Guyana Times - Saturday, November 16, 2024

Top law enforcement officers undergo comprehensive narcotics investigation training

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in coordination with the DEA Georgetown Country Office, conducted two intensive training courses on Basic and Advanced Narcotic Investigations from November 4 to November 15, 2024.

The training, hosted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), was attended by 35 officers representing several key agencies in Guyana, including GPF, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU).

capabilities. These exercises focused on interview and interrogation techniques, surveillance operations, briefing and presentation skills, and link analysis chart training.

“This training exemplifies the power of collaboration between the DEA and our Guyanese counterparts,” said Denise Foster, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Caribbean Division. “By enhancing our collective expertise and operational readiness, we are better equipped to confront and dismantle narcotics trafficking net-

works that threaten the safety and security of our communities.”

At the training’s closing ceremony on November 15, Ambassador Nicole Theriot gave remarks and presented certificates to the participants. She highlighted the exercise as a significant milestone in the U.S.-Guyanese partnership to combat transnational drug trafficking and address shared security concerns which, if left unaddressed, could harm Guyana’s economic growth and investment climate.

This collaboration highlights the shared commitment of both countries to strengthen law enforcement capabilities and effectively combat transnational narcotics trafficking.

The training was made possible with funding under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) from the U.S. Department of State’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) office at the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown.

This initiative underscores the DEA and INL’s ongoing commitment to working bilaterally with Guyanese law enforcement partners. Participants received comprehensive instruction on critical topics such as case management,

deconfliction, surveillance, intelligence sharing, and key information on regional and worldwide drug trends. In addition to the classroom instruction, participants engaged in hands-on practical exercises designed to enhance their operational

Essequibo pensioner killed by tractor while crossing road

Apensioner lost his life on Thursday after he was struck down by a tractor along the Hampton Court Public Road, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The dead man has been identified as 79-year-old Girdharran Singh also of Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast.

The incident reportedly occurred around 17:30h on Thursday and involved a tractor driven by a 67-yearold man who works as an operator with a businessman.

Based on reports received, the tractor was travelling south along the eastern lane

when it came into contact with Singh who was attempting to cross the roadway.

Reports are that Singh, who was in the middle of the road decided to turn back and allegedly walked into the tractor’s path.

Singh fell onto the roadway and sustained multiple injuries. He was picked up by the driver and public-spirited citizens and rushed to the Oscar Joseph District Hospital in an unconscious state but died while receiving treatment.

The driver of the tractor was taken into custody and he is assisting with investigations.

US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, along with the Guyana law enforcement officials

The accident occurred on this road

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, November 16 –04:30h-06:00h and Sunday, November 17 – 04:30h-06:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, November 16 –16:10h-17:40h and Sunday, November 17 – 05:15h-06:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions are expected, interrupted by thundery showers in the morning hours, with mostly clear skies, followed by light showers, at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.79 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 16:35h reaching a maximum height of 2.88 metres.

Low Tide: 10:10h and 22:38h reaching minimum heights of 0.51 metre and 0.32 metre.

Pres Ali urges Karasabai residents to invest portion of cash grant in sustainable venture

...says Govt will co-invest in undertaking

resident Irfaan Ali on Friday called on the residents of Karasabai in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) to pool some of the monies they will get from Government’s $100,000 cash grant per adult into a community project as a sustainable revenue source for the village.

Last month, President Ali announced that every Guyanese 18 years and older will receive a $100,000 one-off cash grant. Currently, the verification process is ongoing in several hinterland and indigenous communities across the country including Karasabai before the distribution of the money commences.

Addressing scores of residents in the village on Friday evening, the Head of State disclosed that approximately 700

to work with the community and other communities [in the region] so that we can make these ideas and we can work with you in making these things reality…

“I want you to know that we don’t just want you to get this disposable income in your pocket. We want to help you now to multiply the effect of this income and as I said to you, we’re going to match it,” the Head of State noted.

As part of the agriculture diversification programme in Region Nine, the Government has already started a black giant chicken project. This highly successful initiative has seen the region produce more than 25,000 eggs.

Rebuilding efforts

President Ali travelled to Karasabai earlier on Friday

persons in Karasabai will benefit from the initiative, which will see some $70 million going into their pockets.

The President noted that if the community pools half of this money, then they would have $35 million to invest in a project that could bring longterm sustainable revenues for the Karasabai.

“Part of what we want to do is to work with you on financial literacy. How we can convert half of what is coming to you [from the cash grant] and triple it in the years to come,” Ali stated.

According to the Guyanese Leader, he has already instructed officials to develop a swine production programme for Karasabai as well as to explore egg production and a small innovative processing facility. He indicated that whatever initiative is agreed upon by the village, the Government will co-invest in that venture.

“The Government will co-invest with you. So, if you put the $35 million, we may put another $10 [to] $15 million, that is $50 million, and we will build an economic venture here in the community that will give you sustainable and long-term returns,” he pointed out.

President Ali further urged the young people in the village to get involved in such an initiative.

“I want you to think about this carefully… I’ve spoken to the REO (Regional Executive Officer, Karl Singh) already

to participate in rebuilding efforts after a windstorm severely damaged nearly two dozen homes earlier this month.

On November 3, a powerful wind storm hit several houses in Karasabai, leaving significant damages in

its wake. The Region Nine Regional Democratic Council (RDC) had reported that 22 homes were severely impacted, with some being completely destroyed.

In response, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) had dispatched an assessment team and relief supplies to the village to assist impacted residents.

Additionally, the RDC, through its Public Works Office, had gathered building materials for rebuilding efforts.

On Friday, President Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips joined the CDC, Men on Mission (MOM) and regional officials to rebuild the homes of affected residents. In addition to houses, the sewing centre and market in Karasabai were also damaged.

According to the Head of State, the CDC and MOM officers will work on these repairs.

“They will stay here for the coming days to ensure that they fix back the sew-

ing centre and also the market. No job is too small or too big for us. That is why I came here myself today to demonstrate to you that we don’t consider ourselves up here and anyone down here. We consider ourselves at the throne of your service… That is why nothing is too small or big for us. If it requires us turning the spade, we are there with you,” the president noted.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Phillips earlier on Friday explained that the work entails rebuilding some homes from the foundation stage while the less damaged structures will be repaired. At least seven homes are slated to be completely rebuilt.

“The whole effort is to build back better… We’re doing foundations and we’re going to do the perimeter beams in keeping with construction standards so when the next storm passes through here… the buildings would be more resilient to withstand those storms,” the PM stated. (G-8)

President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Mark Phillips helping to rebuild homes that were destroyed in Karasabai by a windstorm earlier this month

President Dr Irfaan Ali, along with Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Local Government Minister Sonia Parag, addressed residents of Karasabai, Region 9, on Friday evening

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Housing development in Linden

The return of the Housing and Water Ministry to Linden, Region 10, for a house lot distribution exercise, represents a significant milestone in the Government’s ongoing commitment to addressing housing needs in one of the most underserved areas in Guyana. With a longstanding demand for accessible, secure and affordable housing, this initiative, which has seen approximately 1,300 house lots being distributed, not only represents an opportunity for residents, but also signifies the administration’s dedication to sustainable regional development.

Over the years, Linden has witnessed persistent challenges in housing accessibility, with approximately 4,000 residents waiting patiently for their chance at homeownership. Those residents represent the heart and soul of the community — families, young professionals, and citizens who have worked hard to establish lives in this Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice region. By addressing this backlog with the new allocations in Wismar and Amelia’s Ward, the Ministry is taking a practical approach towards easing the housing strain in this community.

The efforts of Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal underscore this drive for equitable distribution of resources across all regions. His administration’s plans for the regularization of land in Linden have been ongoing, and are essential in ensuring a comprehensive approach to housing. Regularising land and addressing issues related to squatting create a structured path to ownership, stability, and growth for the community; and emphasize the Ministry’s aim to eliminate informal settlements, thereby ensuring that all residents enjoy the benefits of secure, legally recognized housing.

The recent occupational survey which identified over 1,500 housing structures on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway further illustrates the Government’s proactive steps to assess and accommodate the real needs of the region’s residents. With plans underway to relocate 900 households from these areas into more structured communities, Linden’s residents can look forward to a future of planned, organized neighbourhoods that foster a greater sense of community and access to essential services.

The Government’s plans for structured communities would contribute significantly to Linden’s economic and social wellbeing. Stable, well-planned housing developments attract investment, enhance property values, and create an environment conducive to family life, education, and employment. Moreover, the planned relocation along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway represents a strategic solution to improve living conditions for those currently in informal settings.

Moving forward, the broader vision of the Government’s housing programme, which includes both lot-allocation and construction of homes, would continue to be instrumental.

In advocating for Linden’s housing development, the Ministry’s actions should be met with support from local stakeholders, community members, and citizens across Guyana. Together, these efforts would make housing accessible, fulfill the aspirations of thousands, and lead Linden towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

By granting access to affordable house lots, this initiative not only meets an immediate need, but also sows the seeds for long-term community stability and growth. The planned allocations in areas like Wismar, Amelia’s Ward and Fitz Hope demonstrate a commitment to providing structured, legal housing for thousands of residents.

Moreover, addressing the housing backlog helps restore confidence in public administration, and enhances social cohesion. Families can finally secure a stable place to call home, thereby contributing to healthier communities and better educational and economic outcomes. Regularizing land use and organizing future developments along the SoesdykeLinden Highway further underscore the commitment to strategic, community-centred planning. Linden’s housing expansion is more than an administrative exercise; it is a pathway to regional progress, and a vital step in achieving a balanced national development agenda.

All are called, all are to be chosen

Dear Editor,

I speak to that fore-day morning meeting called by our President: it was timely and necessary; it was a good and necessary thing. Contracting and putting in a bid, and having that contract managed and completed on time and on budget is serious business.

Time will tell whether that fore-day morning meeting was jolting enough to have been the effective wake-up call it was intended to be.

Growth and development, and the better life - what we all want - is challenging, and our rapid growth and development that is now enabled is even more so. To this time, we, Guyanese, have seen ourselves as consumers; mainly consumers with a tight budget. Our President’s foreday morning meeting should bring home the realization that we, our Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Engineers, Contractors and their workers - and indeed all of us, individually and collectively - are the producers and providers of that growth and development we all want, and are worthy of: the better schools and education; the better hospitals and medical services; the better roads, electricity, water supply and housing, and so on.

We are both producers and consumers. Our consumption, our desires, must drive our production; and our production provides for, enables, and sets the limit of, our consumption.

That four-day morning meeting was timely. No doubt, you would have heard concerns about “everyone making himself/her-

self a contractor these days”. I think I can say that conscious of where we Guyanese were, where we were coming from, and the process of growth and development, we of the PPP/C, entering Government in 1992, have been keeping entrance doors as wide open and hurdles as low as possible; thereby providing opportunities for all of our people to get into some sort of productive activitydoing and learning and getting steadily better at what we are doing. That same spirit is reflected in our local content approach, and there have been some timely warning shots there also.

I recall looking at the workers on one of our first road contracts, probably in 1993, rebuilding Main Street; and I thought that very few, if any of them, had worked at building a road before, and perhaps half of them might not have had a formal job before.

(Perhaps at that time we had to see the good possibilities in each other, because the rate of pay of foreign workers at all levels was about 100 times the rate for local workers when converted at the black-market rates).

In time, those first-timers attained good levels in road building. If we want better lives, we must become - individually and collectively - better producers and providers; all-round better people.

Let me admit that, in my time in bauxite and in Government, I might have been one of the late-arrival ones: unhappy at meeting a closed door, feeling slighted and disrespected at the ap-

parent unreasonableness; but experience has taught me other views.

I remember, in my bauxite days, being called upon to provide, within 72 hours, an estimate of what it would take to rehabilitate our alumina plant, which at that time had been closed for about two years. That was a job for a team of twenty or more experts over many months. I went to commiserate with my younger but higher-ranking colleague, and he seemed not too sympathetic: deadlines have to be met. He taught me something, I did my best (conceptualized a different approach), and submitted my estimate within the deadline.

Critiquing our President may be easy, but getting things done particularly with our policies is not.

Giving people a fish is easier, less risky, immediately more satisfying than teaching how to fish. We have redesigned projects - like the schools’ improvement project we met in 1992 - from one or two lots for which only foreign contractors could qualify into about 400-plus smaller lots (something for every school) for which more than 100 local contractors got going. We have opened doors for groups with demonstrated organizational and other skills to have opportunity to transfer those organizational and achievement skills in construction areas. We have adapted alternative concrete road/path designs from their smaller initial capital requirements, and with which the people along those streets are familiar.

Yes, there are risks in our

approach, but we are better off as a nation, even if only half taken-off; and yes, times would have to come when there would be the need for jolts like that of the foreday morning meeting of our President (in which I heard, “The man behave bad.”). We can think of our policy of wide-open doors and lowered hurdles to get all our people in, somewhat like the parable of the Wedding Feast, but with a variation at the end. A king was giving a wedding feast, and when those who had been preferred would not, or could not, come (the pay would not have been enough, in our case), the king sent his servants to go and bring in people from the streets. But, later, the king saw many without the proper wedding dress, and threw them out. The moral of that parable is “Many are called but few are chosen.” You are invited because others would not come; but, nevertheless, you still have to come up to scratch. In our case, contractors --many are called and let in for a time -- must come to the required level before the crunch comes. We want all our people to get to the bar. That jolting fore-day morning meeting was intended to get all our contractors (and indeed all of us) to have a sharper, laser-like focus on the work to be accomplished: so that “all of us are called, all of us make the mark, and all of us are chosen” – meaning that all of us get to producing and enjoying the better life, which we are worthy of.

Samuel AA Hinds Ambassador

Ruby Mingo, aka Aunty Ruby, of the Corentyne Coast in Region Six, celebrated her 105th birth anniversary on November 8, 2024. Aunty Ruby, who was born on November 8, 1919 and enjoys knitting, reading, and solving crossword puzzles, was presented with a hamper from staff members of the Human Services and Social Security Ministry

Renegotiating a new oil contract

Dear Editor,

Discussion regarding the renegotiation of the oil contract signed by the APNU/AFC roars on, quite to the chagrin of normal, thinking, civilized people.

The reasons for our annoyance are that: it is an argument that lacks merit, and it is a total waste of time when you consider the options available to Government.

From the point of view of the Opposition, renegotiation is just a “stroll in

the park deal,” that can be fixed with the simple utterance of the word and the problem is solved -- something akin to an automatic changeover.

The Opposition view renegotiation as a ghetto fabulous situation between two yardies, where each one is trying to outdo the other in a shouting match, and the one who shouts the loudest wins the match.

Well, I am sorry to announce that this is not a shouting match, neither is

it a matter of who shows the greater enthusiasm in the situation; it all boils down to the cold, hard facts of turning things around in a legally-binding contract signed between a legitimate Government and the oil giant ExxonMobil.

The simplistic handling of a mega contract by the Opposition would not be able to stand the test of erudite upscale arguments. It therefore means that the Government would be wiped clean when the finer

The fight against criminal networks

Dear Editor, Criminal networks are exploiting global vulnerabilities on a vast scale: from human trafficking to environmental destruction and cybercrime. Organized crime operates across borders, posing serious challenges that no country can tackle alone.

On 15 November 2024, the world marked the first international day for the prevention of, and fight against, all forms of transnational organized crime (TOC).

Established by the United Nations General Assembly, this day highlighted the urgent need for global solidarity to counter the rising threat of organised crime, which undermines peace, security and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s theme was “Pulling Together to Push Back: United against Organized Crime”.

TOC Day calls for united global action. The devastating impact of organized crime threatens lives, destabilizes communities, and hinders economic and social development. But despite these challenges, there is hope: this day serves as a rallying point for action, demonstrating that collective efforts by governments, the private sector, civil society and individuals can achieve real change.

Impact of organized crime

Transnational organized crime is big business. In 2009, it was estimated to generate $870 billion. The United Nations (UN) body has said that organized crime thrives worldwide, affecting governance and political processes, and weakening the advancement of the rule of law. It encompasses, inter alia, the illicit trafficking of firearms, drugs, protected species, cultural property or falsified medical products, and among its most severe manifestations are human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants.

Transnational organised crime also includes the laundering of proceeds of crime and obstruction of justice. Moreover, with all

forms of organized crime shifting ever more to being dependent on, or incorporating, online aspects, including the use of virtual assets, its reach and capability to harm are increasing.

Organized criminal groups are flexible in changing or expanding their illicit businesses for profit. They misuse vulnerabilities and crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, natural disasters, and armed conflicts, exploiting them for their own purposes.

Organized crime threatens peace and human security, leads to human rights being violated, and undermines the economic, social, cultural, political and civil development of societies around the world. The vast sums of money involved can compromise legitimate economies and have a direct impact on governance, such as through corruption and the “buying” of elections.

United against organized crime

The General Assembly commemorated all victims of organized crime, including those who have lost their lives fighting such crime, in particular law enforcement and judicial personnel; and paid special tribute to all those persons, such as Judge Giovanni Falcone, whose work and sacrifice paved the way for the adoption of the Convention, affirming that their legacy lives on through our global commitment to preventing and combatting organized crime.

It is important to note that Caricom also is on board in the fight against organized crime. The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) is committed to working with member states to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat organized crime within its borders; with particular attention to corruption, money laundering and the facilitators of crime. The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) was established by the 27th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in

July 2006 in Bird Rock, St. Kitts and Nevis, as the implementation arm of a new regional architecture to manage Caricom’s action agenda on crime and security.

Organized crime steals, corrupts and kills. It is time we pull together to push back. International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime calls for united global action. In observation of TOC Day, there must be an increased awareness concerning the far-reaching impacts of organized crime on communities, economies and governance systems across the globe, as well as encouraging stronger partnerships between governments, civil society and the private sector to address the cross-border nature of organized crime, and develop joint solutions.

The global community must also highlight grassroots efforts and community-led initiatives that build resilience against organized crime. Focus must be placed on prevention strategies to tackle the root causes of organized crime and empower local responses, as well as on sharing innovative tools, strategies and best practices to combat organized crime, while the capacities of law enforcement, the justice sector and communities must be strengthened.

Additionally, the UN advocates for policies that address the root causes and consequences of organized crime, reinforcing governance, the rule of law, and human rights.

Finally, there must be an acknowledgement regarding threats and opportunities posed by technology in the fight against organized crime, from the rise of cybercrime to the use of tech in more effective detection, prevention and responses. Organized crime is a threat to everyone.

Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and/or gender issues.

Sincerely, Wayne Campbell

details of the contract are placed on the negotiating table.

These are the pointed questions Opposition agitators should ask themselves, and not come on the media with that pity party face to gain sympathy. What is the Opposition really telling us with this crazy push for renegotiation? Are they concerned about the loss we’ve sustained from that lopsided deal? Are they really remorseful of their actions and the opportunities we suffered as a result of their gross mismanagement of our resources?

Well, I think not. What I see is a Coalition that is as duplicitous as it has ever been; one shedding crocodile tears now that its iniquitous dealing has been exposed. If those in the Opposition do care for this country, then could they tell the nation on which side of the renegotiating table would Nigel Hughes sit? Would he be on the patriotic side of the fence, to speak in true renegotiating language, or would he be on the side he sits on at the present moment; that is, save my pocket and let the country go down the chute?

Make no mistake, Nigel Hughes has categorically expressed that he would re-

main the legal representative of ExxonMobil, and no one else. This is someone who intentionally misleads people by saying different things on different occasions. It is therefore pellucid that this man would not relinquish his lucrative gains from the oil company for the greater prospects of the land of his birth.

Please note that any new contract means that some things would have to be given up on both sides. Would the present administration be willing to give up certain privileges of the recently negotiated local content? Would we be willing to give the oil giant the leverage in the original deal to import their own food and vehicles duty-free? This is an area that the PPP/C government built into the contract, which APNU/AFC conveniently left out.

In that local content clause, ordinary Guyanese can now earn billions in business earnings, things that were hitherto denied us. Could we contrast a loss of billions in local content with a mere 4% (at best) increase in royalties in a new contract? These are the issues that confront us, and for which we must give careful consideration.

We would not waste

valuable time on a deal that would cause us to lose so much and gain so little; we must leave what is behind us and focus on the greater good that lies ahead of us.

In closing, I must call on my people to be ever vigilant when choosing their government. Do not allow yourself to be duped into believing that duplicitous people would ever change their evil ways. The lot that forms the Opposition are dishonest, deceitful, double-tongued politicians who would make statements that suit their position, with no care for the masses.

The crew now clamouring for renegotiation comprises the very same individuals who made a secret lopsided deal that was hidden from the public for two long years; the question, then, is, could we trust them to hold the reins of power? The answer is a resounding no! We cannot allow that ghastly experiment to take root here again. It is pellucidly clear that the people of this great country have already made up their minds about which party should be given the right to manage our affairs.

Respectfully,

Neil Adams

Page Foundation

Percents and decimals

Because percents are really hundredths, a percent can always be changed to a decimal. But be careful!

Change 5% to a decimal.

Step 1: Think: 5% = 5 hundredths

Step 2: Write the correct decimal: 5% = .05

Decimals can also be changed to percents. The easiest way to do this is to move the decimal point two places to the right and add the percent sign.

Change .7550 to a percent.

Step 1: Move the decimal point two places to the right: 75.50

Step 2: Add the percent sign. So 75.50 = 75.50%.

Convert the percents to decimals.

10%

By Kirsty taylor

Your body jerks as you heave yourself out of bed. The clock reads 5am. Your phone vibrates, It’s here. The countdown is over.

Make a beaded suncatcher

When cooking from a recipe or making a craft, it is important to follow the step-by-step instructions. Follow these steps to make a beaded suncatcher.

Materials

Jewellery wire

Pliers (with adult supervision)

Beads (crystal or transparent beads work best to catch the sun) String Directions

1) Using the pliers, bend the wire into a shape such as a heart or a circle.

2) Twist or knot one end of the wire so that the beads cannot fall off.

3) Thread beads onto the wire. Try making a pattern with your beads. You can make patterns of colours, shapes or sizes.

4) Twist or knot the other end of the wire after all the

beads are on it. Then tie the ends together with string. 5) You are finished. Hang your beaded suncatcher in a window. (pbs.org)

A few long hours, And caffeinated up, You arrive, The sun dances on your skin.

Unpack, freshen up, Then hit the streets. You wander aimlessly, And endlessly.

Eating, sleeping, drinking and waking, Whenever your body clock requires. The schedule has been stripped, Your busy days gone.

You set the rules, You make the decisions.

Want to people watch with a glass of wine, Why not?

Want to wander and look at the buildings, Why not?

Want to sleep in, Why not?

It’s your trip, Your story, Your travels.

The only person you have to depend on is you.

(hellopoetry.com)

WORD SEARCH:

2nd cost oil audit completed – VP Jagdeo

...says GRA to write Exxon on its findings

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has disclosed that the second cost oil audit of ExxonMobil’s expenses, covering the 2018 to 2020 period, has been completed.

“The Head of GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia) said to me last week, that they did complete it and now, they have to write Exxon about it,” Jagdeo told reporters at a press conference on Thursday.

The Vice President expressed his disappointment with the delays in completing this audit of the US oil major’s expenses in its Guyana operations.

“I was very disappointed with the finalisation of the second audit internally before it goes to Exxon because there was a football, like moving back and forth between the (Natural Resources) Ministry and GRA… So, you do have some of the sloth in the system where people don’t move fast enough but we’re dealing with it on a routine basis,” the VP posited.

This second audit was carried out by a consortium of local and international firms, VHE Consulting, which is expected to release its findings soon.

Guyanese firms

Vitality Accounting and Consultancy, Ramdihal

and Haynes Chartered Accounting, and Eclisar Financial & Professional Services had partnered with Oklahoma-based Martindale Consultants and Switzerland-based SGS to conduct the audit.

VHE Consulting has since been awarded the contract to conduct the third cost oil audit into Exxon’s expenses for the period, 2021 to 2023.

The $312.6 million contract for the third cost oil audit was tendered earlier this year. When the bids were opened in March at NPTAB in Georgetown, it was revealed that the three bids came from a mixture of Guyanese and foreign companies.

VHE Consulting had submitted a bid to the tune of $229 million. The second bid came from London-based Grant Thornton UK LLP and PFK Barcellos Narine & Co, which did not have a bid price at the time. Priced at $202.8 million, the third bid was a joint venture of local Guyanese firms, N. Sookhai & Company and the Nigeriabased Infoworks Solutions Ltd.

However, when VHE was awarded the contract for the third audit, there were concerns expressed since the consortium had not completed the second audit as yet.

Earlier this year, GRA had flagged inaccuracies in declarations made by a Trinidadian logistics company that acted as the broker on oil well equipment imported for ExxonMobil. It was reported that the company, in submitting the declaration, had listed US$4.4 million worth of oil well equipment as a whopping US$12.1 billion.

This revelation had prompted the Government to take certain steps to ensure this was a one-off incident, with VP Jagdeo explaining back in May that GRA would be checking previous invoices to see whether this was a

one-off occurrence.

“Before we finalise any of the [cost oil] audits – the second audit, the GRA will go back and check all the back-invoices for the past several years, to see that there’s been no overstatement on any of these invoices. This is a serious matter, and we’re taking it seriously,” the Vice President had said.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, in August had hit back at concerns that have been expressed regarding those findings of overstated costs. He had explained that the Government was await-

ing the final report before any action could be taken.

“Rather than carrying negative statements, the auditors should be commended for finding these inaccuracies… And to say that we are not doing anything about it is unfair, because there is no final report on the second audit as yet,” Bharrat had made clear.

ExxonMobil Guyana, for its part, had claimed that it was a typographical error that caused the worth of the equipment to be overstated in November 2023. Further, the oil company had said that it had cut ties with the supplier and had beefed up its internal systems.

In response to a March 18, 2024 letter from GRA, asking it to show cause why proceedings should not be instituted against it, Exxon had committed to working along with GRA to address any further concerns on the matter.

When it comes to the first cost oil audit, British firm IHS Markit had flagged US$214.4 million as questionable costs of ExxonMobil’s expenses incurred between 1999 and 2017 from its operations in Guyana.

Following months of review, GRA – the technical body tasked with advising the Government on the audited oil expenses – had supported

the dispute of the US$214.4 million, as flagged by IHS Markit. The Government had subsequently declared its intentions to move to arbitration to settle this disputed amount being claimed by the US oil major.

But according to ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge, arbitration is a last resort.

During a recent press conference, Routledge said, “I don’t have any intent to call on an arbitration. I don’t think that’s the right way to get to a resolution. But at the end of the day, it’s laid out in the petroleum agreement… Ultimately the next, logical step would be to involve an independent expert. If we can’t resolve that way there is the arbitration provision. But arbitration is generally a last resort and quite expensive process.”

Nevertheless, the ExxonMobil Guyana President company is still in talks with GRA on these audits.

“We are continuing the work on the cost audits. We’re still in discussion, and exchange of information with the GRA as the appointed, authorised entity to work with us on the audit. Be it the first, second or indeed the approaching third audit of the Stabroek cost bank,” he said.

1st precast girder installed at new Demerara River Bridge – project 75% completed, on track for March 2025 completion

Work on the new US$260 million bridge across the Demerara River is advancing with the installation of the first precast girder on Friday, marking a milestone stage of the project. The precast girder is a horizontal steel beam that will support the deck of the bridge and the weight of traffic.

Engineer at the Public Works Ministry, Patrick Thompson, who is overseeing the bridge project, explained that a total of 472 girders have to be installed with each set of piers having eight girders connected to each other.

“The girder is then going to be connected to the girder launcher (a crane) and it’s going to be launched onto the first two piers… When this process is completed for the first eight girders, the launcher will be moved successively and so we will continue to launch all the girders until we get to the central span of the bridge,” he noted

These girders, each measuring 42 metres and weighing 120 tonnes, are being installed simultaneously at both ends of the bridge using the launching crane that

was custom-built in China for this project.

“If the process were to continue simultaneously, it would probably take a day to launch all eight girders. The traveller has to move back and forth, and the traveller moves less than two kilometres per hour, which is less than your walking speed,” the Ministry engineer stated.

The construction of the new Demerara River Bridge is being executed by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCCL).

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Engineer Patrick Thompson with the team constructing the new bridge across the Demerara River

The steel girder being launched by the crane on the western end of the new Demerara River Bridge on Friday morning

Glut…

…in oil??

Quite a lot of folks from the chatterati crowd have their drawers and bucktas in knots, after Reuters blared that the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts there’s gonna be a 1 mbpd global surplus in oil production next year – and for the decade. But it’s been months since the IRA came out with their report, so your Eyewitness wonders why Reuters is now so hot and sweaty!!

IEA, of course, was launched by the “developed” OECD economies after the 1973 OPEC oil prices’ hikes had thrown their economies into a tailspin!! Its job is to keep its funders apprised about the crucial energy sector, so whenever it comes out with its reports, those of us in the rest of the world gotta parse its pages closely in order to find what’s really going down.

Now, we know the OECD are the greatest contributors to global warming, by burning fossil fuels like coal and oil to fuel their early industrialization. But they want to pretend this problem only just happened, and we all must work equally towards mitigating its effects!! And we see this even in their report of the supposed oil glut. After all, haven’t the US been a major contributor to that glut, by developing their production of shale oil that’s really subsidized by their financial legerdemain?? They’re now the largest oil EXPORTING nation – having been producing from shale FIVE MILLION BARRELS OF OIL PER DAY between 2014 and 2019!! So, how come they aren’t being called on the carpet to be dressed down for their profligate production??

But what is most important is that their cost of production in shale oil is much higher than even our extra-deep underwater oil, and since they’re investing in additional production, they clearly know something that they’re not saying.

What they ARE saying is that, with China’s production slowing down, so is their consumption of oil that fuels all those factories that supply the world!! So, are they saying that the Chinese are in for a Great Depression, and will take decades to come out of it??

Well, the US came out of the Great Depression by producing all the war materiel to sustain the Allies in WWII. Maybe China would solve their downturn through WWIII? Be that as it may, IEA’s perspective is shaped by the premises of its OECD sponsors: to wit, the rest of the world doesn’t have the agency to grow on its own. This miscalculation caused the US, after 1972, to throw all their manufacturing into China, with their factories forming Rust Belts.

Right now, the US higher tariffs on China’s production won’t do squat to reduce anything, as China is creating new markets with its B&I, and other countries, like India, are starting their manufacturing upswing!!

Oil prices will keep heading upwards!!

…of Trump

Most people think that Trump suddenly burst on the political scene out of thin air just before the 2016 elections – just because he hasn’t run for office as a graduate of the American political system that divides the world into Democrats and Republicans!! Guyanese can be forgiven, since we’re so far away in time and space. But what about Americans, and even New Yorkers, where he was born??

The fact of the matter is that Trump was working on his political brand as far back as the 1980s, when he was the brash wonderkid who was shaking up New York and further afield with his outsize – and outrageous – investments in New York and Atlantic City real estate.

The Trump Tower might’ve looked gaudy to the old guard, but it certainly got the attention of the rich and famous!! He created new fans when he dabbled in the new US football league by owning the Jersey Generals.

Trump’s spent the last four decades developing his brand; and a brand it is!!

…of police overreach

News that the state would pay Quindon Bacchus’s mother $24 million for his wrongful death at the hands of a rogue policeman is an important milestone in the necessary reconstruction of the operations of the GPF.

Father of 2 killed after crashing speeding car into utility pole

Afather of two is now dead after the car he was driving crashed into a utility pole on Thursday evening along the Number 61 Public Road, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The dead man has been identified as Zaman Ali, 41, of Number 71 Village, Corentyne. Police stated that Ali was driving HC 2918 at a fast rate of speed when he lost control and collided with a utility pole.

As a result of the collision, he was pinned inside the vehicle and was later taken out with the assis-

tance of public-spirited citizens. He was rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The now-dead man reportedly left home earlier in the evening and told his wife that he was going to Number 64 Village to have a few beers with friends. The accident occurred while he was heading back home. Meanwhile, in 2017, his sister 28-year-old Shabana Ali, died under similar circumstances. The car she was driving at the time slammed into a utility pole at Palmyra killing her instantly.

Dead: Zaman Ali

The mangled car after the accident

GWI undertakes major water infrastructure improvements along EBD corridor

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has embarked on a major infrastructure up-

grade along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) corridor, with significant upgrades to its water transmission and

treatment facilities.

These works aim to vastly improve treated water coverage and service quali-

ty for thousands of residents from Eccles to Timehri. The multi-faceted project, undertaken by eight local contractors, will have a lasting impact on the water security of the corridor, with infrastructure expected to serve the communities with adequate water supply.

As part of this ongoing project, new transmission mains are currently being laid between Eccles and Timehri. This upgrade will extend treated water service to several communities previously receiving raw water, significantly enhancing water quality and accessibility for residents along the corridor. Once completed, these mains will ensure a dependable and improved water

distribution system, with the capacity to meet increasing demand for water quality and supply.

Additionally, a new state-of-the-art water treatment plant is being constructed in Caledonia, which will serve the areas from Craig to Soesdyke. This facility, along with the drilling of a new well in Caledonia, will bolster the region’s water supply and improve water pressure for many communities.

GWI is also upgrading water treatment plants in Eccles, Covent Garden, Grove, and Timehri to expand their treatment capacity and enhance the level of service to communities across the East Bank.

Already, new wells have been installed at Eccles and Covent Garden and a new well is near completion at Grove.

The scope of these works reflects GWI’s focus on sustainable, long-term solutions that support Guyana’s development and provide communities with quality services. The company remains dedicated to keeping residents informed on the progress of these water infrastructure works.

Recently, the GWI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shaik Baksh inspected works that are ongoing at the Caledonia Water Treatment Plant which is near completion.

Works continued at the Caledonia Water Treatment Plant

GWI’s Chief Executive Officer Shaik Baksh inspecting works at the Caledonia Water Treatment Plant

Canada commits to fostering dynamic strategic partnership with Guyana

– eyes expanding economy, emerging needs for sustainable critical infrastructure solutions

Ahigh-level Canadian delegation led by Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Sébastien Sigouin concluded a four-day visit to Guyana.

The delegation, which included representatives from Canada’s top commercial and development entities, sought to build stronger economic ties and explore substantial investment opportunities in Guyana, as the nation experiences rapid economic growth fueled by its emerging energy sector.

The Canadian delegation was composed of officials from the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), Export Development Canada (EDC), ON2 Solutions, WSP, and Aecon. Their agenda included meetings with Government Ministers including Ministers of Housing and Water, Health, Finance, Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and Public Works, as well as leaders from Scotiabank, the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), and a discussion with His Excellency, President Dr Irfaan Ali.

The visit highlighted Canada’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and strategic partnership with Guyana, focusing on Guyana’s expanding economy and emerging needs for sustainable critical infrastructure solutions.

High Commissioner Sigouin, speaking on the im-

portance of this visit, stated, “Canada has a longstanding friendship with Guyana, and we believe there is tremendous potential for Canadian companies to contribute to Guyana’s future. Canada has a longstanding tradition of delivering high quality goods and services as well as in sharing its extensive expertise and knowhow. This visit represents Canada’s commitment to support Guyana’s transformation journey, and fostering a relationship based on core leadership values such as respect, transparency, ethical business practices, and high standards.”

The delegation’s engagements spanned several key sectors. ON2 Solutions, a leader in medical oxygen solutions, discussed opportunities to strengthen Guyana’s healthcare infrastructure, including potential collaborations to enhance medical oxygen supply chains, an area crucial for ensuring resilience in the healthcare system. Infrastructure giants WSP and Aecon explored ways to contribute to Guyana’s ambitious public works and housing initiatives. With Guyana’s urban and rural areas both experiencing growth, the expertise of WSP and Aecon in several projects was met with interest from Guyanese officials eager to learn from Canada’s experience in sustainable infrastructure development. These discus-

sions centered on creating housing and transportation networks that could support Guyana’s economic trajectory while improving quality of life for its citizens.

Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) discussed financial solutions that would support Canadian companies’ investments in the market. Their goal was to introduce a partnership model that supports robust project development while ensuring long-term bene-

fits for Guyana, especially through a Government-toGovernment and P3 frameworks.

Another significant component of the visit included meetings with Scotiabank and Go-Invest, Guyana’s primary investment promotion agency. These discussions focused on creating financial structures and incentives that would attract further investment from Canadian businesses. Scotiabank, a familiar name in Guyana, underscored Canada’s unique advantage in financial services

in the Guyanese market. Go-Invest officials detailed Guyana’s investment landscape and investment opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, eco-tourism and agriculture.

In a meeting with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Canadian delegation discussed the potential for expanded collaboration at the highest level. President Ali welcomed the delegation’s presence and shared his vision for Guyana’s growth, emphasising the importance

of foreign partnerships in achieving Guyana’s national development goals. Ali commended Canada’s long-standing partnership with Guyana and expressed confidence that deeper bilateral cooperation could foster significant progress in sustainable development and infrastructure transformation that will be mutually beneficial for both countries and for the region.

The visit has set a promising trajectory for future collaborations between Canadian and Guyanese stakeholders. The Canadian delegation expressed optimism about transforming initial discussions into concrete partnerships, with several sectors identified for immediate collaboration. Canada’s emphasis on ethical business practices and long-term value creation was well received by Guyanese officials, who recognised these qualities as essential for sustainable and inclusive growth.

As Canada seeks to play a more significant role in the development of Guyana’s economy, both countries stand to benefit from a partnership that promotes innovation, expertise, and prosperity that benefits all the people of Guyana. The visit has reaffirmed Canada’s readiness to invest in Guyana’s future and to position Canadian companies as key contributors to the country's ambitious development goals.

Strathspey man gets life sentence for murdering mother-in-law

A32-year-old man from Strathspey, East Coast Demerara (ECD), will spend the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty to the brutal murder of his mother-in-law.

Linden Junior Isaacs was handed a life sentence by Justice Sandil Kissoon, who ruled that he must serve a minimum of 25 years before he can be considered for parole. The case revolved around the horrifying events of May 11, 2020, when Isaacs used an ice pick to stab his mother-in-law, 56-year-old Velma Pickering 14 times.

The murder occurred at Pickering’s Vryheid’s Lust home. At the time, she was with her threeyear-old grandson when Isaacs launched his attack. According to reports, Isaacs entered the home and began his assault in one of the bedrooms, targeting Pickering with ferocity.

Despite sustaining severe injuries, Pickering managed to flee the house, seeking help from her neighbours. Bleeding profusely, she collapsed on a nearby bridge before she could reach safety.

Residents rushed her to the Georgetown Public Hospital

Corporation (GPHC), but her injuries proved fatal. A post-mortem examination later revealed that she died from shock and haemorrhage caused by multiple stab wounds, primarily to her upper abdomen.

The court heard that Pickering had frequently intervened in her daughter’s troubled relationship with Isaacs, who had a history of abusing his partners. Over four years, Isaacs subjected Pickering’s daughter to repeated abuse, including a violent incident where he struck her in the head with a hammer while she was pregnant. Fearing for her safety, Pickering’s daughter ended the relationship

and returned to live with her mother.

Despite police reports of Isaacs' abusive behaviour, no significant intervention was made to address the violence, leaving Pickering and her family vulnerable.

Isaacs fled the scene after the attack but was apprehended by alert neighbours who restrained him and handed him over to police at the Sparendaam Police Station. Faced with overwhelming evidence, including witness statements and forensic findings, Isaacs pleaded guilty to the charge of murder, a move prosecutors argued was strategic rather than remorseful.

During the sentencing

hearing, state prosecutor Delon Fraser painted a grim picture of the crime, describing Isaacs' actions as deliberate and heinous. He emphasised that Pickering had been robbed of her life and her family left to grapple with an immeasurable loss. Fraser noted that Isaacs abandoned his victim, showing no intention to assist her after inflicting life-threatening injuries.

The prosecution also highlighted the murder weapon—a 12-inch ice pick—as a chilling detail of the crime’s brutality. Fraser urged the court to impose a sentence that would serve as a stern warning against domestic violence and related murders, which he described as alarmingly prevalent in society.

Pickering’s family submitted an emotional impact statement to the court, detailing the profound grief and anger they have endured since her death. Leon Roberts, Pickering’s son, described her as the family’s “foundation.” He told the court, “She was our strength and guide, losing her this way has shattered us. We live with anger and despair. No one should have to endure what she did.”

The court also heard that Pickering’s grandson, who witnessed the attack, continues to struggle with severe psychological trauma and is undergoing therapy.

Isaacs' attorney, Ronald Bostwick, pleaded for leniency, citing his client’s difficult upbringing and abusive childhood. He argued that Isaacs had expressed remorse by pleading guilty, thereby sparing the court a lengthy trial. Isaacs himself addressed the court, turning to Pickering’s family and apologising. “I am very sorry for the pain and suffering I’ve caused. I made a mistake and beg for your forgiveness,” he said.

In delivering his sentence, Justice Kissoon condemned Isaacs’ actions as calculated and cruel. He described the murder as “heinous,” noting the sheer brutality of stabbing a woman 14 times in the presence of her young grandson. The judge remarked that the crime exemplified a broader crisis of domestic violence, which he called an “epidemic” in society.

Justice Kissoon criticised systemic failures that allowed the abuse to esca-

late, highlighting how Isaacs' history of violence went unaddressed by authorities. He noted that Pickering’s daughter had endured years of physical and emotional trauma before finally leaving Isaacs, only to face the ultimate tragedy of her mother’s murder.

The judge declined to grant Isaacs the customary one-third sentence reduction for his guilty plea, citing the overwhelming evidence against him and describing the plea as tactical. He did, however, credit Isaacs for time spent in pre-trial custody.

In addition to life imprisonment, Isaacs was ordered to participate in educational and rehabilitative programmes while incarcerated. Justice Kissoon stressed that harsh penalties are necessary to deter such crimes, calling for societal action to combat the epidemic of violence against vulnerable individuals.

“The prevalence of brutal killings by current and former intimate partners is a crisis,” the judge said. “The court must send a strong message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.”

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, with members of the delegation

Convict: Linden Junior Isaacs Dead: Velma Pickering

Govt drafting Caribbean’s 1st agritourism policy to boost growth in non-oil sectors

Following extensive discussions, the draft for the Caribbean’s first agritourism policy and roadmap was unveiled on Friday.

The document, compiled by the Agriculture Ministry in collaboration with the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), provides a strategic framework for funding and developing Guyana’s emerging agritourism sector.

Subject Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Oneidge Walrond attended a national stakeholder meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where they participated in discussions on the policy’s details.

Strategically integrating Guyana’s rich agricultural heritage with its rapidly expanding tourism sector aims to create sustainable tour-

ism experiences while fostering economic diversification.

The initiative is expected to open numerous devel-

opment and employment opportunities for farmers, small businesses, and rural communities.

Mustapha noted that the advancement of the agritourism sector will significantly aid in furthering Guyana’s economic growth in non-oil sectors.

“The development in the agritourism sector and the development of an agritourism roadmap and policies is not just another initiative. It’s a bold vision for the future of Guyana” the Minister said.

Even though the policy was recently drafted, over the years the Government has been investing in enhancing agritourism experiences including the construction of ecolodges.

able agritourism experiences on par with international standards.

She explained “Right here at home we have been seeing what agritourism can do. The Rupununi rodeo is coming out of cattle farming and we’ve seen the attraction…People are looking for these kinds of authentic experiences.”

On the other hand, Minister Walrond emphasised that Guyana already has the necessary resources and locations to offer enjoy-

Beyond leveraging Guyana’s abundant agritourism assets, the policy aims to increase investments, create job opportunities, foster sustainable practices, and boost local food production.

GDF Head advances military cooperation with India

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Guyana next week, the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, recently led a delegation to India for a strategic Defence Partnership visit.

The five-day visit, from November 4 to 8, marked a significant milestone in the expanding military ties between the GDF and the Indian Armed Forces. It comes as Guyana seeks to enhance its defence capabilities.

During his time in India, Brigadier Khan held discussions with top Indian defence officials including Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh. These high-level meetings focused on strengthening the existing partnership and exploring new avenues

for training, capacity building, and access to advanced defence technologies.

The GDF Head also met with his Indian counterpart, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. They discussed enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, regional stability, maritime security and fostering mutual understanding. General Chauhan extended support for conducting military training in Guyana. He also apprised Brigadier. Khan of India’s growing Indigenous Defence Manufacturing capabilities under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make For The World’ initiatives.

Khan also engaged India’s Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, and held discussions on issues of mutual interest and ways of further enhancing the defence

cooperation between the two nations.

In a meeting with India’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, talks focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation with special emphasis on military training and maritime security were held. The Indian Navy, in a social media post, said it is keen to strengthen ties with the GDF and looks forward to collaborating in capability and capacity-building efforts for enhanced cooperation.

Meanwhile, Brigadier Khan and India’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, had similar discussions on enhancing cooperation between the two nations.

According to a statement from the GDF on Friday, this visit builds on recent ad-

vancements in bilateral defence cooperation, which include increased training opportunities and the acquisition of key defence assets, such as aircraft, supported by India through a Line of Credit.

Further, as part of his visit, Brigadier Khan explored major military-industrial complexes in Pune, Kanpur, and New Delhi, gaining firsthand insights into India’s advanced defence manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, he participated in a wreath-laying ceremony, paying respects to fallen soldiers and reinforcing the shared values and mutual respect between the armed forces of Guyana and India.

“This visit underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen defence ties and pursue future opportunities for collaboration within the military sector,” the GDF stated.

During a visit to India in January 2023, Commanderin-Chief of the Army Forces,

President Dr Irfaan Ali, had stated that Guyana is turning to India for “comprehensive” assistance as it looks to reorganise and modernise the GDF. He had noted that technology and capacity building, especially in the aviation field, were top priority needs.

Already, dozens of Guyanese officers have benefited from various Police and Military training courses offered by the Indian Government under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.

Last year, three GDF officers were selected for a twomonth General Intelligence and Security Course at the Military Intelligence Training School in Pune, Maharashtra while an Assistant Commissioner of Police did a one-week course on Economic Offences at the premier Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad.

In 2022, 19 GDF officers benefitted from train-

ing in India. These include 10 Army Courses, four Naval Courses and five Air Force Courses. Also in that year, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) utilized seven training slots for its ranks.

Moreover, only in March of this year, a GDF Coast Guard officer benefited from a high-level leadership course in India.

In addition to training, India has also been assisting the local army to boost its resources.

Back in April, as part of a US$23.27 million Line of Credit that the Government of India had extended to Guyana, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the GDF

It is expected that bilateral ties, on defence cooperation and a host of other areas, between Guyana and India will be further strengthened in the coming days during Prime Minister Modi’s historic state visit here, from November 19 to 21. (G-8)

Ranch experience in Guyana

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond

Brigadier Omar Khan and his delegation with Indian officers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi

GDF Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, with his Indian counterpart Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan

Reg 1 man who murdered stepson in 2022 given life sentence

ABlack Water, Region

One (Barima-Waini)

resident was sentenced to life imprisonment for fatally stabbing his stepson during a violent altercation. On Thursday, Justice Sandil Kissoon handed down the sentence to 32-year-old Nigel Abrams for the murder of his 17-year-old stepson, Daniel Wilson, on April 17, 2022.

Abrams will become eligible for parole after serving 20 years.

Initially charged with murder, Abrams pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter as part of a deal during the court proceedings. Represented by attorney Joshua Benn, Abrams faced prosecutor Delon Fraser, who outlined the tragic events leading to Wilson’s death.

The sentencing for Wilson’s death comes just days after Abrams was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the attempted murder of Wilson’s cousin, 19-year-old Ron Moonsammy. That case, presided over by Justice Peter Hugh, arose from the same violent incident.

The tragic events unfolded on the night of April 17, 2022 when Abrams, Wilson, and Moonsammy were imbibing together at Black Water. What began as a social gathering turned violent when an argument erupted between Abrams and Wilson.

As the argument escalated, Abrams turned violent, attacking Wilson. When Moonsammy intervened to protect his cousin, Abrams stabbed him in the chest, leaving him critically injured. Wilson sustained fatal injuries during the altercation.

Emergency responders transported Moonsammy to the Mabaruma Public Hospital, but due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for life-saving treatment.

In sentencing Abrams, Justice Kissoon condemned the brutality of the act, emphasising the need for accountability and justice. In addition to the life sentence for Wilson’s death, Abrams was ordered to participate in educational and behavioural rehabilitation programmes

while incarcerated.

Justice Kissoon highlighted the importance of addressing the underlying issues that contributed to Abrams’ actions, stating that such measures are crucial to preventing future violence.

Earlier in the week, Abrams was sentenced to 12 years for the attempted murder of Moonsammy. Justice

Peter Hugh, who presided over that case, considered the severity of the injuries inflicted on Moonsammy and the circumstances under which the attack occurred.

Both sentences serve as a stern reminder of the severe consequences of violent behaviour, particularly in situations involving domestic and interpersonal conflicts. The court’s decisions also underscore its commitment to deterring similar crimes while addressing rehabilitation for offenders.

1st precast girder installed...

According to Thompson, works on the bridge structure are about 60 per cent completed while the overall project is about 75 per cent complete.

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, who was present to witness the girder installed on the western end of the bridge, assured that the project is on track to meet the March 2025 deadline.

“That is the deadline we’re working towards… The operation here at the bridge is a 24-hour operation… The progress has been continuous. I do get weekly reports and we are on track… So, we are moving along,” Edghill said.

The Public Works Minister further stated that the only thing that could cause a delay in this project is the workers not moving at the pace that they should

“But I think the company is adequately mobilised and the machinery is there,” he stated.

By the end of December, the towers that will hold the highest span of the bridge should be elevated to peak at 112 metres high. Currently,

those two towers are at 73 metres.

Asked about challenges experienced on the project, the Minister noted that the only issue that could affect the delivery of the bridge is the shipment of parts and materials to Guyana. However, he assured that this has been addressed.

Edghill disclosed that some of the cables for the bridge have already arrived in the country while the remainder are on the high seas, heading here.

The US$260 million new Demerara River Bridge, a key project to alleviate traffic congestion caused by the current floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), is a critical link between Regions Three and Four (DemeraraMahaica).

The eastern side of the bridge would land aback Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara while the western end would land at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD). A massive 650-body workforce is working to advance the project. Of these, 120 are Guyanese while 85 are Venezuelan mi-

Lethem youth gets 6 years for killing drinking buddy

A24-year-old Lethem resident, Fabian "Chucky" Abraham, has been sentenced to six years in prison for fatally beating his drinking buddy, 48-year-old Leroy Ault, during an altercation in March 2020.

The sentence was handed down by Justice Sandil Kissoon on Thursday at the Demerara High Court.

Initially charged with murder, Abraham pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. The incident, which occurred at Kanuku Drive, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), saw Ault, a farmer from Moco Moco Village, beaten with a piece of iron by Abraham during a melee.

It was reported that Ault was involved in an argument with another man when a group of men, including Abraham, attacked him. Armed with various objects, the group inflicted severe injuries on Ault, with Abraham delivering the fatal blows to his head using a piece of iron.

Ault was rushed to the Lethem Regional Hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. His cause of death was confirmed as cerebral haemorrhage due to blunt force trauma.

At the time of the incident, Abraham was just 19 years old.

FROM PAGE 7

During sentencing, State Counsel Delon Fraser described the attack as senseless and cruel, emphasising that Ault was unarmed and

grants.

While the new bridge is being constructed by CRCCL, Italian firm Politecnica is overseeing the project to ensure adherence to the standards set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

The new bridge will be a fixed 2.65-kilometre, four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River, with the width of the driving surface being about 23.6 metres. The bridge, which features a bicycle lane, will bring an end to closures to vehicular traffic with a 50-metre fixedhigh span to cater for the free flow of vessels uninterrupted.

It will replace the ageing floating Demerara Harbour Bridge, which has outlived its lifespan by several decades. At 1.25 miles (2.01km), the current Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the East and West Banks of Demerara, facilitating the daily movement of hundreds of thousands of vehicles, people, and cargo. (G-8)

posed no threat. Fraser highlighted the devastating impact of the farmer's death on his family and community, particularly his children, who now face life without their father's support and guidance.

The prosecutor argued for a severe sentence, starting at 25 years, to reflect the gravity of the offence and to deter similar crimes. He underscored the deliberate nature of the attack, noting that Abraham left the scene after delivering the fatal blows, abandoning Ault to die.

Defence attorney Jerome Khan pleaded for leniency, pointing to Abraham’s young age, lack of a criminal record, and genuine remorse for his actions. Khan noted that Abraham cooperated with police and opted for an early guilty plea, sparing the victim’s family a lengthy trial.

Khan also highlighted that Ault’s family expressed a desire for Abraham to avoid incarceration. Additionally, he mentioned that Abraham had been gainfully employed in his family's food business and as a mechanic before his incarceration.

When asked for a final statement, Abraham said, “I didn’t intend to cause his [Ault’s] death. The thing happened so fast…”

In delivering the sentence, Justice Kissoon acknowledged that alcohol consumption played a significant role in the crime, noting the prevalence of unregulated rum shops in hinterland communities as a contributing factor to vi-

olence. He stressed that crimes fueled by alcohol are a growing concern in the region.

While considering the victim’s family’s appeal for leniency, Justice Kissoon emphasised that a custodial sentence was necessary to reflect the seriousness of the crime and to uphold public trust in the justice system. Justice Kissoon started with a baseline sentence of 10 years, reducing it by onethird (three years and three months) for Abraham’s early guilty plea. A further seven-month deduction was applied for mitigating factors, including his youth, remorse, lack of premeditation, and provocation by Ault, resulting in a final sentence of six years.

Abraham was also credited for time spent on remand. Additionally, the judge ordered Abraham to participate in educational and rehabilitation programmes, including those addressing alcohol abuse, during his incarceration.

Miner dies after pit collapses at Issano Backdam

Aminer lost his life on Thursday after the mining pit in which he was working at 10 Miles Backdam, Issano, Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) collapsed.

Dead is 31-year-old Owen Smith of Kaburi Village, Region Seven. He was buried under the debris while working in a mining pit alongside family members.

The incident reportedly occurred around 14:30h while Owen was operating as a "jet man" on a four-inch land dredging operation, owned by one of his younger brothers, Dorwin Smith. At the time, Owen was working in the pit with Dorwin, their father, Oliver Smith, and their youngest brother, Jason Smith.

According to reports, the pit measured approximately 40 feet in length, 50 feet in width, and 30 feet in depth. Police stated that while Owen was operating the jet, a large section of the land

collapsed, burying him beneath the rubble.

His father and brothers managed to escape unharmed but were unable to reach him due to the extent of the landslide. It took the family about 15 minutes to extricate Owen from the debris but by that time, he was unresponsive. The injured man was rushed to the 72 Miles Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead.

Police have launched an investigation into the inci-

dent, which underscores the persistent dangers faced by miners in the gold-rich but hazardous terrains of the Middle Mazaruni region.

Landslides remain a common risk in the industry, often exacerbated by the unstable conditions of mining pits.

This tragedy follows a recent fatal mining accident in Region 8 (PotaroSiparuni). Police reported that two miners, 26-yearold Sherwayne Joseph and 19-year-old Imran Blake, were killed when a mining pit collapsed at St Elizabeth Backdam, Potaro.

The incident involved a crew of nine miners working on an eight-inch land dredge owned by 38-year-old John Burrowes of Mahdia.

The two victims were among five workers inside the pit when a rumbling sound was heard, and the soil began caving in. While three workers managed to escape, Joseph and Blake were buried beneath the debris.

Sentenced: Nigel Abrams

Fabian Abraham

Owen Smith

Over 60% of criminal activities in Linden occur along Wismar shore – police …

No favourable outcomes in abductions of Joshua David, Delon Alexander – Crime Chief

Mayor sounds alarm over distressing statistics

As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) begins to ramp up security measures ahead of the holiday season in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice), Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon on Friday disclosed alarming statistics presented by the Police Force in relation to crime within the mining town.

Solomon on Friday delved into the crime landscape within the Mining town. Sharma who attended the launch of Linden’s Christmas Policing Programme on Thursday, noted that based on statistics, the Wismar shore accounts for more than 60 per cent of the crimes committed within the mining town.

“Yesterday we had compliments to Commander Nurse. An opportunity to see the police unveil their Christmas programme for 2024. How they intend to keep us safe during this busy season. Let me say one of the things that

came out in the presentation yesterday from the police and I'm asking for a copy of that report I'm very concerned. Is that crime across Linden want us to listen to this? Crime across Linden. 70 per cent of the crime that occurs or just about 67 per cent of the crime takes place over at Wismar. That's a very concerning statistic.”

The Mayor explained that

do something about… we all know Wismar has always been stigmatised for many reasons and for those who know culturally how Wismar came into existence. It is one of those settlements where people came from all over Guyana. Those who came to Linden Would have settled over at the western side of the shore because they couldn't come over on the

a significant amount of these cases are gun-related incidents.

“That was given to us by the Guyana Police Force. That is 70 per cent. Of criminal activities. There about. Occurs over at the Wismar shore. Very troubling. And to compound that. Most of the crime. That occurs are gun-related. So those are the two things that stood out for me at the presentation.”

The Mayor attributed the high level of crime along the Wismar shore, to cultural history and stigmatisation. However, Soloman noted that there is an urgent need for systems to be established, to curb the crime rates on the Wismar shore.

“It's a culture we have to

eastern side. You had to get a pass or permit you had to be given the sort of clearance if you come over to Mackenzie, and you know some of those Impressions remain culturally in our community.”

Additionally, he also commended the GPF for their Christmas policing plan. Noting that citizens are very vulnerable to criminal activities, particularly theft during the holiday season.

Authorities investigating the abductions of Joshua David and former police officer Delon Alexander have reported that, despite ongoing efforts, the intelligence gathered so far does not suggest any favourable outcomes.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum giving an update on the matter on Thursday, acknowledged that investigators have been working tirelessly to convert the information at hand into actionable evidence. However, he revealed that the current intelligence does not point to a positive resolution.

“The investigators are working along with some sources, and based on the intelligence we are in possession of, which we cannot disclose at this point, their intelligence is not suggesting anything favourable.”

He did, however, maintain that authorities are still hopeful that the men may be alive, though their current leads have not provided any conclusive answers.

David, known as "Bricks" among his peers, was abducted on September 26, 2024, outside a Georgetown restaurant. The police launched a search operation in Buxton and Annandale shortly after his disappearance, but no evidence has been uncovered. Despite the challenges, the investigation continues.

Several individuals, including Aaron Alleyne, Wayne Barker, Damion Barlow, Dwayne Griffith, Daventai Mars, Alpha Poole, and Osafo Peters, were charged in connection with the abduction, with each granted $500,000 bail.

In another case, Alexander, a former police officer, was abducted on May 7, 2024, from Good Road, Buxton. Alexander’s whereabouts remain unknown, with authorities continuing their search for leads.

It was reported that Alexander went to Strathspey, ECD to purchase building materials for their home which is currently under construction. He reportedly made arrangements for the materials to be

dropped off at the construction site.

After completing his business, he reportedly boarded a minibus and came off at Benjamin’s Bakery in Buxton, ECD but was not seen or heard from since.

Back in 2018, Alexander who was then, a Police Constable attached to the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), Force Headquarters, was arrested with more than 45lbs of marijuana along the Cove and John Public Road. He was charged and was later dismissed from the force.

The investigations into both cases are ongoing, and the police have urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in locating the missing men.

SOCU charges

2

former MoH staff with money laundering

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024

6:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time

6:30 Cartoons

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8:00 Stop Suffering

9:00 Movie - Adventures in Zambezia (2012)

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14:30 Movie - White Bird (2023)

16:30 Wheel of Fortune

17:00 Payless Power Hour

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18:30 Pastor Alvin Teaching

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20:00 Movie - The Jane Mysteries: Murder at Moseby (2024)

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0:00 Sign off

“The Guyana Police Force, more so Commander Nurse have explained to us that they have a very detailed programme to ensure that in this heightened season of activities where people will be out doing more business, people will be out handling more resources, people will be away from their homes. Because they have to go do business shopping and other things. It’s good to see the Guyana Police Force having for us some level of preparation so that we can be safe in our homes. Those are also areas that we ask them to pay extra special attention to.”

Most recently, Police in the Region have launched an investigation into the murder of 56-year-old Nigel Somersall, a food stall owner from West Watooka and Wismar Housing Scheme in Linden, who had previously survived a shooting incident.

According to reports, Somersall was found dead next to his motorcycle on the side of the road.

It was reported that residents heard the sound of a motorcycle approaching Somersall’s home on West Watooka Hill Top, followed by what sounded like several gunshots.

Shortly after, witnesses reported hearing a loud noise, presumably from the motorcycle hitting the ground. Police were however called to the scene at about 05:30h but have not released additional information regarding suspect/s or potential motive.

The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on Friday charged two former employees of Material Management Unit (MMU) Bond attached to the Ministry of Health at 1st Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), with three counts of Money Laundering.

Charged are Terrence Williams, 26, of Farm, EBD and Kerron Webster, 29, of Middle Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown. The duo were charged separately by SOCU.

Webster appeared at

Georgetown Magistrate's Court before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty and was not required to plea to the indictable charge.

A summary of his charge read that he 'knowingly or having reasonable grounds to believe that the property in question whether in whole or in part directly or indirectly represents proceeds of crime, converts, transfers, or uses the property in question knowing or having reasons to believe that the said property is the proceeds of crime to conceal or disguise the illicit origin'.

He was granted $100,000 bail and will return to court on December 6.

On the other hand, Williams was slapped with two counts of Money Laundering but he did not appear in court. The matter will be called again on November 22 and December 9, 2024, respectively for charges to be read to him.

Williams is currently incarcerated at the Lusignan Prison serving a three-year sentence for possession of a firearm and ammunition which has a direct connection with the money laundering cases he is now facing.

SOCU indicated that in-

formation surfaced that Terrence Williams and Kieron Webster while being employees of the Ministry of Health’s MMU bond stole a quantity of pharmaceutical and COVID-19 testing kits from the facility. As a result, the matter was reported to the Golden Grove Police Station, and the police contacted the duo at the said location and conducted a search. During the search, they found a .38 pistol, and several matching rounds of ammunition, along with $4,580,000 and US$5,760.

Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon

Missing: Delon Alexander

Charged: Terrence Williams

Charged: Kerron Webster

600 Lindeners receive house lots at new Wismar housing developments

…scheme to be equipped with school and health facilities among other amenities

In a bid to address the growing demand for housing in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), the Housing and Water, on Friday hosted its Dream Realised Housing Drive which saw some 600 house lots being awarded to the first set of residents at the New Wismar Housing Development. The initiative was held at the Christianburg Community Centre Ground. The Government has promised that the new lots will include essential amenities such as road access, electricity, and water services, ensuring they are ready for occupancy upon completion.

Moreover, the Government has been keen on promoting sustainable housing development across the country, by using eco-friendly construction materials and also ensuring that there are proper waste management systems that will protect the environment.

During the exercise, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal highlighted that the Government remains cognisant that becoming a homeowner is one of the significant accomplishments for any family.

He announced that another land allocation exercise will be held next week in the region, catering to another 400 applicants within the Amelia’s Ward housing area.

“Today, we will start our scorecard for Region Ten which says we have 731 allocations to date. And we will start with a scorecard where we are close to 39,000 allocations. It therefore means that we will be crossing the 39,000 mark towards our 50,000 allocations…”

In addition, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues said the PPP/C

Administration remains keen on its mission of providing access to affordable housing to every single Guyanese.

“That is something the People’s Progressive Party Civic Government will never neglect to do. [In] our track record of achievements from 1992 to 2015 and then from 2020 to present, you will see that we have produced results to back up our inten-

Police record 86.4% increase in crime in Reg 5 – armed robberies, rape, burglary top list

Region Five has recorded an 86.4 per cent increase in serious crimes from January 1 to November 11, 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023.

This was disclosed by Regional Commander Assistant Commissioner of Police Kurleigh Simon during the launch of the region's Christmas policing strategy on Friday.

The region had one murder in 2024 when compared with none last year and one in 2022. Over the past two years, there were no reported cases of armed robberies but in 2024, 14 cases were reported.

“What I would like to see is for it to stick right at 14 and not increase further,” Simon said. Other forms of robbery have seen five compared to two for the corresponding period over the past two years.

With respect to burglary, in 2022, three cases were reported while in 2023, one case was recorded by in 2024, police have investigated five cases.

Rape has shown a slight increase with nine being reported compared to eight for the corresponding period in 2023, and 16 for that period in 2022.

According to the Commander, Mondays and Wednesdays are the days when most criminal activity takes place.

“We know that Rosignol is one of the high commercial areas, Cotter tree is developing into that same fold and at the Berbice Bridge we need to manage the af-

fairs of persons traversing to and from because crime is not static to any geographical space.”

Addressing the issue of narcotics, Commander Simon pointed out that the region is a transshipment point for narcotics moving from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) to other parts of the country.

“Comparatively last year we had 22 incidents of serious crime from this same period as of 41 seeing an 86.4 per cent increase. It

is not a nice reading but we were able to curb it.”

As it relates to traffic, there were 14 deaths on the roadway for the year thus far when compared with seven for the corresponding period last year.

However, the Commander noted that during the Christmas period, there are going to be increased activities on the road both commercially and with vehicular traffic and pedestrians. He says people need to take extra precautions.

“Christmas is a time of celebration for most Guyanese and our intention is to minimise the incidents of crime through mitigating policing measures, minimise traffic congestion through effective traffic management and to provide a safe environment for all citizens commuting within the Region. Additionally, we would like to foster close relationships with members of the public through consultation and cooperation,” Simon concluded.

tions to ensure that we provide affordable housing for the people in this country,” she stated.

She reminded the audience that only 400 house lots were allocated in Region Ten from 2015 to 2020. The Government has allocated over 500 house lots in the past four years in Region Ten.

The Government has regularised over 500 lots in several areas at Block 42, Blueberry Hill, Canva City, Ituni, and Amelia’s Ward. Region Ten has the fourth largest housing demand. In addition, a total of 37 steel and cement vouchers were handed over, injecting $8.3 million into the local economy.

Only on Wednesday it was revealed that a total of 1300 house lots are to be distributed as the Government opens up new lands in Linden Region 10. With around 4,000 legitimate applications from the region in the Ministry’s land management system, many residents have been awaiting house lots patiently.

In an interview with this publication, Housing and

Water Minister Collin Croal reiterated the Government’s commitment to making new lands available to meet the housing needs of the region. He disclosed that house lots would be allocated for new housing developments at Wismar and at Amelia’s Ward.

The Guyana Times was told that 500 house lots have been opened up and would be allocated in Fitz Hope, Linden; and over 1,000 lots would be allocated in Wismar on later dates. Croal explained that in addition to ensuring citizens have access to affordable housing opportunities, his Ministry has been working tirelessly over the last two years to regularise land in several areas within the region.

An occupational survey conducted in August has revealed that over 1500 housing structures are in existence in five different areas along the SoesdykeLinden Highway. As the Government continues to regularise housing along the highway, plans are in place to develop more structured communities and relocate 900 of these households.

SOCU charges 2...

Williams and Webster were arrested and Williams was subsequently charged with the offence of Possession of Firearm and Ammunition without a licence. He was found guilty and sentenced to three years imprisonment.

SOCU conducted a parallel Money Laundering investigation and a special audit was done at the Drug Bond. It was revealed that some $343,808,000 in

drugs and testing kits were unaccounted for.

According to SOCU, the duo had unrestricted access to the pharmaceutical and testing kits from the bond. They misused their authority and stole a quantity of the items mentioned above which they sold and used the proceeds of the crime to enrich themselves. SOCU is currently pursuing forfeiture of the duo’s properties.

Residents at the Dream Realised housing drive

A young mother meeting Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues

Regional Commander, Assistant Police Commissioner Kurleigh Simon

Brazil bomb attack hurts Bolsonaro comeback efforts, deepening political divide

Afailed bomb attack on Brazil's Supreme Court looks set to reunite Brasilia against farright radicalism and scuttle a possible comeback by former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is fighting a court decision to bar him from the ballot.

But any such institutional response will also feed his supporters' belief that they are being silenced, further polarising the country which has seen a surge in political violence since the rise of Bolsonaro in 2018.

The attack, which killed the bomber but caused no other casualties, brings into sharp focus the extent to which Brazil's Supreme Court has become the target of the hard right's wrath, driven by a deep sense that the court has sought to expel them from the political arena.

It also comes after the re-election of Donald Trump as US President had raised hopes among some Bolsonaro supporters that it could help spur their resurgence.

As in the United States, both sides in Brazil believe democracy is at risk.

Progressives point to violence such as Wednesday's bombs as a direct attack on Brazil's democratic institutions, while the right insist those very institutions are rigging democracy against them.

In the wake of the explo-

sions, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes doubled down on the view that farright hate speech is threatening Brazil's democracy and spurring violence, the grounds he has used to silence some of his harshest critics on social media.

"It is not an isolated incident," Moraes said on Thursday. "This has been growing under the false mantle of criminal uses of freedom of expression."

He compared the bomb attack to riots in the capital on Jan. 8 last year, when Bolsonaro supporters rampaged through the court and other Government buildings to protest his electoral defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Wednesday's explosions, which also blew up a car in a

congressional parking lot, appear to have hardened consensus in Congress against a proposal to offer amnesty to participants in those violent protests last year.

Senior sources from two of Brazil's biggest centrist parties in Congress said that amnesty proposal, which was already losing steam, now looks dead in the water.

"The possibility of an amnesty for the people in the Jan 8 attack, and by extension for Bolsonaro, is finished – end of discussion," said Andre Cesar at consultancy Hold Assessoria Legislativa.

It may also be the death knell for Bolsonaro's hopes to reverse his ban on running for office until 2030 due to his baseless attacks on the legitimacy of the 2022 election.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

China megaport opens up Latin America as wary US looks on

As the world waits to see how the return of Donald Trump will reshape relations between Washington and Beijing, China has just taken decisive action to entrench its position in Latin America.

Trump won the US presidential election on a platform that promised tariffs as high as 60 per cent on Chinesemade goods. Further south, though, a new China-backed megaport has the potential to create whole new trade routes that will bypass North America entirely.

President Xi Jinping himself attended the inauguration of the Chancay port on the Peruvian coast this week, an indication of just how seriously China takes the development.

Xi was in Peru for the annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC). But all eyes were on Chancay and what it says about China's growing assertiveness in a region that the US has traditionally seen as its sphere of influence.

As seasoned observers see it, Washington is now paying the price for years of indiffer-

ence towards its neighbours and their needs.

"The US has been absent from Latin America for so long, and China has moved in so rapidly, that things have really reconfigured in the past decade," says Monica de Bolle, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington.

"You have got the backyard of America engaging directly with China," she tells the BBC. "That's going to be problematic."

Even before it opened, the US$3.5 billion project, masterminded by China's state-

owned Cosco Shipping, had already turned a once-sleepy Peruvian fishing town into a logistical powerhouse set to transform the country's economy.

China's official Communist Party newspaper, the People's Daily, called it "a vindication of ChinaPeru win-win cooperation".

Peru's President Dina Boluarte was similarly enthusiastic, describing the megaport as a "nerve centre" that would provide "a point of connection to access the gigantic Asian market". (Excerpt from BBC News)

Costa Rica in "sustainable" trade deal with New Zealand, Switzerland, and Iceland

New Zealand signed a trade deal on Saturday with Switzerland, Costa Rica and Iceland to remove tariffs on hundreds of sustainable goods and services, in a move Wellington says will boost the country's export sector.

The Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) was signed at a ceremony during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Peru

on Saturday after being struck in July, Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said in a statement.

"This agreement removes tariffs on key exports including 45 wood and wool products — two sectors that are vital to achieving our goal of doubling New Zealand's exports by value in 10 years," McClay said.

"It will also reduce costs for consumers, removing tariffs on hundreds of other prod-

ucts, including insulation materials, recycled paper, and energy-saving products such as LED lamps and rechargeable batteries."

The deal prioritised New Zealand's "sustainable exports", he said, amid a roll back by the country's centre-right government of environmental reforms in a bid to boost a flailing economy. Exports make up nearly a quarter of New Zealand's economy. (Reuters)

Chambers’ intervention stirs tensions as T&T port dispute escalates

While four of the country’s leading business chambers may have thought they were helping to resolve the standoff between port workers and the Government, their intervention could have the opposite effect.

The National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) is now warning that their actions might escalate tensions and may fan the flames of industrial action. On Wednesday, the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (Amcham T&T), the Energy Chamber of T&T, the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and the T&T

Manufacturers Association, in a statement, called on the Government to urgently take whatever action necessary to resolve the ongoing industrial action causing chaos at the Port of Port-of-Spain. What was intended as a move to break the deadlock left the NATUC displeased with the tone and inference of the statement.

In a media release, NATUC said, “This statement from the chambers appears to show a deeply biased, one-sided focus on the commercial sector’s interests, prioritising cargo movement over the legitimate, longstanding concerns of

dockworkers.”

SWWTU President General Michael Anisette told Guardian Media that their input can make matters worse. “If we are serious about the ports as the chambers want to make us believe, and their approach is to call for the Government to intervene swiftly, that is fuelling industrial relations fires that we don’t want because they are fanning the flames with those statements. Because it is demonstrating that their concern is only their business. Dock workers are not people,” Anisette said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Argentina seizes large arsenal of Nazi weapons, Hitler-era memorabilia

Argentine Police arrested a man in Buenos Aires who possessed a large number of vintage Nazi weapons decorated with Third Reich symbols from Adolf Hitler's infamous regime, officials said on Friday.

Police seized over 60 firearms from the man's home, including 43 rifles emblazoned with Nazi eagle markings, 15 pistols, five bayonets and a machine gun, according to a report from Argentina's federal police.

Nazi flags, military uni-

forms, hats, helmets as well as busts of Hitler were also confiscated by authorities, the report said.

Personnel from the Buenos Aires Holocaust Museum assisted the law enforcement action, which sought to enforce a national anti-discrimination law, the Police report said.

The home where the objects were found is located in the city of Quilmes, near the southern edge of the sprawling metro area of Buenos Aires, the capital. Police had

been tracking the man after he travelled abroad and was implicated in an investigation initiated by the federal Police of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

After World War Two, many Nazi officials, including notorious death camp supervisor Adolf Eichmann, emigrated to Argentina to avoid trials for war crimes.

Last year, local security forces raided and shut down an Argentine bookstore that was selling books about Nazism online. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro

Mexico's Deputy Foreign Trade Minister Luis Rosendo Gutierrez, New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Papua New Guinea's Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso attend the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, November 15, 2024 (Reuters/Leah Millis photo)

A crane moves a container at the new megaport being built by China's state-owned Cosco Shipping in Chancay, Peru [Reuters]

Around the World

OOIL NEWS

Oil settles down 2% on weaker Chinese demand, uncertainty over Fed rate cut

il prices settled down more than two peer cent on Friday as investors fretted about weaker Chinese demand and a potential slowing in the pace of US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

Brent crude futures settled down US$1.52, or 2.09 per cent, to US$71.04 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures settled down US$1.68, or 2.45 per cent, at US$67.02.

For the week, Brent fell around four per cent, while WTI declined around five per cent.

China's oil refiners in October processed 4.6 per cent less crude than a year earlier because of plant closures and reduced operating rates at smaller independent refiners, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed on Friday.

The country's factory output growth slowed last month and demand woes in its property sector showed few signs of abating, adding to investors' concerns over the economic health of the world's largest crude importer.

"The headwinds out of China are persisting, and whatever stimulus they put forward could be damaged by a new round of tariffs by the Trump Administration," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital in New York.

US President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to end China's most-favoured-nation trading status and impose tariffs on Chinese imports in excess of 60 per cent – much higher than those imposed during his first term.

Goldman Sachs Research economists have modestly lowered their 2025 growth forecast for China, the bank said in a note, following on expectations of significant tariff increases under Trump.

“However, we would likely make larger downgrades if the trade war were to escalate further,” Goldman Sachs Research chief economist, Jan Hatzius said in the note.

Oil prices also fell this week as major forecasters indicated slowing global demand growth.

"Global oil demand is getting weaker," said International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol on Friday at the COP29 summit.

"We have been seeing this for some time and this is mainly driven by the slowing Chinese economic growth and the increasing penetration of electric cars around the world."

The IEA forecasts global oil supply to exceed demand by more than one million barrels per day in 2025 even if cuts remain in place from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+).

OPEC, meanwhile, cut its forecast for global oil demand growth for this year and 2025, highlighting weakness in China, India and other regions.

Fed rate cut in the balance

US retail sales increased slightly more than expected in October, suggesting the economy kicked off the fourth quarter on a strong note.

"The economic data this morning was strong and notable so that is keeping things somewhat stable with regard to what the US demand picture should be," Again Capital's Kilduff said.

The data added to the debate among Federal Reserve policymakers over the pace and extent of interest rate cuts as investors further downgraded their expectations for a rate reduction at the central bank's December meeting. Lower interest rates typically spur economic growth, aiding fuel demand.

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan Collins, however, did not rule out a December rate cut when speaking on Bloomberg's television channel.

"Looking at those numbers, there is nothing forcing the Fed to get real crazy about it, I think the odds for a 25 basis rate cut for December have dropped to between high 50s-60 per cent," said chief economist at Matador Economics, Tim Snyder.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we do not see anything in December, and have to wait and see how the year ends," Snyder added. (Reuters)

Biden meets South Korea, Japan leaders for pre-Trump huddle on risk

US President Joe Biden met with Japanese and South Korean leaders on Friday as they sought to cement their diplomatic progress ahead of a new Trump Administration that many fear could upend alliances worldwide.

The meeting between Washington and two of its closest Asian allies came as US relations with Beijing are expected to grow more confrontational after Donald Trump's January 20 inauguration, given his promises of sharp tariff hikes that could hobble China's economy.

North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia to support Russia's war in Ukraine, as well as North Korea's nuclear weapons programme and dimming

prospects for a peaceful resolution to a decades-long conflict with South Korea are also raising tensions in Asia.

"Japan, the ROK, and the United States strongly condemn the decisions by the leaders of the DPRK and Russia to dangerously expand Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine," said a joint statement, referring to South Korea and North Korea by their official names, the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima, Peru, brought Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who assumed office in

October, together in person for the first time.

After the meeting, the three countries announced the creation of a Trilateral Secretariat designed to formalise the relationship and

make sure it was not just "a series of meetings", national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters travelling with Biden aboard Air Force One on Thursday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

WHO chief slams Israel’s killing of 12 paramedics in Lebanon strike

The United Nations’ World Health Organisation (WHO) chief, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has deplored the Israeli strike on a Lebanese civil defence centre where “at least 12 paramedics were killed”, saying such attacks “are becoming the new normal”.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health said that Israeli at-

tacks killed 59 persons and wounded another 182 across the country over the previous 24-hour reporting period.

Meanwhile, a senior Iranian Government official has said that Iran will support Lebanon in any decision it takes to secure a ceasefire with Israel.

Ali Larijani, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, ar-

US House Speaker Johnson wants Gaetz ethics report kept secret

US House of Representatives

Speaker Mike Johnson said on Friday that a congressional ethics panel should not release a report examining allegations of sexual misconduct against Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for US Attorney General.

Lawmakers of both parties on the Senate Judiciary Committee have said they want to see the unreleased House Ethics Committee report on Gaetz, as part of a Senate confirmation process for Cabinet nominees that would start next year with public hearings.

"I'm going to strongly request that the Ethics Committee not issue the report, because that is not the way we do things in the House," Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, told reporters in the US Capitol.

Gaetz, 42, who denies any wrongdoing, resigned from Congress on Wednesday, bringing the ethics probe to an end two

days before the committee had been expected to release the document.

The former congressman faced a nearly threeyear Justice Department investigation into sex-trafficking allegations involving a 17-year-old girl. His office said in 2023 he had been told by Prosecutors he would not be charged.

Johnson said he planned to urge House Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest not to provide the Gaetz report to the Senate Judiciary Committee. "The rules of the House have always been that a former member is beyond the jurisdiction of the Ethics Committee," said Johnson, who returned on Friday morning from meeting Trump at the president-elect's Mar-aLago resort in Florida.

"I think it's a terrible breach of protocol and tradition and the spirit of the rule," he added. "I think that would be a terrible precedent to set." (Excerpt from Reuters)

rived in Lebanon on Friday and has met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Lebanon’s parliament speaker Nabih Berri.

On Thursday, the US Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson presented a draft ceasefire proposal to Berri, who is endorsed by Hezbollah to negotiate, two senior Lebanese political sources told the Reuters news agency.

When asked by reporters

if he had come to Lebanon to undermine Washington’s ceasefire efforts, Larijani said, “we are not looking to sabotage anything. We are after a solution to the problems”.

“We support in all circumstances the Lebanese Government. Those who are disrupting are [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu and his people,” he added. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

S Africa cuts supplies to thousands of illegal miners hiding underground

Dozens of volunteers have entered an abandoned gold mine in South Africa to help what could be thousands of illegal miners who have been underground for a month.

Because the miners entered the shaft in Stilfontein deliberately, desperate to retrieve gold or mineral residues, the authorities have taken a hard line, blocking food and water supplies.

Earlier in the week, one Government Minister said: "We are going to smoke them out."

The miners have refused to cooperate with the authorities as some are undocumented migrants and fear being deported or arrested.

There are reports that the miners have been eating vinegar and toothpaste to survive while underground.

It is feared that their health could be deteriorating, and they may be too

weak and frail to leave the mine themselves.

The volunteers, who are organised into three groups of 50, say it takes about an hour to get one person out.

Lebogang Maiyane has been volunteering since the beginning of the week.

"The Government doesn’t care about the impact on the right to life of the illegal miners who remain beneath the surface –this is tantamount to murder” he said.

Illegal miners are called "zama zama" ("take a chance" in Zulu) and operate in abandoned mines in the mineral-rich country. Illegal mining costs the South African government hundreds of millions of dollars in lost sales each year.

Police are hesitant to go into the mine as some of those underground may be armed. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US President Joe Biden attends the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, November 15, 2024 (Reuters/Leah Millis photo)

Refuse to let anyone rush you into something you aren’t ready to do. Bide your time and do your research, and you’ll find a cost-efficient way to reach your goal.

Stretch your mind, and you’ll devise a budget and a plan to help lower your debt while saving for something that can enhance your emotional well-being. Social events, reunions and romance are favored.

Think big but be reasonable. Common sense must prevail even when someone uses persuasive tactics. Consider the pros and cons and reduce unnecessary factors that can set you back.

Check your options and do the legwork required to make better choices. It’s OK to be different or veer off down a path by yourself. Stability comes from doing what’s best for you.

Sign up for something that makes you smile, such as a romantic adventure, social event or new project. An encounter with someone who can offer information will lead to a valuable connection.

You can think big, but when it comes to turning your dreams into a reality, keep it simple, stay within budget and change only what’s necessary. Focus on what makes you happy.

An open mind will lead to an adventure. The information you receive will broaden your horizons and lead to positive change, knowledge and new beginnings. Protect against health risks.

Embrace change and discover new possibilities. Engage in conversations that encourage intellectual growth. Show compassion and understanding to those going through troubled times.

You can chat all you want if you don’t offer personal information or mislead anyone. There will be a fine line between being entertaining and exaggerating. An energetic approach to health and wealth will pay off.

A gratuitous approach to earning or sharing your money will set high standards for those who look up to you. Stretching your imagination and following through with action will result in recognition.

Do chores and move on to something that interests you. A change of scenery will make you question where you live, what you are doing and where you are heading. Think twice before you commit.

Do some research and follow your heart. Refuse to let outside influences steer you down the wrong path. Focus on your needs and pleasure for a change. Choose love over discord.

ARCHIE

India tour of South Africa 2024/25: T20I Series, game 4…

INDIA WIN SERIES 3-1

– As Sampson, Tilak smash records like it’s nobody’s business

This is how Sanju Samson and Tilak

Varma approached this T20I series against South Africa: they each scored a century in Durban and Centurion respectively, and then combined to hit a pair of hundreds in the finale in Johannesburg to rip up the record books and give India a fifth bilateral series win in 2024.

India posted the highest T20I total in South Africa, never mind the venue, and their second-highest in T20Is (a month and three days after their highest, of 297 against Bangladesh). They became the first Full Member side and third international team to have two individual hundreds in the same innings, and the only team to boast four centuries

in the same series. India have nearly twice as many T20I centuries as the next team on the list,

SCOREBOARD

India (20 ovs maximum)

Sanju Samson † not out 109

Abhishek Sharma c †Klaasen

b Sipamla 36

Tilak Varma not out 120

Extras (nb 1, w 17) 18

Total 20 Ov(RR: 14.15) 283/1

Did not bat: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy Fall of wickets: 1-73 (Abhishek Sharma, 5.5 ov) • DRS Bowling

O-M-R-W

Marco Jansen 4-0-42-0

Gerald Coetzee 3-0-43-0

Lutho Sipamla

4-0-58-1

Andile Simelane 3-0-47-0

Keshav Maharaj 3-0-42-0

Aiden Markram 2-0-30-0

Tristan Stubbs 1-0-21-0

South Africa

(T: 284 runs from 20 ovs)

Ryan Rickelton c †Samson

b Pandya 1

Reeza Hendricks

b Arshdeep Singh 0

Aiden Markram (c) c Ravi Bishnoi

b Arshdeep Singh 8

Tristan Stubbs lbw

b Ravi Bishnoi 43

Heinrich Klaasen † lbw b Arshdeep Singh 0 David Miller c Tilak Varma b Varun 36

Marco Jansen not out 29

Andile Simelane c Ravi Bishnoi

b Varun 2 Gerald Coetzee c †Samson b Patel 12 Keshav Maharaj c Tilak Varma b Patel 6 Lutho Sipamla c Patel b Ramandeep Singh 3 Extras (lb 2, w 6) 8

Total 18.2 Ov (RR: 8.07) 148 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Reeza Hendricks, 0.3 ov), 2-1 (Ryan Rickelton, 1.5 ov), 3-10 (Aiden Markram, 2.5 ov), 4-10 (Heinrich Klaasen, 2.6 ov), 5-96 (David Miller, 11.6 ov), 6-96 (Tristan Stubbs, 12.1 ov), 7-105 (Andile Simelane, 13.2 ov), 8-131 (Gerald Coetzee, 15.3 ov), 9-141 (Keshav Maharaj, 17.1 ov), 10-148 (Lutho Sipamla, 18.2 ov) • DRS

Bowling O-M-R-W

Arshdeep Singh 3-0-20-3 Hardik Pandya 3-1-8-1

Ramandeep Singh 3.2-0-42-1 Varun Chakravarthy 4-0-42-2 Ravi Bishnoi 3-0-28-1

Axar Patel 2-0-6-2

and will finish 2024 with an astonishing 24-2 record in T20Is.

As for South Africa, perhaps the less said the better. There was no repeat of the famous 438 moment, when they went to the change room to the dry humour of one batter (Jacques Kallis) joking that the bowlers had done their job and the batters should follow suit. They were dismissed for 148, and slumped to their biggest defeat in the format by runs, losing by 135. South Africa have not won a bilateral T20I series in more than two years, since beating Ireland

the last six overs. The 210run second-wicket stand between Samson and Tilak was the highest for any wicket by India in men's T20Is, and no part of the ground was spared.

Samson's six-hitting was particularly impressive in the V, which accounted for four in his total of nine. The other four came on the on side, but his wagon wheel was pretty even, with 54 offside runs to 55 leg-side runs.

Tilak Varma had a clear preference. He hit 74 runs on the leg side, including eight of his 10 sixes, and 46 on the off side. In the end, the direc-

in August 2022.

Runs! Runs! Runs! How many different words are there to describe the way India have batted in most of this series?! It's our job to try. We can come up with outrageous, expressive, unbelievable; or we could just let the numbers do the talking. India were 73 for 1 after the powerplay; 129 for 1 after 10 overs; 200 for 1 in the 15th over; and smashed 84 more runs in

tion would not have mattered to South Africa's bowlers. Only Marco Jansen conceded at less than 11 runs an over, and everyone else went at an economy rate of 14 or more. And a word for the pair's celebrations: while Samson hardly raised a fist, he had the dugout all flexing their biceps, and Tilak pointed to his captain Suryakumar Yadav - who is likely to allow him to bat at #3 for as long as he wants - and blew him an air-kiss.

Concern over South Africa's disciplines

In between over-reliance on the short ball, ineffective use of the slower one, and the odd full toss, South Africa did themselves no favours by conceding 12 runs off wides and bowling a noball. That's after they also conceded ten runs in wides and bowled three no-balls at SuperSport Park, where India bowled only one wide. At the Wanderers, India conceded six runs off wides, so there may have been some

ball to flick the off bail into a spin. He went on to beat Aiden Markram with more exquisite away-swing in a dangerous warning of what was to come; while at the other end, Hardik Pandya moved the ball away from Ryan Rickelton once, twice, three and then four times, before Rickelton could resist. He reached for the fifth ball and got an edge to Samson to leave South Africa 1 for 2. India's 23 sixes were the most in an innings in a T20I between two Full Member sides, which suggested condi-

issue with bowlers finding their lines.

South Africa's biggest culprit was Gerald Coetzee, who conceded five runs off wide, and left the field with a hamstring concern five overs into the match. He returned to bowl the 15th over, but was taken for 20 runs. It was not the most expensive over of the innings - Andile Simelane's first over, which cost 24, was - but it was bruising nonetheless.

Swing when you're winning

It may have been the lights, or the clouds gathering overhead preparatory to an evening thunderstorm, but it was more likely India's skill that found swing where South Africa could not.

Arshdeep Singh almost immediately got away-movement from the right-handed Reeza Hendricks, and swerved one in the next

tions were suited for big hitting, but it took South Africa a touch over 50 balls to strike their first six. Ramandeep Singh bowled a half-tracker to Tristan Stubbs, and he dispatched it over deep midwicket. Two balls later, Stubbs moved across his stumps and hit Ramandeep over deep square. In the next over, David Miller sent Varun Chakravarthy, the series' highest wicket-taker, over cow corner, before smashing two more sixes; but South Africa's surge came too late. Varun shifted to around the wicket and made Miller fetch a ball from outside off, and he found Tilak at longon. Stubbs was dismissed lbw by Ravi Bishnoi off the next ball, and all Marco Jansen's 29-ball 12 could do was ensure South Africa finished with a bit more than half of India's total.(ESPNCricinfo)

Tristan Stubbs and David Miller put up 86 off 54 for the fifth wicket

Sanju Samson scored a century for the third time in five innings

Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson treated the middle-overs’ phase like it was the death

Varun Chakravarthy dismissed David Miller to quell what little hope was left for a South Africa comeback

Wins for Ramdhani, Haynes in Suriname Badminton tournament

The four Guyanese players currently participating in the Suriname International Badminton tournament have thus far produced strong performances at the Ring Sports Centre in Paramaribo, a missive from the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) has revealed.

National women’s champion Priyanna Ramdhani advanced to the quarterfinals in three categories, namely: women’s singles, mixed doubles with Akili Haynes, and women’s doubles alongside Chequeda De Boulet of Trinidad and Tobago. In the women’s singles,

Ramdhani secured a decisive victory over Trinidad’s Amara Urquhart (21-9, 2114). In the mixed doubles, the duo of Haynes and Ramdhani convincingly defeated Roche Young-A-Fat and Kayleigh Moenne of Suriname (21-12, 21-7) to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.

Akili Haynes demonstrated his prowess in the men’s singles by defeating AlHassan Somedjo of Suriname (21-19, 21-15) to reach the Round of 16, where he unfortunately fell to Peru’s Adrian Viale.

In their debut senior tournament outside the country, Guyana's Nkosi

Beaton, Frank Waddell and Joanathan Debidin were unable to advance past the qualifying rounds in the men’s singles.

Haynes and Beaton teamed up in the men’s doubles, but faced tough competition, and lost to Suriname’s second-seeded pair of Diego Dos Ramos and Al-Hassan Somedjo (21-16, 21-13).

Waddell and Debidin also joined forces in that category, but lost to Daniel and Terrence Li (21-12, 21-17).

The tournament continues to showcase high-energy matches at the Ring Sports Centre, and more action is expected in the coming rounds.

Forde out, McCoy in for England series - CWI announces

Left-arm seamer Obed McCoy has been added to the 15-man squad of the West Indies Senior Men’s T20I players as a replacement for medium-pacer Matthew Forde, and would be contesting the remainder of the fivematch T20I series against England in Saint Lucia.

Named ‘player of the series’ in the One-Day International leg of the tour, which the West Indies won, the 22-year-old Forde sustained a left thigh injury during training on Wednesday November 13 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium, and will be continually monitored by the medical team as he works towards full recovery.

As a result, the leftarm seamer McCoy, who has taken 49 wickets in 38 T20 Internationals for the West Indies, but was initially unavailable due to an injury sustained during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), has now been cleared to return to play, and will join the squad on Friday November 15, ahead of the back-to-back matches over the weekend to close out the Rivalry series.

West Indies T20I Squad:

Captain Rovman Powell, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer.

Team Management:

Head Coach: Daren Sammy

Team Manager: Rawl

Lewis

Assistant Coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith

Assistant Coach (Batting): Floyd Reifer

Assistant Coach (Bowling):

Giant killers North Ruimveldt to battle powerhouses Gold is Money for crown

In what can potentially be scripted as the story of the greatest underdog triumph in the history of local futsal, giant killers North Ruimveldt will battle traditional heavyweights Gold is Money in the final game of the inaugural Chung Global ‘Champion of Champions’ tournament.

This encounter, to be played this evening at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, will put the awesome offensive might of Gold is Money against the dogged defensive skills of a youthful North Ruimveldt unit, which has produced a fairytale run to the final and is one obstacle away from claiming an unlikely and unprecedented championship in what is a maiden appearance in a major futsal finale.

North Ruimveldt have secured their place in the final by defeating North East La Penitence, and are also responsible for powerhouses Sparta Boss and Back Circle exiting the tournament through defeats they administered them in previous rounds.

fit has tallied a tournament-leading 15 conversions, which highlights the quality of their roster in the final third. However, doubts persist concerning their defense, as they have conceded four times in the tournament. They would certainly require radical improvement of their defensive strategy if they are to prevail this evening.

$300,000, and $200,000 and the corresponding accolades. On the individual side, prizes would also be given to the highest goal-scorer, most valuable player, best defender, and goalkeeper respectively.

Complete Fixtures

20:00hrs: Leopold U16 vs Laing Avenue U16

James Franklin

Physiotherapist: Dr. Denis

Byam

Strength & Conditioning

Coach: Ronald Rogers

Team Masseuse: Dane

Currency

Team Analyst: Avenesh

Seetaram

Media & Content Officer: Jerome Foster

Schedule of remaining matches in West Indies vs England T20I Series:

4th T20 International: November 16, 2024 - Daren

Sammy Stadium, Saint Lucia

5th T20 International: November 17, 2024 - Daren

Sammy Stadium, Saint Lucia

Considered the ‘dark horse’ of the tournament, North Ruimveldt has recorded 11 offensive conversions, and defensively has allowed only two goals in the entirety of this tour nament, the one that oc curred in the elimi nation round being the best recorded in the event. This is indicative of a team that has quality on both sides of the field, but another sub lime performance would be required from their high-ener gy defence if they are to emerge from this en counter victorious.

ter this match as firm favour ites following a 4-0 thrashing of futsal wizards Stabroek Ballers. Offensively, this West Virginia-based out

Tournament coordinator Troy Lambert has said, “This evening will decide whether a traditional giant and the status quo reign supreme, or an underdog ascends to the throne. This final has to be the most unexpected championship match in recent history. It was billed as competitive, and that is evidently the case, given the teams that made the semifinal round. Sparta Boss, Bent Street and Back Circle fell at the previous hurdles, two of whom lost to North Ruimveldt. I’m very proud that the tournament was able to produce unexpected and thrilling results, and this shows that this format is evolving and teams are improving. Given the nature of the event, it is impossible to predict a winner, and I am anticipating a thrilling final.”

Meanwhile, North East La Penitence and Stabroek Ballers will battle in the third-place playoff prior to the epic final game of this tourna-

Moreover, the GT Kanaimas would confront the Guyana Police Force in a women’s encounter, while Bent Street A and Back Circle A would match skills in an exhibition encounter. Exhibition fixtures will also be conducted between Bent Street B and Back Circle B, and between Laing Avenue and Leopold Street in the U16

The winner of this evening’s epic event will pocket $1M and the championship trophy, while the second-, third-, and fourth-placed finishers would respectively receive $500,000,

20:30hrs: Bent Street B vs Back Circle B

21:00hrs: Bent Street A vs Back Circle A

21:30hrs: Stabroek Ballers vs North East La Penitence

22:00hrs: Women’s finalGT Kanaimas vs Police

22:30hrs: Gold is Money vs North Ruimveldt

Tonight’s Champion of Champions final is expected to be an unforgettable affair

The Guyana Badminton Team that is currently competing in Suriname

Obed McCoy will join the Windies T20 squad as a replacement for Matthew Forde

ExxonMobil Global Super League… teams up with GSL T20

Demerara Bank Limited, one of Guyana’s leading financial insti tutions, will partner with the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) for the inaugural season of this T20 cricket tour nament, which will run from 26 November to 7 December, with all matches taking place at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Founded in 1994, Demerara Bank is dedicated to providing inno vative and customer-focused banking services. This institution offers a range of products, that include savings and business

accounts, loans, foreign exchange, Visa cards and online banking.

Aside from banking, Demerara Bank actively contributes to community development, championing educational, health, and social initiatives that drive economic growth.

bag wins in GBF Elite 16 tourney

The National Gymnasium was ignited with spectacular basketball action recently, when the Guyana Basketball Federation’s Elite 16 tournament saw Stabroek Eagles and McDoom/Prospect Kobras ending the night with wins.

Stabroek Eagles decimated the GDF in the first game of the night. They showcased their ability to counterattack, dominated the tempo, and had a 1412 advantage after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the GDF scored 19 points to bring their total to 29, while the Eagles demonstrated their experience in piercing defenses and swishing the ball for 16 points that brought their total to 33.

Eagles continued to demonstrate their ability to pierce the defensive

line as they managed to extend their lead to ten points while restricting the GDF to 17 points, and they replied by scoring 23 points with the scoreline reading 56-46.

A scoreline of 76-68 saw GDF packing their bags to exit the tournament as Stabroek Eagles ended their campaign with an 8-point win.

In the final game of the night, McDoom/Prospect Kobras obtained a one-point victory against Block 22 Flames to advance further in the tournament

The team emerging champion in the battle of the elites would earn a winner’s purse of $300,000. The team finishing in second place would earn $100,000, while the third-placed team would earn $50,000, and the tournament’s MVP would be awarded $25,000 for a standout performance.

Dowlat Parbhu, Demerara Bank Limited’s CEO, has said: “At Demerara Bank, our vision has always been to go beyond banking to make a real difference in the communities we serve. Just like in cricket, where every player has a role to play, we see our responsibility as helping people across Guyana, from every walk of life, unlock their potential. Our commitment extends far beyond financial services, as we believe in nurturing not only financial stability but also the dreams and aspirations that shape the future of our nation. Through partnerships, programs, and initiatives, we are proud to continue building a stronger, more inclusive Guyana; one where everyone can rise to their fullest potential.”

About Global Super League

The Global Super League is an annual T20 tournament that takes place in Guyana and features T20 teams from around the world. The inaugural event will take place at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Five teams will compete for a US$1million prize fund across 11 matches, which take place from 26 November to 7 December 2024.

The five teams for the 2024 tournament are: Guyana Amazon Warriors, Hampshire Hawks, Lahore Qalandars, Rangpur Riders and Victoria.

Sir Clive Lloyd, Chairman of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, has said: “It’s my pleasure to welcome a Guyanese banking success story to the GSL family. Thank you for your support in building this exciting event for the country. One of the reasons GSL exists is to show the world what Guyana has to offer, and it is very pleasing to see the business community in the country supporting the tournament.”

Soft ‘n’ Pretty on board as MVP Sports Girls tournament kicks off today

As the MVP Sports’ Girls’ Under-11 PeeWee Football tournament commences at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground today, the Soft ‘n’ Pretty Brand has joined the sponsorship train just in the nick of time, solidifying their support on Friday morning during a simple ceremony.

Managed by V &V Distributors, the brand joins the likes of title sponsors MVP Sports and Guyana Beverage Inc’s Kool Kidz as supporters for the Girls’ tournament.

“At V &V Distributors, we are always happy to give back and to be generous to social and schools’ programmes that have a positive influence on young people in our society,” V&V Distributors representative Nazim Hassan shared at the Brandsville Hotel on Friday morning. He went on to add about the company’s intentions, “We are particularly pleased now to be associated with the Under-11 female football programme using our Soft and Pretty brand of paper products. We know that the competition will be another successful story. May the best team win.”

On the other hand, there was an outpouring of gratitude from Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca, who reminded of the impact that V&V Distributors and other corporate sponsors’ support will have on the tournament when he expressed, “Definitely Mr. Hassan, his contribution will go a far way, not only to help us organize the tournament, but to create a platform and the environment for these young girls to showcase their talent. It’s going to build future leaders in their own right. So, on behalf of

the Petra Organisation and the entire football fraternity, we would like to thank you.”

When action in the Girls’ Under-11 Football begins today, Batavia Primary will take on F.E. Pollard Primary in the first game, at 10hrs; Potaro Primary and Smith Memorial Primary will go head-tohead; Genesis and West Ruimveldt will do battle, while One Mile and North Georgetown Primary would be coming opposing each other. Then, at 12:00hrs, Waramuri Primary will

take on St. John the Baptist. In a later fixture on the day, defending champions Marian Academy will go toe- to-toe with Stella Maris Primary to close out the first round of games in the Group stage, two rounds of which are expected to be conducted today.

The teams are vying for a $100,000 grand prize that would go towards a school project, while second-, third-, and fourth-place finishers would respectively receive $75,000, $50,000 and $25,000 for the same purpose.

Jamie Stewart, Global Super League representative; Imran Badruddin, Demerara Bank's Senior Manager - Investment & Business Development; and Demerara Bank's CEO Dowlat Parbhu celebrating this new partnership

V & V Distributors’ Nazim Hassan making a presentation to Petra Organisation’s Aaliyah Hinds in the presence of Co-Director Troy Mendonca

Travis Belgrave was on show for the Stabroek Eagles