aspect of the sport. Overall, the initiative serves as an introduction to the discipline and all its rules and regulations. A detailed timetable will be forthcoming on the areas and dates for the initiative.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle said, “The implementation of this novel programme comes on the heels of the staging of the ‘developmental championship’, which was a tremendous success and has opened the door for the introduction of this academy project.”

According to Ninvalle, “The GBA is taking a pro-

active approach to this process of expansion, and the resulting success of the New Amsterdam Academy at the recently concluded ‘developmental championship’ is indicative that a massive interest exists in the respective communities and regions. Programmes of this nature are at the forefront of the sport’s future growth and sustenance.”

He further said, “Given the expected success that is envisioned by the association, this project has all the markings of being a permanent staple on the association’s annual calendar of events, which unquestionably and unequivocally will provide long-term benefits, both inside and outside the squared circle. After

all, while the acquisition of new fighters is important, of equal value is the realisation of new technical officers such as judges and referees.”

The GBA has advised that meals and refreshments will be provided for the participants. Additionally, registration forms will be available this week.

GOA President Godfrey Munroe, French Diplomatic Bureau’s Jean-Jacques Forté and UNICEF’s Nicolas Pron sign the partnership agreement in the presence of GOA VP Cristy Campbell

GBA President Steve Ninvalle

Jermain Beckles executes the shot that gave Western Tigers their fourth goal

in lively T20 match featuring President Ali

resident Dr Irfaan Ali spent an afternoon on the cricket pitch at the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) Ground, Carifesta Avenue on Sunday as he competed with the “Challengers” team in a Memorial Cricket Match for the late Clive Butts, organized by the Championship winning team of the Shell Shield ad Harrison Line Cup of 1983. A mixture of current and former players and stakeholders, alongside President Ali and Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr, comprised the two teams that faced off in the T20 game. More details on Sunday’s game will be published in tomorrow’s edition of Guyana Times Sport.