Guyana Times - Thursday, December 7, 2023 by Gytimes

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

Issue No. 5576

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Venezuela border controversy

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Secretary General has sent ICJ order to Security Council – United Nations Rep

Cops facing corruption charges remanded to prison P8

Page 3

…reminds Venezuela that ICJ’s decisions are binding Venezuela border controversy

China calls for peace, says Guyana a “good friend” – Brazil urges Venezuela to avoid force or threats See story on page 2

Substandard work in construction sector leads CCAC complaints P10 in 2023 M&CC to build food compost facility to P11 promote waste separation

Rough terrain, adverse weather Take Venezuela’s challenge search for 7 missing threats seriously …search to GDF ranks, helicopter resume today – Pres Ali to US Bartica man

…Canadian company signals interest

Page 13

See story on page 7

…urges US to relook at lifting of sanctions against Venezuela

charged with rape of 11-yearP11 old girl

Den Amstel man on $400,000 bail over fatal accident P11

Referendum not valid mechanism to resolve Energy Linkup at including territorial issues – former Presidents of South aims more Guyanese story on in oil & gas P America, Central America to Maduro Seepage 9 …condemn Venezuela’s lack of respect for international order

13 …will help generate more opportunities – CanadaGuyana chamber

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela border controversy

China calls for peace, says Guyana a “good friend” …Brazil urges Venezuela to avoid force or threats

hina, one of Venezuela’s most critical allies amid its diplomatic isolation on the world stage, has made a call for peace to prevail between Guyana and Venezuela, noting that avoiding hostilities is in the interest of both countries and the region. On Wednesday, China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin held a press conference, and was asked by French news agency AFP about the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy. Specifically, the spokesman was asked whether China, a “firm” ally of Venezuela while also maintaining friendly relations with Guyana, supported Venezuela’s unjust claims on Guyana’s territory, and

whether the country was worried about a possible invasion. At this point, Wenbin clarified that both countries are “good friends” of China. “Venezuela and Guyana are both China’s good friends. China always respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. China always supports the two countries in properly settling the issue of demarcation of their boundary through friendly consultation. This is in the interests of the people of both countries, and conducive to the stability, cooperation and development of Latin America and the Caribbean,” the Spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry added. Guyana and China established diplomatic relations since the 1970s. Only last

Guyanese President Dr Irfaan Ali in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, during his first official trip to China as President.

Brazil’s top foreign advisor, Celso Amorim

policy

year, trade between Guyana and China had jumped to US$1.88 billion. And in July of this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with

Brazil Meanwhile, Venezuela is also being warned not to use force or the threat of force by none other than Brazil, a country that shares borders with both Venezuela and Guyana. Celso Amorim, a top foreign policy advisor of Brazilian President Lula da Silva and his special envoy to Venezuela, last month was quoted by Reuters as warning Venezuela to back off. In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, the advisor made it clear that Brazil rejects any use of force by Venezuela which would see it unlawfully occupying and annexing Guyana’s Essequibo region. Further, he was quoted as saying that Brazil itself would urge the President Nicolas Maduro regime not to threaten Guyana. In fact, Amorim said that during his recent visit, he conveyed to the Venezuelan Government Brazil’s position on the need to avoid hostilities. "I conveyed our very serious preoccupations…Now there are new facts that are still more worrisome. We'll not fail to transmit our concerns, especially in relation to the policy of no use of force," Amorim was quoted as saying. Both Brazil and China form part of the BRICS bloc, along with Russia, India and South Africa, an intergovern-

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin

mental collection of countries that together account for the major emerging economies of the world. Only a few days ago, in a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties between Guyana and Brazil, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff Brigadier Omar Khan had met with the Chief of the Joint General Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces, Admiral Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire, and Chief of Strategic Affairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Brigadier Walcyr Josué de Castilho Araujo. The week prior, the Guyanese Army Chief had also paid a visit to the Brazilian Ministry of Defence. The purpose of the visit went beyond routine military exchanges and training, focusing instead on a strategic discourse aimed at expanding and solidifying

relations between the two nations. Guyana’s Spanishspeaking neighbour Venezuela has laid claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region, and to a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which nearly 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered largely by United States oil giant ExxonMobil. Over the past few weeks, Guyana has been informing regional and international partners of the referendum Venezuela carried out on December 3, which has been criticized by the United States, Caricom, and the Organization of American States (OAS), as well as by several other nations in the Region, including Brazil, for seeking to, among other things, gain a national consensus to annex Essequibo. Following the referendum, which was avoided by 89 per cent of the population, according to the country’s Opposition Leader Henrique Capriles, Maduro had announced that he would now authorize oil exploration in Guyana’s Essequibo River, despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) not yet pronouncing on the validity of Venezuela’s claims. President Dr Irfaan Ali, in an address to the nation late on Tuesday evening, made it clear that his government would be taking a number of precautionary measures, including alerting the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). (G3)

Businesswoman, vendor face narcotics charges F ollowing a Police operation, two individuals have found themselves facing charges related to the possession of narcotics. Camika Edwards, a 45-year-old businesswoman from East La Penitence, Georgetown, and Eon Pellew, a 60-year-old vendor from Middle Walk, Ann's Grove, East Coast Demerara, were both charged on Wednesday. Edwards was arrested by a Vigilance Police Station officer with 13 grams of cannabis (marijuana) on Tuesday, and has been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Control Act, Chapter 10:10.

Charged: Camika Edwards

Charged: Eon Pellew

She appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Cove and John Magistrate's Court and admitted to the offence. The magistrate imposed a fine of $10,000 and sentenced her to two months of community service. Pellew faced a similar

charge of possession of narcotics. He, too, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Cove and John Magistrate's Court, but pleaded not guilty. He has been placed on $75,000 bail and the case will continue on March 27, 2024. (G9)

NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela border controversy

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, December 7 – No retraction and Friday, December 8 – 01:00h-02:30h. The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, December 7 – 12:45h-14:15h and Friday, December 8 – 13:20h-14:50h.

Secretary General has sent ICJ order to Security Council - UN Rep …reminds Venezuela that ICJ’s decisions are binding

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UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

he orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that had prohibited Venezuela from aggravating its border controversy with Guyana, which it has since flouted, have been sent to the United Nations Security Council by Secretary General Antonio Guterres himself. This has been revealed by the Secretary General’s Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, in response to questions from the media on how the UN is reacting to Venezuela’s actions. Despite the ICJ ruling that Venezuela cannot take any action that would infringe on Guyana’s territorial integrity following its December 3 referendum, Venezuela has since taken several such actions. Following the referendum, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced, among other things, that he would now authorize oil exploration in Guyana’s Essequibo county, despite the ICJ not yet pronouncing on whether Venezuela’s claims have any validity. Maduro has also announced a three-month period for companies already operating in the region to vacate. In his response, Dujarric reminded that decisions of the ICJ are binding on all parties involved. “I can tell you that the Secretary-General strongly supports the use of solely peaceful means to settle international disputes. He further recalls that, pursuant to the Charter and to the Statute of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), decisions of the Court are binding, and he trusts that both States will duly comply with the Order from the Court,” Dujarric has said. According to Dujarric, the order issued by the ICJ containing provi-

sional measures against Venezuela had been a unanimous one. Further, he made it clear that the UN Security Council has already been engaged by the Secretary-General. “The Secretary-General notes the Court’s unanimous decision to order Venezuela to “refrain from taking any action that would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute,” Dujarric said. “The Secretary-General also notes that the Court’s order to both parties to refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute or make it more difficult to resolve. In accordance with the Statute of the Court, the Secretary-General transmitted the notice of the provisional measures ordered by the Court to the Security Council.” Last month, the Venezuelan National Electoral Council published a list of five questions that it planned to put before the Venezuelan people in the December 3, 2023 referendum. The referendum sought the Venezuelan people’s approval to, among other

UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric

things, annex Essequibo and create a Venezuelan state thereof. It also sought the citizens’ approval for Venezuela to grant citizenship and identity cards to residents of Essequibo. After years of failed Good Offices process via the United Nations (UN), Guyana is seeking a final and binding judgement from the ICJ to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties; as well as legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of the country’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana, and not Venezuela. Over the past few weeks, Guyana has been informing regional and international partners of Venezuela’s referendum, which has been criticized by the United States, Caricom, and the Organization of American States (OAS), as well as by several other nations in the Region, including Brazil. Last week Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a ruling barring Venezuela from taking any action emanat-

ing from the referendum to seize Essequibo while the Court makes its decision about the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award. Maduro has nevertheless announced a series of measures on Tuesday, aimed at annexing Essequibo. In a national address on Tuesday evening, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that the Government would engage the UN on Venezuela’s latest actions. He said that “by defying the Court, Venezuela has rejected international law, the rule of law generally, fundamental justice and morality, and the preservation of international peace and security”. And he added, “They have literally declared themselves an outlaw nation”. Back in June, Guyana was among five countries elected to sit on the UN Security Council for the 2024-2025 term as a non-permanent member. Permanent members of the Security Council include China, France, Russia and the United States. This Council is a body responsible for maintaining international peace and security. (G3)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Views

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

Security measures

s the city of Georgetown lights up with shoppers as the Christmas season nears, there is the unavoidable searching and jostling for parking spots, creating congestion in the city. Added to that, some of our minibus and hire car designated parks are poorly lit at nights, and with the menace of ever-present rampant gangs, many commuters have been robbed. This seeming norm in criminal activities at these parks’ environs creates high risks for all who depend on public transportation, especially women and children. Children are also exposed to these dangers. With no alternative, commuters have to take those risks every day with fear lingering in their mindsets at a place that is literally a stone’s throw away from the country’s Parliament Building. Many questions abound. The Georgetown Mayor and Council cannot be oblivious of the security concerns at all transportation parks within the city, for incidents of robberies continue to be highlighted in the media. On the surface, it appears that safety and other concerns of commuters were still not given the necessary consideration. It is time that the M&CC make effort towards some lighting around these areas. We have seen the Guyana Police Force lift some level of security presence, as ranks are dispatched around the city. However, it is not adequate, and from reports, the security presence is not sustained, especially in the evenings and late into the nights. Even if the necessary security measures are implemented at the parks, it is not a guarantee that crime would disappear. However, it would offer a much needed and effective deterrent, allowing for almost immediate response and, very importantly, comfort to the troubling mindsets. Adequate and necessary security measures, including effective lighting, should be in place at all minibus parks. It therefore is mindboggling as to why such necessary things are not implemented and sustained in the city. All of the bus and car parks within the city are security risks, and all are poorly lit, including some main roads that lead to them. That, and the criminal activities it encourages, continues to compromise that aspect of public safety. This is a continuous cycle, and with every passing day, frustration and fear among commuters increase. One can argue that if the City Council is really concerned about commuters’ safety, it would be making more noise for increased Police presence in the evenings, even if it’s just to appease. The knowledge and presence of security measures have positive psychological effects. Its absence, or being grossly inadequate, causes one to wonder if the leadership and the rest of Council really understand the magnitude of what transpires at those parks, especially in the evenings and nights, and particularly at the East Bank one in question. There is great difficulty in accepting the Council being unaware, which brings to the fore the frightening scenario of the current inadequacies probably being accepted as adequate with believably scant regard for commuters’ safety. The Police implement generally effective and pleasing security mechanisms for the Christmas period, with temporary outposts at various points. The positive effect of that is known. The obvious question is why it cannot be sustained to some extent, with emphasis on the parks throughout the year? Last year, the GPF, in its Christmas security plan, which was aimed at keeping communities across the country safe this holiday season, had not only increased the presence of cops, but had said that it was using drone technology. This is a good move, and should be a sustained move to keep areas such a minibus parks safe. While the Force has its own constraints over resources, collaboration with the Council and strategic planning can result in an acceptable and adequate mechanism that can have the city secure.

People observe the Christmas lights on Larios Street in Malaga, Spain (AFP)

Men must become more comfortable supporting men’s causes By Caroline Ravello

ast Sunday, from across the aisle in church, I saw the beaming smile of my friend Steve Regis, towering over everyone, trying to get my attention. As former Guardian Media workmates, Steve and I hold a special bond, but that smile had an extra gleam to it. More like mischief, to be honest. He met me with a huge hug and started, “I read your column last week and was looking forward to talking with you about it. The one about men living shorter lives and the causes.” “Nice. Thank you,” I said. “But you had me looking for the end of your column,” he added quickly. “I was turning the page looking for the continuation. I say, ‘Like Caroline article get cut’,” he joked. “How come you left out the main reason men live less years than women? Where was the part about women being a cause?” And with that, we both fell apart with raucous laughter! Every time I speak on men’s life expectancy, the response is the same. It is such a popular position summarising the issue and one that has great comedic value: that women drive men to their deaths. During this past November, I did an early morning presentation where I offered up the anecdote to a group of retirees. They fully appreciated the humour, and my usual dramatic delivery, of this non-fact, amid all the scientific evidence

presented on healthier living. Still, was Steve making a valid observation, though? Scientifically, no. Nothing in the literature shows that women influence men’s mortality. To my mind, the social, biological and hereditary/genetic factors to make this argument are difficult to quantify and estimate impact, if any, of assumed “hazards” in the social interaction between men and women. What the literature suggests is that women should be at the other end of the longevity equation, given the social inequalities which characterise our existence. Women are known to experience “higher stress, more chronic disease, more depression, more anxiety and are more likely to be victims of violence” (theconversation.com/if-men-are-favoredin-our-society-why-do-theydie-younger-than-women). “Women earn less than men, and in many countries, they don’t have the same human rights as men,” says theconversation.com, noting that women outliving men is a phenomenon in every country, without a single exception. The available research generally concludes that women outlive men because men generally engage in riskier behaviours that are detrimental to health and life. Women, as well, take greater advantage of health innovations, accessing healthcare and paying more attention to the social determinants of health (SDoH), like their living conditions

(scientificamerica.com). The SDoH are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. The World Health Organization defines it as “the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. These forces and systems include economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, social policies, racism, climate change, and political systems” (who. int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health). Women have traditionally been disadvantaged in these systems and generally report worse health than men, despite outliving them. Many scholars conclude that it may not necessarily mean women are unhealthier but that, being more health aware, they are also the ones to report more health circumstances than their counterparts. Additionally, women are noted as better communicators and are more open to speaking about their problems, which improve diagnosis. They are more committed to their physical and mental well-being, while men are slower in initiating health interventions and are more likely to not adhere to treatment. Masculinity, says the conversation.com, is a socially learned construct that has unhealthy effects. “Many men define unhealthy and risky behaviours as masculine, while they see health care use and health-promoting

behaviours as feminine.” Now, the main idea behind this discussion is not a defence of Steve’s postulations, nor is it a promotion of women’s help-seeking and health-seeking behaviours as superior. The motive is to keep the conversation open with the hope of getting our men to consider other, or better responses to their health. Our men must become comfortable about their health and more open to conversations on the issues. You cannot know my joy that, like other men who have emailed, Steve is reading and responding, even if in jest. My aim in my community is to raise the volume on men’s health. Let us all – men, women and children – observe “Movember”. Let there be celebrations everywhere for International Men’s Day and let our advocacy to make men healthier be driven each day by the idea that our world would be healthier if they are. Let us get to a place and a day when wishing a man happy International Men’s Day gets more appreciation than the hurried hugs and palpable brush asides with, “That is a real thing?” Or “When is that? Today?” (actual responses in 2023). Combating such discomfiture among men is a campaign in itself! For now, farewell Movember. When we meet again, it will be with improved advocacy and under enhanced circumstances. (T&T Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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

Maduro cannot annex a Guyana Women Miners Org voices grave concerns over Venezuelan country by referendum President's statements

Dear Editor, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro must be a special kind of dunce to think that he can annex another country’s territory by referendum. This has no precedence in world affairs, and is plainly dumb. It’s an election gimmick opposed by the Venezuelan Opposition. Venezuela’s rigged referendum reminds me of Burnham’s 1978 rigged referendum, when he claimed 95% of “yes” votes when a make-believe massive turnout voted for the “House” and not the “Mouse,” endorsing the revamping of the Guyana Constitution to give Burnham and the PNC massive control over the people. The Guyana-Venezuela dispute is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). One party cannot go rogue and engage in a frolic of its own, to think it can pre-empt the process and take matters into its own hands. So, at Guyana’s request, the ICJ appropriately ruled that Venezuela is out of order. Now the Venezuelans would be seen as bad people with bad intentions, and that would likely go against them in the final ICJ ruling on the dispute. Guyana will win! The US State Department said on Monday it supports a peaceful resolution of the dispute, and

that the issue cannot be resolved by a referendum. One wonders what was in Mr. Maduro’s head as he conjured up a referendum, when he knows the USA lifted some sanctions on condition that he behaves himself and allows free and fair elections. As reported by S&P Global, “An escalation by Maduro raises the risk that the US reimpose sanctions on Venezuela. Those sanctions were lifted on Oct. 18 on the condition that Venezuela show some progress in election reforms by the end of November. They have not followed through on their part of the bargain," the State Department's Miller said. "There are two additional steps that we want to see them take. We want to see them release political prisoners, and we want to see them release wrongfully detained Americans. That was part of the framework agreement that we had come to with them. They have not carried out their part of the agreement. We urge them to do so. But at the same time, we are considering the matter, and will suspend some of the sanctions’ relief that we put in place earlier this year if we determine that adequate progress to the commitments they made to us has not been made." (“US might reimpose sanctions on Venezuela following vote

to annex Guyana territory,” SPGlobal.com, Dec 4, 2023). Why would a leader take actions that would hurt his country and people if deadly sanctions are reimposed? For Guyana’s part, both the Government and Opposition PNC must be congratulated for showing a united front. The PNC’s Carl Greenidge was Guyana’s Agent at the ICJ. The people of Guyana everywhere marched and assembled in activities to support their Government. Just think what can happen if we similarly mobilise the people to call for a renegotiation of the bad oil contracts. The Government must be commended for activating all the diplomatic channels, and the support was overwhelming. Cheap criticisms of why the President was abroad was too nitpicky; as, clearly, diplomatic action was ongoing on all fronts. Luckily, people ignored the negative rumour-mongering that Venezuela’s troops were massing at the borders, ready to invade. I encourage our border communities to stay put and stand strong. As Comrade Cheddi said to us, “Don’t worry, everything will be alright.” Guyana is winning! Sincerely, Dr Jerry Jailall

Dear Editor, In these uncertain times, the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) extends its heartfelt concerns to all, as we witness the unfolding developments surrounding the Venezuelan referendum and the recent issuance of a new map that includes Guyana’s Essequibo county. The statements made by the Venezuelan President are deeply troubling, and have prompted us to reach out to the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, seeking clarity on national security measures. As an organization dedicated to the support and empowerment of women in the mining sector, we recognize the potential impacts on the peace and stability we currently enjoy, particularly in the Essequibo county, where our extensive mining operations are based. The gravity of the situation demands that we, as responsible citizens, come together in unity and vigilance to safeguard our sovereignty. It is with this sense of duty that we extend an impassioned call to all Guyanese citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may threaten or in-

fringe upon our beloved nation's sovereignty. Your watchful eyes and commitment to our collective well-being are invaluable in these challenging times. In a letter dated December 3, 2023, addressed to Hon. Robeson Benn, Minister of Home Affairs, we have sought clarity on critical matters pertaining to national security measures. We have emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activities promptly and effectively. The timely flow of information is crucial in maintaining national security and ensuring the well-being of our fellow citizens. In this spirit, clarity was sought on modality established to centralise reports. While we are confident that the Government of Guyana and Guyana’s international partners are making every effort to resolve this situation diplomatically, the need for us to prepare in the event of a change in circumstanc-

es cannot be understated. In the aforementioned communication to Minister Benn, we have raised concerns about the need for an emergency plan for mining districts, considering the rugged terrain of the Essequibo county. The safety of our miners and citizens working and residing in Essequibo is of paramount importance, and we eagerly await the requested information, in order to be prepared in the event of an emergency. As we eagerly await a response from Hon. Robeson Benn, we remain committed to the well-being of our nation and its citizens. Let us stand together, united and vigilant, to ensure that Guyana continues to thrive in peace and prosperity. Together, as One Guyana, we shall overcome any challenges that may come our way. Sincerely, Guyana Women Miners Org (GWMO)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions

By Walter Mac Lawrence

n this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate density by making grapes float. Materials: Several grapes Masking tape Marker Sugar 4 drinking glasses Measuring cup

Instructions: Place a piece of masking tape on each glass. Label each glass #1 through #4 using the marker. Fill the #4 glass part ways with warm water and stir in several tablespoons of

sugar. Test the sugar mixture and see if the grape floats. Keep adding sugar until the grape floats. Do not worry if there is a little sugar that does not dissolve completely. Fill the #1 glass with warm water. Place a grape in the #1 glass and observe what happens. Fill the #2 glass with some of the sugar solution. Place a grape in the #2 glass and observe what happens. Fill the #3 glass with the remaining sugar water. Next, carefully fill the rest of glass #3 with water. You want to do so in a way that does not disturb the heavier sugar water in the bottom of the glass. You may want to place a spoon just above the sugar solution

layer and gently trickle regular water down over the spoon. Now place a grape inside glass #3 and observe what happens. How it works: A grape is denser than water and will sink in regular tap water. As sugar is dissolved into water, the water eventually becomes denser than the grape. The grape will then appear to “float” on top of the denser solution. Make this a science project: Test other items that sink in water and then try to make sugar solutions to see if you can get the item to float. Try making solutions with salt or other items. (sciencefun.org)

My Guyana, El Dorado Best of all the world to me, In my heart where’er I wander Memory enshrineth thee; All my hopes and aspirations, All my longings only tie Everlasting bonds around us As the fleeting years roll by. My Guyana, time’s unfolding More and more thy destiny To redeem in lasting splendour All the years had lost to thee; And the dawning of thy glory O’er the long long night is cast, O arise, triumphant, glorious, From the ashes of the past.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rough terrain, adverse weather challenge search for 7 missing GDF ranks, helicopter …search to resume today

Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan

n a rapid response to a distress call sent by the captain of a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Bell412 helicopter, search and rescue teams, alongside Guyana's Special Forces, have been deployed into the deep jungle between Arau and Eteringbang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). The mission's primary objective is to locate seven Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks along with a Bell-412 helicopter that disappeared during a border operation in the Ekereku River area of Region Seven on Wednesday. The GDF helicopter, commanded by military aviators Lieutenant Colonel (Reserve) Mike Charles and Lieutenant Colonel Andio Michael Crawford, transmitted an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal at about 11:20h on Wednesday. Onboard were other distinguished officers, including retired

Brigadier Gary Beaton; Colonel Michael Shahoud; Lt. Colonel Sean Welcome; Sergeant Jason Khan, and Corporal Dwayne Jackson. Having departed from Base Camp Ayanganna, the helicopter transmitted an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal at 11:20h around 30 miles east of Arau. Despite challenging weather conditions, search and rescue teams tirelessly worked to locate the ranks, yet their efforts proved unsuccessful. Guyana Times understands that the Skyvan which was dispatched in search of the missing servicemen had arrived at the area from where the distress signal was sent. However, due to the bad weather, the aerial visibility was poor, forcing the Skyvan to land at the nearest aerodrome at Blake Slate, which is situated some five miles away from where the distress signal originated.

At a press conference at Base Camp Ayanganna on Wednesday evening, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan, announced the suspension of search efforts late Wednesday afternoon, with plans to resume early Thursday (today). "I am confident that what we would have gained today [Wednesday] on the terrain and other data, it will be a better day tomorrow," expressed the Chief of Staff. Brigadier Khan explained that the search

was temporarily halted due to adverse weather conditions, but would resume as the weather improved. He expressed optimism about the experienced personnel on board, and suggested the ELT signal indicated a possible crash landing. "On receipt of that ELT signal, we activated our analysis. We attempted to make contact with the aircraft, and no communication was obtained. We immediately activated our search-and-rescue process, and this involved coordination across our own ser-

vices and with the Private Sector," explained Brigadier Khan. Amid heightened tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, and with the Venezuelan President’s recent actions declaring Essequibo a new Venezuelan state, disappearance of the Guyana Defence Force helicopter raises concerns. However, GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Khan has said, "I am not in receipt of any of information that would indicate such a scenario." He said the crew and

military personnel on board the helicopter are some of the more experienced members of the Guyana Defence Force. As such, he would remain optimistic that they would be found alive and well. Khan emphasised the GDF's commitment to communicating with the families, and vowed to intensify search efforts as weather conditions improve. GDF has confirmed collaboration with Privatesector aircraft operators in the ongoing search efforts. (G9)

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teen freed of causing death by dangerous driving charge A

don De Silva, an 18-year-old resident of Lot 621 Charity Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, was on Tuesday found not guilty of causing the death of Mannieram Sooklall by dangerous driving after Charity Magistrate Esther Sam upheld the no-case submission made on his behalf by Attorney-atlaw Bernard Da Silva. It was alleged that on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Charity Extension Scheme Access Road on the Essequibo Coast, De Silva drove an unregistered Raptor all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of 36-yearold Sooklall, of Lot 403 Charity. According to the no-case submission made by Attorney Da Silva, Asif Jamaladeen, pillion rider on the ATV at the time of the accident, was the only witness who could account for what took place on the night of the fatal accident; and that witness has said in his testimo-

Freed: Adon De Silva

ny that there were a few speed bumps on the route that he and De Silva were travelling. According to Da Silva, Jamaladeen said they spotted a crowd gathered at a spot on the road when they were heading back, and when they went to find out what was going on, they discovered a man, later identified as Sooklall, lying in what looked like blood.

In his November 3, 2022 caution statement, Da Silva stated that the following is what his client informed the Police: “Officer, I bin a ride my motorbike, and I see a man lay down on the road bleeding, and I go home and tell my father.” From this, the lawyer reasoned, it could be logically concluded that Sooklall was already injured when his client saw him. “There is evidence, during the trial and from evidence disclosed, that the deceased is a person known to imbibe alcohol, and also smokes cigarettes,” Da Silva submitted. The certifying officer, a Police rank who examined the ATV, stated in his testimony that the vehicle appeared undamaged; that the brakes, steering, and lights were all in good working condition; and that no bloodstains were apparent on it, the attorney said. Da Silva emphasised in his submissions that neither the prosecution nor any of the

witnesses, Police ranks or civilians, had mentioned seeing tyre marks on the now-dead man, nor had a pathologist been called to explain Sooklall's injuries or cause of death. Considering this, the lawyer submitted, “This injury that caused the death of this individual can be occasioned by someone hitting the deceased to his head with an object. It can be inferred that a vehicle of this weight and construct hitting someone and running them over must have created more damage than the injuries recorded on the PM [post mortem] report. “There was no conclusive evidence that the injuries seen are consistent with a road accident, or that the other injuries, which appear to be minor, could be ascribed to an accident involving the type of vehicle the defendant was in control of on the 3rd of November, 2022.” In the circumstances, Da Silva argued, the state failed to discharge its evidential burden of proof. Consequently, his cli-

Dead: Mannieram Sooklall

ent should not be called upon to lead a defence. Concurring with defence counsel’s submission, Magistrate Sam upheld the nocase submission and dismissed the charge against De Silva. According to reports, on November 3, 2022, at about 19:00h, the ATV driven by the teenager was proceeding along the road at an allegedly fast rate of speed when the driver suddenly lost control and al-

legedly collided with Sooklall, who was standing in front of his home. The Police had stated that the teen had reportedly stopped at the scene, but after seeing Sooklall lying on the roadway motionless in a pool of blood, he fled without providing any assistance to the injured man. Sooklall was left on the scene for a while, until he was picked up by a public-spirited citizen and rushed to the Oscar Joseph Hospital at Charity, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. De Silva had been out on $300,000 bail pending the hearing and determination of his trial. In addition to the death by dangerous driving charge, De Silva had also been charged with being an unlicensed driver. To that charge, he pleaded guilty and was fined $50,000. Meanwhile, his father, Henry De Silva, had been charged with permitting his son to use an unregistered vehicle. After pleading guilty, the older De Silva was fined $100,000. (G8)

Cops facing corruption charges remanded to prison

Constable Julian Smartt

Constable Winston Williams

fter their arraignment on Wednesday before Chief Magistrate (ag) Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, two Policemen have been remanded to prison on charges of corruptly accepting money and of attempting to so do. Police Constable Julian Smartt, 30, being represented by Attorney-at-Law Patrice Henry; and Constable Winston Williams, 25, being represented by Attorney-at-Law Jevon Cox, stood before the acting Chief Magistrate to answer a joint charge which detailed that on November 29, at the Prashad Nagar Police Outpost, while being agents of the Government, they attempted to obtain $150,000 from Qi Li Lin as inducement from the said Qi Li Lin to forgo prosecution for the following offences: restriction on handheld device use while driving; uninsured motor vehicle; and unlicensed motor vehicle; an act in relation to their principal duty. It is further alleged that on November 29, Constable Williams obtained $30,000 from Qi Li Lin as inducement from the said Qi Li Lin to forgo prosecution for the above-stated offences; an act in relation to his principal duty.

These defendants have not been required to plead to the indictable charges. Both lawyers asked the court to grant their clients reasonable bail, stating that their clients pose no flight risk, and that they would comply with any bail requirements. Henry said his client could not afford to post a $10M station bail. However, Police Legal Advisor, Attorney-at-Law Mandel Moore, opposed the two being released on bail, pointing out that the offences are serious and carry a severe penalty. Additionally, he made reference to the defendants' oath of service and protection as members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Both Police ranks have been remanded to prison after being denied bail. The magistrate has given an explanation for her decision to deny them bail, citing the gravity and frequency of the offence, as well as the interest of the public. She did, however, let the Policemen's attorneys know that they could ask a Judge to grant bail. The next date for this matter is December 20. Constable Smartt, of Lot C 14 Guyhoc, Georgetown, and Constable Williams, of Lot 406 Grove, East Bank Demerara,

have both been interdicted from duty. Police Headquarters had announced on Tuesday that after receiving a report of an alleged $8M robbery committed on Qi Li Lin, a thorough probe carried out resulted in the arrest of Constable Smartt and Constable Williams. The Police have said that evidence has revealed that these Police Constables had both conspired with the principal offenders to rob the virtual complainant of his property. Police have said they are on the hunt for the principal offenders. “Detectives are in possession of evidence showing Constable Smartt taking the suspects to the crime scene. After the robbery was committed, Smartt and Williams (both of whom were on motorcycles and in uniform) were seen escorting the suspects to an area known as Rasville [in Georgetown],” a statement from the Police said. “A file was prepared and sent to the Police Legal Advisor Mr Mandel Moore, who advised that, based on the facts, there is sufficient evidence to charge both accused jointly with the offence of ‘Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, to wit Robbery Under Arms, contrary to Section 34 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01,” the statement added. Police have also said that the cops are scheduled to be arraigned on this charge on Tuesday. However, Attorney Henry informed this publication on Wednesday that the Police were forced to withdraw the charge due to a lack of supporting evidence. He reasoned that the Police could file the charge only if they had managed to track down the two masterminds.(G1)

NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Referendum not valid mechanism to resolve territorial issues – former Presidents of South America, Central America to Maduro …condemn Venezuela’s lack of respect for international order

PLEASE SEE FULL STATEMENT ISSUED ON WEDNESDAY BY THE FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY GROUP.

Iván Duque Ex-President of Colombia

Sebastián Piñera E. Ex-President of Chile

Andrés Pastrana Ex-President of Colombia

Mauricio Macri Ex-President of Argentina

Miguel Ángel Rodríguez Ex-President of Costa Rica

Mariano Rajoy Ex-President of Spain

Vicente Fox Ex-President of México

Jeanine Áñez Ex-President of Bolivia

Mireya Moscoso Ex-President of Panama

reedom and Democracy Group categorically condemns the undemocratic, unilateral attempt without respect for international law by Nicolás Maduro and the Government of Venezuela to resolve their territorial claims over Guyana Essequibo The Freedom and Democracy Group categorically condemns the attempt by Nicolás Maduro and the Government of Venezuela to resolve their territorial claims over Guyana in an undemocratic, unilateral manner and without respect for the international order. We reaffirm that the way to resolve differences between States are bilateral agreements and mechanisms established by international law. We express that dialogue, agreements and full respect for interna-

tional law are the only way to achieve peaceful, fair and sustainable solutions over time. In this case, the territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela has been correctly submitted to the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, which is the competent body to resolve it. We firmly believe that the opportunistic celebration of the referendum held on December 3 is not a valid mechanism to resolve territorial issues between sovereign States. We condemn Venezuela’s attempt to use this tool to legitimise a serious threat against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana, international law and peace in the region. Likewise, we repudiate the use of this conflict to justify the arrest warrants against 13 opposition lead-

ers, including members of the work team of presidential candidate María Corina Machado. The public presentation of a map of Venezuela, which considers the territory of Guayana Esequiba annexed to Venezuela, the movement of troops of the Venezuelan Army on the border, the administrative creation of a new region called Guayana Esequiba, and the aggressive rhetoric used by Nicolás Maduro during the last few days, are events of the utmost seriousness, and that should alert the international community, and especially the United Nations and the OAS. The condemnation of this aggressive and illegal behaviour must be clear, firm and transversal. It is necessary to emphasize that the regime of Nicolás Maduro has seriously, sys-

Mario Abdo Ex-President of Paraguay

Jorge Tuto Quiroga Ex-President of Bolivia

Felipe Calderón Ex-President of México

Luis Fortuño Ex-Governor of Puerto Rico

tematically and for decades violated international law, democratic principles, and the human rights of the people of Venezuela. This attempt to threaten the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana is another example of the urgency to re-establish freedoms, the rule of law and democracy in Venezuela, and to move towards more effective international governance to prevent and control this type of abuse. Today, in addition,

Venezuela’s actions violate a binding order from the International Court of Justice not to take any action that changes the status of the disputed territory. Finally, we reiterate our call to the international community to demand the implementation of a fair, free, and transparent electoral process in Venezuela, which ensures a transition towards a more free, democratic, fair and prosperous Venezuela.

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Substandard work in construction sector leads CCAC complaints in 2023 T

he Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) is reporting a 20 per cent increase in consumer complaints this year so far, compared to the corresponding period in 2022. Head of the Consumer Affairs Unit, Rusante Perry, has said that 469 complaints, valued at in excess of $400 million, were lodged. Of this number, 395 were resolved, resulting in $125 million being returned to consumers. According to Perry, an unprecedented and alarming number of complaints were made for the construction industry, which is currently experiencing an economic boom due to Government’s housing drive. “A small amount of the complaints are related to material, but a consider-

Head of the Consumer Affairs Unit, Rusante Perry

able percentage is based on the substandard work that consumers are receiving; or incomplete work: meaning, they pay the contractor X amount to complete the project, and the contractor abandons the project. So, we have a lot of those

coming in, where consumers are unable to reach out to those contractors even though their work was not completed,” Perry has said. According to Perry, the commission will, in 2024, amplify its efforts to education new land and home owners about the dos and don’ts when selecting a contractor, purchasing materials, and providing payment in advance for works to be completed. In the meantime, Perry is urging citizens to utilise the information provided in the commission’s home builder road map, which was established in 2020 as a guide for those new to the industry. “We usually have to have an independent expert involved in these cases, because we are not experts in construction; so, we usually contract let’s

say a civil engineer to assess the work, and that will be based on the quality as well as the incompleteness of the work. They usually have to give us a cost to complete it, and so on. Based on that, we carry out the investigation. If it’s not completed at the investigative (stage), then it is (forwarded) to the board for hearing,” she said. Radio personality Feliz Robertson recently took to social media to detail her harrowing experience with a shoddy contractor who shafted her out of approximately $4 million which she had advanced him to construct her home. Due to the subpar work done by the contractor, Robertson had found herself in need of significant repairs to her home, which she was notified of after having a professional engineer examine

the building. Robertson used the opportunity to appeal to the Guyanese public to operate with due diligence and do background checks on contractors before hiring them. Meanwhile, Real Estate Director Mohammed Shaheed of Patentia, West Bank Demerara, was on November 4 arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on charges of receiving money under false pretenses. The father of five is accused of deceiving Terrence Sobers into giving him $26 million between April 15, 2021 and July 25, 2023 by pretending to be in a position to purchase land and build houses. Shaheed has been placed on bail in the sum of $500,000, and is

scheduled to reappear in court later this month. The Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission has said it would be amplifying its business complaints inspection exercises in 2024 to ensure the items being advertised by suppliers are appropriate for sale; and would be creating more sensitisation content which will be administered through social media platforms as well as on radio and television. This is in an effort to educate consumers and suppliers about their rights, as stipulated in the Consumer Affairs Act. Further, the commission is reminding citizens to always collect receipts and warranty for items purchased, since these documents are crucial for resolving cases.

11 M&CC to build food compost facility to promote waste separation NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…Canadian company signals interest

he Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is looking to construct a compost facility at its municipal Solid Waste Management Department compound on Princes Street, Georgetown. The Council’s Director of Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine, told Guyana Times in an interview that design of the facility has been completed, and in this regard, the project’s budget is included in his department’s 2024 budget estimate. He said the goal is to have the facility operational by mid-2024, given that M&CC is hoping to amplify is waste management efforts around the city. “The plan for 2024 even if it’s not mid-year, the latter part of the year - we’ll have at least two or three constituencies fully engaged in waste separation, and we take that separated item component of the waste and rework it, and we do compost with it. Because I cannot sit here

Director of the M&CC Solid Waste Management Department, Walter Narine

another year and oversee waste being disposed like this,” Narine declared. The idea, he said, is to have Georgetown citizens separate their food waste from other wastes, including industrial, household, biomedical and radioactive wastes. Food waste will then be taken to the facility to be decomposed, and citizens would either keep their compost for agricul-

tural activities or leave it at the facility to be repurposed. Narine is optimistic that the project would allow M&CC to save revenue that is currently being used to collect waste in bulk monthly. “Right now, we are giving each constituency one clearance per week, and that bill is $23 million for the Council every month;

Bartica man charged with rape of 11-year-old girl

ccused of raping an 11-year-old girl, Kevin De Souza, a 41-year-old resident of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), appeared before Bartica Magistrate Esther Sam and was not required to plead to the indictable charge of rape of a child under 16 years old, contrary to Section 10(3) of the Sexual

Rape accused Kevin De Souza

Offences Act, Chapter 8:03. This rape is alleged to have occurred at Bartica between July 1 and 31, 2021. De Souza has been placed on $300,000 cash bail, and the matter has been adjourned to December 22. The highest penalty for rape is life in prison. (G1)

Den Amstel man on $400,000 bail over fatal accident

harged with driving motorcar PSS 4126 dangerously and causing the death of 37-yearold Arnold Padmore of Lot 30 Blankenburg, WCD in October 2022, Kerwin Ward has pleaded not guilty as charged before Leonora Magistrate Zamilla AllySeepaul on Tuesday, and has been placed on $400,000 bail. The 36-year-old construction worker and resident of Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara has been instructed to return to court on January 11, 2024 for the continuation of his case. According to Police investigations, on October

Kerwin Ward

24, 2022, at 05:30h, Ward’s car, PSS 4126, was travelling eastward at a high rate of speed along the Anna

Catherina Public Road on the WCD when he lost control of the vehicle and it crashed into two other cars, HD 3279 and PPP 8734, as well as an unregistered lorry that was parked on the parapet of the road. Padmore, who was sitting in the front passenger seat of Ward’s car, was injured in the incident. Public-spirited individuals pulled him from the car in an unconscious state and took him to Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he received treatment for a broken left leg and head injuries. However, Padmore passed away on April 27, 2023, while bedridden at home. (G1)

Example of a food compost facility

so, if we should increase collection for those constituencies, make it two times collection, you see our cost will go up, and our revenue base has not increased for the last three to five years…so I’m confident that if we take that food waste component out, we’ll be able to manage waste collection better.” Further, Narine disclosed that a Canadian company has already sig-

nalled its interest to assist Council with establishment of the facility.

Benefits of compost

Compost is used to improve soil structure through the addition of carbon, and provide plants with nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), which improve the physio-chemical and biological properties of the

soil. Compost also plays a key role in helping the soil retain moisture, and would increase the earthworm and microbial population which serve as biological controls against unwanted pests. Countries such as France, China, Canada and Japan are among the many states that use compost to boost their food production sectors.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana advocates mental health literacy as foundation for national wellness A

dvisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, has emphasised the critical need for a strong literacy program in Guyana as a fundamental precursor to discussions about wellness. Speaking at the third Guyana Mental Health and Well-Being Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Tuesday, Dr Ramsammy underscored the pivotal role of mental health education in shaping a healthier society. In his address, Dr Ramsammy highlighted the imperative of integrating mental health awareness into the school curriculum, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive review. He asserted that building a foundation of mental health literacy is essential for healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, as they embark on their careers. “I have a special message…the curriculum needs to be reviewed. Mental health must be a significant part of training when a doctor or a nurse

Advisor to the Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

comes out,” he said. While acknowledging the strides made in legislation, Dr. Ramsammy also acknowledged the challenges posed by resource limitations in implementing past mental health programs comprehensively across the country. He assured the audience of ongoing efforts by the Health Ministry to conduct research and establish a holistic mental health program. “Guyana is in the process of contracting a firm so that by the first half of 2024, a functional electronic medical record is in place,” he said.

The advisor cautioned against relying on potentially misleading statistics, urging the public to place greater confidence in the expertise of professionals and the Ministry of Health. He addressed the misconception of Guyana having the highest suicide rate and announced plans for a functional electronic medical record system by the first half of 2023 to ensure accurate data. Dr Ramsammy detailed the implementation of a suspicion index for depression in 2023, allowing professionals such as nurses and teachers to iden-

10 children to undergo lifechanging surgeries as GPHC collaborates with GOLI

Some of the 22 expert team members hailing from the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Australia

he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) today announced its continued collaboration with Gift of Life International (GOLI) for the second Paediatric Cardiac Mission of 2023. Building on the success of the March mission, where eight young patients underwent life-changing surgeries, this ongoing initiative aims to extend the

healing touch to even more children in need. Ten young patients, ranging from eight months to 16 years old, have been identified to undergo critical cardiac surgeries during this week-long mission, providing them with a renewed chance at a healthy and vibrant life. The mission kicked off with thorough screenings conducted by a collaborative team of medical pro-

fessionals from GPHC and GOLI, ensuring a tailored and comprehensive approach to addressing each patient’s unique needs. This international collaboration boasts a team of 22 experts hailing from the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia and Australia. They will be supported by 50 staff members from Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

tify individuals with mental health issues promptly. The government's commitment to mental health was further demonstrated by the recent passage of the Mental Health Bill and Suicide Prevention Bill, adopting modernized strategies to address mental health challenges. “Suicide kills people, mental health disorders kill people and that understanding we need to develop, not only among ordinary people, among us, policy makers, service providers, our doctors and nurses and unless we have a strong mental health literacy programme, we cannot talk about wellness,” he asserted.

High quality

Looking ahead, Dr Ramsammy expressed confidence in Guyana's dedication to fostering a high-quality mental health program, vowing to allocate adequate budgets to comprehensively address mental health issues. The forthcoming operational electronic health record system aims to streamline data management and calculation processes, marking a significant step towards a more robust mental health infrastructure in Guyana. Meanwhile, the country representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nicolas Pron, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health in schools. “Next year, UNICEF

Country Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nicolas Pron

will be gathering available data to support the development of a comprehensive mental health plan which will be used to guide the implementation of further interventions,” Pron said. UNICEF is working with the Ministry of Education in Guyana to explore ways to incorporate mental wellness into the curriculum. Pron mentioned that acting early is crucial for tackling poor mental health, and UNICEF plans to gather data to support the development of a comprehensive mental health plan. The Health Ministry in Guyana, in collaboration with UNICEF, launched a pilot program on mental health and psychosocial well-being for children and adolescents this year. Additionally, new mental health and suicide prevention legislation was developed to ensure proper care for individuals. The conference, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the University of Guyana, and

international bodies, aims to discuss global responses and recommendations for dealing with mental health. Emmanuel Cummings, UG’s Deputy ViceChancellor, highlighted the university's engagement with the Education Ministry to have social workers in schools. He emphasized the role of parenting and late interventions in contributing to mental health issues. Professor Christina Hoven from Columbia University suggested enrolling in the Guyana Research in Injury and Trauma Training (GRITT) program to contribute to mental health research and capacity-building in trauma and injury prevention. The GRITT program focuses on understanding and developing interventions to prevent trauma and injury, including suicide and automobile crashes, with the next cohort registration starting on March 15, 2024. (G9)

NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Take Venezuela’s threats seriously – Pres Ali tells US …urges US to relook at lifting of sanctions against Venezuela

aking it clear that Guyana is engaging all its allies, including the United States (US), on the threat Venezuela poses to Guyana and the region, President Dr. Irfaan Ali also urged the US to relook at its current policy of lifting sanctions against the Spanishspeaking country, during an interview with US-based news network CNN. The Head of State on Wednesday said the hemisphere cannot afford another situation like the one currently occurring in Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia over a year ago. President Ali urged the United States to take Venezuela’s threats seriously, possibly even relook at

sanctions against Venezuela, which it has steadily been easing throughout the year on condition that the Nicolas Maduro regime allows free and fair elections and releases unjustly held political prisoners. “So, this is one school of thought: that a lot of this has to do with the internal politics of Venezuela, and President Maduro trying to distract from the internal politics. But

that is Venezuela’s issue,” President Ali said during the interview. “What he is doing is creating a direct threat to Guyana, and working towards creating

instability in the region. And I think the US ought to take this into consideration. We expect the President Biden administration would look at the behaviour of Venezuela in relation to the sanctions themselves,” President Ali said. President Ali noted that Guyana is working hard at the diplomatic level, engaging a number of regional allies on military support. Additionally, organizations such as

the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) are also being engaged. “We’re working at a diplomatic level. We’ve engaged a number of our allies and friends within the region in relation to defence cooperation. The Department of Defense of the United States and the Guyana Defence Force, they have a very elaborate cooperation pact. They are fully engaged on this matter,” the President said. “We’re engaging State Department. We’re engaging the White House. President Lula and myself had conversations. CELAC, Caricom, Commonwealth and the OAS, they’re all engaged on this matter, so they can weigh in in ensuring that Venezuela does not act in a reckless or adventurous manner,” he disclosed. According to President Ali, Guyana continues to engage the United States Army Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) as well as the US Department of Defense and the US State Department. He was hopeful that within the next 24 hours, “a lot of strong statements and strong

President Dr Irfaan Ali during his CNN interview

communication to Venezuela will be released. “Caricom has issued a very strong statement. The OAS has issued very strong statements. Commonwealth has

to have discussions with Maduro and his team. And that team came back, and what we saw is that Brazil has increased their presence on their border with Venezuela.

issued very strong statement. We are working now with CELAC so that CELAC can issue a very strong statement,” President Ali said. “I think President Lula also sent a team to Venezuela

President Lula has given assurance that Brazil stands strongly with Guyana. And they would not see any reckless behaviour by Venezuela.” On Tuesday, State Department Spokesman

Matthew Miller said in a tweet that the US was not satisfied with the pace at which Venezuela was releasing Venezuelan and American prisoners who were unjustly imprisoned on trumped up political charges. In that tweet, he had said that the US was already reviewing the lifting of sanctions. “Due to lack of significant progress by Nicolas Maduro and his representatives on the release of wrongfully detained U.S. nationals and Venezuelan political prisoners, the U.S. is reviewing our sanctions’ relief as we assess what progress has been made,” Miller had said. Meanwhile, the former Governor of Florida, America politician John Ellis "Jeb" Bush, took to social media on Wednesday, saying, “The Biden Administration should make clear that any effort by Venezuela to take Guyana territory will be responded to by the US militarily.” Other senior officials made similar remarks.

Energy Linkup aims at including more Guyanese in oil & gas …will help generate more opportunities – Canada-Guyana Chamber

nergy Linkup, an initiative aimed at reaching and including wider cross-sections of Guyanese into conversations on the oil and gas sector, has been launched by the Canada/Guyana Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) with the intention of removing as many barriers to entry to the sector for ordinary Guyanese, and generate more job opportunities. The launching was done during a ceremony at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) on Wednesday. Dr. Surendra Persaud, a director on the Canada/Guyana Chamber of Commerce Board, which is spearheading the event, explained how the idea was initiated. According to Persaud, a common encounter the Chamber has had during outreaches around the country was with persons who wanted more information on the oil and gas sector but could not

attend other more exclusive events that were held in the city and catered to both local and international attendees. “We are all aware that we have had a lot of conferences, a lot of events where we are trying to share information. But many of us who have travelled the length and breadth of Guyana (and) spoken to our friends and families recognize that there are gaps; that for the vast majority of Guyanese, there are gaps in our knowledge. “And we are quite aware that many of these persons are unable to access the conferences we have from time to time, for a variety of reasons: the amount of people who can attend, the price point, etc. So, one of the things the Chamber discussed was having an event that would be targeting the broader Guyanese audience, not changing the topics.” Persaud made it clear that this will only be the first step in a series of recurring events, and further explained that

From left, Charge d’Affaires at the Canadian High Commission, Jake Thomas; CGCC CEO, Rochelle Parasram; CGCC Director Dr Surendra Persaud, and media specialist Alex Graham

subsequent events would be increased in scope. Meanwhile, Charge d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission, Jake Thomas, welcomed the initiative and noted that Guyana’s oil and gas sector is positioned at the right time for the event. “There’s a lot to talk about in the energy story, and how Canada can play

into it. Canada’s Frontera/ CGX partnership just recently announced only the second commercial grade discovery in Guyana’s offshore waters recently. We have so many SMEs working in the energy industry, both offshore and onshore, there’s too many to name, but an example of new generation of power is Canada’s Instream

Energy, who is looking to pilot riverine turbine technology, and have recently signed an MOU with Reunion Gold to explore providing power to the future tier one line. That is five million ounces gold in the ground, so Canadian generated energy for Canadian mining company.” It was meanwhile explained during the brief-

ing that the Energy link up, which will be akin to a conference, will be held from the 21st to 22nd of June, 2024 on the tarmac of the National Cultural Center (NCC). The Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce is a non-partisan institution that promotes investments and trade between Guyana and Canada. Since the establishment of the chamber two years ago, significant growth has been recorded in trade between the two countries. For instance, in 2021, merchandise trade totalled Cdn$238.2 million between the two countries. In addition, exports to Guyana for 2021 were valued at $28.6 million, while imports from Guyana were valued at $199.6 million. In 2022, the value of the bilateral merchandise trade totalled $294.1 million, with imports valued at $241.4 million and exports valued at $52.7 million.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

128 new medical professionals added to health sector assured the graduates that ample opportunities for professional development exist within the local health sector. “There is a role for all of you, and there are opportunities for you to develop yourself. There’s an opportunity for you to grow, and we are adding new programmes whereby you can grow. “So, I hope that as you graduate today, you think about the career path that you would like to have in the Ministry. We want you to stay with us for as long as possible, and not just start your career with us, but

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony along with some of the graduates on Wednesday

ne hundred and twenty-eight health care professionals graduated on Wednesday from the Health Sciences Education’s Clinical and Technical Training Programme of the Ministry of Health. The graduates comprise 24 pharmacy assis-

tants, 22 dental assistants, 22 medical lab technicians, 18 Environmental Health Assistants, 15 X-ray technicians, and 24 Medexes. These professionals would be dispatched to the various administrative regions. According to a DPI report, in his charge to the graduates at the National

Cultural Centre (NCC), Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony noted that Guyana is on a move to develop the health sector as never seen before. The Health Minister pointed to the ongoing advancements in infrastructure, and the training of doctors and nurses. He re-

hopefully, you’ll end your career with us,” the Health Minister is quoted by DPI as saying. Anthony noted that this is just a portion of the persons that the Ministry has trained as it develops the system. Some training programmes have also been decentralised. This batch of students commenced training on September 12, 2022 and were engaged in clinical, practical and technical components of training, and also served on six-week attachments for more practical knowledge.

Region 5 church hosts health fair, promotes preventative health care, HIV services

church in Region Five (Ma ha ica-Berbice) hosted a health fair last weekend, in which it promoted preventative health care with the focus being also on HIV and promoting medication that can be used to prevent persons from contracting the virus. The Tabernacle of Praise Ministry, located in Rosignol, West Coast Berbice, is involved in various community activities, including the promotion of health and wellness. Mini health fairs and medical outreaches are included, and one such activity was held over the weekend. Apart from focusing on health, the activity was dubbed “Christmas in November”, as patients received medical supplies. Community Coordinator Dr Hagar Muhammad, one of the medical doctors who works in Region Five, has said the annual event went a bit deeper than most medical outreaches. “It is health promotion and teaching preventative methods. For example, we have the nutrition booth, where you can get advice on how you should eat and about a balanced diet, reducing your salt intake, etc. We also have a breast cancer screening booth and we also have a medication safety booth in terms of how you store your medication…On Friday, we observed World AIDS Day, and the theme was ‘Let communities lead’. So, we have a booth here sensitising the public about HIV and what it entails, and the services offered in the Region and across the country,” he explained. The region offers HIV

Dr Hagar Muhammad

counselling and testing; care for persons living with HIV, which includes medication for them. PEP [post-exposure prophylaxis], which is a preventative medication where someone who might have been involved in risky behaviour or may have come in contact with someone who is suspected to be HIV positive, can be used to prevent becoming HIV positive, Dr Muhammad explained. “We also have PrEP [Pre-exposure prophylaxis], which is preventative medication that you can use if you are going to behave in sexual activity and you are not going to use protection. Though we always advise persons to use protection, but there are persons that might not, we have medication that you can use 72 hours before, to prevent you from becoming HIV positive,” the doctor explained. Close to 9,700 persons are living with the virus locally. Of that number, some 6,800 are enrolled in various HIV/AIDS clinics and are receiving the treatment. Meanwhile, the new HIV medication, which compris-

es Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Dolutegravir (TLD), is one of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) best-recommended antiretrovirals (ARVs). The drug reduces the viral load in individuals who are HIV positive, and within 14 days, once they remain on the drug, the virus can become suppressed. Dr Muhammad said everything is available to help break the chain of HIV incidents in the country. Meanwhile, the outreach, or health fair, also facilitated the treatment of medical infections and provided medical advice. “Also treating acute infections such as respiratory infections, and we are also doing some health promotion which is to inform persons of all of the services we have available in Region Five,” the doctor has said. The doctor also took the opportunity to advise persons to utilize the services available at health centres in the region. “That is where you can go and have a one-on-one with a doctor, who is a community doctor that also focuses on chronic diseases. We also have two hospitals in the region, and that is where you can go in terms of an emergency,” he explained. Meanwhile, the community centre is on the second storey of the building, and according to Dr Muhammad, plans are in train to begin a literacy programme for both adults and children. She said the space can be used for other community activities, including the holding of workshops and similar functions. (G4)

15 Opposition trying to manufacture scandal from Govt’s decision to import chicken – Agri Ministry NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Agriculture Ministry on Wednesday reiterated that the Government has made a decision for the temporary importation of chicken following inadequate supply over recent months. According to the ministry, most Caribbean countries are also affected by a shortfall in production which is primarily due to challenges that resulted from Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) and increased temperatures and humidity over the last few months; conditions that are not ideal for broiler production. The ministry added that the temporary importation was recommended by the National

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Poultry Association and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry. This decision, was made public in June of this year. “On December 1, 2023, having passed the require-

ments at the port of entry at Molsen Creek, two trucks bearing license plate numbers GAE 5137 and GAE 6041 which were transporting 898 boxes and 550 boxes of chicken respectively totaling some 58,000 pounds, were cleared by an on-duty customs officers

attached to the Guyana Revenue Authority at Molsen Creek,” the ministry said in a statement. It added that it is important to note that the logistical aspect of the process, which was facilitated by the ministry’s New Guyana Marketing Corporation catered for and included the outsourcing of transportation services. This temporary initiative to import chicken taken by the Government, the ministry said is demonstrative of it acting in a responsible manner cognizant of the negative impact of the inadequate supply and inflated prices. “This was a deliberate effort to protect consumers,” the ministry said, added

that the Opposition having failed to recognize efforts by the Government to cushion consumers from the inevitability of inflated prices resulting from inadequate supply, reverted to falsely accusing the ministry and senior officials of being involved in the smuggling of chicken. “The ministry sees this

as a blatant attempt by the Opposition to manufacture a scandal and reiterates its condemnation of those statements which are baseless, reckless and libelous. The Ministry reiterates its call for the Opposition to withdraw its reckless statements,” the statement said.

Remigrant peeved as new road traps machinery for over 1 year

or the past year and a half, a remigrant who returned to Guyana to set up a construction company has not been able to get his equipment out of the business premises, since the street in which the premises are located was upgraded and has become too narrow for any heavy-duty machinery or vehicle to traverse. This has forced him to leave millions of dollars’ worth of equipment, including a dragline, locked in. Ganesh Bovil told this publication that after investing millions of dollars in equipment and infrastructure into a construction firm, he is at a standstill, since he cannot get some of his equipment out of one

of his business premises at Betsy Ground in East Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). Currently, a dragline and other machinery have been rusting in the compound for the past year and a half. According to Bovil, his family had a sawmill at the Betsy Ground location for 40 years, and during that time, they had maintained the access road. However, he returned to Guyana to find the street has been upgraded from earth covered with crusher-run to a concrete surface, but he has been unable to get his equipment out of the area because the road is now too narrow. “I am trying to get my machine out of here, and I

One of the heavy-duty equipment

spoke to the Vice Chairman, the Chairman, and the NDC

[Neighbourhood Democratic Council] Chairman too. It is

over one and a half years I am trying to get the ma-

chine out of there, and nothing is happening; the street is so narrow,” Bovil pointed out. He said his operation is next to the Canje River, and he is also planning to establish a wharf facility. “I am trying to see how they can assist me to fix the street, so that the machine can get out of here,” he said. According to Bovil, when the street upgrade work commenced, he had approached the authorities for consideration to be made for his business. He, however, did not offer any explanation as to why he did not remove his equipment when the road was being constructed.

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ExxonMobil raises share Police say 3 dead in University buybacks 14% with plans of Nevada shooting to accelerate Permian, P Guyanese oil production

xxon Mobil Corp. plans to raise share buybacks 14% as the oil giant accelerates crude production in the US Permian basin, boosted by its $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources Co. Exxon will repurchase $20 billion of stock next year, the Spring, Texas-based company said in a statement Wednesday. That matches competitor Chevron Corp., which pledged to lift buybacks after agreeing to buy Hess Corp. for $53 billion in late October. Exxon also plans to spend $23 billion to $25 billion on capital projects next year as it expands its footprint in the Permian basin, North America’s most-prolific oil field, and pursues untapped reserves in overseas regions such as Guyana. That compares with a 2023 target of about $25 billion. The Texas oil giant also expanded spending on lowcarbon ventures. Chief Executive Officer

Darren Woods is investing heavily in both fossil fuels and low-carbon projects that he believes will keep Exxon at the forefront of the energy transition. In the first-ever appearance by an Exxon CEO at the UN’s premier climate conference, Woods last week predicted that fossil fuels will be needed for years to come and said the oil industry will play a key role in the transition to cleaner energy. Exxon was little changed at $100.16 at 9:34 a.m. in New York as a 1.7% slide in international crude futures dragged oil equities lower. The shares have fallen about 9% this year. The company plans to cut $6 billion in “structural costs” by 2027, in addition to the $9 billion in reduc-

tions achieved since 2019, according to the statement. Outlays for low-carbon projects will reach $20 billion through 2027 as the company builds its lithium, carbon-capture and hydrogen portfolios. As for fossil fuels, the Pioneer deal will make it far and away the biggest Permian producer and help restore the oil giant’s overall production to levels not seen in more than a decade. In addition to the Permian basin, Exxon is ramping up production in Guyana, where it has discovered roughly 11 Bbbl of crude, and building a multibillion-dollar petrochemical plant in China. About 90% of the new projects will recoup their costs in less than 10 years, Exxon said. (Worldoil.com)

olice say three persons have been killed in a shooting at the Las Vegas campus of the University of Nevada (UNLV) on Wednesday morning. Officers struck and killed the suspect, who remains unnamed, in a shootout. One other victim remains in a critical condition at a local hospital, police said in a statement. The university first tweeted around 11:53 local time (19:53 GMT) that Police were responding to reports of shots fired on campus. About 20 minutes later, the university said campus police were responding to an additional report of shots near the Student Union building. It warned students at Beam Hall to "evacuate to a safe area" and to "RUNHIDE-FIGHT", which is a common active shooter protocol in the US. University Police Chief, Adam Garcia said two campus officers engaged the suspect in a shootout before being was struck and killed. Kevin McMahill, Las

Vegas Metropolitan Police Department sheriff, said earlier at a press conference that they have "no idea on the motive" as of now. One additional victim is in stable condition at a local hospital, the sheriff said at a Wednesday evening press conference. Four other people were also taken to hospital for panic attacks and two police officers were treated for minor injuries. One student who was on campus told a local ABC station that it seemed like police were on campus right away. Describing the scene to the reporter he said: "You don't know what to do. You're calling your family, texting your friends like 'I love you guys' because he [the shooter] could burst through the door at any minute." A ground stop was issued earlier at Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport – which is near the school – with authorities citing security reasons. The airport is urging travellers to check their flight status and notes roadways around the airport are closed due to Police activity.

President Joe Biden said in a statement that UNLV is the "latest college campus to be terrorised by a horrific act of gun violence" and that he and First Lady Jill Biden are "praying for the families of our fallen". Carolyn Goodman, Mayor of Las Vegas, called it "tragic and heart-breaking news" and said she was "praying for everyone on campus". Shortly before 13:00 local time, the university said Police were "evacuating buildings one at a time". Nevada's Governor Joe Lombardo said his office was in "constant communication" with Las Vegas Police, the university and emergency responders. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are assisting local Police with the investigation. The Clark County Fire Department has established a family reunification centre at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The UNLV campus will also be closed today and Friday. (BBC News)

T&T completes new Atlantic LNG deal

he National Gas Company (NGC) now has a 10 per cent stake in a landmark agreement for a new commercial structure for Atlantic LNG, which was signed in London yesterday. One year ago, the Government inked new agreements with regard to the restructuring Atlantic LNG with bpTT, Shell and the NGC, which changed the commercial structure of T&T’s liquified natural gas entity – Atlantic LNG – for the first time in 27 years. The signing culminates five years of negotiations between the parties and opens the door for greater revenue to be derived by

the State from the Atlantic LNG trains. For the Government and country, it means an increase in potential revenue, as Energy Minister Stuart Young had said Government stands to benefit financially from the restructuring. For the NGC, who remits taxes and dividends to the State, it means a greater stake in LNG business. Quantifying the potential revenue, however, will depend on the global demand for LNG and T&T’s ability to keep supplying the three trains with natural gas. Presently, the Government is in negotiations with Venezuela to commercialise the Dragon

Gas field, which would add longevity to the life of the trains and secure T&T’s energy future. As it stands, T&T is the seventh largest global producer of LNG. For Shell and BPTT, the deal is sign of their commitment to continue investing in T&T. Negotiations began in 2018 and were expected to be executed by March 31, but were only concluded last week. In remarks following the signing in London, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley explained that it was a long journey since he had made the case to BPTT and Shell that the country was not getting enough revenue from the contracts first negotiated when the trains were set up, and asked them to re-negotiate. “It was a fit of madness to think we could have done , but as I read it, I realised it was doable and we did it,” Dr Rowley said. He thanked all those involved in the restructuring process. It is unprecedented for energy companies to open fixed contracts to re-negotiate with a Government to give a country a greater stake in a business deal. all stakeholders. The new structure will benefit both the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Atlantic’s shareholders. For bp, the new structure sets a strong foundation for future investment in T&T’s energy industry, including the deepwater.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

17 Venezuela issues arrest warrants for Opposition staffers for treason NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

enezuela's Attorney General on Wednesday said there are arrest warrants for three people involved in the campaign of Opposition presidential nominee Maria Corina Machado, for crimes including treason. A lawyer for Machado's Vente Venezuela party said the three have always acted correctly. The warrants for Henry Alviarez, Claudia Macero and Pedro Urruchurtu are for crimes including treason, conspiracy and money laundering, Attorney General Tarek Saab said on state television. The three staffers, along with Roberto Abdul, a member of the commission who planned the primary where Machado was elected the Opposition's candidate, took part in "de-

Maria Corina Machado

stabilising and conspiratorial actions" against a recent referendum vote over a territorial dispute with Guyana, Saab said. Voters in the referendum, backed by the government of President Nicolas Maduro, rejected an international court's jurisdiction over the long-running dispute and supported the creation of a new Venezuelan state in the Essequibo re-

gion, much to the chagrin of Guyana, which has questioned the vote's legitimacy. The four people and allies abroad used "financing from money laundering by international organisations and foreign companies like Exxon Mobil" for their activities, Saab said, without providing more details. Exxon operates its largest foreign oil project offshore of Guyana. CEO Darren Woods said earlier on Wednesday he expects the dispute to be resolved within a couple of years through international arbitration. Exxon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saab's allegations. Machado, who held a press conference nearly simultaneously to Saab, said

the authorities "believe that with this they will cre-

Brazilian Hezbollah suspect cased synagogues in Brasilia, documents show

A Antigua: Family expresses gratitude to Govt following shocking deaths of Canadian visitors

The rock arch of Devil’s Bridge, outside Willikies on Antigua’s east coast, is popular with tourists (Photo by Gemma Handy)

s they grieve the tragic death of their loved ones, family members of the late 37-year-old Mohini Misra and her five-year-old son, Shray Misra were seen dressed in white as they went to Barnes Funeral Home early Tuesday morning for a viewing of their bodies. What was supposed to be a final observation of the Antiguan sunrise at Devil’s Bridge on November 30 ended in tragedy as the father and husband, Satwik Misra watched as his wife and son died at one of the country’s popular tourist attractions. Speaking briefly to Observer media, one of the family members shared that the mother and son were well-loved by those closest to them.

He also expressed gratitude that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for being quite accommodating during this time of grief, as government agencies have pledged their support. The Canadian family of three was staying at an Airbnb in Seatons. According to Police and eyewitness reports, tragedy struck when the young boy reportedly slipped as a wave slammed against the rocks at Devil’s Bridge where they had gone to watch the sunrise. The boy instinctively reached out to his mother, which caused both of them to end up in the turbulent waters. The 37-year-old father, who was a short distance away from his wife and son, reached out to his wife to save them but he

subsequently lost his grip on her. Despite being unable to swim, he then dove into the water in an attempt to rescue them, failing which he had to be rescued by passing joggers. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez and his staff and the Canadian High Commissioner for the region have all offered their support to the grieving family. Officials from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and the Tourism Ministry were present at the funeral home on Tuesday. It has been confirmed that the Coroner’s Inquest has been rescheduled to a later date. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

ate fear, imbalance, demoralisation or demobilisation,

and it's just the opposite". The three staffers were present at her event, she added, and have the full support of her party. The party's lawyer, Perkins Rocha, said afterward in comments shared on social media there has been no official notification of the warrants. "We are waiting for them to notify us, we want to know what it's about," Rocha said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazilian man arrested on suspicion of ties to Hezbollah had taken videos and photos of two synagogues and a Jewish cemetery in Brasilia just weeks before he was arrested on terrorist charges last month, court documents show. Lucas Passos Lima was one of at least three men arrested in November as Brazilian federal police took down a suspected Hezbollah cell, working on a tip from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation about a possible attack in Brazil or nearby. According to a December 5 federal court document seen by Reuters, police found evidence on Lima's seized phone "that he had carried out reconnaissance tasks in places for possible attacks against the Jewish community in Brazil".

In September, the document says, Lima took video and photos of the Taguatinga and Águas Claras synagogues in Brasilia, along with the Jewish area in Brasilia's Campo da Esperança cemetery. In addition, his search history revealed research into an unnamed Jewish leader, as well as the Israeli Embassy in Brazil and Jewish locales in neighbouring Goiás state. In one of the videos on his phone, shot while driving past the Taguatinga synagogue, someone in the vehicle can be heard saying: "Bingo." The court document also shows that Lima had undertaken weapons training and sought out a pilot with experience crossing borders, possibly with a view to fleeing after a possible attack.

Lima is one of at least five Brazilian men suspected of being tapped by alleged Hezbollah recruiter Mohamad Khir Abdulmajid, a naturalised Brazilian who is now a fugitive. Hezbollah, which was set up by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in 1982 to fight Israeli forces that had invaded Lebanon, acts as Iran's spearhead in Lebanon and the region. Two of the alleged recruits were granted release from temporary detention, according to the judge's Dec. 5 decision, as they "do not offer a threat to the investigation nor society". However, the judge ordered Lima remanded into pre-trial detention. Abdulmajid, in absentia, was also ordered jailed pending trial. (Excerpt from Reuters)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Peru's divisive ex-President Colombia, Brazil destroy Fujimori freed after 16 years in illegal gold dredges in prison for human rights abuses Amazon rainforest

o his supporters, former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori saved Peru from terrorism and economic collapse, while his critics see him as an authoritarian who committed atrocities and abused democracy during a decade-long rule in the 1990s, during which his Government battled the Shining Path guerrillas. The son of Japanese immigrants, Fujimori was sentenced to 25 years in 2009 for the massacre of 25 persons in 1991 and 1992, including a child, who were gunned down by a clandestine military squad. On Wednesday, following the restoration of a 2017 Christmas Eve pardon, he was released from prison, despite criticisms from victims' families and the regional human rights court. Fujimori's doctors and relatives say the 85-year-old suffered from stomach ulcers, weight loss, hypertension and tongue cancer.

Peru's former President Alberto Fujimori leaves prison after a constitutional court ordered his release, in Lima, Peru, December 6, 2023 (Reuters/Sebastian Castaneda photo)

"Please don't kill me. If I go back to prison my heart won't take it, it's too weak to go through the same thing again. Don't sentence me to death," Fujimori said in October 2018, months before he returned to prison after the initial pardon. The release of Fujimori, who spent his time incarcerated gardening and painting, leaves two former presidents in prison: Alejandro

Toledo, under investigation for corruption, and Pedro Castillo, who illegally tried to dissolve Congress a year ago. Fujimori won a shock victory over Nobel Prizewinning writer Mario Vargas Llosa in 1990, and five years later won reelection over former United Nations Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Honduras secures US$607M dev bank loan to improve highways

Central American development bank said on Wednesday it had approved a US$606.9 million loan for Honduras, aimed at boosting transportation throughout the Central American country. The loan will fund a government programme aimed at rehabilitating and widen-

ing 308 kilometres of highway on five different routes in the country's north and east, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration said in a statement. The loan's payment period is 20 years with a five-year grace period, the statement said, without pro-

viding the interest rate. The Central American Bank for Economic Integration, created in 1960 to finance the development of the region's nations, said the fund will benefit more than 120,000 drivers and create 2820 temporary jobs in construction. (Reuters)

Venezuela's PDVSA authorises 1st 2 oil cargoes to India after sanctions relief

enezuelan State oil company PDVSA has assigned loading windows this month to two vessels bound for India under crude spot deals with Italy's ENI and US-based Chevron, an internal company document showed. Indian refiners including Reliance Industries, Indian Oil Corp and HPCL-Mittal Energy have been looking for Venezuelan crude cargoes to buy since Washington eased oil sanctions on the South American country in October. Some refiners have agreed to purchase deals with trading houses that had early access to Venezuelan oil between October and November, while others are set to buy from PDVSA's joint venture partners. The scheduled deliveries to India are the first authorised by PDVSA through oil majors Eni and Chevron in three years. The two vessels to load for

olombia and Brazil destroyed 19 illegal gold mining dredges in the Amazon rainforest which were producing about US$1.5 million of the precious metal a month and polluting rivers with mercury, Colombia's armed forces said on Wednesday. Monthly production at the illegal mining operation was 23 kilograms (50.71 lb), Colombian authorities said. The US-backed bilateral operation targeted the infrastructure of the transnational criminal group Familia del Norte, whose illicit gold mining dumped 114,000 grams of mercury and pol-

luted 68 million litres (18 million gallons) of water every month, according to authorities. The operation "became a source of financing for weapons and explosives and the acquisition of chemical inputs by the criminal structure known as the Familia del Norte," Colombia's armed forces said in a press release. Brazil and Colombia are two of the world's most biodiverse nations, with swathes of their landmass covered by the Amazon rainforest, which scientists say is vital to slowing down climate change because of the

huge amounts of greenhouse gases it absorbs. Brazilian President Luiz InÁcio Lula da Silva and his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro have used their platforms at international events to urge protection of the Amazon, efforts to curb deforestation and debt-for-nature swaps. In Colombia, 12 three-storey vessels with engine rooms, sediment storage and accommodation were destroyed on the Pure and Purete rivers. Brazilian authorities destroyed seven of these same vessels on their territory. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Barbados PM Mottley calls for slavery reparation conversations

arbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley used a speech in London on Wednesday to call for a global conversation on reparations for countries that saw their people enslaved, sometimes for centuries, under colonial rule. "The conspiracy of silence has diminished the horror of what our people faced," Mottley said in a lecture at the London School of Economics where she studied in the early 1980s. Barbados was one of Britain's first slave colonies. English settlers first occupied the Caribbean island in 1627 and, under British control, it became a sugar plantation economy using enslaved people shipped from Africa. Slavery was abolished in 1834 and Barbados became fully independent in 1966 and then a republic in 2021, though it has remained part of the Commonwealth. Mottley had also had a meeting with new British

Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley speaks at a press conference at COP28 World Climate Summit, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 4, 2023 (Reuters/Thomas Mukoya photo)

foreign minister, and former Prime Minister, David Cameron while she was in London. Questioned whether she had asked him directly about the UK making reparations payment, which she had earlier cited an estimate of being worth US$24 trillion based on a "standard definition" of damage, she said she would not disclose the details. But having also referred to how Britain's King Charles had acknowledged on a trip to Rwanda last year

when he was still the Prince of Wales that it was time to have "the conversation" about the wrongs of slavery, she added: "I hope the foreign secretary will take his lead from his Majesty". She also said countries like hers did not expect reparation damages to be paid in one lump sum or over a short time frame. Instead she likened what needed to be done to the extraction of wealth in the first place, which had happened over centuries. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ecuador's Noboa says unnamed criminal group has asked for peace deal

A India are the Liberia-flagged supertanker C Earnest, which arrived in Venezuelan waters on Wednesday chartered by Reliance, and the Malta-flagged supertanker Desimi, which has been waiting to load since last week, according to the document and ship tracking data. Each can transport up to two million barrels of Venezuela's prized heavy crude oil. A separate crude cargo on the very large crude carrier Eucaly, sold by PDVSA

to intermediary Hangzhou Energy, finished loading last week and could also set sail to India if a deal through a trading firm and an Indian refiner is confirmed. The cargo had initially been allocated for Malaysia, another document showed. Venezuelan oil sales to India got suspended in 2020 when the US imposed secondary sanctions on the nation. Reliance was PDVSA's second largest individual customer prior to sanctions. (Reuters)

criminal gang in Ecuador has asked the Government to agree to a peace deal and Israel will offer technical assistance for the country to take back control of its prison system, President Daniel Noboa said on Wednesday. Ecuador is facing rising violence, including in prisons, attributed to drug-trafficking gangs amid deep financial troubles and high migration figures. Prison violence is common in the country and has killed hundreds in recent years. Noboa, a former legislator and the son of a prominent businessman, took office last month on pledges to

reduce violence and create jobs via urgent legislative reforms. He has said he would create a new intelligence unit, supply tactical weapons to security forces, employ prison boats and reinforce security at ports and airports, key points for drug shipments. "We have captured leaders of criminal groups in recent weeks, from the most important (groups)," Noboa said during a live interview on social media. "One of the groups, (the identity of) which we will communicate, has even asked for a peace deal." The letter asking for the deal is perhaps a sign crim-

inal groups no longer have protection from state forces, Noboa said. Judges and prosecutors who release captured criminals would have their names published publicly, he said, and Israel will help design maximum security prisons with separate spaces for those convicted of minor crimes. While the new prisons are being built, the most dangerous convicts will be housed in prison boats, Noboa said, repeating a key campaign pledge. He added that he has already identified possible boats that could be brought to Ecuador for that use. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Around The World

UN chief rings alarm bell on global OILNEWS OIL NEWS security threat from Gaza war Oil falls 4% as build in gasoline stocks fuel demand concerns

il prices fell nearly four per cent on Wednesday to their lowest settlements since June, as worries about global fuel demand mounted after US data showed a larger-thanexpected rise in gasoline inventories. Brent crude futures settled down US$2.90, or 3.8 per cent, at US$74.30 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell by US$2.94, or 4.1 per cent, to US$69.38 a barrel. "There is demand destruction coming in from the fuel side," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial. "The market is more demand focused than supply focused right now." Concerns over China's economic health and future fuel demand also weighed on prices, a day after rating agency Moody's lowered the outlook on China's A1 rating to negative from stable. US gasoline stocks rose by 5.4 million barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said, more than quintuple the one-million-barrel rise that analysts had expected. US gasoline futures plummeted to their lowest in two years. "Even though it was not the peak gasoline season, demand during the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend was lacklustre," said John Kilduff, partner with Again Capital LLC. Gasoline demand last week lagged the 10-year seasonal average by 2.5 per cent. The US dollar also touched a two-week high, which pressures demand by making oil more expensive for holders of other currencies. An unexpected fall in US crude inventories did little to support prices. Crude inventories fell by 4.6 million barrels, far exceeding the 1.4 million-barrel drop analysts had expected. The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies such as Russia (OPEC+) agreed late last week on voluntary output cuts of about 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) for the first quarter of 2024. This week, Saudi and Russian officials said the cuts should prevent a build-up in oil inventories in the first quarter and could be extended or deepened. Despite the OPEC+ supply curbs, prices have slipped nearly 11 per cent since the settlement on November 29, the day before OPEC+ met. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to meet with the UAE's President, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Oil and OPEC+ were on the agenda. Forward prices for US crude were at their steepest premium to prompt barrels, a sign of ample supply and growing fears of slow demand.(Reuters)

nited Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres made a rare move on Wednesday to formally warn the Security Council of a global threat from the Gaza war as Arab states seek to leverage that to push the Council to call for a ceasefire within days. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) gave the Council a brief draft resolution, seen by Reuters, that would act on the let-

ter from Guterres by demanding an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas. Diplomats said the UAE aims to put the text to a vote on Friday when the Council is due to be briefed by Guterres on Gaza. To be adopted, a resolution needs at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the five permanent members – the United States,

Russia, China, France, or Britain. "The UAE draft resolution has the support of the Arab and OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) group. This is a moral and humanitarian imperative and we urge all countries to support the call of the Secretary General," the UAE mission to the UN posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. The United States and ally Israel oppose a cease-

fire because they believe it would only benefit Hamas. Washington instead supports pauses to protect civilians and allow for the release of hostages taken by Hamas in a deadly October 7 attack on Israel. Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour said Arab Ministers were due to visit Washington on Thursday and would discuss the draft Security Council resolution with US officials. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Saudi Arabia urges US Ukraine war: Zelenskiy restraint as Houthis speaks out as US standattack ships in Red Sea

off imperils war effort

Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea in this photo released November 20, 2023 (Houthi Military Media/Handout via Reuters)

audi Arabia has asked the United States to show restraint in responding to attacks by Yemen's Houthis against ships in the Red Sea, two sources familiar with Saudi thinking said, as Riyadh seeks to contain spillover from the Hamas-Israel war. The Iran-aligned Houthis have waded into the conflict that has spread around the Middle East since war erupted on October 7, attacking vessels in vital shipping lanes and firing drones and missiles at Israel itself. The group which rules much of Yemen says its attacks are a show of support for the Palestinians and has vowed they will continue until Israel stops its offensive on the Gaza Strip – more than

1000 miles from their seat of power in Sanaa. The Houthis are one of several groups in the Iranaligned "Axis of Resistance" which have been attacking Israeli and US targets since the start of the conflict on October 7, when their Palestinian ally Hamas sparked the war by attacking Israel. Their role has added to the conflict's regional risks, threatening sea lanes through which much of the world's oil shipped, and worrying states on the Red Sea as Houthi rockets and drones fly towards Israel. Riyadh, the world's top oil exporter, has watched with alarm as Houthi missiles have been fired over its territory. (Excerpt from Reuters)

by the US as an example of "debt-trap diplomacy". Washington says China's plans involve unsustainably large projects countries are unable to finance, giving Beijing leverage for its own aims.

Italy was the largest of the 18 EU members, particularly in the east and south of the continent, to have signed up to the BRI. The country's BRI membership was due to renew automatically in March next year unless Italy notified China that it was withdrawing by the end of this year. Meloni had previously called a former Government's decision to join "a serious mistake" and indicated that she was minded to withdraw. But her Government emphasised that it was seeking to maintain good relations with China despite the move. (Excerpt from BBC News)

kraine is facing some of its most difficult days since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. The much-anticipated counter-offensive appears to have stalled, and the US and EU are struggling to agree fresh financial and weapons aid. And the world's attention is diverted by the Israel-Gaza war. After a package of help from the US became embroiled in wider Congressional squabbles, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned that Moscow was waiting for the US and Europe to show weakness. "Russia hopes for only one thing – that next year the free world's consolidation will collapse," he told a video meeting of Western leaders from the G7. President Joe Biden appealed to Congress to "do

the right thing". "This cannot wait," he said. In Kyiv officials are outwardly positive – and a sense of public defiance remains – but you can also detect a darker mood. "Confidence in victory has become a bit thinner than it was a year ago," says Iryna, who is with her husband Oleksandr on Kontraktova Square in the Ukrainian capital. She starts to cry, recalling life before Russia's fullscale invasion. "We're walking now on this square, remembering how we celebrated new year here a few years ago; there was a symphony orchestra playing here and it was so beautiful. "We'd like very much this to return to our lives and for Ukraine to win. We really need help from abroad, because it's very hard for us." (Excerpt from BBC News)

Russia's Putin, Saudi Crown Prince discuss further OPEC+ cooperation Italy pulls out of flagship Chinese project Belt and Road in whirlwind visit

taly will pull out of China's flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Government has confirmed. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Administration notified Beijing that it would cease participating in the BRI ahead of a deadline at the year's end. Italy was the only major Western nation to sign up to the BRI, one of China's most ambitious trade and infrastructure projects, in 2019. The move was heavily criticised by the US and others at the time. Launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, the BRI aims to invest an estimated US$1 tril-

PM Giorgia Meloni

lion across Asia and Europe. Projects including new and upgraded railways and ports aim to connect China with Europe and other parts of Asia. But the BRI has been criticised from the start

ussian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed further cooperation on oil prices on Wednesday as members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+), a Kremlin spokesperson was quoted as saying. A Saudi account of the meeting said the Crown Prince praised joint coordination between the two countries "that helped remove tensions in Middle East". Putin and the Crown Prince, de facto ruler of the world's largest crude

exporter, had the hastily arranged talks hours after the Kremlin leader visited Saudi Arabia's Gulf neighbour, the United Arab Emirates. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, quoted by Russian news agencies, said cooperation would continue within OPEC+. The meeting took place after a fall in oil prices despite an OPEC+ pledge to cut output further. Putin, who has rarely left Russia since sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022, had also been expected to discuss Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza. (Excerpt from BBC News)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES Make your decisions count. Don't mince words. Tell it like it is and ask for what you want. A direct approach will help you decide your next move.

(March 21-April 19) Emotions will stop you from discovering the truth. Step back, clear your head and look at the facts. Opportunity is apparent, but it will take sound ideas and planning to take advantage of it.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Get to know your colleagues better. Mix business with pleasure, and you'll gain valuable insight. A heart-to-heart talk will bring you closer to some needed stability.

(May 21-June 20) Network, attend a reunion or reconnect with someone connected to something you wish to pursue. A partnership looks promising. Recognition is likely if you follow through with your plans.

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22) Consider what you love to do most, but clear up unfinished business before you head out to play. Watch your spending on luxury items, entertainment and unnecessary self-improvement projects.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Tone down your attitude and quietly make the changes that will benefit you. Don't allow someone to step in and take the reins when control on your part is necessary. Anger will hold you back.

CALVIN AND HOBBES (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Do what is necessary and don't look back. Refuse to let emotions stand between you and what you want. Use your Libra charm to get others to see things your way. A disciplined approach will be key. Take care of domestic matters. By searching for unique alternatives, you'll find a lucrative outlet in which to apply your skills, knowledge and experience. Be secretive regarding your feelings.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Take control and don't let go. Trust in your ability to get things done according to your specifications. Relying on others will be disappointing and costly. Don't bother with explanations.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Don't let your emotions overrule your common sense. Dealing with friends, relatives and colleagues will be difficult if you try to take control. Kindness and consideration will be crucial.

YESTERDAY'S WORD -- PERCEIVED

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Focusing on tidying up loose ends will ease your mind. Refuse to be tempted into extravagance. Do what's best for you, and don't let others' decisions slow you down.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Consider what's most productive and head in that direction. Refuse to get wrapped up in someone else's drama. Pursue your goals, live up to your word and take good care of yourself.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Dem Jaguars, Mohamed’s fuels 1st prize for West G/Town Panthers name squads for beach football tournament

tarting this Friday, the mining town of Linden will get a taste of yearend football in the beach format when the “One Guyana Kings and Queens of the Sand” kicks off. Ahead of the tournament’s start date, Mohamed’s Enterprise has thrown its support behind the event by sponsoring the first prize and trophies. During the simple presentation at the company’s Lombard Street location, tournament Public Relations Officer Keeran Williams revealed how the tournament came to fruition and the inclusivity it would boast. “It’s an initiative that was given birth through request by community members to His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali himself, and he took the opportunity to work with partners, work with community members, to come up with an initiative that best suits the December

Nazar Mohamed

period and best suit the engagement of our young people,” Williams divulged at Wednesday’s presentation ceremony. Williams went on to reveal, “One of the notable things about this initiative, it’s all-inclusive. I must say, it’s both male and female competition. We’ll be seeing 40 teams competing in the

male segment of the tournament and 10 teams competing in the female segment of the tournament.” While Mohamed’s Enterprise will sponsor the males’ $1 million grand prize, the women’s tournament will see a $400,000 grand prize. Proprietor Nazar Mohamed shared his elation

about being part of an event that has gotten the One Guyana approval. The renowned businessman said, “I’m glad that it’s an initiative that was birthed by the President, because what I know of him, he also is a “sports man” and he wants to bring communities together; he wants to bring people together; he wants to bring young people together, because young people is definitely our future and you know, I’m really happy to be part of this group.” “It’s an honour and we will be doing the first prize in the male sector of the tournament,” Mohamed added. The beach football tournament is likely to conclude in the first week of January 2024. According to organisers, there will be no admission charged for patrons wanting to take in in the competition, while teams will also be exempt from paying registration fees.

In-form Bournemouth win at Crystal Palace B

ournemouth continued their impressive run of form as they beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park to claim their third win in four Premier League games. Marcos Senesi was left unmarked to head in at the far post midway through the first half after Ryan Christie's corner was flicked on by Luis Sinisterra. After offering next to no threat in the second half, Bournemouth made sure of the win in stoppage time when Kieffer Moore stooped to head home the second after a sharp counter-attack. There were chances at both ends in a lively start, with Palace forward Jordan Ayew's shot turned over the bar and Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo's effort tipped around the post prior to Senesi's opener. Palace had the opportunity to hit back almost immediately after going behind, when Ayew's shot was pushed out by Cherries goalkeeper Neto, but Odsonne Edouard lost his feet at the crucial moment with the goal at his mercy as he followed in for the rebound. Roy Hodgson's side dominated possession without offering much of a threat for the rest of the first half, but were inches away from an equaliser soon after the break. The ball was chipped over the top for Jefferson Lerma, but the former Bournemouth midfielder's fierce strike came back off the post. That was as close as

Bournemouth opened the scoring for the fourth Premier League game in a row thanks to Marcos Senesi's header

Palace came, though, as they failed to register a shot on target in the second half. Bournemouth were happy to sit back and let the home side try to break them down. They rarely looked likely to do so and Andoni Iraola's side secured the three points in the first minute of added time as Moore met Philip Billing's cross at the back post. While Bournemouth's form is on the up, defeat for Palace is their fifth in seven league games.

Palace slump goes on as Cherries continue to climb

Victory for Bournemouth puts them level on points with Palace, but the mood around the two clubs could not be more different. The visitors, after a slow

start to life under Iraola, are flying. Since beating Burnley for their first win of the campaign at the end of October, their only losses have come against Liverpool, in the Carabao Cup, and Manchester City. Only a last-minute Aston Villa equaliser at the weekend has prevented them making it four wins on the trot since losing at Etihad Stadium. At Palace, they were nowhere near their best going forward and spent long spells camped inside their own half in the second 45 minutes. For the most part, though, they were very comfortable and held on for a win that moves them nine points clear of the relegation zone. For the home side, though, this was anoth-

er evening of frustration as they suffered a third straight home defeat. Without the influential Eberechi Eze, they rarely looked capable of breaking through a stubborn Bournemouth defence. Michael Olise and Ayew had their moments but that was the issue – they were just moments. There were only flashes of individual quality rather than any clear plan to pick the Cherries apart as the home fans grew exasperated. The gap between Palace and the bottom three is such that the alarm bells will not be ringing just yet, but with Liverpool and Manchester City up next, life is not getting any easier for Hodgson's team any time soon. (BBC Sport)

DCB/SVC T20 Blast

Devon Lord

ational all-rounder Akshaya Persaud and Demerara senior inter-county player Devon Lord were named as captains of West Demerara Jaguars and Georgetown Panthers respectively as momentum picks up for the Demerara Cricket Board/ Sawh Voltcom Construction Inc/Precision Service Center Inc Inter-Association Senior T20 Blast which is set to bowl off on Saturday, December 9, 2023, with two first-round matches fixed for the famous Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground, Bourda. Persaud will have as his deputy, recently-selected national super-50 player Richie Looknauth while former national opener Shemroy Barrington was named as the Vice Captain for his opponents. The tournament is sponsored by Sawh Voltcom Construction Inc (SVC), a company which was established in the USA for several years before setting up shop in Guyana. The company now brings enormous experience to Guyana in the field of construction (residential, commercial and medical). Precision Service Center Inc is located at Lot Y Area B, Good Hope Public Road, East Coast Demerara. The Service Center provides quality and modern technology in auto repairs and is equipped with the latest diagnostics tools. The company also provides 24hour tow truck services, steam cleaning, complete servicing, engine and transmission repairs. Contact can be made by telephone numbers 5065632/701-6530 or email sales@ precisionservcenter.com. The $2 million tournament will be played on a round-robin basis and will involve all five Associations of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) – Georgetown Panthers, East Coast Canje Pheasants, East Bank Eagles, Upper Demerara Scorpions and West Demerara Jaguars. The team with the most points after the prelim-

Akshaya Persaud inary rounds will play the fourth-placed team, and the second- and third-placed teams will clash in the semi-finals, with the winners battling in the grand final. Preceding the final is a third-place play-off between the two losing semi-finalists. The semi-finals and final day event will be livestreamed. All the teams will be attired in coloured clothing, with cash incentives, trophies, and medals up for grabs. Each Association is required to select two Under-19 players who are eligible to represent Guyana next year in the Regional Under-19 tournaments, with at least one of them to play in every game. Players must represent the area they reside in, with the exception of Upper Demerara which will be allowed guest players drawn from the standby players of the other Associations.

Teams:

West Demerara Jaguars: Akshaya Persaud (Captain); Richie Looknauth (Vice Captain); Ushredeva Balgobin; Navindra Persaud; Narendra Persaud; Jamal Gomes; Mahendra Dhanpaul; Nkosi Major; Kishaun Tracy; Sachin Balgobin; Dinesh George; Nityanand Mathura; Sheldon Alexander; Elyan White, and Khandaiya Ramkarran. Georgetown Panthers: Devon Lord (Captain); Shemroy Barrington (Vice Captain); Raymond Perez; Brandon Jaikarran; Adrian Hinds; Jonathan Van Lange; Ovid Richardson; Emanuel Lewis; Shamar Apple; Steven Sankar; Ronald AliMohammed; Carlos LaRose; Keon Morris; Omesh Dhanram; Dwain Dick and Leon Andrews. The other teams will be announced at a later date. Game one bowls off at 09:00h followed by game two at 13:00h next Saturday at the GCC Ground, Bourda. A large turnout is anticipated at the former international venue as the teams battle for supremacy.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Youth boxers attain world rankings

Tiquan Sampson

ollowing Guyana’s historic maiden appearance at the World Junior Boxing Championships in Yerevan, Armenia, emerging stars Tiquan Sampson and Akeelah Vancooten have attained world rankings, which is a milestone for local junior pugilists. Vancooten is now ranked ninth globally in the 5457kg featherweight division. By the same token, Sampson has now attained a ranking of 17th globally in the 5760kg lightweight division. Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle said, “The achievement of the duo, who are emerging pugilists

Akeelah Vancooten

on the local and regional scene, is testament to the importance and value that the Association continues to place and emphasis on in its nursery and youth divisions.” According to Ninvalle, “This is an historic achievement; while we would have attained international rankings for the seniors, we have never realised such a feat prior with the juniors, an accomplishment that was garnered at our debut at the junior world championships, which is another seminal moment.” He further said, “The GBA remains steadfast in its developmental efforts as we understand the value of

creating the ideal foundation for sports growth and overall sustainability. This can only be achieved via a structured approach that features, as a main pillar, the partnership and combination of local programmes and regional and international competitions.” The World Junior Championships, which were previously staged eight years ago, though separately in St Petersburg, Russia, for the men's and Taiwan for the women’s, featured 13 junior men’s and 13 junior women’s weight divisions. Guyana's team also included veteran trainer Lennox Daniels.

ExxonMobil pumps $4M into Berbice Primary Schools Tapeball cricket

Organisers, sponsors and officials, along with some of the pupils who will participate in the Berbice edition of the Future Warriors Tapeball tournament

xxonMobil Guyana has pumped more support into sport as it funds the Berbice edition of the Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament for Primary Schools set for December 9-10 at the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground. The tournament was officially launched Wednesday at St Francis Hall, Rose Hall, Berbice. The tournament mirrors the one held in Georgetown in September, where the winning team, Stella Maris Primary, was ‘adopted’ by the Guyana Amazon Warriors during their home leg of the Caribbean Premier League. While the aforementioned will not be the outcome for this winning team, the CoDirector of FL Sport, John Ramsingh, told the teams to give their all and have fun while competing. Community Relations Advisor for ExxonMobil

Guyana, Ryan Hoppie told the youngsters to dream big, as some may one day play at the new stadium being constructed in Palmyra, East Canje, Berbice by ExxonMobil and its partners. According to Hoppie, he hoped the children would use the opportunity to develop their talents and build lifelong friendships. “We hope to witness remarkable performances throughout the tournament… play fair and grab every opportunity to build friendships, ” Hoppie said. Likewise, Education Officer (Primary) Surya Mahadeo welcomed the partnership and the further opportunities it gives pupils to be well-rounded both in and out of the classroom. Meanwhile, Leslie Solomon, Chairman of the Competitions Committee for the Berbice Cricket Board, noted that BCB welcomed any investor that may want

to invest in cricket” as the grassroot tournaments are crucial to “catch” young players. The format will be eight overs per side, and a team can field 11 players from their squad of 13. It will be contested on a straight knockout basis, and boys and girls can form one squad. Both match days commence at 09:00h, and the organisers will provide bats, balls, and transportation free of cost to all of the participating schools, along with various meals and refreshments throughout the playing days. The 12 participating schools are Bohemia Primary, Belvedere Primary, Rose Hall Town Primary, McGowan Primary, No 36 Primary, Tain Primary, Kildonan Primary, Alness Primary, All Saints Primary, St Aloysius Primary. Albion Primary, and Fyrish Primary.

South Africa A Tour…

Windies A batting fails again, but Sinclair shines A fter picking up a five-wicket haul on Tuesday, Guyanese Kevin Sinclair followed up by showing his worth with the bat on Wednesday, but his half-century was the only high point of the West Indies A batting, which suffered another meltdown on Day 2 of their third and final Four-Day match against St Africa A. The duo of Zachary McCaskie and Kirk McKenzie resumed the day’s play on 171, but that partnership was short-lived as they added six runs together before McCaskie fell prey to Dane Paterson for 19 from 37 deliveries. McKenzie added 6 from 28 balls, while Kavem Hodge did not trouble the scores, going for a duck, also off Paterson’s bowling. Captain Joshua DaSilva was the next man to return to the dugout, after facing just 17 deliveries, for five runs. Under-19 batsman Jordan Johnson looked promising with a well-paced innings, and his 28-run partnership with Sinclair, the number seven batsman, gave the Men in Maroon some hope when they began to unravel at 57-5. Though the partnership was one of the longest of the day for the Caribbean side, Jordan’s 45-ball 33 came to an end when the teenager played a pull shot off a pitched-up delivery from Hardus Viljoen. With Akeem Jordan joining him at the crease, Sinclair persisted, bringing up his 50 in just 65 deliveries. However, he perished three balls later to Mihlali Mpongwana’s bowling. Akeem Jordan was only able to contribute four runs, while Shamar Joseph’s departure for a duck and Jayden Seales’ inability to bat, due to an injury, meant the West Indies A were bundled out for 126 in 42.5 overs.

South Africa ‘A’ were in firm control at the end of Day 2 with a 252- run lead

Kevin Sinclair produced the only half century for West Indies ‘A’

On the other hand, clinical bowling from Joseph got Windies A off to a flyer in the hosts’ second innings, but the Men in Maroon were unable to hold on to the intensity. Joseph made the first breakthrough 23 runs in, when Neil Brand nicked his bowling to the keeper. Joseph then picked up the second wicket of David

SCOREBOARD West Indies A 1st Innings BATTING R B Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Zubayr Hamza b Olivier 3 20 Zachary McCaskie c Brand b Paterson 19 37 Kirk McKenzie lbw b Paterson 6 28 Kavem Hodge c †Fortuin b Paterson 0 5 Jordan Johnson c †Fortuin b Viljoen 33 45 Joshua Da Silva (c)† c Bedingham b Paterson 5 17 Kevin Sinclair c Paterson b Mpongwana 50 68 Akeem Jordan c Mpongwana b Viljoen 4 23 Shamar Joseph c Brand b de Swardt 0 13 Shermon Lewis not out 0 2 Jayden Seales absent hurt Extras (b 4, lb 1, nb 1) 6 TOTAL 42.5 Ov (RR: 2.94) 126 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 4.5 ov), 2-24 (Zachary McCaskie, 11.6 ov), 3-26 (Kavem Hodge, 13.5 ov), 4-33 (Kirk McKenzie, 15.6 ov), 5-57 (Joshua Da Silva, 21.6 ov), 6-85 (Jordan Johnson, 28.5 ov), 7-113 (Akeem Jordan, 36.5 ov), 8-125 (Kevin Sinclair, 41.5 ov), 9-126 (Shamar Joseph, 42.5 ov)

BOWLING Duanne Olivier Dane Paterson Hardus Viljoen Mihlali Mpongwana Ruan de Swardt

O-M-R-W 10-2-28-1 13-3-34-4 11-1-43-2 8-3-16-1 0.5-0-0-1

South Africa A 2nd Innings BATTING R B Neil Brand (c)c †Da Silva b Joseph 4 11 Raynard van Tonder lbw b Joseph 30 41 David Bedingham lbw b Joseph 6 7 Zubayr Hamza not out 33 49 Khaya Zondo not out 29 55 Extras (nb 1, w 1) 2 TOTAL 27 Ov (RR: 3.85) 104/3 Yet to bat: Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin †, Mihlali Mpongwana, Hardus Viljoen, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Neil Brand, 5.3 ov), 2-30 (David Bedingham, 7.1 ov), 3-45 (Raynard van Tonder, 11.5 ov) BOWLING Akeem Jordan Shamar Joseph Shermon Lewis Kevin Sinclair Kavem Hodge

O-M-R-W 7-0-26-0 8-1-26-3 5-0-28-0 5-2-10-0 2-0-14-0

Bedingham, who perished for six runs from seven balls. Raynard von Tonder was resolute, but Joseph finally had him trapped in the 12th over for 30 from 41 balls. While close of play came early due to bad light, Zubayr Hamza and Khaya Zondo held out, hitting 33 from 49 balls and 29 from 55 balls respectively. Joseph ended the day with figures of 3-26 from 8 overs, with no other bowler claiming wickets. Sinclair was far more economical, conceding only 10 runs in five overs, including two maidens. Play will resume at 04:00h tomorrow morning, with South Africa A looking to add to their 252-run lead.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Curran, England spinners star as Jacks, Buttler seal 203-run chase S

am Curran and Jos Buttler bounced back to form with ball and bat respectively, while Will Jacks served further notice of his opener's credentials with a vital half-century on an occasionally capricious pitch, as England squared their three-match series against West Indies with a hard-fought six-wicket win under the floodlights in Antigua. In the final analysis, it was straightforward enough, particularly once England's senior pairing, Harry Brook and the captain Buttler had overcome a mid-innings wobble to accelerate past a subpar target of 203 with an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 90 from 78 balls. Buttler, so crushingly out of form through that abject World Cup campaign, finally felt the scales fall from his eyes as he bombed the legspinner Yannic Cariah for back-to-back sixes over longon, before rushing through to his first half-century in 14 innings with a trademark wristy drive off Oshane Thomas. He finished unbeaten on 58 from 45 balls as Brook sealed the victory with 103 balls left unused, with the series heading now for Saturday's decider in

midwicket for the first six of the match. Carse, however, kept pounding out his aggressive length, and as Rehan entered the attack for another spell of precociously probing legspin, it was as if Liam Plunkett and Adil Rashid had been reunited through England's middle overs. On this occasion, neither man was able to force the breakthrough, but until Rutherford brought up his half-century with a hoisted six over deep midwicket off Rehan, the pair had been limited to a solitary-edged boundary in 56 balls. That stroke was the signal for Rutherford to

The English players celebrate seven overs of the match. Though they staged a partial recovery thanks to a 129-run stand between their captain, Shai Hope and their newest recruit, Sherfane Rutherford, who made a half-century apiece, they then lost their last six wickets for 50 runs in their next 10 overs, with England's spinners Rehan Ahmed and Liam Livingstone sharing five between them. And then, once Jacks and Phil Salt had belted out of the blocks to post a 50-run opening stand in the first

Thomas. The only real seed of doubt came while the leftarm spinner, Gudakesh Motie was getting the ball to grip and pop from his roundthe-wicket approach. After Salt had played around Romario Shepherd's hard

his bows before Brandon King pressed forward on off stump – both men picked out the bucket hands of Zak Crawley, stationed at a lone wide slip. Curran then pinned Shimron Hetmyer on the pad before he had scored. The inswinger seemed to be

Harry Brook kept the chase ticking along

Shai Hope hit a half-century

Will Jacks launched England's chase with a 43-ball fifty

Barbados. It was not, however, the most taxing assignment of England's recent One-Day International (ODI) history. In truth, the result was scarcely in doubt from the moment that West Indies, asked to bat first, had stumbled to 23 for 4 in the first

six overs of their reply, the result was never truly in doubt. With a violent attitude to anything remotely off-line, Jacks hacked six fours and four sixes in his 72-ball stay, the most eye-catching of which was a startling inside-out launch through a wide yorker from

with the big scalp of Hope. It took a superb delivery to dislodge West Indies' captain and linchpin – a big-ripping legbreak, which dipped and gripped to thump the top of off stump and send him on his way for a run-a-ball 68. Hope swished his bat in annoyance as he left, knowing how crucial his endurance had been to his team's hopes. At 163 for 7 in the 34th over, England sensed a chance to go in for the kill. Shepherd seemed to have other ideas as he helped himself to four fours in Livingstone's sixth over, to threaten a similar bout of late acceleration to his match-winning hand on

lengths to be bowled for 21, Motie picked off Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett in consecutive overs to check their onslaught at 85 for 3, and when Jacks was pinned on the shin by a shooter from Rutherford, England were four-down inside 20 overs, and facing a potential test of their frayed resolve. Brook and Buttler ensured that the jeopardy was only fleeting. After another correct call at the toss from Buttler, England had been on the front foot from the moment they started their bowling stint. Alick Athanaze, the driving force of West Indies' first-wicket century stand, was this time prised out for 4 in Gus Atkinson's second over, and before the next over was done, West Indies were two down. Curran had endured a chastening day in the opening contest, disappearing for an England-record 98 in 9.5 overs. But now he found his mojo, probing the bat on that waspish full length that has proven so effective in his T20 career. Keacy Carty chased some width across

sliding down leg. Buttler, however, figured he might as well roll the dice, and was rewarded as Hawkeye showed the ball to be thumping leg stump. West Indies had lost three wickets for three runs in the space of 14 balls, and it was already a case of damage limitation. Hope, however, in the wake of his superb hundred on Sunday, was not about to let the scoreline cramp his style, and three flowing boundaries in Atkinson's next over got the scoreboard moving again, each of them eased effortlessly down the ground. It signalled the start of a doughty 129-run stand between Hope and Rutherford, whose six-and-out innings on debut on Sunday had at least given an inkling of the power at his disposal. Having overlooked the spin of Jacks in that contest, Buttler threw him the ball for an exploratory spell after the first powerplay, but Rutherford picked him off for a brace of off-side boundaries, after Hope had launched Brydon Carse over

up his tempo, with two thrashed boundaries to greet Livingstone's second over. Before he could consolidate, however, Livingstone bounced back in his subsequent over, inducing a scuffed drive to short cover for 63, and after Cariah played all round a straight one to be bowled for 5, Livingstone made it three wickets in as many overs

Sunday. Before he could go big, however, Rehan tempted him into a miscued slog to long-on, and when Motie skewed Rehan's googly to point, Rehan was able to sign off with another very impressive spell of 10-1-402. West Indies' spinners did their best to match those standards, but the damage had already been done. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD West Indies (50 ovs maximum) BATTING R B Alick Athanaze c †Buttler b Atkinson 4 14 Brandon King c Crawley b Curran 17 19 Keacy Carty c Crawley b Curran 0 2 Shai Hope (c)† b Livingstone 68 68 Shimron Hetmyer lbw b Curran 0 4 Sherfane Rutherford c Salt b Livingstone 63 80 Yannic Cariah b Livingstone 5 10 Romario Shepherd c Crawley b Rehan Ahmed 19 16 Alzarri Joseph c & b Atkinson 14 17 Gudakesh Motie c Curran b Rehan Ahmed 6 5 Oshane Thomas not out 0 5 Extras (lb 1, nb 2, w 3) 6 TOTAL 39.4 Ov (RR: 5.09) 202 Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Alick Athanaze, 3.5 ov), 2-20 (Keacy Carty, 4.5 ov), 3-23 (Brandon King, 6.2 ov), 4-23 (Shimron Hetmyer, 6.6 ov), 5-152 (Sherfane Rutherford, 29.4 ov), 6-160 (Yannic Cariah, 31.5 ov), 7-163 (Shai Hope, 33.2 ov), 8-189 (Romario Shepherd, 36.2 ov), 9-200 (Gudakesh Motie, 38.1 ov), 10-202 (Alzarri Joseph, 39.4 ov) •

BOWLING Sam Curran Gus Atkinson Brydon Carse Will Jacks Rehan Ahmed Liam Livingstone

O-M-R-W 7-0-33-3 6.4-0-28- 2 6-0-34-0 4-0-27-0 10-1-40-2 6-0-39-3

England (T: 203 runs from 50 ovs) BATTING R B Phil Salt b Shepherd 21 15 Will Jacks lbw b Rutherford 73 72 Zak Crawley b Motie 3 9 Ben Duckett c †Hope b Motie 3 7 Harry Brook not out 43 49 Jos Buttler (c)† not out 58 45 Extras (lb 3, w 2) 5 TOTAL 32.5 Ov (RR: 6.27) 206/4 Did not bat: Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Brydon Carse, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson Fall of wickets: 1-50 (Phil Salt, 5.5 ov), 2-75 (Zak Crawley, 10.5 ov), 3-85 (Ben Duckett, 12.5 ov), 4-116 (Will Jacks, 19.5 ov) • BOWLING Alzarri Joseph Romario Shepherd Gudakesh Motie Oshane Thomas Sherfane Rutherford Yannic Cariah

O-M-R-W 5-0-48-0 6-0-27-1 7.5-0-34-2 5-0-31-0 4-0-24-1 5-0-39-0

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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

Pg 23

as Jacks, Buttler seal 203-run chase Pg 22

Pg 21

Windies A batting fails again, but Sinclair shines

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