Guyana Times - Saturday, May 6, 2023

Senior US Govt energy official to visit Guyana next week

Asenior United States Government official is slated to visit Guyana as part of efforts to promote regional energy security and advance the clean energy transition in the Caribbean.

Assistant Secretary at the Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR), Geoffrey R Pyatt will travel to Georgetown, Guyana, and Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, between May 8 and 10.

In a notice from the State Department, it was explained that “The Assistant Secretary will promote regional energy security and advance the clean energy transition in the Caribbean, key goals of the US-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030).”

While in Georgetown, Assistant Secretary Pyatt will meet with Guyanese Government officials, business leaders, and American companies to discuss bilateral cooperation on the full range of energy issues.

Similarly, during his visit to Port of Spain, he will meet with Government officials and energy stakeholders to identify and ex-

pand on areas of cooperation for clean energy. Assistant Secretary Pyatt also will participate in a Women in Energy Roundtable to highlight the contributions of women to the energy industry in Trinidad and Tobago.

In June 2022 at the Summit of the Americas, US Vice President Kamala Harris launched PACC 2030 and the United States has been working with Caribbean nations to develop wide-ranging, long-term energy security and climate resilience solutions.

Since then, VP Harris has met with six Caribbean Heads of State, including President Dr Irfaan Ali to build on the United States partnership with Caribbean Governments in defence of shared values, and to improve Caribbean resilience in all aspects – economic, security, and democracy.

During a follow-up meeting in September 2022, President Ali and several Caricom leaders met VP Harris in Washington to further discuss the commitments they made at the Summit of the Americas to partner with the Region to promote energy security, access to finance, and food securi-

ty in the Caribbean – three areas that the leaders identified as their top priorities.

President Ali is the lead on agriculture and food security in the Caricom quasi-Cabinet. He is also co-chairing the USCaricom-Dominican Republic SubCommittee on Food Security and Agriculture – one of three committees established during the 2022 Summit.

Consequently, the Guyanese

leader used the opportunity last September to lobby the United States Government for some US$25 million in assistance to further push the food security and agriculture agenda in the Caribbean especially among specific groups such as women and youths.

“I put forward a proposal to have a further US$25 million made available through grants and lowcost loans for women and youth in agriculture, especially for projects dealing with sustainability, technology and research like hydroponics. These are projects that will ensure resilience in the food production system, encourage young people and women to participate,” Ali had stated.

This request is in addition to US$28 million that the United States Government already injected for short-term activities aimed at supporting an increase in food production and further improving agriculture in a Region. This assistance is one of the pledges made by the US under the new “Zero Hunger Caribbean Plan” to address the Region’s urgent food security needs. Other interventions include mobilisation of experts to

explore biofertiliser production as well as developing operational logistics and supply chain model to streamline intraregional trade, among others.

With regards to energy security, talks had surrounded an integrated energy plan in which the Caricom leaders proposed a joint approach to ensure regional sustainability in the energy mix and energy framework that includes natural gas, fossil fuel, and renewables.

Back in March, VP Harris’s Special Advisor for the Western Hemisphere, Joseph Salazar, and Deputy Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs – Office of Caribbean Affairs, Michael Taylor, were in Guyana to meet with stakeholders here.

During an engagement with a high-level Cabinet team, led by President Ali, discussions were held on food, energy and climate security and Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy. The talks also focused on the Aliled Government’s commitment to democracy and strengthening bilateral relations between Guyana and the US. (G8)

Assistant Secretary at the US Bureau of Energy Resources, Geoffrey Pyatt

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, May 6 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Sunday, May 7 – 05:30h – 07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, May 6 – 16:45h – 18:15h and Sunday, May 7 – 05:15h – 06:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine and thundery showers during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to North-Easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 17:09 reaching a maximum height of 2.7 metres.

Low Tide: 10:42h and 22:54h reaching minimum heights of 0.37 metre and 0.56 metre.

President Ali in widespread bilateral engagements in UK

President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is in the United Kingdom to attend the Coronation Ceremony of King Charles III today, has been engaging in several high-level bilateral meetings with his counterparts from across the world to discuss potential collaborations in a wide range of areas.

The Head of State departed Guyana for the United Kingdom earlier this week and since his arrival there, he has been engaging several global leaders. He was joined by the High Commissioner of Guyana to

al player in climate, food and energy security.

Also on Thursday, the Guyanese leader held bilateral discussions with the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame in London.

The two leaders discussed advancing Government-to-

Government collaboration in several areas including energy, technology, health services and urbanisation. Both Presidents have visited each other’s country in recent years to further strengthen ties between their nations.

TURN TO PAGE 7

the UK, Dr Rajendra Singh, during these engagements.

On Thursday, President Ali met with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London, England.

The areas of discussion included the efforts being made by the Government of

Guyana to modernise governance systems for improved efficiency in services, policy formulation and the use of technology to advance these efforts.

The two officials also discussed finding ways to work together in positioning Guyana as a major glob-

President Dr Irfaan Ali with President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, and UPL Limited Chief Executive Officer Jai Shroff in London

President Dr Irfaan Ali with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Indian immigrants’ impact

There is no question that the arrival of Indians on May 5, 1938 was a seismic event in the history of our country. After the horrors of slavery, which the Europeans justified by claiming that Africans were not fully human, the Europeans were slowly forced to re-evaluate their legal imposition of chattel slavery, and abolish it finally on August 1, 1838. The British planters made it very clear that they would not tolerate the freed Africans bargaining for wages, and reintroduced the institution of Indentureship that had been used in the 17th and 18th centuries to induce European labour into their American and West Indian colonies. As such, they brought in indentured labour from Madeira (Portuguese), Barbados, and other small islands where the freed slaves did not have much bargaining power for lack of alternative means of livelihood. In 1847, the exslaves’ strike for higher wages after a 25 per cent reduction was broken by the 15,747 Portuguese, 12,898 West Indian (mainly Barbadians), 6957 African indentureds and 8692 Indians brought in to work for the lower wages. Unlike what is popularly preached today, Indians were the minority of the unwitting “strikebreakers”.

The Indian immigrants were eventually also joined by Chinese indentureds, but they formed the bulk of the labour force until Indentureship was abolished after the last ship, SS Ganges, in 1917. What is often forgotten is that the Indian indentured did not just undercut the wages of the freed Africans, but that of the 165,000 who remained and their descendants. Consequently, the wage of one shilling per day for males to perform a task that took from dayclean to sundown was the same throughout the 79 years of Indentureship, even as inflation eroded its purchasing power. Yet, even after the abolition of Indentureship, AfricanGuyanese into the present express resentment as if Indians deliberately “undercut” their wages. It is time that we all accept that we were pawns on an imperial chessboard.

Another move that the colonial state made was to pit one group against another. By 1838, exactly 5000 WI indentureds had entered Guyana, mostly from Barbados. And when the state decided to form a Police Force to stave off any rebellion by the freed slaves, they hired almost exclusively Bajans. This hiring practice continued for decades, until gradually they realised there would be no local rebellion from freed locals. However, the Indian immigrants were now defined as potential rebels, and they were excluded through the artifice of physical criteria such as height and chest measurements, which they could not fill. This skewed ethnic recruitment has sedimented structural debris in the Indian-Guyanese populace, which the PNC 1964-1992 regime further augmented, that proved to be problematic into the present.

Another sore point arising from Indian arrival is the claim that Indian immigrants received “free land”. What actually happened was that, unlike the case in European Indentureship, a land grant was not one of the terms of Indian Indentureship, but rather a return trip to India that was worth $60. As the planters did not want to bear this expense, five years after Indentureship was resumed, the Government passed an ordinance that offered “to grant to such immigrant (who completed his five-year Indentureship) out of the Crown lands of the colony a piece or parcel of land equal in value, at the upset price of Crown lands, to the amount of the cost of such return passage, such immigrant shall have the same in lieu of his right to a free passage.”

However, because the quality of land and its drainage were invariably so poor, over the course of Indentureship, of the 163,964 Indian immigrants that remained in Guyana and qualified, a mere 3134 (1.9%) exchanged their return passage for land on five settlements developed from the emigration fund.

The largest impact was generated in the development of political representation in the run-up to taking Guyana to independence. The inchoate cleavages became manifest, and remain so in the mobilisation for elections.

young adults cannot be adults

Adolescence is the transition between childhood and adulthood. At onset, children begin the processes of puberty, followed by undulating emotional, social and physical changes. At the end, sometimes ten years later, should emerge a fully functioning and independent adult.

In our culture, what are the characteristics of adulthood? Is it ending school and entering the workforce? Living independently of parents and financially supporting oneself? Starting a family? Or is it making major purchases such as a home or car?

For many, the definition of an “adult” is vague, and can include a few, many, or just one of the prior concepts.

It is perhaps easier to identify when someone does not meet the definition of adulthood, otherwise called failure to launch.

Functioning adults are able to execute well-developed functions, including self-management, goal-setting and actualisation. They are able to establish what they want, and then use the resources around them as well as their own skills to fulfil their dreams.

Adults are also capable of making and maintaining stable relationships, both intimately and in their living or working spaces.

Ultimately, adults are interested in, and capable of contributing to, their communities, thereby sup-

porting a new generation of growth of society.

In order to do these things, many functions and capacities must develop. These take time, experience and nurturing. Many years of trial and error are required, with support and coaching from parents or mentors. When these skills do not evolve effectively, or if a young adult continues to struggle or demonstrate less mature behaviours, they are considered to have failed to launch.

While there is no single clear-cut definition of the concept, it includes young adults who by age 25 seem unable to manage emotions, make good decisions, or problem-solve. They depend on others to navigate life for them, or are unable to sustainably manage themselves. Young adults who cannot “adult” often end up in a cycle of drama and damage, and end up returning home to live with their parents or primary providers.

The questions are many. How does this happen? Is it poor parenting technique? Is it holistic developmental delay? Is it simply unfortunate luck?

Failure to launch is multifactorial. On the individual level, some young people are not ready to manage themselves, due to fear, cognitive immaturity, or lack of experience in self-management skills.

Teenagers who become accustomed to having their lives micromanaged are un-

willing to make an effort for either fear of failure or fear itself. Undiagnosed or undertreated mental health concerns or developmental disorders, including ADHD, can also lead to this phenomenon. In addition, unresolved grief or ongoing trauma are frequent causes.

Some young people fall into patterns of parental dependence because they do not think they need to do otherwise. While supportive and providing parents are not to be discouraged, there must come a time when young people are provided opportunities to make decisions and stand on their own feet. When carers continually swoop in and perform these tasks, some youths do not believe they are required to do anything. While to observers this can be considered “laziness,” it is more so a pattern of comfort that develops when no other option has ever been presented.

All factors considered, change is possible. The power of positive youth development lies in the belief that young people would rise to the expectations and opportunities presented to them. As challenging as it is for parents, when youths enter their twenties, they simply must be allowed to make decisions, take calculated risks, and follow through on outcomes. Difficult times and unintended errors will occur. These all serve to instruct

them for the future.

It all begins with the recognition that “non-adulting” adults who are capable of functioning are created, and not born. Those with bona fide developmental and medical challenges must be managed uniquely. Apart from that cohort, youths who fail to launch are usually products of their environment and personality traits. None of these is beyond repair.

The first step involves authenticity. Parents and youths need to recognise the patterns that led to the outcome. Next, parents must take slow but consistent steps back, and provide opportunities for youths to step forward. This must all be done while allowing young people to consider what they want for their future, and why. These seemingly simple questions hold the keys to consistent effort and dedication.

When young people have a clear vision as to why they are doing anything, they are more likely to remain on path during challenges. Support for parents of young adults is not always easy to access; as, culturally, youths and parents are expected to “just get on with it.” This is an error. In order to usher in the most fruitful future for ourselves and our youths, we must have open minds and willingness to support those in need, even if they are unaware of their own requirements. (T&T Newsday)

Art school students in Mumbai, India giving final touches to paintings depicting Britain's King Charles III ahead of his coronation (AFP)

When

The CoI has set the record straight

Dear Editor,

For 24 years after Independence, the PNC, through massive systemic fraud, had vehemently and in a most brazen display of lies, deceit and hooliganism, denied the Guyanese people their inalienable right to freely elect their Government.

This democratic right was trampled upon election after election from 1968 to 1985 by an oppressive regime, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of Guyanese fleeing to all parts of the globe.

Each election was rigged to give the PNC dictatorship an increasingly bigger majority, while the Guyanese people became increasingly impoverished, barely eking out a meagre livelihood, punctuated by harsh sufferings.

Everyone knew that the PNC massively rigged the elections. In 1968, when Burnham rigged that election, the UF leader Peter D’Aguiar, who was in the Coalition Government with the PNC from 1964 to 1968, made a profound statement; he said, “To call it an election is to give it a name it does not deserve -it was a seizure of power by fraud, and not an election”.

This honest conclusion had been echoed far and wide, not only in 1968, but in 1973, 1980, and 1985. As the PNC used its rigging machinery to keep itself in power by padding voters’ lists, PPP supporters were deleted from the voters’ lists, and several were told they had already voted; the dead voted; votes were not placed in the regular ballot boxes; ballot boxes were stolen or hijacked by the military, and tampered and stuffed with fake PNC votes; ballot boxes of PPP areas went missing, and were found floating in the rivers; PPP supporters who dared to safeguard the ballot boxes were killed; violence was directed at Indians to drive fear in them to go out and vote.

The list was unending, and the PNC knew no shame, even in 2020.

Then came the first free and fair election in 1992 and onwards until 2015, when the Coalition formed by the AFC and the PNC came to power. It was the PNC’s ‘Total Recall’, as its leaders went on a quest to invoke Burnhamism, and, in just about 5 years, they brought back poverty and deprivations to its ‘glory’ days, while they reminisced of the ‘good old PNC days’.

The famous No Confidence Motion passed in December 2018 signalled the end of a brief episode of the corruption-invigorated PNC, and they knew that, after many legal outings, they were ripe for banishment. But they did make one last stand, which lasted for 5 long and arduous months and saw the Guardians of Democracy, Guyana’s legal Colossus Anil Nandlall, and Guyana’s premier statesman Dr Jagdeo, along with his indefatigable team of patriots, fighting to preserve and protect our fragile democracy; and at the end they did. This time, the PNC, supported by the AFC, was willing to just do a Mandrake the Magician act and present a conjured spreadsheet, which was presented by the Chief Elections Officer. They had simplified their rigging modus operandi.

Why go through all the shenanigans which Burnham and Hoyte practised? After all, they did try a Patterson, they did try a few constitutional violations which were rejected at the CCJ, and they did try to spin the law to their benefit; but they failed miserably.

Therefore, should this barefaced attempt to rig the 2020 Elections be allowed to be swept away with time? Should this shameless act of villainy and treason not be properly documented for posterity? Especially when the PNC and the AFC are trying to convince them-

selves that it was the PPP that actually rigged the Elections?

The PNC simply hates CoIs. Remember the Rodney CoI? In 2014, the PNC refused to take part in the Dr Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, and in this 2020 Elections CoI, it refused once again to participate. It must be recalled that the WPA gave the justification for Rodney’s murder by stating that the WPA was stockpiling arms at that time. The million-dollar question is: If the PNC and the AFC are so sure that they won the Election, and that the PPP rigged this Election, then why not be a part of the CoI and present their witnesses and evidence to support their audacious claims? They could have merely presented their ‘winning’ SoPs. Perhaps Mandrake’s magic wand has failed to make these SoPs materialise.

Those who felt that the CoI commissioned by His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali did not satisfy their expectations, but only served to invoke their lust for controversy, should read the Terms of Reference on page 17, which specified the areas which would highlight the focus of the CoI.

The Executive Summary stated as follows: The TOR was stated thus in the Executive Summary: ‘It mandated us to, among other things, inquire into and report on attempts, and by whom, to undermine and frustrate the legally prescribed process for the counting, ascertaining, and tabulation of votes in

the General and Regional Elections of March 2, 2020, and on attempts to prevent a true declaration of the results of that Election’.

The mandate of this CoI was carried out by the ‘tireless and unwavering work’ of the entire CoI Team, including the witnesses whose veracity of the accounts of the events is beyond reproach and doubt.

In conclusion, the summary of the findings reflected accurately what transpired during that period of another PNC infamous strategy. It stated that: “our inquiry reveals that there were, in fact, shockingly brazen attempts by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers, and Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo to derail and corrupt the statutorily prescribed procedure for the counting, ascertaining, and tabulation of the votes of the March 2nd election, as well as the true declaration of the results of that election, and what they did so - to put it in the unvarnished language of the ordinary man for the purpose of stealing the election”.

The words of Dr. Jagdeo come to mind: They attempted to steal a whole country. I must congratulate the President to ensure that that period of infamy is well-documented and preserved for posterity. The PNC had done it too long with impunity.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

CXC Questions: Maths

My Parents

B y S tephen S pender

My parents kept me from children who were rough Who threw words like stones and wore torn clothes Their thighs showed through rags they ran in the street

And climbed cliffs and stripped by the country streams.

I feared more than tigers their muscles like iron Their jerking hands and their knees tight on my arms

I feared the salt coarse pointing of those boys Who copied my lisp behind me on the road. They were lithe they sprang out behind hedges Like dogs to bark at my world. They threw mud While I looked the other way, pretending to smile. I longed to forgive them but they never smiled.

Questions: What type of poem is it? What is it all about? How did you know what it was about?

WORD SEARCH

Commonwealth leaders pledge unified commitment to youth empowerment

Leaders of the Commonwealth’s 56 member states on Friday reaffirmed their unwavering and unified commitment to investing into the 1.5 billion young people across the nations and continuing to strengthen the Commonwealth family.

This meeting was held at Marlborough House, the Headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat in England, ahead of the Coronation of HM King Charles III, which is to take place today.

The King has described the Commonwealth as a “cornerstone” of his life, expressing his unwavering support for the values, people and countries of the Commonwealth, a statement by The Commonwealth relayed.

“I can think of no stronger signal of His Majesty’s deep connection to our Family of Nations than taking time to meet with Commonwealth Leaders at Marlborough House ahead of his Coronation. Earlier

this year, the King highlighted the Commonwealth’s ‘near-boundless potential as a force for good,’” said Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland.

After a meeting with the King, each leader met privately to discuss issues of mutual interest, including initiatives to support the empowerment of young people as this year has been designated the Commonwealth Year of Youth.

With more than 60 per cent of the Commonwealth population being younger than 30, this commemorative year aims to propel youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development by offering them a platform during the series of high-profile youth events throughout 2023.

This year also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Programme that was established to allow young people under the age of 30 to reach their full potential.

During the meeting on Friday, the Secretary

General also recognised the growing size, scale and influence of the Commonwealth as the leaders of Togo and Gabon were welcomed to their first meeting of Commonwealth leaders.

President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, in his role as Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth, regarded the two new members and also paid tribute to the new Commonwealth Head.

“We appreciate the King’s lifelong devotion to Commonwealth affairs, just as we remember the role of her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in giving the modern Commonwealth its shape and spirit,” President Kagame said.

In 2024, Samoa will succeed Rwanda as chair at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, its capital city.

Alongside the Leaders’ Meeting, First Lady of Rwanda Jeannette Kagame also hosted a gathering of the spouses, partners and invited guests of the

President Ali engages in...

In fact, only last year, Presidents Ali and Kagame held fresh talks on cooperation in pharmaceutical production following the disparities in COVID-19 vaccines supplied to developing countries during the pandemic.

At that meeting in September 2022, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, joined in the discussions that were held in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Previously, President Ali had stated that, like Rwanda, Guyana is hoping to have a vaccine manufacturing facility set up here some time in the future, especially since the country is aiming to become a medical hub in the Caribbean.

Then on Thursday evening, President Ali and the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, attended a working dinner hosted by Chief Executive Officer of UPL Limited, Jai Shroff in London. During the event, discussions were held on food security and agriculture.

Shroff was recently part

of a high-level delegation that accompanied Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, during a visit to Guyana last month.

UPL, an India-based leading provider of Sustainable Agriculture Solutions, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture for the establishment of a 200 acre “Millets Model Farm” here.

Back in March, President Ali, during a virtual address at the Inauguration of the Global Millet Conference in New Delhi, had disclosed that Guyana will soon commence cultivation trials for millets production in Regions Four, Nine, and 10 to support the transition to large-scale production of the seed locally.

The MoU will see UPL Limited providing technological and agriculture inputs while the Guyana Government, through the Agriculture Ministry, will assist with developing approximately 200 acres for the cultivation of millet.

Only last week,

Commonwealth Heads of Government.

This event highlighted the action needed to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer and tackle challenges impeding progress towards this goal across the 56 nations, with the spouses and partners in attendance pledging to champion advocacy and action in their respective countries.

Aiming to capitalise on his trip to London, England, President Dr Irfaan Ali –accompanied by the High Commissioner of Guyana to

the United Kingdom (UK)

Dr Rajendra Singh – met with the Rwandan President on Thursday to discuss advancing Government-toGovernment collaboration in areas including energy, technology, health services and urbanisation.

Ali also met with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss efforts being made within Guyana to modernise governance systems and increase use of technology to improve effi-

ciencies of services and policy formulation.

Later, he attended a working dinner hosted by United Phosphorus Limited’s (UPL) Chief Executive Officer Jai Shroff and engaged in conversations surrounding food security and agriculture, a vital topic for Guyana as the country is currently leading the Caribbean Community (Caricom) towards a reduction of their food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

FROM PAGE 3

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha indicated that they are currently awaiting technical support from India to begin the project.

“We have already earmarked some land and I am now waiting on [India’s] side to provide the technical support and also the seed. We will start in a phased approach and I have asked that India provide the technical support and the help and also the seed, so very shortly we will start some form of millet production,” the Agriculture Minister had told this publication.

Millets are a highly varied group of small seeds and cereal crops. They are a powerhouse of nutrients, rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fibres, based on the required environmental conditions for millet germination, Guyana is considered an ideal zone for the growth and development of the seed.

Importantly, millet production would open up additional avenues for economic advancement, providing a new market for export. (G8)

Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali and Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland

Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali, among leaders of Commonwealth member states, met with HM King Charles III at Marlborough House, the Headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, on Friday

Cattle farmer who killed employee over missing goats gets life imprisonment

…eligible for parole after 25 years

ARegion Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

cattle farmer who admitted to killing one of his workers over some missing goats before burning and burying his remains, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Thursday by Justice Simone MorrisRamlall at the High Court in Berbice.

When 50-year-old Bharrat Ramsaywack, called “Bobby”, a cattle farmer of Number 55 Village, Corentyne, was arraigned before the Judge, he pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that he murdered Mahendra Ghanie called “Sanjay” between October 2 and 6, 2017.

However, as the trial progressed, upon receiving advice from his attorney Latchmie Rahamat, Ramsaywack changed his not-guilty plea to guilty. As

such, the trial Judge directed the mixed 12-member jury to return a formal verdict of guilty in his favour.

During her sentencing remarks, Justice MorrisRamlall described the mur-

der of Ghanie, 21, as a senseless killing, noting that it has caused his family unnecessary grief and trauma. Ghanie’s father, in a victim impact statement, shared, “Since my son’s death, I’m not feeling good. I always getting high pressure. I really miss my son, Mahendra; day and night I does cry for my son.”

His grieving mother questioned how someone could chop up her son like meat and then bury him.

In a plea in mitigation on Ramsaywack’s behalf, Rahamat told the court that her client is a prime candidate for rehabilitation since he teaches his fellow inmates blockmaking.

Before sentencing the confessed killer to imprisonment for life with the possibility of parole not before 25 years, Justice MorrisRamlall said, “A person who

…trade in humans?

Today Charles, who, after the longest while - a most LONGEST while!! - was declared “King of England” when his mother Elizabeth II passed last year, will now have his official “coronation”. That’s a custom that goes back to medieval times - as we all saw on Game of Thrones - where all Lords of the great houses of the land swore fealty to the monarch. In other words, they won’t try of lop off his head because they think they could do a better job!! All of which will be blessed by the head of the Church, who supposedly speaks for the hoi polloi, whose souls he protected!!

treats a fellow human being in the manner in which this accused treated the deceased, ought to be deprived of the right to interact with other members of society, for an indefinite period.”

The skeletal remains of 21-year-old Ghanie, a block maker, were found in a shallow grave with burning coconut shells next to a cemetery at Number 55 Village, close to Ramsaywack’s fence.

According to reports, the youth had left his home after being contacted by Ramsaywack.

It had been reported that Ramsaywack offered the Police a confession statement stating that Ghanie was struck on his head with a piece of wood, rendering him unconscious.

He then reportedly dragged him and dumped him into the shallow grave. Ghanie was then set afire. After checking and finding that the body was not completely destroyed, the convict burnt it again in another shallow grave. He had earlier accused Ghanie of stealing his goats.

Ghanie’s remains were discovered in the shallow grave on October 6, 2017.

Ramsaywack along with his son, Prem Ramsaywack, who was 16 years old at the time of the murder, and Mohanlall Suesankar, another employee, were indicted in December 2018, for the murder of Ghanie, with the latter two accused of being accessories to the crime.

However, the other two men were freed after the court upheld no-case submissions made by their respective lawyers. In light of this, the jury was directed to return formal not-guilty verdicts. (G1)

Nowadays, because of the cost, Charles’s coronation will hit British taxpayers for a cool US$125 million!! - most other European monarchies have nixed coronations!! Interestingly, while there are some who balk at that cost, most Brits think it’s OK!! Even as doctors and a host of public workers have been striking for pay raises!! To each his own, your Eyewitness guesses!! Now, your Eyewitness doesn’t know exactly how many Lords and Royalty will be swearing loyalty to Charles III after he moves from the Coronation Chair to the Royal Throne - but swear they will!! Including by his son William, but not his son Harry, who’s fallen out of favour. Your Eyewitness doesn’t care how often the Royal PR shills deny it, he’s convinced that the latter circumstance has to do with Harry’s wife being “mixed” with “African Blood”.

And on that (sour) note, Charles III just announced he’s ordered a study to report on exactly how his forbears were connected with slavery!! Is there even the need for such a study - when the facts have been out in the open for four hundred years?? The irony is that it wasn’t ANY old “forbears” who were connected, but the two with the same name as he - Charles I and Charles II!! The first issued a Royal Charter to some businessmen - for a hefty fee, of course - to trade with Africa in general. To place this in context, it was in 1625 that Barbados was claimed and settled by the Brits!! In 1663, Charles II sold the rights to another group of gentlemen (yes…gentlemen, we’re told!) to trade in enslaved Africans. And it was this company that bought and shipped the most slaves across the Atlanticever!! What’s to study??

So, will Charles III accept that he owes all that he has to the blood, sweat and tears of slaves his forbears shipped across the Middle Passage - and sold at massive profit to the Plantocracy?? Are reparations in the offing??

Your Eyewitness certainly hopes so, because we know that very little of those profits were invested to develop our country!!

…rule for oil

As the finger of time moves on, your Eyewitness dourly concedes that all we can be certain of is change. The Europeans came looking for spices, and soon dragged all but the Indigenous Peoples and dumped our forebears into our dear mudland. The sugar they extracted from their sweat sweetened their “cupca” - the tea from China, for which Indians had to grow poppy to produce opium for exchange - and was the reason they ruled us for centuries. But the days of sugar are now gone, and oil has now become the reason for their interest.

How long will they rule us for that?? And don’t tell this Eyewitness they ain’t ruling us!! Trust him…the forms of the rule may be different, but chains in different guises are still chains!! Some say that even though Eric Williams claimed that “oil don’t spoil!”, our oil will become useless when replaced by renewables in thirty years.

But don’t worry…something else they want up north will be uncovered!!

…politics

The PPP have signalled they’ll be introducing a bill for campaign finance legislation. There’s been - with good reasons - accusations that businessmen exert undue influence over our politics through the money they give the politicians. And this will change??

Confessed killer Bharrat Ramsaywack

Murdered: Mahendra Ghanie

AG moves to set aside High Court ruling on President’s PSC decision

that at no time on or before June 16, 2021, when the President suspended the PSC, could he have engaged the Opposition Leader on any appointments, including appointments to the JSC as since August 2020, the Opposition has refused to recognise the Government as legitimate, and consequently, refused to engage with the Government.

the presumption of innocence as set out in Article 144 (2) of the Constitution. Mr Slowe has not been convicted of any charges…”

Attorney General

Anil Nandlall, SC, on Thursday filed a Notice of Appeal (NoA) to set aside a ruling of the High Court that President Dr Irfaan Ali acted unconstitutionally when he suspended the Chairman and Commissioners of the previous Police Service Commission (PSC).

The Head of State had suspended the PSC on June 16, 2021, after its Chairman, Paul Slowe, and one of its Commissioners, Clinton Conway—both retired Assistant Commissioners of Police—were charged with conspiring to defraud the Guyana Police Force (GPF) of $10 million.

In addition, Slowe is charged separately with sexually assaulting a senior Policewoman.

That PSC had been appointed by former President David Granger.

The ruling issued on March 24, by Justice Gino Persaud came almost two years after Slowe filed judicial review proceedings, in which he, among other things, contended that the President’s decision was unconstitutional and arbitrary.

Although the President is empowered by the Constitution to suspend constitutional bodies, including the PSC, Justice Persaud held that the Head of State does not have an “unfettered discretion” as his suspension powers only exist on the advice of the prescribed authority and/or a decision by the tribunal after the question of referral has been referred to that tribunal.

Article 225 requires the question of removal of a person from office to be put to the President by the Prime Minister and the President then has to act in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in appointing a tribunal. The JSC has been defunct since 2017.

“The tribunal must then do its work. It is the tribunal’s role to inquire into the matter and report on the facts to the President and

recommend whether the officer is to be removed,” the Judge said, adding that the framers of the Constitution created this mechanism to ensure due process and security of tenure so that the members of PSC are not subjected to arbitrary behaviour.

“The removal and suspension procedure set out in Article 225 attempts to insulate the PSC from any undesirable political influence. It offers its members the opportunity to do their business without having to keep a watchful eye on the mandates and directives of the Executive.”

Justice Persaud, in his ruling, pointed out that the President’s failure to appoint the JSC “proved fatal” as a referral to the tribunal is a “condition precedent” to the suspension of members. In light of this, he held, “Therefore, the President had no authority on which to suspend the Chairman or any other member of the Commission.”

However, the Attorney General contended that Justice Persaud erred and misdirected himself in law when he determined that referral of the question of removal of the former PSC members and the appointment of a tribunal was a condition precedent to the President’s power to suspend.

According to the AG, the Judge erred again when he conflated the President’s power to suspend, and the sole issue in the case at bar with the power of the tribunal to remove officers.

“[Justice Persaud] failed to appreciate the dichotomy of functions and that each could exist independently of the other, more so given the peculiar circumstances of this case, there being no Judicial Service Commission in place since 2017,” Nandlall argued.

In the NoA, Nandlall was keen to point out that Justice Persaud erred when he failed to properly address his mind to the fact

Moreover, it is being argued that the Judge erred when he failed to consider that it was neither unreasonable nor irrational for the President to have formed the view that the cumulative effect of the several actions of the former Commissioners entitled the President, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister to exercise his discretion to suspend the former members of the PSC.

On the issue of the criminal charge against Slowe, the Judge held, “Lest we forget, in this Republic, there is an enshrined principle backed by constitutional muster to which every citizen of this country is afforded, and that is the right to

“At the time when he was suspended, he was entitled to that presumption. The mere institution of charges cannot amount to ‘misbehaviour’ properly except until the person has been adjudged guilty by a competent tribunal. Therefore, to act in reliance of charges cannot be a basis to justify the President’s unconstitutional conduct,” the High Court Judge said.

Justice Persaud had previously dismissed an application by the Attorney General to have the legal challenge to the President’s suspension thrown out on the basis that the action could not have survived the August 8, 2021 expiration of the life of the PSC.

To maintain the legal

proceedings, Slowe was added as a party.

President Dr Irfaan Ali Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Justice Gino Persaud

Paul Slowe

Driver in fatal hit-and-run on $240,000 bail

Essequibo Coast, was arraigned before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court. According to Police Headquarters, Wellington has been charged with driving under the influence, failing to stop after an accident, and failing to render assistance to an injured person.

ry. He was tossed into the air and landed on the roadway, sustaining major injuries. The driver then fled the scene, leaving the victim bleeding on the roadway.

The man’s granddaughter reportedly ran home and alerted family members. Upon arriving at the scene, they picked up the injured man and took him to the Suddie Public

Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The lorry driver was subsequently arrested, and the lorry was lodged at the Anna Regina Police Station. (G1)

Parasram Wellington, who was allegedly drunk when the lorry he was driving slammed into a pedestrian and killed him, has been placed on $240,000 bail for several traffic offences.

The 56-year-old Wellington, a driver attached to the Golden Fleece Rice Investment on the

Wellington pleaded not guilty to all the charges. In relation to the DUI charge, he was granted $200,000 bail. Bail was granted him in the sum of $20,000 each on the other charges. Investigations into the accident are ongoing, and Wellington is likely to be charged with motor manslaughter in the coming days.

Forty-six-year-old Mahendra Kissoon of Lot

K, Land of Plenty Public Road, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) was last Saturday evening killed in

Labourer admits to biting off mentally-ill man’s ear

a hit-and-run accident involving motor lorry GLL 5654, owned by Golden Fleece Rice Investment.

The Police have said that Kissoon and his granddaughter had gone to purchase hotdogs a short distance away from their home. As they were returning home, Kissoon was struck by the speeding lor-

Romel Torres, a 24-year-old labourer of Kuru Kururu on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, has been charged with felonious wounding. He pleaded guilty to the offence, and has been remanded to prison until May 29 for sentencing.

Torres was arraigned before Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate Judy Latchman on a charge of felonious wounding committed on Earl Emmanuel of Kuru Kururu, SoesdykeLinden Highway contrary to Section 57(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

Initial reports are that Earl Emmanuel, a mentally-ill man, is nursing a series of injuries af-

ter he was badly beaten by Torres, who attempted to rob the Emmanuel home. Emmanuel also had an ear bitten off by Torres

during the ordeal, which occurred at around 19:30h on Monday.

Emmanuel’s father has said he had stepped out to run an errand, and upon returning home, had witnessed part of the attempted robbery.

A niece recalled, “He (the elder Emmanuel) said before he entered the house, he heard screams coming from the area, but when he got closer, he realised that they were coming from his house. He said when he went inside, he saw the man…

“When the man ran out, he went to see my uncle (Earl Emmanuel) lying on the bed in a pool of blood.”

Torres was eventually found and arrested. (G12)

Romel Torres

Charged: Parasram Wellington

Dead: Mahendra Kissoon

Police bust Lethem miner with ganja

Construction worker slapped with attempted robbery charge

Aconstruction worker of Amelia’s Ward, Linden has been remanded to prison on a charge of attempted armed robbery.

Thirty-one-year-old Denzil Bentick appeared on Thursday before Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrate Judy Latchman and was read the charge: attempt to commit a felony; to wit, robbery under arms. He pleaded not guilty.

Bentick is accused of committing the act against Ramlakhan Sookoo, called Kishore, at Loo Creek, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

He was arrested on March 18, 2023. He has been denied bail, and has been further remanded to prison. The matter has been adjourned to May 22, 2023 for trial.

Bentick is no stranger to the law. Back in 2016, he was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment after being found guilty of stealing a car. The defendant was convicted of stealing an AT 192 motor car at Potaro Road, Mackenzie, Linden.

Prior to that, Bentick was charged with a break and enter and larceny offence. (G12)

Claiming it was a little ‘hustle’ when a raid unearthed a quantity of marijuana at his Tabatinga, Lethem home, a 26-year-old miner has been arrested pending charges.

The raid was conducted on the home of 26-year-old gold miner Akeem Charles in Tabatinga, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Police ranks from Regional Division Nine on Thursday visited the premises. During the raid, conducted in the presence of Charles, the ranks found three white plastic bags. Two of the bags contained a quantity of leaves, seeds

and stems, while the other bag contained 59 trans-

parent Ziplock bags with leaves, seeds and stems, all suspected to be cannabis.

Told of the offence committed and cautioned, Charles replied: “Is just a lil hustle, officer”.

He was arrested and escorted to the Lethem Police Station, where the suspected cannabis when weighed in his presence, amounted to 516.3 grams. The substance was marked and placed in a transparent evidence bag, and lodged with the Station Sergeant for safekeeping. His oral confession was recorded, and Charles remains in custody, being slated to be charged next week. (G12)

NTC Secretariat almost completed

Construction of the new Secretariat for the National Toshaos Council (NTC) is almost completed, and it is estimated that works would be wrapped up in about one week.

Permanent Secretary of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Ryan Toolsiram, disclosed during a press conference on Thursday that final yard works are now being executed after a spell of heavy rainfall had resulted in minor delays.

“What we’re doing now is the works in the yard… We’re looking at within the next week, the project will be wrapped up. The building itself is completed, it’s just work in the yard that’s yet to be completed,” Toolsiram told the media.

The new building boasts adequate administrative facilities, but also caters for overnight amenities for

toshaos visiting from remote locations.

“In the administrative section of the building, upstairs we have four self-contained rooms, whereby toshaos who come from far, they can come do their business and stay before they go back.”

An injection of $100 million in the 2022 National Budget paved the way for the Secretariat to be relocated from its Hadfield and Cross Streets location to a new building at the National Exhibition Center, Sophia.

The NTC is the representative body of all Toshaos. The Council engages with Government and other partners on behalf of all villages; promotes good governance practices; advocates for sustainable management of natural resources; and prepares, implements and supports policies, plans and projects to enhance the lives

and livelihoods of Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples.

Last year, President Irfaan Ali disclosed that, within two years in Government, over $50 billion was invested in Indigenous communities, and $1.7 billion in economic- boosting investments, all part of Government’s commitment to the development of Indigenous communities.

At that time, the President also announced an increase in stipends for the Toshaos, from $30,000 to $45,000. Their deputies also received an increase from $20,000 to $30,000.

Government has also committed that Indigenous communities should have 100 per cent access to potable water by 2025. This is apart from investments in quality education and healthcare for remote communities, along with increased access to services.

Arrested miner Akeem Charles

The marijuana was weighed and tendered as evidence

Remanded: Denzil Bentick

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fight against COVID-19 not over – Health Ministry

…as WHO announces COVID-19 no longer a global health emergency

The World Health Organisation has declared that the COVID-19 pandemic –which had devastating impacts for three years – is no longer a public health emergency but is still an ongoing health issue.

WHO Director General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus transmitted this report after the Emergency Committee regarding the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic, deliberated on Thursday.

“The WHO Director General concurs with the advice offered by the Committee regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He determines that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC),” the Organisation stated.

During the deliberative session, the Committee members highlighted the decreasing trend in COVID-19 deaths, the decline in COVID-19-related hospitalisations and intensive care unit admissions, and the high levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2.

The Committee’s position has been evolving over the last several months. While acknowledging the remaining uncertainties posed by potential evolution of SARSCoV-2, they advised that it is time to transition to longterm management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

They acknowledged that,

although SARS-CoV-2 has been and will continue circulating widely and evolving, it is no longer an unusual or unexpected event. The Committee recognised that the Director General may decide to convene an IHR Emergency Committee on COVID-19 in the future if the situation requires.

Guyana Guyana’s Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has since said that the country welcomes the announcement made by the WHO but reminded that the fight against COVID-19 is not over as the disease has not been eradicated.

He noted that over the last few months, Guyana has seen a significant decline in its COVID-19 cases and COVID-19-related deaths.

In a statement, he stated that the Ministry’s Surveillance Unit has reported that Guyana currently has eight (8) active cases. To date, the country has re-

corded 73,191 positive cases and 1298 deaths.

According to Dr Anthony, the public needs to still be mindful of the symptoms of COVID-19 and the impact this disease can have on one’s health, especially for those suffering from long COVID syndrome.

The Minister emphasised that COVID-19 vaccination is important in staying protected and preventing the severe form of the disease. He said the Ministry of Health will continue to administer vaccines across the ten (10) administrative regions to children, adolescents and adults.

The COVID-19 PHEIC has prompted countries to enhance their functional capacities, particularly related to emergency coordination, collaborative surveillance, clinical care, and risk communications and communication engagement.

Temporary recommendations issued by the WHO Director General to all states revolved around sus-

taining the national capacity gains and preparing for future events to avoid the occurrence of a cycle of panic and neglect.

“States Parties should consider how to improve country readiness for future outbreaks. In alignment with WHO guidance, States Parties should update respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness plans incorporating learnings from national and sub-national After-Action Reviews. States Parties should continue to restore health programmes adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement outlined.

It was also added that countries should maintain efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage for all people in the high-priority groups with WHO recommended vaccines and continue to actively address vaccine acceptance and demand issues with communities.

It also called for the reporting of mortality and morbidity data to be maintained as well as variant surveillance information to global entity; as well as continuing to work with communities and their leaders to achieve strong, resilient, and inclusive risk communications and community en-

gagement. Guyana first implemented the host of COVID-19 measures shortly after the first case was detected in the country on March 11, 2020. Over the past years, these restrictions have been amended – strengthened as well as completely removed – in order to fit the situation of the pandemic in Guyana. However, vaccination for primary and booster shots have been ongoing, with the Health Ministry encouraging persons to stay up to date with immunity.

To date, over 73,000 infections have been recorded locally, with 1298 deaths.

B&E,

burglary accused make court appearance

Kevin Douglas, a 26-year-old labourer of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was on Wednesday brought before a Magistrate in connection with several break-ins. He was granted $100,000 bail.

The man appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce before whom he pleaded not guilty to the charges at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts.

He was charged with three counts of break and enter and larceny, and a count of breaking and entering a dwelling house during the night with intent to commit a felony.

The matters were adjourned until June 2.

Meanwhile, a farmer of Hill Foot, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, who was arrested on April 16, was also arraigned on Wednesday on a

burglary charge before the same Magistrate.

John Persaud, 29, is accused of committing the crime on Vincent Forde, also from Hill Foot, Soesdyke

Linden-Highway. He pleaded guilty and was remanded to prison.

The matter was adjourned to May 19 for his sentencing hearing. (G1)

B&E accused: Kevin Douglas Remanded: John Persaud

will work with you to help you on your relocation”

– Croal to squatters …offers Success squatters relocation options

India’s Abhijeet to perform in Guyana for the first time on May 7

Abhijeet Bhattacharya, one of India’s most prolific playback singers, is set to perform at the Everest Cricket Ground on Sunday, May 7, in celebration of Indian Arrival Day in Guyana. This will be the first-ever concert this singer, better known as Abhijeet, holds in this country.

“I’ve heard a lot [about] the beautiful country Guyana. I believe we will rock – you and me,” Abhijeet has said in a promotional video on social media. “I will sing all of your favourites. I will sing all the evergreen hits you have been loving me (for) since so long…I’m very fortunate that I’m coming and performing for you,” he added.

Squatters at Success, East Coast Demerara have been presented with several options for their relocation and resettlement.

The options, presented to them by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, are a low-income or moderate-income land at the Lusignan housing development; a middle-income land at Success; or a three-bed-

edly revealed that 74 structures were in the area.

“As persons continued to illegally occupy the lands, a number of unoccupied structures were dismantled. However, four persons towards the immediate east of the scheme have erected fences that are encroaching on the road reserve,” a statement released on the Housing Ministry’s social media page has disclosed.

and Planning Authority (CHPA) Community Development Director Gladwin Charles, and other officials.

In January, squatters on the drainage and sea defence reserves on the East Bank of Demerara had similarly discussed relocation withHousing Minister Collin Croal, who had pointed out an area at Great Diamond as a resettlement location. And

This concert is largely organised by Trinidadian promoters TANK Sound Co., who’ve been involved in bringing Bollywood singers such as Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu, Atif Aslam, as well as Abhijeet, to Trinidad for several years now.

Karan Mehra of Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa & Hair Salon –one of the concert’s main sponsors – explained that this collaboration with the Trinidadian promoters has presented an opportunity to bring more of Bollywood into Guyana, so that “people can get in touch with their Indian roots.”

“Since (the COVID-19 pandemic), no Bollywood show has happened in Guyana. (Now) it’s Indian Arrival Day, we’re celebrating our culture, so bringing Bollywood music is the best thing to connect people,” Mehra has said.

Backed by the Indar Kanhai and Trishul Orchestra, Abhijeet is expected to deliver a packed three-hour performance with his most popular songs, dating back to the 1990s. Mehra added that several local artistes, including Tony Cuttz, Vicadi Singh and AW Lyrical, would also be opening for the Indian singer.

General and VIP tickets cost $6000 and $10,000 respectively, while Diamond tickets costing $30,000 would offer attendees a chance to sit right in front of the stage and indulge in available food and drinks.

Mehra explained that though VIP tickets are almost sold out, tickets are still available for purchase, either at the location of the event or at the following ticket outlets: Poonai’s Pharmacy, Sea and Breeze, Spready’s Supermarket, Coss Cutters, Palm Court,

A. Ally, Sanjay’s Jewellery Store, and Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa & Hair Salon.

Preparation for the show in terms of staging, lighting and other elements is currently underway, Mehra added. The show begins at 18:00h on Sunday, May 7, at the Everest Cricket Ground, and parking is available to all attendees.

Epic hits like “Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha” and “Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaun” are some of Abhijeet Bhattacharya’s best songs. In fact, “Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaun” from ‘Yes Boss’ won him the Filmfare Best Playback Singer Award. He sang for Shah Rukh Khan in many movies, like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Baadshah, Chalte Chalte, Main Hoon Na, Josh and more.

Abhijeet has given his melodious voice to other stars, like Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty.

room home, to be constructed at Success as well.

At a meeting with the squatters, Croal assured the individuals that the Housing Ministry intends to assist them throughout this process of their resettlement, and encouraged them to work alongside the CH&PA in their resettlement.

“We will work with you to help you on your relocation,” Croal has said, adding a reminder that squatting is illegal and no new structures in the area would be recognised by the Ministry.

The Housing Ministry has been working over the past few years to reduce instances of squatting at Success, and offer squatters alternative housing arrangements. An inventory conducted in 2022 report-

“Six complete structures and one incomplete structure at the immediate west of the scheme are also encroaching on the road alignment,” the statement continued. “This has stalled contractors who are executing infrastructure works to develop the area, which is identified for a housing scheme.”

This exercise to engage with these squatters was a measure taken to reduce these instances. During that community meeting, squatters also had an opportunity to raise concerns with Housing Minister Croal, as well as with the Chairman of the Better Hope/La Bonne Intention (LBI) Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Sheik Samsair; Central Housing

those squatters were given six months to relocate.

In continuing to push its agenda of easing the process of home ownership for Guyanese, the Housing Ministry has also distributed land titles to several individuals who had applied through the agency. Last December, some 44 persons at Pigeon Island Squatting Area, ECD received titles to the lands they had been occupying for years.

Meanwhile, in January, 76 residents from regularised areas of Greenwich Park (Railway Embankment), Stewartville/Uitvlugt Sideline Dam, and Tuschen (Railway Embankment) in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) also received their land titles.

Abhijeet Bhattacharya

“We

Squatting at Success, East Coast Demerara (ECD)

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal engaging squatters at Success, ECD on alternative housing options

Culture still acts as a bridge between Guyana, India – High Commissioner

The history of all nations contains certain significant junctures which have reshaped society. This is according to India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa. His comments came as he delivered an address on the East Bank of Berbice on Monday, to mark the 185th anniversary of the arrival of the first set of East Indians on the shores of Guyana.

Addressing hundreds at Highbury, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Dr Srinivasa said one of those junctures for Guyana was the arrival of the ship “Whitby”.

“This day is a very important day for IndiaGuyana relationships, the High Commissioner said.

“The culture that was brought by the Indians still remains and it acts as a bridge between Guyana and India even now.”

Whitby arrived at Highbury on May 5, 1838, where 182 East Indians entered the country. They were the first set of East Indians

sary. Since then, there has been the annual pilgrimage and in 2002 a monument site was constructed.

BICC President, Chandra

Guyana.

Between 1838 and 1917, over 500 ships arrived, bringing 238,000 Indians to work on the sugar plantations in

ple, we do not give up easily, we work very hard, we build on what we have and above all we are resistant to people who try to exploit us,” Armogan continued, noting that East Indians were taught courage by their fore-parents.”

He said the descendants of East Indian indentured labourers have made their

with lots of people being willing to move out of India. So, many countries like British Guiana, Suriname, Trinidad, Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa – all provided an opportunity for those people who were looking for jobs and were enticed by agents.”

According to the High Commissioner, the Indian diaspora in Guyana has been

We are working on the solar energy system for thirty households. We are working on providing exports in agriculture and aquaculture. We are working closely with the Government of Guyana on various aspects of training and capacity building.”

He said one of the major aspects of collaboration between the two coun-

Sohan pointed out that when the Indians arrived, they met the Africans who had their own culture but they were able to live in unity.

“The racial strife in our country only started around the 1950s when there was a split in the major political party,” he pointed out but alluded to the fact that the two major ethnic groups in Guyana have been able to embrace each other’s culture even down to this day.

Initially, May 5, was referred to as Ramakhan Day. This was because the two most senior East Indians

Guyana. Of that number, about 70,000 returned to India when their contracts were up.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan, also speaking at the event, pointed out that the British planters were able to arrange with Indian business persons to bring persons to Guyana from 1838. However, in 1917 the system of indentured labour was abolished.

Resilient people

“Our fore-parents had to adapt to plantation life because they were hard work-

fore-parents proud.

The Indians were part of the ‘tri-trade’ which involved trade from India to Africa and then the West Indies and the Americas.

The Indians who came were not told that they were coming to Guyana to replace the slaves who had rebelled and fought to have slavery abolished, in fact, many of them were told that they were coming to the city of El Dorado where they could walk the streets and find gold.

According to the Indian High Commissioner, it was a choice of life or death for those who decided to journey to Guyana.

playing a crucial role in the economic, political and social landscape of the country.

“This is due to your ancestors – you must salute them.”

tries is that of education. Of the 6000 annual Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships, more than 4500 are at Indian universities.

to set foot on the shores of the country. They left Port Calcutta, in India, about three months prior and had come to serve as indentured labourers.

The annual pilgrimage to Highbury is organised by the Berbice Indian Cultural Committee (BICC). The first observance of the arrival of the first set of East Indians to Guyana took place in 1988 to mark the 150th anniver-

who arrived at Plantation Highbury were Ram and Khan. Subsequently, it was called Indian Arrival Day.

The name was later changed to Arrival Day to include and pay tribute to the other ethnic groups that came to these shores; Europeans, Chinese, Portuguese and Africans.

However, the event at Highbury focuses on the arrival of East Indians to

ers, they came from poor families in India, they came from a background where they were prepared to work to make a living and to build for themselves and their families and so when they came here, they decided that they have to work hard. So, they made lots of sacrifices. They lived in logies but they were a contented people,” Armogan said.

“We are a resilient peo-

“The conditions which say Indians coming to Guyana and other countries were actually manmade. The British Colonial in India had caused a number of Indians to be thrown into destitution and they were forced to choose between life and death. They choose to work hard and to move out of India.”

In India, in those days, the High Commissioner shared, there were many manmade famines because of greed, resulting in the loss of life of more than 10 million persons. That figure represents a third of the population of the three provinces where the labourers came from.

“That is how we ended up

India and Guyana

Over the years, Guyana and India have partnered in many projects and in recent years India has been providing both technical and financial support to Guyana.

Listing some of these, the High Commissioner noted that the Indian Government provided US$30 million to Guyana for the purchase of an Ocean-going vessel.

“We are working on the road from Ogle to Diamond. We are working on the operation of three hospitals.

The Asian country had also provided training for members of the local Police and Defence Forces.

“We are also working on climate change with your Government; we are working on disaster relief. We are also working on the culture front to promote Indian dance, music, yoga and we are also conducting outreaches to various mandirs and other cultural organisations. We are here to work with Guyana,” High Commissioner Srinivasa reassured. (G4)

“We are a resilient people, we do not give up easily, we work very hard, we build on what we have, and above all, we are resistant to people who try to exploit us.” – Armogan

No voting in 13 LAAs with only one contestant – GECOM …affected

areas listed on website

As the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) finalises preparations for the upcoming Local Government Elections, it has announced that there will be no voting in those Local Authority Areas (LAAs) where there is only one contestant approved.

Following the April 17 Nomination Day, GECOM has since approved the List of Candidates for political parties, individuals or groups who are contesting the June 12 Local Government polls.

In a statement on Friday, the Election Commission pointed to Section 54 of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, which provides that if only one List of Candidates for any Local Authority Area has been approved, the persons whose names appear on the list shall be deemed to have been elected as Councillors due to the approved list being unopposed and therefore, the candidates in the unopposed list shall be declared the winner of the election.

To this end, GECOM dis-

closed that there are 13 LAAs with a combined total of 98 constituencies, and 193 additional constituencies from among other LAAs in which there will be no need for eligible persons to vote due to the existence of unopposed Lists.

“The existence of an unopposed List of Candidates for a LAA/Constituency effectively means that there is no need for the electors to vote. Accordingly, there is no need for the establishment of Polling Stations in such LAAs/Constituencies,” the Commission explained in its missive.

Further recognising that voters may not be aware of whether the LAA/ Constituency in which they are registered to vote would have been affected by an unopposed List, GECOM has posted the separate lists of the affected LAAs and Constituencies on its website at www.gecom.org.gy.

This will allow eligible persons to check and ascertain whether elections would be held in their areas of residence. Alternatively, person may visit the Office of the Returning Officer

for the Municipality or Neighbourhood Democratic Council, in which they reside, to find out whether voting will take place therein.

Moreover, GECOM said as a component of its civic and voter education strategy, it will make public announcements and distribute appropriate literature in all of the affected LAAs/ constituencies towards ensuring that the relevant voters are made aware of why they are not required to vote at the upcoming Local Government Elections.

The current ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic has already indicated its intention to contest all 610 constituencies in the 80 LAAs across the country.

In fact, the party’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, is already claiming victory in those areas where the PPP/C is contesting alone.

He explained that the Opposition PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is only contesting 260 of the 610 constituencies, while groups and individuals are contest-

Bids invited for upgrade at Providence National Stadium

ing, outside of those 260 areas, in another 58 constituencies. This means that APNU and other groups or individuals are contesting in a total of 318 constituencies.

“So, you still have 292 constituencies where neither APNU or individuals or groups are contesting in the country. So, that means that the PPP has won in those areas already – 292 of the 610 and that could be factually checked,” the General Secretary stated at a press conference on Thursday.

He went on to further outline that APNU is not contesting in 25 of the 80 LAAs but other groups are contesting.

“So, of the 80 Local Government Areas across the country, 67 are contested by APNU or other groups or individuals. So, that means 13 of the LAAs are not being contested by any other party or individual except the People’s Progressive Party so that means, effectively, we’ve won in those areas,” Jagdeo contented.

Over the past few weeks, the PPP General Secretary has been calling out the APNU Opposition over its persisting lies about the areas and constituencies it is contesting.

Despite evidence to show otherwise, Opposition

Leader Aubrey Norton has been insisting that his party will be contesting “practically all” the LAAs.

According to Jagdeo, with Norton insisting that they’re contesting practically all of the LAAs he is not only lying to the nation but is also making a “dangerous implication”.

“[Norton is] practically implying that all the socalled independent groups were part of the APNU front and they didn’t contest as APNU in these areas, but as independent group. So, this is dangerous because if it is true, APNU is trying to disguise itself in some of these Local Government Areas because it’s a shame of its track record. And if it is not true, then what he is done, he’s branded all of those individuals and groups contesting outside of APNU in these Local Government Areas as up new front. So, it’s very, very dangerous for those people who are contesting now because he’s implied that they are all APNU fronts,” the General Secretary stated.

On this note, Jagdeo has called on those individuals and groups that are independently contesting the elections to speak out and publicly disassociate themselves from APNU before

they are branded as APNU front organisations.

At the last LGE held in November 2018, the then PPP/C Opposition had secured 52 of the 80 LAAs. This had followed the holding of the 2016 Local Government polls, where the PPP/C had also claimed the majority of the LAAs.

Meanwhile, even as GECOM is preparing for the upcoming LGE, the APNU has moved to the courts to block the holding of the elections. Despite GECOM already ruling out any fraud and approving the lists of candidates for all contesting parties, individuals and groups, Norton has disclosed that legal proceedings were filed at the High Court on Wednesday in light of GECOM’s failure to address instances of fraud the party has made about the PPP’s nomination lists.

Additionally, the Opposition party is also claiming that the Election Commission acted unlawfully when it changed the boundaries of 37 constituencies in 19 Local Authority Areas and wants the court to order GECOM to comply with the legal provisions in relation to changing the boundaries as well as postpone the long overdue June polls until this is done. (G8)

AG moves to set aside High Court...

FROM PAGE 9

The Culture Youth and Sports Ministry has issued an invitation for bids from qualified and eligible bidders for the construction of stands at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The engineer’s estimate for the duration of work is $350 million.

Interested and eligible bidders may obtain further information from the Procurement Unit, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Lot 71-72 Main and Quamina Streets. An inspection of the bidding document can be conducted at the above address between the hours of 08:30 am to 03:00 pm on weekdays.

The tender document may be purchased from the Ministry for a non-refundable fee of three thousand dollars ($3000) each and must be delivered to the ad-

dress on or before 09:00h on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

It was previously reported in September 2022, that significant upgrades were made to the National Stadium. This includes the refurbishment of the red, green, and orange stands, smoothening of the field, and restoring the washroom facilities.

Meanwhile, it was previously announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali that a stadium will also be built at Palmyra, East Canje Berbice.

According to the Head of State, this multipurpose facility would rival any international facility that is seen on television.

This Palmyra Stadium is slated to have a capacity of 10,000, and the Government of Guyana is partnering with several major players within the oil and gas industry for its construction. Notably,

ExxonMobil will play a major role in this regard in the interest of the development of sports in Guyana.

Additionally, during an impromptu visit to Linden back in January, the Head of State revealed that a stadium would be built in the mining town.

According to Ali, “We are right now examining a number of sport facilities in Region 10, some of which we will upgrade. But, more importantly, in the medium term, we have to build a new stadium for you.”

Linden is known to produce some of the country’s most outstanding athletes, and has won the National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming, and Track and Field Championships 19 times.

The new stadium would complement the $179 million synthetic track at the Bayroc Community Centre Ground in Wismar.

He had ruled that the issues raised in the substantive case are matters of public interest. Relying on several local, regional, and overseas case law, he had reasoned that the issue of the legality of the Commissioners’ suspension “…should be heard and determined on its merits, being a matter of public interest.” To hold otherwise, the Judge had noted, would be to leave the legality of the suspension hanging – never to be adjudicated upon simply because of the inescapable fact that the life of the Commission had come to an end after filing these proceedings.

But Nandlall argued that “The Judge erred and misdirected himself in law when His Honour determined that the expired [PSC] could lawfully continue to maintain legal proceedings before the Honourable Court, and in so determining, refused the Appellants’ application to strike out the Fixed Date Application. The Learned Judge further erred and

misdirected himself in law when His Honour ruled that in pursuance of the expired [PSC’s] ability to maintain legal proceedings, His Honour added [Slowe] to the proceedings.”

Considering his findings, Justice Persaud so declared that the President’s suspension of the PSC’s Chairman and other members of that Commission was unlawful; ultra vires Article 225; arbitrary; unreasonable; unfair; violated the suspended Chairman’s and Commissioners’ constitutional rights to the protection of the law and due process of the law, null, void and of no legal effect.

Costs are yet to be determined in this matter.

At the Court of Appeal, Nandlall is seeking an order setting aside the whole decision of Justice Persaud, an order for Slowe to bear the costs of the appeal, and such or further orders the court deems just.

Slowe, the respondent, is being represented by

Attorneys-at-Law Selwyn Pieters, Dexter Todd, and Dexter Smartt while the appellants, including Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Nandlall, and the Police Commissioner are represented by lawyers from the Attorney General’s Chambers.

The members of the new PSC were sworn in on May 31, 2022.

Besides Patrick Findlay as Chairman, Attorneyat-Law Mark Conway, and businessmen Ernesto Choo-a-Fat and Hakeem Mohammed are the other members of the new PSC.

The PSC is a constitutional body, established under Article 137 (1) and was given the authority under Article 212 (1) subject to the provisions of Article 211 (1) of the Constitution to make appointments to any offices in the Guyana Police Force of or above the rank of Inspector, and exercise disciplinary control over and to remove persons holding or acting in such offices. (G1)

Guyana National Stadium, Providence, EBD

| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ExxonMobil Guyana evaluating “next steps” after High Court ruling on insurance coverage

United Statesbased oil major, ExxonMobil Guyana said it is now examining its next steps following the recent ruling by the High Court in Georgetown that the oil company failed to uphold its insurance obligations for the Liza 1 project in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

In his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Sandil Kissoon found that Exxon’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), was engaged in a “disingenuous attempt” which was calculated to deceive when it sought to dilute its liabilities and settled obligations stipulated and expressed in Condition 14 of the permit, while simultaneously optimising production in the Stabroek Block.

The Judge, consequently, ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce the liability clause in the Environmental Permit granted to the oil company for its offshore operations.

By an Order of Mandamus, the EPA was directed by the court to issue EEPGL with an Enforcement Notice on or before May 9, for the company to provide, within 30 days, unlimited Parent Company Guarantee Agreement and/or unlimited liability Affiliate Company Guarantee, together with Environmental liability insurance, as is customary in the international petroleum industry. Failing to comply would result in the suspen-

sion of the permit dated May 31, 2022, the Judge has declared.

On Friday, ExxonMobil Guyana said “We are reviewing the court’s decision and evaluating potential next steps. However, it is disappointing that the court failed to appreciate and acknowledge the financial capabilities of ExxonMobil Guyana and its co-venturers to meet their obligations, the insurance we already have in place, and the progress towards agreeing to a guarantee that exceeds industry benchmarks.”

“ExxonMobil Guyana and our Stabroek Block co-venturers have adequate and appropriate insurance and proposed guarantees in an amount that exceeds industry precedents and an estimate of potential liability,” the oil giant further stated.

Only recently, it was disclosed that after almost one year of negotiations, EPA and EEPGL have completed a Parent Guarantee and Indemnity Agreement to the tune of US$2 billion in liability coverage in compliance with EEPGL’s financial assurance obligations under the Environmental Permit and the Environmental Protection Act.

Appeal Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, disclosed that these negotiations and their material details were placed before the court for its consideration, but unfortunately to no avail.

Nandlall contended, in a statement after the ruling, that the Environmental Permit imposes no obligation on the Permit Holder

to provide an unlimited Parent Company Guarantee Agreement and/or Affiliate Company Guarantee Agreement. He added that the Judge erred in his findings and this could have profound ramifications and grave economic and other impacts on the public interest and national development.

To this end, AG Nandlall indicated that the ruling will be appealed, a move which has been supported by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

At a press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo argued that Guyana needs to ensure that local bodies are acting in a professional manner and not focused only on economic nationalism. He noted that while Government wants to ensure that there are adequate resources to cover the liabilities of any mishap, the country cannot be capricious in its dealings, particularly at the level of regulatory agencies.

“We have to pursue diligently, professionally that outcome, which is to get as a country an insurance coverage that will meet all the circumstances, should we have an adverse event offshore. [But] it’s important that institutions act in that manner, in a professional manner because we are now attracting large volumes of capital from around the world. Eyes of the world are focused on Guyana and what could’ve passed in the past as economic nationalism would not hold water in the new dispensation,” he posited.

According to the Vice President, the quality and professionalism of local institutions are important tenets to efforts of setting up Guyana as an attractive destination for more capital in-

vestments to transform the country and its people.

“So, our courts have to make predictable decisions – I’m not saying in favour of the Government or against the Government but it has to be well reasoned…”

“We’re not going to take [the court ruling] in a manner that’s hostile but we need to make sure that our institutions don’t act based on economic nationalism or the peripheral noise out there. We’re playing the big leagues now. We’re not a backwater country where you can do whatever you want and get away with it. And for that reason alone, I think the decision should be appealed,” Jagdeo contended.

The Vice President further maintained that EPA has to be able to professionally justify its work without any interference or any rush to complete its work within a set timeline that can pressure the agency.

“I think a lot of things were not understood clearly and sometimes it gets a bit complex. Here, this decision needs to be appealed by the EPA because it makes

the EPA looks like it’s not doing its work. The EPA is staffed with professionals and it’s been doing its work, protecting the interest of the country… My own thing is the Judiciary can interpret maybe several issues… But I think it’s threading on mirky waters when you start directing a regulatory agency as to how to do its own job and give them a timeframe to get it done in because you can’t supplant yourself and know what the challenges they face are…,” VP Jagdeo posited.

In September 2022, the President of the Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI), Fredericks Collins, and Guyanese citizen Godfrey Whyte had moved to the court to get the EPA to implement the liability clause in the permit issued to ExxonMobil (Guyana) for its operations. They wanted the court to ensure EEPGL takes full financial accountability in the case of harm, loss, and damage to the environment from a well blowout, oil spill, or other failures in the Stabroek Block.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge

CXC Questions: Maths

Venezuelan Opposition party replaces Guaido as candidate

political coordinator Freddy Superlano, a 46-year-old engineer and critic of President Nicolás Maduro, as its nominee, explaining Guaido could not represent the party from "exile."

Voluntad Popular member Desiree Barboza said the decision to name Superlano the party's candidate was unanimous. Superlano will be up against at least a dozen other figures seeking to lead the Opposition in the presidential contest, expected in 2024.

ing President in a shadow Government challenging Maduro until the Opposition dissolved it.

Like Guaido, Superlano is barred by judicial and administrative rulings from running for public office.

Other candidates seeking nomination in the October primaries have also been disqualified, an issue the Government and Opposition have been negotiating.

Belize PM signals possible break with British monarchy, the Guardian reports

Belize Prime Minister Johnny Briceno said the country is "quite likely" to be the next state to leave the Commonwealth and become a republic, The Guardian newspaper reported on Thursday, days before Britain crowns its next monarch.

spondents said they would vote to become a republic if a referendum were called tomorrow, and 9% said they were unsure or would not vote. Michael Ashcroft is a peer and businessman who runs the polling company. He is a former senior figure in the Conservative Party.

tries had on Wednesday called for a formal apology for crimes against humanity committed under colonial rule and a process of reparatory justice.

Venezuelan Opposition party Voluntad Popular on Friday named a new candidate for a key presidential primary in October, replacing formerly anti-government leader Juan Guaido who left Venezuela unexpectedly in late April.

At a news conference, Voluntad Popular named

Guaido arrived in Miami on April 25 from Bogota, where he had gone intending to join an international conference on Venezuela's political future. He said Colombian authorities forced him to leave despite his appeal for protection citing new threats by Maduro's Government.

From 2019 to December 2022, Guaido served as act-

Speaking at Voluntad Popular headquarters, party member Barboza called Superlano a "man who beat Chavismo", referring to his 2021 victory in the race for governorship of Barinas state, a former stronghold of the ruling party as the birthplace of late President Hugo Chavez.

The Supreme Court, seen by critics as an arm of the Government, invalidated the result and Superlano did not take office. (Reuters)

Paraguay President-elect says will strengthen ties with Taiwan

Paraguay’s Presidentelect Santiago Peña has said he will continue to strengthen ties with Taiwan, following a bruising campaign that saw relations with the self-governing island thrown into question.

The statement, which followed a congratulatory call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, indicated that Paraguay would not go the way of other Latin American countries in cutting formal ties with Taiwan in order to forge relations with China, which considers the island its territory.

“We will keep strengthening the historic ties between Paraguay and the Republic of China [Taiwan], and look

forward to working on mutually beneficial cooperation projects,” Peña said on Twitter.

Tsai, meanwhile, congratulated Peña and thanked him for “expressing his firm stance to maintain and strengthen the TaiwanParaguay relations”, her office said in a statement.

Peña told Tsai he looks forward to visiting the island and meeting her “as soon as possible”, the office said.

Since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949, Taiwan has been a self-governing island, but Beijing has never recognised its sovereignty, instead advocating for “one China”.

Only 13 countries cur-

rently maintain official diplomatic ties with the island, although many Western countries have continued to support Taiwan through trade and informal relations.

Latin America has seen a distinct shift away from the island in recent years, with Honduras in March becoming the latest country to sever ties by recognising “the existence of just one China in the world”.

Honduras followed Panama, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, countries that, in recent years, also moved to break ties with the island in favour of China. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US to finalise rule to limit asylum access at Mexico border by May 11

The US will final -

ise by May 11 a new regulation that will deny asylum to many migrants caught crossing the US-Mexico border illegally, the same day sweeping COVID-19 restrictions at the border are set to end, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said on Friday.

Under the new regulation, migrants will be presumed ineligible for asylum if they passed through another country en route to the US without seeking protection or if they failed to use other legal pathways to the United States.

The measure is a key part of US President Joe Biden's plan to address an

expected rise in illegal immigration when COVID restrictions known as Title 42 end next week, along with the broader pandemic public health emergency.

The Administration is encouraging migrants to use legal pathways to enter the country or face new, sped-up deportation processes that will come with the implementation of the asylum rule.

Title 42 was first implemented in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic to stem the spread of the coronavirus in crowded detention settings. It allows border agents to rapidly expel many migrants to Mexico.

Its repeal is expected to

In an interview with The Guardian, Belize's centre-left Prime Minister did not specify if he would draft a Bill to become a republic, but the motion would first need parliamentary approval before being put to a public referendum.

A Lord Ashcroft opinion poll published this week found that 43% of Belize re-

In the interview with the Guardian, Belize's Briceno also criticised UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's refusal to apologise for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade, which enslaved and killed millions of people over four centuries.

Indigenous organisations from 12 Commonwealth coun-

Caribbean nations have long urged governments to apologise and pay financial compensation such as aid or debt forgiveness to help address economic disadvantages faced by people of colour.

The Ashcroft poll found that clear majorities in England, Scotland and Wales opposed the idea of King Charles issuing an apology for the UK's role in slavery. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Flights returning Colombian migrants from US border to restart from next week

Flights returning Colombians found by immigration officers at the US border with Mexico to their home country will resume beginning next week, Colombia's migration agency said on Friday.

The agency said this week it had temporarily suspended the programme, citing cruel and degrading treatment and last-minute

flight cancellations.

The number of Colombians trying to migrate north to the US has soared in recent years, with more than 125,000 apprehended at the United States' southern border in 2022, according US Customs and Borders Protection (CBP), up from around 6,200 in 2021.

"The agreements that we have reached with the

North American authorities are the following: the flights for returning people will restart from next week and there are two working groups, with a human rights perspective, which will create two protocols to guarantee the integrity of returning travelers," migration agency director Fernando Garcia said in a video statement. (Reuters)

UK to contribute to Brazil’s Amazon defence fund, PM Sunak says

said.

The Brazilian President, who is in the UK to attend King Charles III’s coronation at the weekend, also welcomed the talks.

“We had a good conversation about our trade relations, environmental protection and world peace,” Lula wrote on Twitter.

lead to a rise in border arrivals as a result of pent-up demand and the perception among migrants that they will be allowed in.

The anticipated increase in border crossings will be "extremely challenging," Mayorkas said during a press conference in Brownsville, Texas.

The Mexican Government will step up border security in southern Mexico as part of an agreement reached this week, Mayorkas said.

Migrant arrests at the US-Mexico border have risen in recent weeks, which Mayorkas attributed to a spike in Venezuelan crossers. (Excerpt from Reuters)

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the United Kingdom will contribute more than US$101M (80 million pounds) to Brazil’s Amazon Fund, an initiative that seeks to stop deforestation in the sprawling South American rainforest.

Sunak made the pledge on Friday after holding talks in London with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whom the British

Prime Minister said “has exhibited great leadership on climate change”.

“There are so many interests we have in common,” Sunak told Lula at the meeting at 10 Downing Street, mentioning higher trade and the fight to combat the climate crisis.

“I’m delighted to announce we will be investing in your Amazon Fund and I pay tribute to your leadership in this initiative,” he

The left-wing leader, who narrowly defeated former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro in an October runoff election, has pledged to fight for “zero deforestation” in the Amazon, roughly twothirds of which lies in Brazil.

Deforestation surged under Bolsonaro, who promoted greater economic development in the Amazon and loosened environmental safeguards.

The rainforest is critical to the global fight against climate change, and rights groups had denounced the Bolsonaro Administration’s policies as leading to an uptick in destruction, as well as rising threats against Indigenous communities in the Region. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaido

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the Amazon Fund contribution during a meeting with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at 10 Downing Street in London on May 5, 2023 [Kin Cheung/Pool via Reuters]

Around The World OIL NEWS

Russia's Wagner threatens to leave Bakhmut, Ukraine says mercenaries reinforcing

Oil prices jump, but post 3rd straight weekly fall on economic woes

Oil prices rose on Friday but fell for the third straight week after a sharp fall earlier this week ahead of benchmark interest rate rises and on concern that the US banking crisis will slow the economy and sap fuel demand.

Brent crude closed US$2.80, or 3.9% higher, at US$75.30 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate settled up US$2.78, or 4.1%, at US$71.34 after four days of declines that sent the contract to lows last seen in late 2021.

The Brent benchmark finished the week with a decline of about 5.3%, while WTI plunged 7.1%, even after the rebound on Friday. Both benchmarks were down for three weeks in a row for the first time since November.

"Crude is trying to reverse the recent washout in prices triggered by higher interest rates and recession fears mostly in the banking sector," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial.

For some analysts, fundamentals in the physical market are stronger than the futures market would indicate.

"Rather than underlying fundamentals, the selling frenzy over the past week has been driven by worries about demand linked to recession risks and the strain in the US banking sector," said PVM oil market analyst Stephen Brennock.

"The upshot is that there is a big disconnect between oil balances and oil prices."

Commerzbank analysts noted oil demand concerns were overblown and expect a price correction upward in coming weeks.

Equities, which often move in tandem with oil prices, also rose.

A better-than-expected jobs report helped ease some fears of an imminent economic downturn, spurred in part by renewed banking fears. Investors also broadly expect the Fed to pause rate hikes at its June policy meeting.

In China, however, factory activity contracted unexpectedly in April as orders fell and poor domestic demand dragged on the sprawling manufacturing sector.

However, expectations of potential supply cuts at the next meeting of the OPEC+ producer group in June have provided some price support, said Kelvin Wong, a senior market analyst at OANDA in Singapore.

US oil rig count, an indicator of future output, fell by 3 to 588 this week, data from oil services firm Baker Hughes showed. (Reuters)

Russia's main mercenary group announced plans on Friday to withdraw from the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, but Ukraine said the fighters were reinforcing positions to try to seize it before Russia marks World War Two Victory Day next week.

Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said his men had been starved of ammunition and would expect the army to take their place in Bakhmut next Wednesday, jeopardising what has long been Russia's main target in its attempt to carve up its neighbour.

"My lads will not suffer useless and unjustified losses in Bakhmut without ammunition," Prigozhin said in a video accompanying a written withdrawal announcement addressed to

military leaders including President Vladimir Putin.

The announcement said "bureaucrats" had held back supplies despite knowing that Wagner's target date to capture the city was

May 9, the day of the World War Two commemoration.

"If, because of your petty jealousy, you do not want to give the Russian people the victory of taking Bakhmut, that's your prob-

lem," Prigozhin added in the video.

State-owned RIA news agency later reported that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had instructed one of his Deputy Ministers to ensure troops had all the weapons they needed.

The battle for Bakhmut, which Russia sees as a stepping stone to other cities in Ukraine's Donbas region still beyond its control, has been the most intense of the conflict, costing thousands of lives on both sides in months of grinding warfare. Ukrainian troops have been pushed back in recent weeks but have clung on in the city to inflict as many Russian losses as possible ahead of Kyiv's planned big push against the invading forces along the 1000 km (620 mile) front line.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Serbia’s Vucic promises justice after 2 mass shootings in days

Two mass shootings in two days in Serbia, where such tragedies are rare, have sent the country and surrounding Balkan region into a state of shock.

Late on Thursday, at least eight people were killed and 14 wounded after a 21-year-old suspect in a moving car opened fire on passers-by in a town south of Belgrade.

A day earlier, a 13-yearold suspect carried out an attack that officials say he had planned for months, killing eight of his schoolmates and a security guard.

On Friday, waking up to the news of the drive-by attack, Serbia entered an official three-day mourning period to pay tribute to Wednesday’s child victims.

“There will be justice. These monsters will never see the light of the day,

Nigeria: Kidney-plot politician

Ike Ekweremadu jailed

Awealthy Nigerian politician, his wife and their "middleman" have been jailed for an organ-trafficking plot, after bringing a man to the UK from Lagos.

Senator Ike Ekweremadu, 60, and his wife Beatrice, 56, wanted a new kidney for their 25-year-old daughter Sonia, the Old Bailey heard.

The pair and Dr Obinna Obeta, 50, were previously convicted of conspiring to exploit the man.

It is said to be the first such case under modern slavery laws.

Ike Ekweremadu, who was described by the

judge as the "driving force throughout", was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison.

Dr Obeta was sentenced to 10 years after the judge found he had targeted the potential donor who was young, poor and vulnerable.

Beatrice Ekweremadu was jailed for four years and six months due to her more limited involvement.

Their victim, a poor street trader in Lagos, was brought to the UK to provide a kidney for the Ekweremadus' daughter.

He fled in fear of his life and walked into a Police station exactly a year ago to report what had hap-

pened after the Royal Free Hospital called a halt to the private £80,000 procedure.

Speaking of the way the case is being seen in the Ekweremadus' homeland, Nigeria-based BBC journalist Nduka Orjinmo said people are used to seeing the rich and powerful having it their own way in a country where laws are flagrantly flouted.

While some have expressed feelings of sympathy for a father trying to help his sick daughter, he said many are satisfied that a powerful politician who heartlessly exploited a poor street hawker is facing justice. (Excerpt from BBC News)

neither the little monster nor the little older monster,” President Aleksandar Vucic said, as he deplored Thursday’s “terrorist attack” and proposed tough new gun controls.

In a sombre national address, President Vucic, wearing a dark suit, said the gunman had been wearing a T-shirt with neo-Nazi symbols.

He gave no further details about the shootings.

Vucic proposed a moratorium on gun permits regardless of weapon type, in what he called a “practical disarmament” of Serbia that would also include more frequent medical and psychological checks of gun owners.

The Government would also hire 1200 new Police officers to improve security in schools, he said.

Vucic added that he had proposed the reintroduction of the death penalty but said the Government was against such a step.

In Serbia, the President is largely a ceremonial figure but Vucic wields considerable power as he also heads the ruling party.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

UK PM Sunak's Conservatives suffer steep losses in local elections

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives suffered steep losses in Friday's local election result, undermining his attempts to revive their fortunes and emboldening the opposition Labour Party before a national vote expected next year.

Sunak came to power in October following a year of political scandals, surging inflation and stagnant economic growth. In office he has faced a cost-of-living crisis, mounting concern about healthcare and widespread industrial action.

While governing parties often struggle at mid-term elections, the council results in England are the largest, and possibly last, test of voter sentiment before the next national election due by January 2025.

With a majority of councils counting their votes, which do not affect the Government's majority in Parliament, the

Conservatives had a net loss of 943 seats by 1802 GMT, while Labour added 486 seats and the Liberal Democrats gained 353.

Labour said they were now on track for power at the next general election. A Sky News projection based on the vote share of the early results said Labour could garner 36-38% of the vote at the next national election, making them the biggest party, with the Conservatives at 28-30%.

The projection said Labour might fall short of a majority, though that could depend on how it fares in Scotland, where it is competing to take seats from the Scottish National Party and which did not hold local elections.

A similar BBC projection said Labour would get 35% at a national election and the Conservatives 26%, and some in Sunak's party voiced their disquiet over the results. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Founder of Wagner Private Mercenary Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, leaving a cemetery before the funeral of Russian military blogger Maxim Fomin, widely known by the name of Vladlen Tatarsky, who was recently killed in a bomb attack in a St Petersburg cafe in Moscow, Russia, April 8, 2023

The latest shooting took place as Serbia mourned a mass shooting by a 13-year-old pupil at a primary school in central Belgrade [Armin Durgut/AP Photo]

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Don’t waste time trying to fix something that isn’t broken. Stay focused on what’s important. Pay attention to what you say and how you look. Now’s the time to make valuable lifestyle improvements.

(March 21-April 19)

Don’t feel obligated to do everything yourself. Reach out to people who share your concerns. Set boundaries when dealing with difficult people. Distance yourself from those who spread fake news.

(April 20-May 20)

Do what you can to help others, but don’t make promises you can’t keep. Don’t divulge information that can cause emotional problems for you or someone else. Concentrate on self-improvement.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

You’ll underestimate the extent of a job or pursuit. You’ll have to take a unique approach if you want to accomplish your goal. Protect your reputation. Don’t exaggerate or believe everything you hear.

Work toward a goal you can reach by yourself. Too much outside interference will hold you back. Ignore the changes others make and stay focused on creating opportunities. Romance is in the stars.

Live and learn. Participation will teach you much. Get involved in something that can make a difference in your community, but do so without jeopardizing your health.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Pay attention to financial and legal matters. Update documents that have a due date or need an adjustment. Don’t be afraid to divulge your plans if it will help you get the assistance you need.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Put your energy into learning, developing and presenting. The discipline you bring to the table will ensure that you do a good job in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Use your imagination and dazzle a loved one. Say what’s on your mind. Share your feelings and intentions, and you’ll improve your relationships and your standard of living.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Protect what’s yours. Invest time and money in yourself and in your relationships. Think outside the box and you’ll make a good impression. A friend or relative will offer insightful suggestions.

Create opportunities. Take the path that’s best for you. Don’t follow someone who decides to take a different route. Getting involved with someone for the wrong reason will backfire.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Stop dreaming and start doing. Use experience, knowledge and skills to get where you want to go. Take on a challenge that will encourage you to improve what you have to offer.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Gujarat Titans play perfect game

TATA IPL 2023: Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans… -as Rashid, Noor run through Rajasthan Royals

Clinical! That’s what Gujarat Titans were against Rajasthan Royals on Friday night in Jaipur. After bowling out Royals for a mere 118, Titans chased the target down in just 13.5 overs with nine wickets still in hand.

The win helped Titans stretch their lead at the top of the points table, and they now have one foot in the playoffs. Royals, meanwhile, have now lost four of their last five games, and are still stuck in the ten-point cluster in the middle.

Royals, though, had a decent start after winning the toss. They were 50 for 2 in six overs, but Yashasvi Jaiswal’s run-out triggered a collapse from which they could never recover. Rashid Khan picked up three wickets and Noor Ahmad bagged two as the innings lasted just 17.5 overs.

In response, Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill compiled 71 in 9.4 overs to make the target look even smaller.

Hardik Pandya then belted an unbeaten 39 off 15 balls, striking at 260, to give everyone an early finish.

The powerplay battle

Coming into this game, the Titans had the best powerplay economy rate in IPL 2023. Royals, meanwhile, had the best scoring rate in that phase. And Jaipur got to witness a bit of both.

Mohammed Shami got the new ball to move in the opening over, and despite using their feet to counter the movement, Jaiswal and Jos Buttler could manage only one run off the bat.

From the other end, Hardik got Buttler caught at short third, after being hit for two successive fours. But Royals stuck with their attacking template. Jaiswal hit Shami for six and four in the third over, and Samson did the same to Hardik in the fourth.

Royals seemed to be winning the powerplay battle, before a misunderstanding between Jaiswal and Samson resulted in the former being run out. Samson cut Rashid towards backward point, where Manohar dived to his left to make a partial stop. Jaiswal was more than three-fourths down when he realised Samson had hardly moved. Unfortunately for him, Manohar’s deflection went towards Mohit Sharma at short third, and his throw to Rashid found Jaiswal well short.

R Ashwin entered at

#5 to try to arrest the collapse, but he lasted only six balls, as Rashid pinged his off stump with a legbreak, forcing Royals to bring in Riyan Parag as their Impact Player. That meant Royals would have only five specialist bowlers in the second innings; the original plan might have been to bring in left-arm seamer Kuldip Yadav. The move didn’t work. Rashid’s googly trapped Parag lbw for 4.

Rashid was taken off after his third over, but there was no respite for the Royals. Noor struck

his next over, he had Dhruv Jurel lbw. From the other end, Rashid returned to send back Shimron Hetmyer, leaving Royals at 96 for 8.

The last two wickets took Royals to 118, which was never going to be enough.

Wriddhiman Saha had finally found some form.

Saha off to a flier

It’s not often that a team is all out and the opposition’s wicketkeeper isn’t involved in any of the dismissals. Still, Saha showed his class behind the stumps with an excellent one-handed save

though. With Gill taking his time in the chase, he smashed five fours in the first 13 balls he faced. Four of them came off Trent Boult, the Royals’ powerplay weapon.

Hardik in a hurry

After Titans’ defeat to Delhi Capitals, Hardik had taken “full ownership” for not closing out the chase, as he had struggled to find any rhythm, despite scoring an unbeaten half-century. He corrected that here. After Yuzvendra Chahal broke the opening stand by having Gill

SCOREBOARD

Royals Innings

Yashasvi Jaiswal run out (Sharma/Rashid Khan) 14

Jos Buttler c Sharma b Pandya 8

Sanju Samson (c)† c Pandya b Little 30

Devdutt Padikkal

b Noor Ahmad 12

Ravichandran Ashwin

b Rashid Khan 2

Riyan Parag lbw b Rashid Khan 4

Shimron Hetmyer lbw

b Rashid Khan 7

Dhruv Jurel lbw

b Noor Ahmad 9

Trent Boult b Mohammed Shami 15

Adam Zampa run out (Manohar) 7

Sandeep Sharma not out 2

Extras (lb 1, w 7) 8

TOTAL 17.5 Ov (RR: 6.61) 118

Did not bat:

Yuzvendra Chahal

Fall of wickets: 1-11

(Jos Buttler, 1.4 ov), 2-47

(Yashasvi Jaiswal, 5.1 ov), 3-60

(Sanju Samson, 6.5 ov), 4-63

(Ravichandran Ashwin, 7.6 ov), 5-69

(Riyan Parag, 9.2 ov), 6-77

(Devdutt Padikkal, 11.3 ov), 7-87

(Trent Boult, 16.3 ov), 10-118 (Adam Zampa, 17.5 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammed Shami 4-0-27-1 6.75-13-2 1-2-0 Hardik Pandya 2-0-22-1 Rashid Khan 4-0-14-3 Josh Little 4-0-24-1 Noor Ahmad 3-0-25-2 Mohit Sharma 0.5-0-5-0

with his third ball, uprooting Devdutt Padikkal’s off stump for a run-a-ball 12. In

when Noor sprayed one way down the leg side.

Saha wasn’t done,

stumped for 36 off 35 balls, Hardik teed off straightaway. He had faced just two

(Dhruv Jurel, 13.1 ov), 8-96 (Shimron Hetmyer, 14.1 ov), 9-112

‘Sir’ James France 40-over cricket competition 2023…

After a lengthy hiatus, matches organized by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) are again being played in remote Berbice riverine areas. The ‘Sir’ James France 40-over second-division tournament has started in that area, and Wiruni Cricket Club would shortly be contesting the finals against the Sandhills Cricket Club at the Rose Hall Community Centre Ground in East Canje.

This tournament is being sponsored by Mr. Nolan France in honour of his late father James France, an outstanding educator and head-teacher who served for many years in the riverine areas.

Among the matches played, Wiruni CC defeated Ebini CC by 59 runs in a game played at Ebini. Batting first after winning the toss, Wiruni chalked up 198 all out off 40 overs. Extras top scored with 44, while K. Fredricks, with

four boundaries and two sixes, scored 28. Other contributions came from M. Sampson (23), G. McKenzie (17), K. Sinclair (20) and D. James (14). Bowling for the home team, K. Kertzious took 4 for 30, M. Leacock took 3 for 32, and T. Morris took 2 for 13.

Needing to score 199 runs from their allotted 40 overs, Ebini CC were bowled out for 139 in 34.5 overs, with D. Leacock (39), C. Late (23) and G. Late (17) being the only batsmen to reach double figures. D. Osbourne took 4 for 30, J. Sinclair took 2 for 21, and G. McKenzie took 2 for 3.

The second match played at Ebini saw the home team suffering a 21-run loss to Sandhills CC. Batting first, Sandhill reached 177 all out in 38 of their allotted 40 overs, with J. Leacock (29), D. Leacock (23) and W. McKenzie (17) being the principal scorers, while Extras contributed

a healthy 38. Bowling for Ebini, Milton Leacock took 2 for 25, K. Kertzious took 2 for 23, and P. Grant took 2 for 33 as the best bowlers.

In reply, Ebini were dismissed for 156 from 33 overs. D. Leacock (45) and I. Late (47) batted well in a losing cause, but received no support from the other batsmen, with only D. DaSilva (17) reaching double figures. M. Cable took 4 for 6

and Daniel Leacock took 2 for 38 as the best bowlers for Sandhills CC.

Meanwhile, Ebini CC and Wiruni CC played each other in the first round of the Berbice River Zone of the BCB/Dave Narine West Indian Import 40-over tournament. In a match reduced to 25 overs due to rain, Wiruni reached 175 for 6, with D. Osborne’s 64 (3×4 5×6), K. Fredricks’s 21, C. Sinclair’s 22, and J. Sinclair’s 27 being the main contributions. R. Flemings, with 3 for 28, was the main wicket-taker for Ebini; while M. Leacock, D. DaSilva and K. Kertzious each took a wicket.

In reply, the home team was dismissed for 119 from 21.3 overs, with K. Morris (48), D. DaSilva (16) and R. Flemings (11) being the only batsmen to reach double figures. Bowling for the winners, J. Sinclair took 3 for 22 and D. James took 2 for 18 in their outstanding contributions.

The BCB would shortly be arranging the final match of this ‘Sir’ James France Tournament.

WI women’s regional cricket tournaments 2023…

Guyana’s team off to St Kitts

and Nevis

Guyana’s senior women’s team departed on Thursday for St. Kitts and Nevis to participate in the West Indies’ women’s regional tournaments.

TheNational Sports Commission’s (NSC’s) Independence ThreeStage Cycle Race which was set to pedal off on May 13/14 has been postponed. This is according to the Guyana Cycling News (GCN), which made the announcement on the evening of May 4.

"The annual Independence three-stage road race has been postponed. The Guyana Cycling Federation will announce the new date within the week", the statement posted on the GCN Facebook read.

According to the Guyana Cycling Calendar for 2023, the National Championship is billed for June 18-25, and the NSC’s Annual SixStage Race will be run from September 7-10.

Based on reports, this year’s Independence ThreeStage Cycle Race has an estimated $1.2 million in cash and prizes up for grabs among the four different categories of contestants. Defending

champion for this race is Akil Campbell of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Three-Stage will feature an Elite race category, as well as a Junior, Veteran and Prime race category. First stage is expected to commence at Corriverton, Guyana’s easternmost town, and proceed to New Amsterdam, the main town in East Berbice. Second stage rolls off from Rosignol, WCB, and ends at Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown; and the final stage would leave Kara Kara in Linden to culminate at Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown for the grand finish.

Notably, the first-place prize has been increased this year, with the top rider bagging $150,000; while second, third, fourth and fifth place finishers would also be rewarded substantially.

Winners of the Veterans race would be rewarded with $70,000, $50,000 and $30,000 for first, second and third

place finish respectively, while those in the Junior category would receive rewards that are similar to those in the Veterans category. For the prime race, a small monetary award is set aside for ev-

ery participant involved. Stage prizes for this event would range from $15,000 to $30,000. All winners would also be given trophies for participation.

Bartica table tennis tournament hailed a success

Sports Commission and Mr. Lashon Jordan of Bartica

Captained by West Indies player Shemaine Campbell, the team is balanced between experience and youth as it seeks to win the Super50 and T20 tournaments.

Guyana will play the first game of the Super50 against the Windward Islands at Canoree ground on May 8, 2023.

The squad reads:

Shemaine Campbelle (captain), Shabika Gajnabi (vice-captain), Cherry-Ann Fraser, Katana Mentore, Analesia D’Aguiar, Sheneta Grimmond, Plaffianna Millington, Kaysia Schultz, Niya Latchman, Talleya Madramootoo, Mandy Mangru, Realanna Grimmond, Ashmini Munisar and Cyanna Retemiah. Angelica Holder is the physiotherapist, Clive Grimmond has been appointed Head Coach of the team, while Tremayne Smartt will serve as the Assistant Coach/Manager.

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE

CG United Super50 Cup –play starts at 10:00am

Round 1: Monday 8th May

Windward Islands vs Guyana

– Conaree Cricket Centre

Leeward Islands vs Jamaica – St. Paul’s Sports Complex

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Barbados – Warner Park

Round 2: Wednesday 10th

May

Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago Divas – St. Paul’s

Sports Complex

Guyana vs Barbados –Conaree Cricket Centre

Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands – Warner Park

Round 3: Friday 12th May

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Windward Islands – St.

Paul’s Sports Complex

Jamaica vs Barbados –Conaree Cricket Centre

Jamaica vs Windward Islands – Conaree Cricket Centre

WI T20 Blaze (all matches played at Warner Park)

Round 1: Saturday 20th

May

Windward Islands vs Guyana – 10:00am

Leeward Islands vs Jamaica – 2:30:pm

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Barbados – 7:00pm.

Round 2: Sunday 21st May

Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands – 10:00am

Guyana vs Barbados –2:30pm

Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago Divas – 7:00pm.

Round 3: Tuesday 23rd May

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Windward Islands –10:00am

Jamaica vs Barbados –2:30pm

Action in the Bartica Table Tennis Steering Committee (BTTSC) Regatta Table Tennis tournament, played at the Bartica Community Center on Sunday, April 30, 2023, saw the likes of Katalena Gibson (girl) of Two Mile Primary and Aidan Sheriff (boy) of St John Primary winning in their respective categories. Heading into the tournament, all players were aiming to bring their best versions of the game to the tournament. They had their game faces on, and only the best-of-thebest would emerge victorious. In fact, the anticipated matchup saw the 11 years and under boy’s battle, with names such as Abar Ishak, Christopher Edmond, Seeffo Pollydore, Aidan sheriff, Akeem DaSilva, Joshua James, Selwyn Brown, Jereon Persaud, Adriano Stoby, Upendra Chowtee, Jaden Thornhill, Jaden Williamson. Girls match up saw the names such as Kaylean Charles, Nicola Gennie, Alanea Moe, Jelena Atkinson, Allia

Hassim, Annalise Jardine, Alesha Gonsalves, Arianna Lonke, Nazeema Lewis, Katalena Gibson, Samantha Garraway, Rosanna Patterson.

Aidan Sheriff of St John

Primary bested Upendra

Chowtee of Two Miles

Primary in an intense final in the 11 years and under boys which ended 11-6, 9-11, 8-11, 11-2 and 11-8 (3-

2) Selwyn Brown of Potaro

Primary finished third and Jaden Williamson of TwoMile Primary finished in fourth place.

In the semi–Finals Chowtee defeated Williamson 3-0 and Sheriff defeated Brown 3-1

In the 11 years and under girl’s finals, Katalena Gibson of Two Miles

Primary defeated Rosanna Patterson of Two Miles

Primary 11-7,7-11,6-11,114 and 11-8 (3-2), and third place went to Samantha Garraway of Two Miles

Primary she defeated Alesha Gonsalves of Potaro

Primary 3-2. In the semifinals Gibson defeated Garraway 3-1 and Patterson defeated Gonsalves 3-2

Tournament sponsors were Super Gold Mining Bartica, Guyana Committee of Service, Guyana Table Tennis Association, National

This tournament attracted over 30 players and four schools namely St Anthony Primary, St John Primary, Potaro Primary and Two Miles Primary. BTTSC president Mr. Timothy Cornelius and GTTA General Secretary Mr. Linden Johnson give words of encouragement to the young table tennis players and they would have taken in every word of encouragement given to them.

Presentation of trophies were presented for both the Male and Female Categories for the first, second and third positions.

Guyana vs Leeward Islands –Warner Park

Round 4: Monday 15th May

Jamaica vs Guyana – Warner Park

Leeward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago Divas – Conaree

Cricket Centre

Barbados vs Windward Islands – St. Paul’s Sports Complex

Round 5: Wednesday 17th

May

Leeward Islands vs Barbados – Warner Park

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Guyana – St. Paul’s Sporting Complex

Guyana vs Leeward Islands –7:00pm.

Round 4: Thursday 25th

May

Jamaica vs Guyana –10:00am

Leeward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago Divas – 2:30pm

Barbados vs Windward Islands – 7:00pm.

Round 5: Saturday 27th

May

Leeward Islands vs Barbados – 10:00am

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Guyana – 2:30pm

Jamaica vs Windward Islands – 7:00pm.

DaSilva to lead West Indies “A” against Bangladesh “A”

TheCricket West Indies (CWI) Senior Men’s Selection Panel has named the 15-man squad for the West Indies “A” Team tour of Bangladesh. Joshua Da Silva, the West Indies Test wicketkeeper-batter, will captain the team in the three four-day “Test” matches that start on 16 May.

The Windies’ 15-member squad includes other players with West Indies Test match experience: left-handed opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, left-handed allrounder Raymon Reifer, fast bowler Anderson Phillip, and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie.

There are three newcomers to the international level: openers Kirk McKenzie and Zachary McCaskie, and fast bowler Jair McAllister. All three have made their firstclass debuts during the West

Indies Championship fourday first-class tournament earlier this year.

Lead Selector the Most Honorable Dr. Desmond Haynes has said the aim is to pick a balanced team as CWI looks to expose the players to overseas conditions.

“We selected a group of players who we think could benefit from the exposure in Bangladesh, and we also have our eyes on the upcoming Test Series against India in the Caribbean,” he explained.

He added: “Among the newcomers, we have pace bowler McAllister, who is fast and strong and has the ability to unsettle batters. McCaskie had a solid start to his firstclass career, showed good temperament, and also has the ability to play all around the wicket.

“McKenzie was eye-catch-

ing during his double-century for the West Indies Academy in the Headley-Weekes TriSeries. It was a superb knock, and demonstrated that the investment in the Academy is bearing fruit.”

West Indies “A” Team will arrive in Bangladesh on 11 May, and play the three four-day “Test” matches at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS) in Sylhet.

These matches will have full first-class status.

This “A” team tour reciprocates the Bangladesh “A” team tour of the West Indies in August 2022, when the teams drew both a two-match series of four-day first-class matches and also a threematch 50-over series at the Daren Sammy Stadium in Saint Lucia.

Full squad: Joshua DaSilva (Captain), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan, Brandon King, Jair McAllister Zachary McCaskie ,Kirk McKenzie, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Raymon Reifer and Kevin Sinclair

Alex Leung has shown great promise in recent times

Winners, Runner up and third, from left to right: Brown 3rd, Sheriff 1st and Chowtee 2nd boys. Girls left to right: 2nd Patterson, Gibson, 1st Patterson and 3rd Garraway

Top riders will be in action at the three-stage race

Joshua DaSilva

Australian cricket agent guiding Guyana and WI cricketers

ExclusivE by brandon corlEttE

Cricket is known as a gentleman's game, but women are making great strides in every aspect of the game. This is the same progress shown by Australian Sophie Claire McIlwain, who has been offering guidance to Guyana and West Indies cricketers through her role as an accredited cricket agent.

Guyana and West Indies players Veerasammy Permaul, Shemaine Campbelle and Shenata Grimmond are some of the players who have signed Sophie as their cricket agent. And the likes of Sheldon Cottrell, Imran Khan, Akeem Jordan and Tevyn Walcott are other cricketers signed with Sophie.

In a wide-ranging exclusive interview with this daily publication, Sophie reflected on her journey, and spoke about the role she plays in the lives of Caribbean cricketers.

"I am a cricket agent, a cricket fan, a cricket tragic, a cricket nerd; but I also have a few accreditations to go along with what I do. I am an Australian Cricketers Association-accredited agent. I am an ECB (England Cricket Board)accredited agent, and I am also accredited in South Africa. The West Indies does not have an agent-accreditation programme as yet, but I would love if they do. I think that is a great check-andbalance for the protection of players," Sophie declared.

“I have a Master’s Degree (MBA) in Sports Management. I went to study with Real Madrid, to see what is going on in their operations. I am learning Hindi because I think that is the language of cricket. I study hard, and I try to learn every day and grow ever day in this role,” she explained.

“I love what I do. Being a cricket agent is one of the best jobs in the world. To be able to watch cricket - espe-

cially Caribbean cricket - up close, I am very lucky and very blessed; and every day I want to give back that blessing," agent Sophie has said.

The Journey

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the globe negatively, but it was a positive time for Sophie, as she started her agency during the pandemic. She had worked in the fashion industry for almost 20 years, but the pandemic period opened new doors for her.

"I have been a cricket agent for two years. I worked in fashion for almost 20 years before that.

I was driven and inspired to become a cricket agent, especially with cricketers in the Caribbean, because I felt that so many people are passionate fans in the Caribbean. Everyone would say they are a fan of Chris Gayle or Kieron Pollard, but I felt that players that were not on that kind of radar did not get that kind of advocacy, or did not get ethical,

cricketers, if they choose me to be their agent. I was really inspired, and I want to be a positive force in cricket in the Caribbean," Sophie explained.

"I told myself I will do another Master’s Degree,

biggest agent in the world by any means, but I think I love cricket as much as you can, and I respect my clients. I want to see them do really well and get every possible opportunity," she has said.

"I started my agency at

and I would study, work hard, and be the best agent I can possibly be. Every day

the beginning of COVID. I was actually the (care-giver) of my 102-year-old grandmother. She would have been in Zoom calls with me, and she was with me in Zoom calls when I was meeting my clients, and I started that in her spare room while there were lockdowns. The agency grew from there, and I wanted to do work in cricket, and wanted to work for the clients," Sophie explained.

Permaul is a legend Permaul has been achieving milestones from all corners, and agent Sophie is beyond proud of his efforts.

"What a legend is Veerasammy Permaul! An amazing guy! He is a quiet achiever, in my opinion. He is someone that needs to get more recognition worldwide. I would love to see him back in the Test squad. I represent him," Sophie said.

"I am proud to represent two fantastic female players in the Guyana and West Indies team: Shemaine Campbelle and Shenata Grimmond. I think they will do really great things. I recently saw Shemaine play in Hong Kong. I know her absolute inspiration in life is Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and I can see that (grit) and strength in her. She does not have his (Chanderpaul) technique, but I can see elements in her game," Sophie has said.

In terms of challenges, Sophie noted that she has had a lot of sleepless nights to get her work done. The Australian disclosed that sponsorship of gear for cricketers has also been a challenge.

"I am in Sydney, Australia, and there is a club not too far from me, and I can guarantee that all the players there have sponsorship; so, they have that support and assistance. You know, sponsors are not coming to the party until Caribbean players make the West Indies team, or until they go to the IPL. I want to see sponsorship and support from a grassroots level. I am proud that both Campbelle and Grimmond are sponsored athletes,” Sophie has said.

Why should cricketers sign up with Sophie?

goals to accelerate their careers.

"I want cricketers to sign with me if they feel positive with the way our interaction goes. I want there to be a vibe, and I want people to understand what I am doing. I want people to collaborate, and I advise any cricketer, whether Australian or West Indian, speak to your agent, ask them the tough question: ‘What are you going to do through thick and thin when I have a lean patch in my career? How are you going to support me, and what opportunities are you going to provide?’

“I always ask the players, ‘What's your goal in one year, and what is your fiveyear goal?’ Then we work out what steps we can place to make that happen," she said.

She added: "Even goals after your career, whether it’s a commentator or coaching, or mentor. I think, whether it is me or another agent, ask them what they are going to do for you! I am passionate, I work hard, and I will collaborate to help accelerate your career to the next level, to provide opportunities and new opportunities.

“If there are young cricketers watching or reading, I want them to make an empowered decision when choosing an agent," she said.

dedicated representation. I wanted to be that agent for

I am building on that, and I am learning. I am not the

Headley-Weekes Tri-Series 2023…

Sophie is also proud to represent the Berbician duo of Shemaine Campbelle and Shenata Grimmond.

Sinclair’s five-wicket haul leads Team

Weekes to victory inside three days

According to the dedicated and passionate agent, she is advising cricketers to have

"Read the contract, ask questions, and make sure your decisions about building your career."

SCOREBOARD

Team Headley 2nd Innings

Kieran Powell c Nial Smith

b Dominic Drakes 9

Matthew Nandu c †

Devon Thomas b Nial Smith 36

Kavem Hodge c&b Kevin Sinclair 26

Sunil Ambris c Nial Smith

b Kevin Sinclair 4

Bowlers O-M-R-W

Raymon Reifer 4-1-8-0

Nial Smith 9-1-30-1

Dominic Drakes 9-2-14-1

Jair McAllister 6-0-25-1

Kevin Sinclair 21-5-48-5

Veerasammy Permaul 13.1-7-20-2

Tagenarine Chanderpaul 1-1-0

Guyana

and West Indies off-spinner Kevin Sinclair had a fantastic third day at Coolidge Cricket Ground; he helped Team Weekes to an eight-wicket win in the third and final match of the Headley-Weekes Tri-Series.

Sinclair's second firstclass five-wicket haul of 5 for 48 from 21 overs restricted Team Headley to 153 all out in their second innings. In response, Team Weekes registered 96-2 in 26.5 overs to end the four-day match inside three days in Antigua.

Team Headley resumed the third day on 67-2, and were bowled out for 153. Sinclair picked up the wickets of Joshua Da Silva, Sunil Ambris, Tevyn Walcott, Chaim Holder and Kaveem Hodge. The Berbician also

bowled five maidens in his spell.

Guyanese opener Matthew Nandu top-scored

for Team Headley in the second innings with a painstaking 36 from 129 balls. He struck five fours in his in-

nings. Hodge made 26, while Justin Greaves made an unbeaten 25.

Besides Sinclair’s five wickets, Veerasammy Permaul had 2-20 in 13.1 overs. Permaul had claimed three wickets in the first innings, when he recorded a tally of 600 first-class wickets.

In their chase of 95, Team Weekes had a solid start. Openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Zachary McCaskie contributed 61 runs to the tally, with Chanderpaul making 33 from 50 and McCaskie making 33 from 59. Raymon Reifer (19) and Alick Athanze (10) ensured Team Weekes’s victory. Sinclair was awarded player of the match after his second innings’ exploit with ball in hand.

Tevyn Walcott (wk)

lbw b Kevin Sinclair 0

Joshua Da Silva (c & wk)

lbw b Kevin Sinclair 15

Justin Greaves not out 25

Akeem Jordan b

Jair McAllister 8

Anderson Phillip

b Veerasammy Permaul 1

Chaim Holder lbw b Kevin Sinclair 13

Marquino Mindley c Alick Athanaze

b Veerasammy Permaul 8

Extras (b 7, lb 1) 8

Total (10 wkts, 63.1 ov)

153 (CRR: 2.42) Did not bat :

Fall of wickets: 22-1

(Kieran Powell, 8.4 ov), 63-2

(Kavem Hodge, 26 ov), 71-3

(Sunil Ambris, 31.4 ov), 71-4

(Tevyn Walcott, 33.1 ov), 93-5

(Matthew Nandu, 42.5 ov), 95-6

(Joshua Da Silva, 43.3 ov), 120-7

(Akeem Jordan, 52.4 ov), 121-8

(Anderson Phillip, 53.3 ov), 138-9

(Chaim Holder, 58.2 ov), 153-10

(Marquino Mindley, 63.1 ov)

Team Weekes 2nd Innings

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

c&b Kavem Hodge 33

Zachary McCaskie

Kevin

Sheldon Cottrell is represented by Sophie

Shenata Grimmond is represented by Sophie

Sophie graduating with her Masters (Photo: Sophie/Instagram)

Kevin Sinclair