Guyana Times - Thursday, February 15, 2024 by Gytimes

President Ali, Finance Minister meet with IMF Deputy Managing Director P16 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5643

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024

Why should a Govt aid, abet misuse, abuse of union dues? – AG questions

WHAT'S INSIDE:

3-storey NA hotel gutted by P12 fire

Pages 3&5

Gas-to-Energy project

…as GTU challenges Govt’s move to stop fees' deduction in High Court

...strike negatively affecting students preparing for national exams – McCoy

GCCI notes “immeasurable harm” of high energy costs to Guyana P14

…reiterates support for project

P7 Forest reforestation initiative launched for mined-out, deforested areas in Guyana

2 Berbice men busted with 142 P8 lbs ganja Parish Priest of St Sidwell’s Anglican Church, Revd Fr Monsell Alves (left), placing the sign of the cross on the forehead of a parishioner, Saidah Bradford, as Christians marked the beginning of the sacred 40-day period of Lent on Wednesday – known as Ash Wednesday, with many receiving the symbolic mark of the holy cross in ashes on their foreheads. On right, Minister within the Housing Ministry Susan Rodrigues, receiving her ashes at the Church of Our Lady of Sorrow in Marlborough, Pomeroon River

Opposition’s attempt to remove VP from 13-year-old lass beaten Parliament frivolous, vexatious – AG unconscious by …says “nobody’s more absent” than Coalition MPs

Page 2

US reiterates Electrician shot 12 times support for in execution Guyana’s attempt territorial integrity …as US Permanent Rep to UN meets with Pres Ali …charged in 2022 for drug trafficking Page 9

See story on page 8

brother

Banks DIH P11 salesmen protest over ‘unreasonable’ commission rate

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Opposition’s attempt to remove VP from Parliament frivolous, vexatious – AG …says “nobody’s more absent” than coalition MPs

ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, has stated that the legal proceedings filed by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition to remove Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo from the National Assembly is not only frivolous and vexatious, but will also bring attention to the coalition’s own absenteeism in Parliament. Last Thursday, the APNU/AFC Opposition filed legal proceedings to remove VP Jagdeo as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the National Assembly – a move which AG Nandlall said has no merit. “This is another frivolous, unmeritorious and vexatious action filed by the Opposition. And hopefully, will be regarded as such by the court after hearing all the submissions,” he stated. Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones and MP Tabitha Sarabo-Halley filed an application in the

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

High Court over what they say was the “prolonged absence” of VP Jagdeo from the National Assembly and from parliamentary sessions. They are claiming that Jagdeo has missed 11 consecutive sittings of the National Assembly within the first parliamentary session, between December 11, 2023 and February 1, 2024. Articles 54 and 156 1 (b) of the Constitution of Guyana and Standing Order 106 (2) of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly of Guyana provide that a

seat of a Member of the National Assembly shall be vacated if that member is absent for more than six consecutive sittings of the National Assembly within the First Session (2020-2024) of the Twelfth Parliament of Guyana, and within a period of no longer than two calendar months. According to the Opposition MPs, Jagdeo’s absence has been recorded in the Minutes of Proceedings of the 69th to 79th sittings of the National Assembly, which they said is a “conclusive recording” of the House.

They say in the legal document that the Vice President was absent from sittings held on: December 11 and 19, 2023, and on January 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30 and 31, 2024; as well as on February 1, 2024. Based on his absence during these 11 consecutive sittings, the Opposition MPs are claiming in the legal document, Jagdeo has not only ceased to be a member of the National Assembly, but, by virtue thereof, would also cease to hold the posts of Vice President, Government Minister, and a member of Cabinet. In addition to these senior Government posts, Jagdeo is the General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). The application particularly urges the Court to consider the constitutional and legal implications of Jagdeo’s absence from parliamentary sessions.

Parliamentary records

However, AG Nandlall, who was also named as a respondent in the legal proceedings along with Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir, argued that the parliamentary records would show that the coalition Opposition itself is guilty of what it is accusing the Vice President of. “I am of the view that there is no other group of Members of Parliament in the democratic world

Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones

Opposition MP Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

who are absent more frequently from the National Assembly than this grouping constituting the Opposition in Guyana’s Parliament… There are many of them, one of them in particular, who also was not in the Parliament for the entire Budget season. He was out of the country for that matter. “Nobody is more absent than them… I don’t understand if they don’t think, if they don’t examine these things that if they go challenge the absence of the other side that it would bring attention to their own absence which is so permeating and prevalent,” he insisted. The Attorney General added that the Opposition would be the first and loudest to talk about the rule of law, constitutionality, and democracy when its track record and actions speak otherwise. For instance, he reminded of the coalition’s riotous acts in the National Assembly on December 29, 2021 during the infamous

mace-grabbing incident, and attempts to steal the March 2020 General and Region Elections. Nandlall, without getting into the merits of the matter, further posited that this court challenge was not only intended to score cheap political points but also an attempt to have the Judiciary once again interfere with the legislative arm of Government – something that was disputed in the past. He added that this application also highlighted the Opposition’s fear of Vice President Jagdeo. “Once again, they are demonstrating their morbid fear of Bharrat Jagdeo… So, they want to get him out of the Parliament,” the Attorney General contended. Last week, VP Jagdeo, when asked about the legal action filed, told reporters at his press conference that the matter would be dealt with accordingly. (G8)

13-year-old lass beaten unconscious by brother

olice have arrested a 25-year-old man who allegedly beat his 13-year-old sister unconscious in an incident that occurred at about 06:30h on Wednesday in the Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) village of Arau, a Wenamu riverine community. According to Police, the teen, a student of Arau Village, was walking heading home when her 25-year-old brother, who was armed with a piece of wood, attacked and dealt her several lashes to her back, head and face, causing her to collapse unconscious on the ground. Public-spirited persons rushed to her assistance and escorted her to the

Arau Village Health Post. However, because she had sustained serious injuries, she has been referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical attention. Police have said that the attacker, who reput-

edly has a mental disorder, was arrested by the chairman of the Arau Community Policing Group (CPG) and escorted to the Kaikan Police Station, where he has been placed into custody as investigations continue.

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, February 15 – 22:00h-23:30h and Friday, February 16 – 22:30h-00:00h. The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, February 15 – 07:55h-09:25h and Friday, February 16 – 08:40h-10:10h.

Why should a Govt aid, abet misuse, abuse of union dues? – AG questions

…as GTU challenges Govt’s move to stop fees' deduction in High Court

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected throughout the day. Clear to partly cloudy skies are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.81 metres. High Tide: 08:25h and 20:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.57 metres and 2.42 metres. Low Tide: 14:25h reaching a minimum height of 0.67 metre.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024

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GTU President Mark Lyte

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

he Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has approached the High Court, asking it to quash a decision by the Government to stop deducting fees from unionised teachers and remitting same to the union. The GTU has organised a countrywide strike by teachers from February 5 to 16, 2024, calling for better pay and working conditions – an action which Government has labelled as illegal and politically driven. Consequently, the Education Ministry has since indicated to the GTU that it would stop deducting dues from the wages and salaries of teachers on behalf of the union. This means the union would now have to collect its fees directly from teachers. In the application filed on Tuesday by the GTU and its President Mark Lyte against the Attorney General, the union is asking the court to declare, among other things, that it was discriminated against. It also wants the court to declare that Government ceasing to act as an agent for the GTU to deduct union dues is “unreasonable, arbitrary, and capricious”. The GTU asked the court to issue, “An Order of Certiorari quashing the Government of Guyana's decision to stop acting as an agent to deduct union dues from the unionised teacher and remitting it to the applicant. An order of mandamus ordering Mrs Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education to retract her letter dated the 6th February, 2024, and apologise to the Applicant on three consecutive Saturdays in daily newspapers of wide circulation.” The union is also seeking a declaration that Government’s use of the industrial action taken by the GTU as a reason for relinquishing the agency is a show of “bad faith, improper purposes, and irrelevant considerations” .

Already settled by court

However, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, contends that the severance of this ‘agency service’ that Government offers to unions has already been settled by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal (CoA), and declared as lawful. The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) had challenged a decision by former Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, Nanda Gopaul, to withdraw Government’s service of deducting union dues from public servants’ wages and salaries, and remit same to the union. Former Chief Justice, the late Ian Chang, had ruled against the GPSU in 2010 that Government’s action was not wrong or unlawful and this ruling was upheld in the CoA in 2022. “Why should the Government continue to offer such a service to a union that wants to hold a government at ransom and has unilaterally decided to call a strike while the Government is negotiating and engaging the union in good faith? Why should a Government aid and abet the misuse and abuse of the union dues on behalf of the teachers of this country? Why should the Government continue to aid and abet a union that is violating all the principles relating to responsible administration and good and transparent management of the finances of the union itself, and by extension, its membership. So, the Government decided to severe that relationship and the Government was guided by a decision of our courts,” the Attorney General argued during his weekly programme – Issues in the News. On this note, Nandlall vowed that Government would defend its decision against any court action filed to challenge it.

Legitimate expectation

Meanwhile, another declaration that the GTU is seeking from the court

is that the Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine’s failure to establish conciliation under the Memorandum of Agreement between the Education Ministry and the union for The Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes is a dereliction of duty and a breach of the GTU’s “legitimate expectation of the Government under the said Memorandum”. But AG Nandlall countered that the Government, through the Ministry, has “reasonably” dealt with the GTU in accordance with good industrial relations, and practices and procedures as well as in compliance with the written terms of engagement that govern the relations between the two entities. The Attorney General posited that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government did not want an antagonistic relationship with its workers or their representatives. “We are a working-class government. We don’t want acrimonious relationships with unions. We want to work with the unions, but we’re not going to do so in bad faith, we’re not going to do so under duress, we’re not going to do so under any form of undue influence. We want to bargain fairly, and that is what the law provides for. And we are not, in any way, resiling from that legal obligation to bargain collectively with any group of workers in the country.” In the same breath, how-

ever, Nandlall added, “But there must be protocols and established terms of engagement, and the teachers have unilaterally, unfortunately, decided that they were not going to engage in accordance with those established protocols. So, any actions filed by the union or unions will be defended by the Government. The Education has already fulfilled 25 of 41 demands proposed by the GTU in a multi-year agreement, and of the 16 remaining requests, two are specifically for the benefit of only GTU and its Executive Members, while two others are contrary to the laws of Guyana. The other 12 proposals are currently under consideration. In fact, only last month, the Ministry had an engagement with the Union on this matter. Hence, the Labour Ministry has determined that conditions for the strike organised by the GTU have not been met, and as a result, such an industrial action is “wholly illegal and unlawful.” Government is contending that the countrywide strike action called by the GTU was part of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition’s tactics to mislead teachers for its own political agenda. At the helm of the union’s leadership is its General Secretary, Coretta McDonald – who is also an Opposition Member of Parliament (MP). (G8)

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024

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Mothers & school

oung and teenage mothers have a chance to be gainfully employed and take care of their children as a result of the re-integration programme by the Education Ministry. This opportunity for re-integration into the formal school system gives adolescent mothers a prospect to a good education, thus providing them with the foundation to have a better life. Sometime ago, after reports in the media surfaced of teenage girls, aged 13 and 15, from the Lower Pomeroon area, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) becoming pregnant and subsequently giving birth to twins, there was much uproar about the lack of will at the level of policy makers, and the lack of guidance at the social level to help prevent teenage pregnancy. Also, this publication had reported some time ago of a 14-yearold girl, also from the Pomeroon River, who was hospitalised after she had tried to abort her unborn baby and injured herself. This is a typical example of what happens when one becomes pregnant at a very young age and possibly gets into a state of depression due to pregnancy. The fact that our students, who ought to be at school educating and preparing themselves to face life’s challenges are engaging in such life-changing activities is very worrying. Our adolescents will, later down the road, certainly have to face the consequences of these poor choices. The resulting problems could be many; for example: severe health complications for both the mother and child, and serious social and economic problems. The World Health Organisation (WHO), in one of its reports, had stated that adolescents aged 10-19 years account for 11 per cent of all births worldwide, they account for 23 per cent of the overall burden of disease due to pregnancy and childbirth. The Organisation reported that 14 per cent of all unsafe abortions in low- and middle-income countries are among women aged 15-19 years. About 2.5 million adolescents have unsafe abortions every year, and adolescents are more seriously affected by complications than are older women. Many health problems are particularly associated with negative outcomes of pregnancy during adolescence. These include anaemia, malaria, HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections, postpartum haemorrhage, and mental disorders such as depression. Likewise, the social problems, affecting both families and the community, are many. Many girls who become pregnant have to leave school. This has long-term implications for them as individuals, their families and communities. For example, when an adolescent girl becomes pregnant, her entire life is affected, as her focus can no longer be her academic studies; she would now have to dedicate all her energies and resources to child rearing and caring. In most cases, the male partner is also similarly affected. That said, we believe that in many of these cases, especially in cases of girls under 15, such pregnancies are not the result of a deliberate choice, but are rather due to an absence of choices and circumstances beyond a girl’s control. Early pregnancies reflect powerlessness, poverty and pressures – from partners, peers, families, and communities. Hence, there is need for approaches that build girls ‘ human capital, help them make decisions about their lives, including matters of sexual and reproductive health, and offer them real opportunities so that motherhood is not seen as their only destiny. Girls need to have access to both sexual and reproductive health services, and to the right kind of information so that they can make informed choices about their own lives. In many communities, especially in the hinterland areas, these services are lacking. In May 2011, the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution urging member states to accelerate actions to improve the health of young people. It included these specific measures: reviewing and revising policies to protect young people from early child-bearing; providing access to contraception and reproductive health-care services; and promoting access to accurate information on sexual and reproductive health. It is very commendable that the Education Ministry continues to help teen moms through the Re-integration of Adolescent Mothers programme. This affords teen mothers the opportunity to be productively employed, and for those who choose to reenter the formal school system, they can do so successfully.

Better than roses: Jirat Somprasung and Rawitsara Chotiwatpongsaton receive their marriage licence from an officer while riding elephants during a Valentine's Day celebration, at the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Chonburi province, Thailand, February 14, 2024 (Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha photo)

Trump is too old and incited a coup. Biden is too old and mixes up names. America, how to choose? By Marina Hyde

o the US, where one likely candidate for the presidency delivers hour-long rambling speeches in which he explains that he’s going to be a dictator, but all the chat is about whether the other candidate has lost his marbles. And yes, let me pre-emptively apologise, because I can already tell that we will only be on about the third paragraph of this column before I have exhausted the Guardian’s approved list of euphemisms for being a couple of world leaders’ names short of a full set. Anyway, our business today is with the president, Joe Biden, who called an impromptu press conference on Thursday night in which he hotly insisted that his memory was just fine. The occasion was the publication of a justice department report that cleared Biden of criminal charges over his handling of highly classified materials. This year-long investigation was carried out by special counsel Robert Hur, who happens to be a registered Republican, and whose report specifically mentions the president’s “significantly limited” memory. Mr Hur says that part of the reason he didn’t bring charges was that “at trial, Mr Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” Oh dear. A real muffin-basket of an attack-line gifted to Donald Trump there, and confirmation of my long-held conviction that fake sympathy is far deadlier a tone than open attack. Biden had almost left the stage last night when he returned to the podium to take a question on the Israel-Gaza conflict, in which he unfortunately referred to the Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as “the Mexican president”. On the one hand, this was always going to happen just at the moment he was insisting his memory was great, just as it is a truth universally acknowledged that people correcting someone else’s grammar or spelling will normally involuntarily commit some howler of their own in the process. Call it the pedants’ curse – or indeed, the pedant’s curse. On the other hand … oh dear. According to polling, Biden’s age and cognitive glitches are his biggest vul-

nerability with voters. As for his likely opponent, for my armchair diagnosis, the most terrifying thing about Donald Trump is that he is completely sane (unless you count advanced narcissism, which I suppose we have to these days). But Trump is a mere three years younger than Biden, often walks with a wobble, and himself recently confused Nikki Haley with Nancy Pelosi in a rant. So is it fair that the one should face infinitely more scrutiny on the lost-plot front than the other? Alas, fairness isn’t one of the base notes of political life. I’m afraid we could be dealing with Ye Olde Vibes Theory of Politics (est 2022), which holds that the feels-based way in which a politician presents is more important than such trivialities as the facts or their record. Listen – I don’t make the rules. But during the first 2022 Conservative leadership contest in the UK, remainer Liz Truss presented as more Brexity to the party grassroots than leaver Rishi Sunak. Why? Vibes. Just … vibes. The vibes on Biden’s seniority are not great. Yes, he has led his country’s exceptional and internationally envied economic recovery from the pandemic, so the large rational part of me judges that unfair. But another part of me, perhaps the irrational, can no longer watch any Biden speech or address without picturing his aides also watching backstage, mainlining cortisol, every fibre of their brace-positioned beings willing him to get over the line without making any unforced errors – and to then exit the stage without trying to use a flag as a door. I’m sure this is complete fantasy and the only cortisol levels going through the roof are my own. Nevertheless: vibes. Can’t fight ’em. I remember my heart feeling similarly in my mouth during the aforementioned Tory leadership contest when runaway favourite Truss walked the wrong way off stage after her campaign launch. Did I think Liz Truss literally wasn’t even up to finding her way off a stage? Of course not. Rationally, I knew it was just a silly mistake, of the sort that all of us make every day. At the same time, the irrational half of me felt the satisfying click of the right key turning in the lock. I knew that Liz Truss metaphorically wasn’t even up to finding her way off a stage. There was some kind of ineffable psy-

chological truth to it all that was far more powerful than the facts. As someone who believes the likely Republican candidate is hideously, overwhelmingly worse, I fear that Joe Biden is gearing up for a gruelling election at precisely this vibes-based disadvantage. Both he and Trump are at the stage of life when sensible ordinary people find the strength to turn to their families and ask: be honest, should I still be driving? Yet Trump’s great power is defying rationality, like some dark lord of the vibes. He is possessed of a mesmerising ability to make every single thing feel like it is playing into his hands, which is why we now all watch news reports of various criminal charges being brought against him and go, “Oh this’ll play well for him”. Will it? And if so, why should it? Who really knows, but the vibes say so. After the last time I touched on the gerontocracy in these pages, the Guardian printed three letters from older male readers under the headline, What’s age got to do with it, Marina Hyde? Ageism was mentioned, with one of the correspondents advancing details of how he spent his days, as an argument against what we might kindly have termed my own argument about when big hitters should leave the professional stage. Now, no one more than me welcomes a good bollocking on the letters page, and all the three men were very nice about the rest of my output. Thank you! However. At the risk of drawing further correspondence, I feel I still have to hold to the position that being president of the United States is not the same as “writing, teaching, and volunteering in a residential home”, and is a job for a younger man than either Biden and Trump. Not a younger woman, of course – that would be genuinely insane in the strictest clinical sense of the term. But younger than 86 at conclusion of office. So I end this column with a challenge: if any readers of this newspaper are able to get to the end of the lengthy forthcoming US election campaign and think it showcased a vibrant, healthy and sprightly democracy, then I urge them to write in on 6 November, and suggest mandatory retirement for me. (The Guardian) (Marina Hyde is a Guardian columnist)

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teachers’ strike negatively affecting students preparing for national exams – McCoy

Teachers participating in the strike

Public Affairs Minister Kwame McCoy engaging residents of La Grange

he ongoing teachers’ strike being spearheaded by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) is detrimental to the students currently preparing for this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. This is the position of Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with

responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, who contends that the “illegal strike” has the potential to prevent students sitting the exams from achieving their individual goals. McCoy made these comments during a community meeting at La Grange, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Sunday. He said the actions be-

ing taken by GTU is a direct attack on the education system and the investments the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government has poured in to the sector for its advancement. “That is the purpose of the strike that they could stymie the work of the Government and they could prevent our children who are at this time supposed to be having their SBAs

marked to be submitted to the CXC. They strike – they don’t care about them,” McCoy told those gathered. In response to GTU’s commitment to prolong the strike until teachers’ demands are met, the Public Affairs Minister issued a call to the union to allow teachers to choose whether or not they want to independently participate in the strike. According to McCoy, he continues to receive reports indicating that “many teachers are being forced onto the picket line out of fear”.

"Some of them are only on the strike line because of fear. Our country must never be at the level where people can’t make the choice that they believe that they should be making, because to strike and not to strike is a right,” the Public Affairs Minister explained. The nationwide teachers’ strike commenced on February 5. Teachers believe that the 6.5 per cent salary increase received is insufficient. It is unclear how many teachers are supporting and participating in the strike and how many schools and

students are being affected. GTU President Mark Lyte has said that 82 per cent of learners were affected as a result of the strike but this has not been corroborated by the Education Ministry. In fact, the Ministry has not released any information or statistics on how the strike is impacting the school system. Since 2020, the GTU has been pushing for an acrossthe-board increase in salaries for teachers as part of a multi-year agreement. The proposal covers the years 2020 to 2023.

‘No work, no pay’ anywhere in the world! Dear Editor, I know of no arrangement where workers are paid to be on strike. The GTU and its supporters in the Opposition APNU-AFC, plus their so-called civil society comrades, are delusional on this score. In Guyana, we have the extraordinary situation where some teachers are engaged in a politically motivated strike and yet want to be paid. The strike is clearly political. A senior member of the union confirmed this by

leaking that there is a “corporate sponsor” for what is clearly illegal. The nation should know that GTU represents only about 32% of all teachers in the country. A substantial number of these are concentrated in a few urban areas, and are card-carrying members and activists of the APNU-AFC. Put differently, most teachers in Guyana do not support GTU. It is that simple. Politically, I am deep-

Insincere environmental paraders? Dear Editor, There is a significant oil spill in Caribbean waters off the coast of Tobago which should have galvanised our local environmentalists into action! However, I am yet to see or hear a peep from this crew. Is our ‘international’ lawyer on the way to the twin island Republic to offer pro bono advice and service via sailboat? (no self-respecting environmentalist would fly on petroleum-powered aircraft) Why are none of the regulars asking if the ship that capsized has unlimited insurance or a parent company guarantee? Why are there no calls for us to sue Trinidad & Tobago for pol-

luting the seas? Surely, we can muster outrage, or, at the very least, a fit of pique. I sincerely hope that the owners of the vessel face the full brunt of the law, and pay all costs, including cleanup and damages. I had hoped that our local environmentalists would at least comment on this incident that has done damage to waters, marine life, beaches, tourism business, and people’s personal lives in and around Tobago. Sadly, it seems ‘No Exxon, No interest’, or is it simply a case of ‘no money, no love’ from insincere environmental paraders? Sincerely, Robin Singh

ly invested in the professional welfare of teachers. I have been in the classroom for 38 years, and I engaged in one of the longest strikes in Canadian history (York University, Spring 1997), during which time no striker received a dime in regular pay. We received strike pay from our union, but that

was it. Strikers never receive their pay from their employers anywhere in the world. The GoG is on solid ground, and should not reward those who are hell-bent on being disruptive. Sincerely, Dr Randy Persaud

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:30 10:00 11:30 12:00 12:05 13:35 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:30 00:00

(Sign on) Inspiration Time Cartoons Evening News (RB) Stay Woke Guy's Grocery Games BBC Travel Show Stop Suffering Divorce Court News Break Movie - Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008) Wheel of Fortune The Loud House S1 E18 Spongebob Squarepants From the Pavilion Drake & Josh S2 E10 Victorious S2 E2 The Young & The Restless CNN The Evening News Stop Suffering Stand-up Comedy Clickbait E1 Grey's Anatomy S5 E8 Ballers S4 E9 Dear White People S1 E7 Sign off

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024

Foundation ◄

Page

Dividing decimals by whole numbers Dividing a decimal by a whole number is exactly like dividing whole numbers except you have to know where to put the decimal point in your quotient. If only the dividend has a decimal point, put the decimal point in exactly the same column in the quotient.

Example: Estimate 28.5 ÷ 2 Step 1: set up your division problem and put the decimal point in the proper place in the quotient: 2⟌28.5

Super bubble solution cool science experiment In this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to make a cool super bubble solution to explore and investigate. Materials: Distilled water Light corn syrup Empty container with lid Liquid dish soap (Do not use any “Ultra” branded liquid soaps) Measuring cups Instructions: Put six cups of water into the container. Slowly stir one cup of liquid dish soap into the water. Do so in a way that does not cause bubbles or foam to form. Add ¼ cup of light corn syrup to the soap and water solution. Stir the solution until it is mixed thoroughly, again making sure not to make any bubbles. Allow the solution to sit overnight. Dip a bubble wand or straw into the solution and create a bubble. How it works: A bubble pops when the water evaporates. The corn syrup will thicken the water and slow down the evaporation process. This is why the super bubble solution will allow the bubble to last longer. Make this a science project: Try different brands of liquid dish soap. Try making a sugar solution and using it instead of corn syrup. Try using pancake syrup. (sciencefun.org)

by Ian Carew

CONTINUED

Athens, Lisbon, And to the new cities

Step 2: Divide

Across the Atlantic seas,

14.25

Washington, New York,

2⟌28.5 28

Chicago, Los Angeles... Radar-pronged antennae of my searching Groped everywhere...

050

The old cities...

050

The new cities... But the faces were the same.

Exercises: Divide 1) 10.00 ÷ 7.2 2) 28.60 ÷ 4 3) 94.0 ÷ 3 4) 5 ÷ 3.1 5) 111 ÷ 6.88

In snow, bleak rain, Fog and miraculous sunshine. I have searched I have searched I have searched, But the face of the cities, The old cities, And the new cities Across the Atlantic seas Were the same.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Reforestation initiative launched for mined-out, deforested areas in Guyana …over 1400 seedlings of 11 species planted, another 1600 slated for this year

he Natural Resources Ministry has rolled out a reforestation initiative targeting minedout areas, where more than 1400 seedlings have already been planted and another 1600 seedlings are expected to be planted this year. Dubbed the National Forest Restoration Initiative (NFRI), this project centres around a coordinated approach to forest restoration that utilises native tree species in minedout, degraded, and deforested areas in Guyana. This initiative is being implemented by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). According to a statement from the Natural Resources Ministry on Wednesday, works have already commenced in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) in the Dakoura area, where approximately 23.3 hectares (ha) of land will soon be replanted with native species. Tauroniro, Simarupa, Baromalli, Bloodwood, Awati, Kabukalli, Trysil, Kaditiri, Soft Wallaba, Futui and Fukadi seedlings are currently being piloted. “To date, a total of 1484 seedlings of 11 species were planted in 11 ha, with approximately 1660 more to be planted before February 2024. To support this activity, two Seedling Stations have been established, one at the Yarrowkabra Training Centre on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway and another in Wismar, Linden. Here, seedlings collected from natural forests are hardened for

An aerial view of reforestation work previously done by the GGMC (GFC photo)

planting at the restoration sites,” the statement detailed. The Ministry noted that a key component of this process is community involvement and capacity building. To this end, it was disclosed that youths from the West Watooka, Silvertown and Half-Mile areas have received training on seedling collection, seedling station care and management, out-planting and restoration site monitoring and management. In fact, three individuals from these communities are currently working with the NFRI team to manage the Wismar Seedling Station and the Dakoura Pilot Site. This component, the ministry said, is envisioned to continue throughout the life of this project. Moreover, the NFRI team has also begun data

collection to analyse species performance, and site performance and assess the current methodology used. Information collected from this pilot site will inform future restoration initiatives undertaken. The rollout of this NFRI is in keeping with the Guyana Government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which is a framework for achieving a fair, inclusive, sustainable and prosperous Guyana that rises to the challenge of building a low-carbon economy. It specifically speaks to tenets of the LCDS on exploring options for land reclamation and reforestation of mined areas under the commitment to sustainable forestry and low-impact mining. By using the NFRI to restore forests using indigenous tree species,

these activities can now incorporate alternative livelihoods for forest-dependent communities. “Overall, the NFRI – and by extension, the LCDS 2030 – stands as a beacon of hope for restoring Guyana's ecosystems while empowering local communities. Through its holistic approach and ongoing community involvement, it not only addresses environmental concerns but also lays the groundwork for a more resilient and harmonious future in the region,” the Natural Resources Ministry said. In Budget 2024, the Guyana Government has earmarked $300 million

towards land reclamation and reforestation efforts. Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat had told the Committee of Supply during the Consideration of the Budget Estimates in the National Assembly last month, that this project had commenced in 2023 in Region 10 with some 60 acres of land identified for reclamation/ reforestation. He had noted too that works have been significantly advanced, with over 100 persons being employed. The Minister explained that the 2024 Budget allocation would go towards continuation of the project, with focus this year on another 60 acres in Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), at Matthews Ridge and Mahdia respectively, where there are significant mined-out areas. “This will help significantly to boost our capacity as a green country, our forest coverage, and in the long term add more carbon credits to our already verified credits by ARTTREES,” Bharrat stated. In December 2022,

Guyana became the first country to receive certification of over 33 million carbon credits by the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART). That issuance of the REDD+ jurisdictional carbon credits paved the way for the historic US$750 million carbon credit sale between Guyana and Hess Corporation. The Natural Resources Minister went on to defend the budget allocation as an “investment”. “When I was defending my budget to the Finance Minister, I said, ‘Look at it as an investment, and not an expense’, because already we are earning money from our forests… through the US$750M deal…So, it’s more of an investment, and it’s needed especially in the context of climate change and our own NDCs – Nationally Determined Contributions – to fighting climate change, and our commitments as a country to all the agreements that we would have signed, including our own LCDS (2030),” Bharrat stressed. (G8)

8 NEWS Electrician shot 12 times in execution attempt THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…charged in 2022 for drug trafficking

36-year-old electrician was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital on Tuesday night after he was shot multiple times in Tucville, Georgetown. Injured is Winston Hazel of Gibson Street, Tucville. Police said the incident occurred around 19:07h, when Hazel was returning home from D'Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown in his motor car, PRR 3310. According to reports, as he stopped and turned into his entrance, west of his house, two men, wearing hoodies, approached on a black XR motorcycle and stopped a short distance from him. They then got off the mo-

Injured: Winston Hazel

torcycle, pulled out two handguns, and discharged several rounds at him, while he was in the car.

After being shot, Hazel exited the car and ran into his yard, calling out to his reputed wife, a 37-year-old teacher. The suspects continued to discharge rounds at him after which they rode off on the motorcycle. Hazle sustained 12 gunshot wounds – three to his left abdomen, three to each thigh, two to his left hand, and one to his right hand. Hazel's reputed wife and a 27-year-old man rushed him to a city hospital where he underwent surgery. His condition is listed as serious. His motor car was examined by Police, and what appeared to be bullet holes were seen on the vehicle. Detectives

retrieved two warheads, seven 9mm spent shells, and one live 9mm round from the scene. Investigations continue. In March 2022, Hazel, alongside an individual named Devon Simon, was apprehended by officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU). They were allegedly discovered in possession of 12.8 pounds of cocaine valued at $6.5 million. The illicit substance was found in the vehicle in which they were travelling that had been intercepted during a law enforcement operation in the vicinity of Guyhoc Park, Tucville. Both men were charged.

2 Berbice men busted with 142 lbs ganja

bdool Shakoor, 33, of Lot 36 #78 Village Corriverton, and Yogindra Bheemsingh, 33, of Bank Road Corriverton, have been busted by Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) agents with more than 142 pounds of marijuana in a car in which they were travelling.

In an operation conducted on the #65 Village Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice on Monday, the narcotics were unearthed when CANU ranks intercepted and searched this motorcar and uncovered three large, bulky parcels containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be

cannabis. The men were arrested and, with the narcotics, escorted to the CANU Headquarters in Region Six, where the nar-

cotics were confirmed as cannabis weighing 64.6 kilograms. CANU has said investigations are ongoing, and the two suspects are expected to be charged soon. In 2023, CANU seized approximately 1363.28kg of narcotics, consisting of cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and hashish that had a total value of $461.5 million. Cannabis has been the most confiscated drug, accounting for 94 per cent of the total narcotics seized for the year, with approximately 73 separate seizures amounting to 1,287.88 kilograms. (G8)

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Tightening…

…the noose?

aybe your Eyewitness should bill himself as a Guyanese think tank!! After all, without access to satellite pics and all that high-tech spyware, with upraised arms, he’s been telling all and sundry in this space that while Mad Maduro’s been talking about maintaining a “zone of peace”, he’s been preparing for war!! And that’s exactly what the Washingtonbased Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) announced in a report issued a few days ago - with satellite pics of massed troops and war materiel on our border! Here's what the report says – verbatim, lest some think your Eyewitness might be burnishing his claims: “There is likely more than meets the eye when it comes to Venezuela’s approach to negotiations. Maduro regime may be engaging in a strategy of compellence” aimed at Guyana. And what is “compellence”, pray tell? Well, evidently, it’s “a strategy aimed at pairing the use or threat of force with diplomatic incentives to coerce another actor into changing its behaviour. Under this reading, Venezuela’s participation in the Argyle process represents the diplomatic carrot, while its military engagement in provocative behaviour acts as a stick to tilt negotiations in Caracas’s favour.” “Recent activity by the Venezuelan armed forces within the Essequibo and in nearby waters observed in satellite imagery lends credence to this argument, and suggests Maduro may be duplicitous in his commitment to resolve the dispute through diplomatic channels.” In the weeks preceding the follow-up meeting in Brasilia of the Argyle Declaration, the Report noted that a “A video linked to the Bolivarian National Guard, dated January 15, 2024, shows a staging area across the Cuyuni River from Anacoco Island where construction materials are piled up. Three armoured amphibious personnel carriers are also visible in the staging area…” That’s right – the same Ankoko of which Venezuela annexed our half back in 1966!! The Report continues: “recent satellite image from January 13, 2024, also reveals the beginnings of the expansion project at the base with signs of road traffic, significant ground clearing suggesting planning for additional buildings or a vehicle park, and the construction of a small fuelling station — an indication of future construction and military vehicle presence. The expansion would likely indicate an increase in stationed personnel from platoon to company or battalion size, increasing personnel from around 50 up to, and possibly over, 300. Notably, a mixed group of armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) can be seen, consisting of six vehicles, likely Scorpion light tanks, and at least one amphibious personnel carrier. A Bell 206 helicopter can also be seen.” Your Eyewitness has always maintained that “when blind man tell yuh ‘e guh pelt yuh; ‘e done gat brick in ‘e haan!” Mad Maduro’s a man blind with a desire to remain as the dictator of Venezuela!! …our politics It ain’t easy being in politics in Guyana nowadays. Used to be you told the folks what they wanted to hear – meaning, promise them the sun and moon! - buy some rum in the rum shops and give your private (racial) spiels under the bottom houses, and that was it!! Since folks voted mostly racially, it was already a foregone conclusion as to who’d win – that depended on the colour of the various noses!! But now things are different: the noses are almost equal in number - which creates a dilemma to the old order. Suddenly, you gotta be nice to everybody, since the least misstep could cost you those crucial fence-sitting noses!! Problem is the new “bottom houses” where folks engage in the race talk - the social media. Here, it’s a case of everything hanging out, and since the content’s available to everyone with a smartphone – meaning EVERYBODY – it means everyone’s riled up!! And politicians now gotta be “outing” fires every minute of the day!! …sugar costs Finally, the mechanization programme in the sugar industry is getting to a point where it might bring down the cost of production significantly enough to make up competitive with the big boys. The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

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

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US reiterates support for Guyana’s territorial integrity …as US Permanent Rep to UN meets with Pres Ali

mbassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States (US) Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), on Tuesday reiterated US support for Guyana and the defense of its territorial integrity. According to a statement from President Dr Irfaan Ali on his social media page on Wednesday, he received a courtesy visit from Ambassador ThomasGreenfield on Tuesday. The President and entourage were in New York for the UN Security Council (UNSC) debate on the im-

President Dr Irfaan Ali receiving a courtesy visit from Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield

pact of climate change and food insecurity on the maintenance of international peace and security. “Discussions focused on enhancing and expanding the relationship between Guyana and the US. Ambassador ThomasGreenfield expressed her country's unwavering support to Guyana, especially as it relates to defending its territorial integrity,” the President’s statement said. It was further explained that Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; Foreign Secretary Robert

Persaud; Guyana’s own Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett; and the Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency, Michael Regan, were also part of the meeting. The meeting comes less than a week after the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank, had published satellite images purporting to show a military build-up on Ankoko Island in Region Seven, Guyanese territory which Venezuela has occupied since 1966.

This comes even as Venezuela has already agreed to take no action that would exacerbate tensions between the two countries. On December 14, 2023, in Argyle, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, President Ali and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro held discussions on matters consequential to the territory involved in the border controversy. After more than eight hours of engagement, the two Heads of State agreed that Guyana and Venezuela, directly or indirectly, would not threaten

or use force against one another in any circumstance, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two States. In a joint declaration dubbed the Argyle Agreement, the Heads of State also agreed that any controversy between the two States would be resolved in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement dated February 17, 1966. The two countries have also committed to the pursuance of good neighbourliness, peaceful coexistence, and the unity

of Latin America and the Caribbean. It has also been agreed that both States would refrain, whether by words or deeds, from escalating any conflict or disagreement arising from any controversy. Venezuela has, since last year, been intensifying its threats and aggression towards Guyana. Prior to the Argyle Agreement, the Venezuelan President had issued declarations illegally infringing on Guyana’s sovereignty and telling companies operating in Essequibo to vacate the area within three months. (G3)

10 NEWS Private Sector willing to work with GPL on grid upgrades for GtE Project – GCCI President THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

….says Chamber following progress of upgrades closely

A GPL substation in Berbice

he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) continues to have close engagements with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and remains willing to work with the company to ensure upgrades to the grid in preparation for the Gasto-Energy (GtE) Project are done in an effective manner. During a press conference on Wednesday, the GCCI advocated for the project. While much focus was placed on the economic benefits of the project,

the ability to integrate the gas-powered energy within the existing GPL grid is vital. According to GCCI President Kester Hutson, the Chamber has been having consultations with GPL in an effort to be kept updated on the progress of the required grid upgrades. He noted that the Chamber remained committed to continuing its interactions with GPL to ensure works continue to specifications and citizens get value for money. “So, in our last engagement with Minister

of Public Works [Juan Edghill] and his team, he recognised that the current infrastructure is inefficient and insufficient. So that whole network that was recently done, has to be redone to cater for the increased megawatts for power. “Yes, the Chamber will work with them, as we have done in previous instances, to ensure that there’s compliance. To ensure that what is required from the Private Sector and citizens is being done with quality service. So, we continue to engage those officials, to ensure they meet the requirements..,” Hutson explained. During the session, former GCCI President Nicholas Boyer pointed out that the Government is currently subsidising GPL’s costs to produce electricity. Given the cost of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), which is used by GPL to generate energy, consumers would have seen greater power tariffs without this subsidy. Back in 2022, Exxon’s Gas-to-Shore Manager Friedrich Krispin had said that upgrades to the GPL

grid should be completed by 2024. These upgrades are necessary for energy from the gas-to-shore project to be integrated into the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS). In 2021, GPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bharat Dindyal had said that GPL was planning to overhaul its systems. It is a project that will redound to the benefit of consumers, though at the time the estimated cost was approximately US$293 million, for which he had said they were seeking financing. The GtE project will include a combined-cycle power plant and a Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant, all of which will be constructed within the Wales Development Zone (WDZ), which will be heavily industrialised. The power plant will generate up to 300 megawatts (MW) of power, with a net 250MW delivered into the GPL grid at a sub-station on the East Bank of Demerara. Head of the Gas-toShore Task Force, Winston Brassington has previously stated that ExxonMobil Guyana, which is funding

GCCI President Kester Hutson

the pipeline aspect of the project out of cost oil, has found that there would be substantial savings from combining these two facilities. The Guyana Government has already invited interested parties to make investments in the WDZ for which approximately 150 acres of land have been allocated. Those lands were previously used by the Wales Sugar Estate. The approximately US$900 million gas-toshore project includes the construction of 225 kilometres of pipeline from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently pumping oil.

The subsea 12-inch pipeline will run from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to the shore at West Coast Demerara, from where it would continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL plant at Wales. The pipeline is expected to transport some 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mscfpd) of dry gas to the NGL plant, but it has the capacity to push as much as 120 mscfpd. The pipeline’s route onshore would follow the same path as the fibre-optic cables and terminate at Hermitage, part of the WDZ that will house the gas-to-shore project.

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Banks DIH salesmen protest over “unreasonable” commission rate

Banks DIH worker Mark Fraser

The protesting salesmen

pay out 75 per cent of commissions only after the 65 per cent sales target was met, which the workers find unacceptable. “Basically, what we are looking for is a better wage and salary, because, at the

Banks DIH worker Henry Almond

cores of drivers and salesmen affiliated with local conglomerate Banks DIH Limited staged a protest by parking their trucks on Wednesday, expressing discontent over the company’s sales commission structure. The workers claimed that the company consistently fails to provide them with a satisfactory commission for their monthly sales. Gathered outside Banks DIH’s state-of-the-art parking facility at Thirst Park, the protesting workers explained that to qualify for a commission, they must achieve a sales target of 65 per cent or higher. Joel Sam, one of the salesmen, lamented that many sales departments’ employees toil tirelessly only to go unrewarded due to this system. “If you sell 64 per cent, the whole 64 per cent gone down the drain, you ain’t getting no money for duh, and that’s we problem, we working, and we ain’t getting pay for duh,” he said. According to Sam, the workers called for an overhaul of the current commission system. He noted that although the company pledged to address worker concerns back in September 2023, no progress has materialised. Henry Almond, another protester, shared his experience of often returning home with only his basic fortnightly salary of $36,000 under the current system. “This is unfair, that is what we working for a fortnight and that’s not even the flat pay,” he lamented.

Banks DIH worker Joel Sam

Another worker, Mark Fraser, articulated the workers’ stance, emphasising the need for a fair wage structure. He revealed that the company currently would

moment, the wage that we are having, is not appropriate, and we are trying to meet with the union to discuss the increase in our sal-

aries. At the moment, the company giving us 75 per cent, that’s after they have completed their 65 per cent. So, what they are saying, is how long we ain’t complete 65 per cent, we will only get paid for 75 per cent up. But what we are looking for is to get paid on every case,” he said.

Fraser indicated the workers’ willingness to negotiate, but stressed the importance of clarity regarding compensation per case. Steve Dey echoed Fraser’s sentiments, labelling the issue as a matter of survival for the workers’ families. He reiterated the workers’ readiness to engage in dialogue with company executives to establish an equitable commission framework. The workers disclosed that the company has requested additional time to address their grievances,

with hopes of a resolution by Friday. In the interim, they have pledged to abstain from work. Despite attempts to obtain a statement from the company, officials declined to comment at this time. During its recent Annual General Meeting, Banks DIH Limited reported after-tax profits of $8.9 billion, marking a 6.8 per cent increase from the previous year. The company could not be immediately reached for a comment on the salesmen’s action on Wednesday. (G9)

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3-storey NA hotel gutted by fire A

fire suspected to be electrical in origin has destroyed the 28-room Castle Hotel and Bar at 12 Chapel Street in New Amsterdam Berbice on Wednesday afternoon. Eyewitnesses said the fire was first spotted at about 16:30h on the lower flat of the northeastern side of the building; and although challenged by low water pressure, firefighters battled for three hours before being able to bring the blaze under control. At 17:30h, firefighters were

still battling to control the flames and smoke billowing from the third storey of the building. Dayal Jagdeo, who operates a printing business opposite the hotel, said Guyana Power and Light (GPL) personnel had visited the premises twice on Wednesday afternoon before the fire started. “It took about fifteen minutes for GPL to answer the phone! I called them because the transformer was sparking. They came and they disconnected the pow-

er from one source and left the other one,” the eyewitness said. Castle Hotel is connected to both the Main Street and Strand power supply lines, giving the hotel the advantage of being still connected to the grid when there are power outages on either Main Street or at Strand. “After GLP left, the transformer was still sparking, and we called them again! When they came, the main switch to the building was smoking,

Fire has destroyed the Castle Hotel and Bar in New Amsterdam, Berbice

and they went in and look at it…When they were leaving, the neighbour from the restaurant over there told them that (the transformer was still) sparking,” the man related. This witness has said that, moments later, fire was seen coming from a section of the building. At the time, only the security guard and receptionist were in the building; there were no guests at the facility. However, reports are that there were several reservations for the evening. Regional Commander Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus has said he was informed that the building was on fire at 16:36h, and he contacted the New Amsterdam Fire Service, which responded promptly. However, he pointed out, the firefighters did experience some challenges.

ties being experienced with the fire hydrants, the efficiency of the Guyana Fire Service was reduced; and, the mayor said, the water in the reservoir at the two hydrants along Strand was depleted within a few seconds. “We found that the water pressure was extremely low, so the fire trucks exhausted the water with-

we serviced those hydrants along Strand was that there was a huge volume of garbage (that had been) dumped into those fire hydrants, and so this is why we are engaging all citizens at this point, to ensure these perpetrators are caught and (made to face) the necessary action with regards to such contraventions,” Mayor McIntosh

in seconds; and so the time to replenish the water at the hydrant was a lengthy period, so the Fire Service had to be toughing between two fire hydrants,” he explained. The mayor has mentioned a project jointly undertaken by the municipality and the New Amsterdam Fire Service to renovate the fire hydrants along Strand. He had this to say about it. “What we found when

pointed out. He said the municipality will heighten its security to ensure hydrants are not compromised, and his office would continue to work with the Fire Service to ensure that the fire hydrants in and around New Amsterdam are functional. The destroyed hotel is owned by former President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce, Errol Azar. (G4)

Challenges

New Amsterdam Mayor Wainwright McIntosh, who was on scene with some municipal councillors to lend support, said there have been challenges with the fire hydrants along the Strand. “It is amazing! This fire commenced around 4:30pm, and now is after 7:00 in the evening and the firefighters are still working quite industriously to put out the fire…,” he said. While the workforce was on the ground, because of the technical difficul-

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Christians in Guyana joined the rest of the world as they begin the sacred 40-day period of Lent on Wednesday – known as Ash Wednesday, with many receiving the symbolic mark of the holy cross in ashes on their foreheads. In photos are Christians receiving their ashes at St Sidwell’s Anglican Church, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Church of Our Lady of Sorrow in Marlborough, Pomeroon River

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gas-to-Energy project

GCCI notes “immeasurable harm” of high energy costs to Guyana …reiterates support for project

he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is so supportive of the Gas-toEnergy project and the good it can do for Guyana that its members would even be willing to support a second pipeline. On Wednesday, the GCCI held a press conference focused on the Gasto-Energy project. In recent times, there has been increased discussion on the project, which has a start-up date of 2024. While most are anticipating the much-needed project, others have been raising concerns, including regarding the project’s cost. However, former GCCI President Timothy Tucker has made it clear that the GCCI has no reservations in supporting the project, and has said he would even support a second pipeline. “We are sitting here to show you and Guyanese that we stand behind the letter, the statement, and what the President and council has put into that letter. We stand behind the project because it is good for the business

community, it is good for Guyana. We will continue to support that,” he declared. “And furthermore, I would say we would even support a second pipeline if it becomes necessary; because, with the prevailing circumstances…I would say we also support a mini refinery and we would always support that simply because, as (GCCI Vice President) Richard said, energy security,” Tucker explained. According to Tucker, even the competitors to the gas-to-shore project have acknowledged that the project is the current best option for Guyana. He noted that this became apparent when the GCCI held consultations with other potential renewable energy investors. “We have, on several occasions -- and I can tell you: going back from Minister Patterson, when he presented the numbers, when we did the consultations with this Government, when we also brought in the Japanese, the Mexicans, about three other persons came into the Chamber - we sat with

From left, are: GCCI Junior Vice President Gavin Ramsoondar, former GCCI President Komal Ragnauth, current President Kester Hutson, Senior Vice President Richard Rambarran, former President Timothy Tucker, Secretary Kathy Smith, and former President Clinton Urling

them and looked whether it would be better to deal with solar; whether it would be better to go with wind; when we got the numbers, we asked them what about battery backup? What is the cost? Each of them coming to pitch their project said to us, ‘But in the immediate time now, this is your best bet. But you can have these as secondary’. As recently as last year, someone from the DR,” Tucker said. Further, Tucker noted the almost immeasurable damage that unreli-

able, expensive energy has caused to Guyana. Tucker’s point has been reinformed by GCCI Vice President Richard Rambarran, who added that unreliable power has chased away many an investor. “You would have two aspects: Production loss from bad or unreliable electricity and the cost for that, and the cost-of-investment loss from companies that don’t want to come in and pay 35 cents for electricity. So that’s loss by investments; loss by consumers; downtime; how much times you guys spend having to work overtime to finish a report because you had blackout,” Tucker explained. The scope of Guyana’s

gas-to-energy project consists of the construction of 225 kilometres of pipeline from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil. It features approximately 200 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore that will run from Liza Destiny and Liza Unity floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to the shore. Upon landing on the West Coast Demerara shore, the pipeline would continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara. In last year’s national budget, the project re-

ceived a $43.3 billion allocation in addition to the $24.6 billion injected into the start-up of the transformational project for construction of the NGL Plant and the 300-megawatt (MW) combined cycle power plant at Wales, WBD. This year, a whopping $80 billion was budgeted to advance this project and its associated infrastructure, including transmission and distribution upgrades to offtake the power. As of January this year, the marine offloading facility has been completed, and 26 kilometres (km) of onshore pipelines have been installed. Once completed, the project would allow Guyanese to benefit from 50 per cent reduced electricity costs. (G3)

$41,000 fine, community service for vendor found with ganja

Wendez Pompey

vendor has been fined and ordered to perform two months of community service after being found guilty of possession of narcotics. Wendez Pompey, a 23-year-old vendor of 23 Hill Street, Albouystown Georgetown, was arrested on Saturday, February 10, on the Suddie Public Road, Essequibo Coast, with 27.9 grams of cannabis in his

possession. Pompey appeared on Monday before Charity Magistrate Esther Sam and pleaded guilty to the charge. He has been fined $41,550 and ordered to

perform two months of community service for not more than three hours per day at the Ruimveldt Police Station. In default of this order, the defendant will face two months’ imprisonment.

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s development is a national responsibility – McCoy tells Region 3 residents T he growth and development of Guyana’s economy is a national responsibility on which Government and citizens must work simultaneously and cohesively to achieve. This was underscored by Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, during several community engagements with residents of La Grange in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), on Sunday. According to the Public Affairs Minister, Region Three is set to undergo significant development and expansion through various infrastructural projects initiated by the Government.

A resident raising a concern

These include the construction of the new Demerara

River bridge, the Schoonordto-Crane Highway, and the

SBM Offshore launches 2nd annual Guyana-Monaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix

The competition entails using the laws of physics to design and build small cars powered by mousetraps. Pictured are participants and officials at the inaugural edition of the local competition in 2023 (video still taken from SBM Offshore’s Facebook page)

econdary schools in Guyana are invited to participate in the second edition of the GuyanaMonaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix, sponsored by SBM Offshore Guyana with support from the Education Ministry. The Monaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix is an annual international competition that is held in the Principality of Monaco. The competition encourages high school students to create a model race car out of a mousetrap and to use the laws of physics to propel the car forward by triggering the original trap mechanism. It was created under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco to promote science and engineering to students in a fun, exciting way. Through SBM Offshore, Guyana was once again invited to participate in the international event. Three exciting categories are open for entries – Acceleration, Endurance, and Innovation and Creativity. SBM Offshore Guyana’s Local Content Officer, Garri Fraser expressed, “At SBM Offshore Guyana, we believe that investing in education and providing opportunities for young minds to thrive is crucial for the advancement

of our society. We are eager to witness the incredible ideas and solutions that will emerge from this competition and the impact it will have on the participating students. We believe that by empowering the young generation with the tools and encouragement they need, we are investing in a brighter tomorrow for Guyana.” Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Amerindian and Hinterland Development, Marti De Souza stated, “Having experienced the Guyana-Monaco Mousetrap Grand Prix 2023, I could see the great effort put into the projects by the students and their teachers. The entries were very innovative, the designers made great use of scientific and engineering principles. Raphel Persaud of St Stanislaus College and his teacher deservedly travelled to Monaco and viewed the Monaco Grand Prix. SBM Offshore has done a great job in providing this opportunity for our Guyanese students to be engaged in this competition and more so, affording them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of witnessing the marquee Monaco Grand Prix.” Interested students can register on the website https://mousetraprace.sbm. gy/. Once all the applications have been submitted, an of-

ficial request will be sent to Monaco, and the mousetrap kits will be mailed to Guyana. Once the schools receive the kits, they will be given a timeframe to complete their mousetrap cars, following which the entries will be judged in the local competition, which will serve as the pre-qualifier for the international leg. The firstplace winner of each category will be awarded a cash prize to purchase materials for the schools’ Science Departments. Once the three best performers of each category are determined, videos of their performance will be submitted to Monaco for entry into the international leg. If a local team is successful in the international leg, SBM Offshore Guyana will sponsor the team’s travel to Monaco where they will have a chance to view the historic Grand Prix. In 2023, Raphel Persaud, who represented Guyana at the Monaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix, was also granted the opportunity to witness the Race of the Porsche Mobile 1 Supercup, the F1 Drivers’ Parade, and the 80th Formula One Grand Prix of Monaco. He also toured Nice, France and Monaco where he visited SBM Offshore’s office.

Public Affairs Minister Kwame McCoy engaging a resident at a Region Three community meeting

landmark Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project. As a result, McCoy emphasised the need for residents and businesses in the region to prepare themselves to take advantage of the opportunities that would arise. He noted that while Government played a pivotal role in the development of the country, citizens’ participation and partnership were necessary to propel and achieve a nation’s development. “What we have now is what we have to take and invest in the building-out of our infrastructure, consolidating the existing sectors, diversifying our economy, building up new sectors, so that we can build on this opportunity to make us wealthier…I am sure that perhaps every single one of you here want to see Guyana move forward, want to see your community develop, what to see us operate at a higher standard,” Minister McCoy stated.

Further, residents were encouraged to take advantage of training opportunities being spearheaded by the Guyana Government. These include those available through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL); the Board of Industrial Training (BIT); and the Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN). Minister McCoy informed those gathered that qualifications acquired through the various programmes could help them develop businesses in the tourism, agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing sectors, among others. “We can move our country along the trajectory of growth and development in which every single one of us would be able to benefit, in small ways, in many ways, in large measures once we take advantage of the opportunities… People in La Grange and people everywhere need to be part of a partnership that moves

this country forward… There are still many things for us to do…As a Government and as a people, it means that we have to be in a solid partnership,” Minister McCoy underscored. During the engagement, persons were given the chance to voice their concerns, most of which were related to the improvement of roads, enhanced water service, and support for small businesses. These engagements are intended to provide citizens in every corner of Guyana with information on the recently-passed national budget, which contains programmes and measures that will improve their daily livelihoods. Engagements will continue in Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam); Three; Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) over the next few weeks, led by all Government Ministers.

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President Ali, Finance Minister meet with IMF Deputy Managing Director …reiterates Govt’s commitment to prudent economic management

resident Dr Irfaan Ali and Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh met with the International Monetary Fund’s Deputy Managing Director, Kenji Okamura. On Wednesday, Singh also met with Executive Director Afonso Bevilaqua. Dr Singh, who is hosting the IMF delegation in Guyana, was accompanied by a team from the Finance Ministry, while the IMF’s officials were accompanied by Alternate Executive Director Reshma Mahabir; Mission Chief, Alina Carare and Advisor to the Deputy Managing Director, Chad Steinberg. According to the Finance Ministry, the IMF team is currently on a high-level two-day visit to Guyana where they will meet with President Ali and other Government officials as well as visit a number of developmental projects around the country. During Wednesday’s meeting, the Finance

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh in discussion with IMF Deputy Managing Director Okamura

President Dr Irfaan Ali meeting with IMF’s Deputy Managing Director, Kenji Okamura

Minister welcomed the IMF team, emphasising that Government valued the

longstanding relationship with the IMF. A release from the

Finance Ministry stated that Dr Singh also provided an overview of economic developments over the years and prospects looking ahead, as well as Government’s policies and programmes to enhance the lives of the country’s citizens while containing risks during this current period of its stewardship of the country’s finances to improve all sectors of the economy. In its December 2023 Article IV Consultation report, the IMF commended the Government of Guyana for its economic management, including the implementation of policies and initiatives geared at transforming Guyana’s economy.

The findings were published following an official IMF mission visit to Guyana in September of that year. The IMF in its findings had highlighted that Guyana’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to continue to grow rapidly, adding that Guyana achieved the highest real GDP growth in the world in 2022 – 62.3 per cent. It is estimated that Guyana’s economy should record a 38.4 per cent real GDP growth rate this year, while the country’s growth should continue with an expansion of an expected 26.6 percent in 2024. The IMF had also noted that in relation to inflationary pressures, Government had

introduced a suite of measures in 2022 and 2023, which contributed to a decline in the inflation rate in 2023. The Fund had reported that Government’s current expansionary fiscal policy stance is appropriate, given the country’s development needs and is appropriately balanced by monetary policy. Currently, Guyana is poised for continued rapid expansion, with an average growth of 20 per cent per year during 2024-28. The IMF projects that nonoil GDP growth will be sustained at 5.5 per cent, as the Government continues its plans to address the country’s developmental needs.

Essequibo Coast labourer jailed on wounding charge O

mesh Chandra, called “Dumb Boy”, a 23-year-old labourer of Riverstown Sand on the Essequibo Coast, has been sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment after being found guilty of wounding another man on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Riverstown, Essequibo Coast. Charged on October 11, 2023 with the offence of felonious wounding committed on 28-year -old Sheldon Patterson of Lot 3 Zorg, Essequibo Coast, Chandra appeared virtually from Prison before Anna Regina Magistrate

Jailed: Omesh “Dumb Boy” Chandra

Esther Sam on Wednesday, and was found guilty as charged.

As such, he has been sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment. (G8)

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over $16M in social, economic projects commissioned in El Paso

Commissioning of the more-than $10 million multi-purpose building

esidents of the Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) village of El Paso are now set to benefit from social and economic development following the commissioning of several projects valued at over $16 million. Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai officially commissioned the projects during her visit to the Potaro-Siparuni district on Tuesday. All of the ventures are funded by the Government through the Ministries of Amerindian Affairs and Culture, Youth and Sport. According to a DPI report, one of the major projects commissioned is a multipurpose building valuing more than $10 million. The edifice comprises an infor-

mation and communications technology (ICT) hub, a two-bedroom guest house,

Council (CDC), Jinette Singh, explained that villagers will now have access

CDC Chairwoman Jinette Singh

and a sewing centre. Chairperson of the Community Development

to technology and online courses, as well as a space to learn and expand their sew-

Minister Pauline Sukhai handing over the ATV to El Paso CDC Chairwoman Jinette Singh

ing skills; and persons desirous of visiting the area will also benefit from better accommodation. The recreational needs of the villagers have also been addressed by the commissioning of a pavilion and recreational facilities. A $7 million benab has also been declared open, and will serve as a meeting place for villagers and other community events. Highlighting that the village has been experiencing massive transformation over the past years through the Government’s programmes, Singh recalled the days before 2020, when the small village was forgotten and little to no attention was given to the residents. “I want to thank the Government for all the de-

velopmental projects that are taking place in El Paso. We welcome that, and we will make full use of our projects and their benefits…Everyone would benefit in the long run,” she told the Department of Public Information (DPI). Singh has also received the keys to a brand-new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to assist in carrying out the administrative functions of the village. Meanwhile, Minister Sukhai has praised the leadership of the village for the efficient execution of projects, and has expressed confidence that the projects would have a positive impact on the lives of the villagers. “I am very pleased with the level of activism, with

the level of performance, and the delivery of projects in record time,” she stated. The minister also announced that the community would be benefitting from receipt of a pickup which would be procured to the tune of $6.5 million. In 2023, El Paso received some $10 million in carbon credit funds, and is undertaking the construction of a play park for children, while the village’s playground will be expanded. The Government is making significant investments towards the development of Amerindian villages across the country. These investments are aimed at boosting their economies, thereby improving the villagers’ social welfare.

1600 Hackney, Friendship residents to soon benefit from potable water

total of 1600 persons living in Hackney and Friendship in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will soon have a continuous supply of potable water, as two new wells are being drilled in the communities. These wells will benefit 1400 residents in Hackney and 200 residents in Friendship. According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, overall, the two wells will service over 475 households within the MorucaProvidence Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) under which the two communities fall. Hackney’s well, which is being drilled at a depth of 288 feet, is slated to be completed by March month-end, along with the distribution network. The well in Friendship is being drilled at a depth of 300 feet and its distribution network is anticipated to be completed within four weeks. Meanwhile, Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues explained that

supply systems within the communities of Mashabo, St Deny’s/Tapakuma, St Monica, Dredge Creek, Baracaro, Bethany, and Wakapao. “We have big plans for this region which we have started already…All of this will be completed before 2025,” the Minister assured. Minister Rodrigues also

Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, inspecting ongoing work at the Hackney well

the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) PAT Rig 421 is being used to drill the wells by the water company’s in-house team. While inspecting the ongoing works at the wells on Wednesday, Minister Rodrigues disclosed that pipes would also be installed along the waterfront at Hackney to provide purified

water to passersby. “Additionally, over 40 households in the immediate vicinity will receive connections to their own homes. We will also have standpipes in different areas. The schools [Hackney Nursery and Primary] will benefit from direct connections to the well. We are very pleased with the progress

we have here,” she is quoted as saying in the DPI report. The communities’ Village Councils will work along with the GWI team to install the distribution networks. The community of Marlborough is also slated for a new well. Budget 2024 also caters for the drilling of new wells and installation of water

distributed sporting gear to Hackney and Friendship. She was accompanied by GWI’s Hinterland Services Director Jailall Ramchand; Prime Minister’s Representative of Region Two, Arnold Adams; Overseer of the Moruca/ Providence NDC, Althia Giles; other engineers and officials.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024

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Regional

Global warming, deforestation, Tides move oil spill away from Tobago to the Caribbean Sea, clean-up progresses fires combined could hasten Amazon demise, study finds A

rought and heat driven by climate change and other factors threaten to cause the collapse of South America's lush Amazon rainforest system, scientists said on Wednesday in a study that found that nearly half of it could be pushed to a tipping point by 2050. "The region is increasingly exposed to unprecedented stress from warming temperatures, extreme droughts, deforestation, and fires, even in central and remote parts of the system," the researchers wrote in the study published in the journal Nature. The researchers estimated that 10 per cent to 47 per cent of Amazon's current forest cover will face these combined stressors by 2050. "Once we cross this tipping point, maybe we cannot do anything anymore," said ecologist Bernardo Flores of the University of Santa Catarina in Brazil, lead author of the report. "The forest will die by itself." It is time, Flores added, to declare a "red alert" for the Amazon, the world's largest tropical rainforest. With warming temperatures sapping the region of moisture, the rainforest is steadily turning into savan-

An aerial view shows the Tumbira River, which has been affected by the drought of Negro River, at a Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve, in Iranduba, Amazonas state, Brazil, October 7, 2023 (Reuters/Bruno Kelly photo)

nah or other forms of degraded ecosystems more likely to burn in wildfires, according to experts. This transformation marks a major change for the Amazon, where most fires now are fanned by ranchers or farmers clearing land. As the land dries out, more wildfires could erupt as they do in the drier pine forests of the US West and Canada. For their analysis, the researchers looked at forested areas and considered climate and human factors, including past and projected temperatures and rainfall, forest road-building trends, and land management status such as whether a forest is a preserve or is maintained by

Indigenous groups. The study marked the latest attempt to gauge whether – and when – the rainforest ecosystem might shift, which could be a catastrophic event given the Amazon's importance in absorbing large amounts of climate-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Already, about 18 per cent of the Amazon rainforest has been destroyed, said climate scientist Carlos Nobre of Brazil's University of São Paulo, who was not part of the study. If that figure reaches 20-25 per cent, Nobre said, the forest overall could shift to savannah. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Migrants dead, missing after boat capsizes off Panama coast

he bodies of drowned migrants were pulled out of the sea off the coast of Panama after a boat capsized in bad weather, Panama's border Police said on Wednesday. While authorities have not confirmed the number of victims or their nationalities, reports from media outlets including Telemetro and TVn2 said the boat was carrying 25 migrants, four of whom were killed and seven others were missing. Record numbers of migrants have reached the southern border of the United States in recent years, as thousands travel from South America on their way

through Central America to the US-Mexico border. Most flee poverty, gang violence, or other hardships in their home countries. In a statement, Panama's border police agency Senafront said the victims were found near Panama's border with Colombia in the Carreto area, near the Caribbean port of Obaldia. The area is not far from a route through a deadly stretch of jungle known as the Darien Gap where many US-bound migrants journey on foot. It was not clear if the migrants on the boat aimed to bypass the treacherous Darien Gap, or were about to

launch their trek through it. "Irregular migrants were allegedly being transported near the Carreto area by criminals who recklessly insist on risking the lives of these migrants in a dangerous sea area," according to the statement. Panama's government has in recent months boosted security in the Darien province amid an increase in the number of migrants who undertake the harrowing journey en route to the United States. Last year, a record 520,000 migrants used the route, of which some 328,000 were Venezuelans, according to Panamanian migration authorities. (Reuters)

week after an oil spill was first spotted near Tobago's shore, portions of the stain are moving in opposite directions into the Caribbean Sea, the island's emergency management agency (TEMA) said on Wednesday. First responders and volunteers have been trying to contain the 12-kilometre (7.46-mile) spill, which emerged from a vessel that had capsized, to avoid impacting a nearby cruise ship port, Trinidad and Tobago's Government has said. But the leak has not been plugged. Satellite images and models suggest that waves might be taking some of the spill into the Caribbean Sea

past northern Venezuela, increasing the risk that the oil impacts other beaches in Trinidad and Tobago that have coral reefs, TEMA's Director Allan Stewart told Reuters. "The satellite showed that some of it was moving into the Caribbean Sea, as well as some of the modelling," Stewart said, adding that an upcoming flight by Trinidad's Air Guard is expected to confirm the finding. Trinidad's Coast Guard found that at least two vessels bound for Guyana – a tugboat and a barge – were involved in an incident that led to the spill, the National Security ministry said in a release on Wednesday.

"The barge was being towed by a tug, the Solo Creed from Panama," the Ministry said, adding that it remains unknown whether any lives were lost in the incident. Authorities in Panama, Aruba and Guyana have been contacted by Trinidad and regional group Caricom to find more information as part of the investigation. Photographs posted by TEMA on Tuesday showed progress on cleaning up Tobago's beaches. Approximately one-third of the 15 kilometres of shoreline on Tobago's Atlantic Coast has been cleaned and the spill is increasingly under control, Stewart said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Paraguayan Senate expels Opposition voice who called out corruption

araguay's senate on Wednesday expelled one of the few Opposition voices in national politics, sparking protests in the capital Asuncion and concerns over the fragile state of the country's democracy. Senator Kattya Gonzalez from the centre-left National Meeting Party was dismissed from her position during an extraordinary session on Wednesday for the "misuse of influence" while in office. The 46-year-old Senator, elected in 2023, is among a small cadre of left-leaning Opposition politicians in Paraguay and has called out widespread corruption and spoken publicly about how the South American country is falling further into the grip of organised crime. Senators who voted in favour of her dismissal accused Gonzalez of administrative misconduct related to three state officials she supervised. The evidence is "compelling and irrefutable," said Senator Dionisio Amarilla, a Government ally. Gonzalez did not immediately respond to a Reuters

People pass by the "Palacio de los Lopez" Government Palace in Asuncion, Paraguay, April 29, 2023 (Reuters/Cesar Olmedo file photo)

request for comment. Paraguay's right-wing Colorado Party has a majority in both chambers of congress, holds the presidency and oversees 15 of the 17 State governments following elections in April last year. Critics accuse the Colorado party, which has been the dominant political force for the last three-quarters of a century, of trying to silence any Opposition to their rule by dismissing Gonzalez without just cause. "Paraguay is at risk,"

Gonzalez said as she addressed the Senate. "Our concern should focus on how emaciated and beaten up our republic is, our democracy ... ," she added as a small group of anti-government protesters gathered in her support outside the legislative building in Asuncion. The protesters said they feared that her expulsion represented a step back toward Paraguay's dictatorship past. Several people holding signs chanted, "dictatorship never again!" (Excerpt from Reuters)

Haitian gangs' growing funds, arsenals Citizens, visitors ‘free up’ for challenge planned intervention - report Carnival: No stress, no crime worry

aitian gangs are increasingly economically autonomous, a Geneva-based criminal research group warned, using funds coerced from private businesses, local residents and families of kidnapping victims to pay for guns and soldiers. "Gangs have undergone a radical evolution, going from rather unstructured actors dependent on resources provided by public or private patronage to violent entrepreneurs," said the report, published on Monday by the Global Initiative Against

Transnational Organised Crime. "These entities are nowadays far more economically autonomous and territorially powerful, making them less controllable," added the report, which cites anonymous interviews with politicians, Police, aid workers, businessmen, and residents across the Caribbean nation. This, it said, poses myriad challenges to a long-awaited United Nations-backed international force, which Haiti's unelected government requested to support its un-

der-resourced Police and alleviate the humanitarian crisis back in October 2022. The UN ratified this force late last year, but information has yet to be released on how big it will be and when it will deploy. According to the report, businesses are being coerced into paying gangs. Gang checkpoints abound on roads into the capital and delineating rival gangs' shifting territories and have become highly bureaucratised, some even issuing weekly cards to process people faster, it said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

rinidad breathed again on Tuesday, showing the world the unique, vibrant beauty of its culture after its ugliest face – crime – dominated the national discussion for so long. The spirit of mas brought joy and a much-needed release to thousands of people at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, on Carnival Tuesday. While the Grand Stand was moderately packed and the North Stand relatively empty, the stage stole the show.

Masqueraders danced, wined and leapt, throwing all their stress away. Almost prophetically, their feelings were perfectly captured by the lyrics of the season’s two biggest songs, the Road March contenders—Bunji Garlin’s “Carnival Contract” and Mical Teja’s “DNA”. After Curtis crossed the stage with Spirit Mas, he took out a marker and signed its black surface. Posing for pictures with his two friends, he did not want to forget the moment; he refused.

“Carnival is one of the best ways to ignite the country. I play mas every year because I love the culture. I love the country. I love everything about it. “We need more of this spirit because of the climate of criminality. We need more of this,” he said. Another Spirit masquerader, Shanelle Barrow, around two decades younger than Curtis, took some time to soak in the moment after crossing the stage. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS US crude stockpiles rise, products draw down as refining slumps – EIA

S crude oil stockpiles rose last week while gasoline and distillate inventories fell as refining dropped to their lowest levels since December 2022, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Wednesday. Crude inventories rose by 12.0 million barrels to 439.5 million barrels in the week to February 9, the EIA said, far exceeding analysts’ expectations in a Reuters poll for a 2.6 million-barrel build. A combination of major unplanned outages since a midJanuary winter storm and planned turnarounds led to a slump in refining to its lowest levels since the last week of December 2022, when Winter Storm Elliott similarly knocked scores of refineries offline. Refinery crude runs last week fell by 298,000 barrels per day to 14.54 million bpd and refinery utilisation rates decreased by 1.8 percentage points to 80.6 per cent of total capacity. Refinery rates in the Midwest slid by 12 percentage points in the past week to 83.1 per cent, also the lowest since December. The 435,000-bpd Whiting facility in Indiana, the Midwest’s largest refinery, has been shut since the start of February due to a power outage. “The refinery utilisation rate is a pseudo disaster,” Mizuho analyst Robert Yawger said. “Heavy maintenance is one thing, but this is extreme on the refining run rate,” Yawger added. Oil prices turned negative after the data. Brent crude futures were down 27 cents, or 0.3 per cent, at US$82.50 a barrel by 11:40h ET (1640 GMT), while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures fell 28 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to US$77.59 a barrel. Gasoline stocks fell by 3.7 million barrels to 247.3 million barrels, the EIA said, compared with analysts’ expectations for a 1.2 million-barrel draw.? Distillate stockpiles, which include diesel and heating oil, fell by 1.9 million barrels in the week to 125.7 million barrels, versus expectations for a 1.6 million-barrel drop, the EIA data showed. Crude stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, delivery hub for US crude futures rose by 710,000 barrels last week, the EIA said. Net US crude imports fell by 1.2 million bpd, EIA said. (Reuters)

Gunfire mars Kansas City Super Bowl victory rally; at least 1 killed, 21 wounded

blast of gunfire killed at least one person and wounded 21 others in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, where the NFL champion Chiefs were celebrating their Super Bowl victory, sending crowds of fans scurrying for safety. Police Chief Stacey Graves told a press conference three people were detained “and under investigation for today’s incident” outside the city’s landmark Union Station. Graves said investigators had no known motive for the gun violence. At least 22 persons were struck by gunfire, one of them fatally, Fire Department Chief Ross Grundyson said at a late-afternoon news conference. He said 15 of those wounded suffered life-threatening injuries. Graves said she was aware of reports that some fans may have participated in the pursuit and capture of at least one of the suspects, and investigators

But Indonesia’s Stateapproved polling samples – so-called “quick counts” performed within hours of voting – have been relatively accurate in previous years. Prabowo, 72, is a polarising figure whose popularity has prompted fears that Indonesia is in danger of sliding back towards its authoritarian past. A former special forces commander under the dictator General Suharto, and his son-in-law, he has been dogged by allegations of human rights abuses. He was greeted by crowds of cheering supporters at

Fans fleeing the area after shots were fired after the celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs winning Super Bowl LVIII (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

were reviewing video of the incident. Some 800 law enforcement officers were at the rally and parade that preceded it, including agents of the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). All of the Chiefs players, Coaches and staff who attended the victory rally were

accounted for and safe, the National Football League team said in a statement. Hours after the bloodshed, authorities were still sorting out the precise number and details of casualties. Children’s Mercy Kansas City treated a dozen patients from the rally, 11 of them juveniles, with nine victims suffering gunshot wounds, a hospital

spokesperson said. Graves said during the news conference that no children were wounded. Video posted on social media showed pandemonium outside the station with dozens of uniformed Police Officers, weapons drawn, running into the building as scores of bystanders fled in the opposite direction. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Israel vows action against In Kenya, women hold ‘Dark Valentine’ vigils to Hamas in Rafah amid global calls for restraint press for end to femicide

srael will press ahead with an offensive against Hamas in Rafah, the last refuge for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza, after allowing civilians to vacate the area, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday. The Israeli leader, who is under growing international pressure to hold off on the planned assault, gave no indication as to when the offensive might take place or where the hundreds of thousands of people now crammed into Rafah might go. His comments came a day after talks in Cairo on a possible ceasefire and the handover of hostages held by Hamas ended inconclusively, stoking fears among

Prabowo Subianto on track to win Indonesia presidential race – early results ndonesia’s Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto is on course to become the country’s next president after early results showed him winning more than half of the votes cast in the first round. “This victory is victory for all Indonesians,” he told cheering supporters, hours after polls closed. Early polling samples showed the feared former General winning more than 57 per cent of votes, avoiding a second round run-off. Full results in the world’s largest single-day vote are not due for weeks.

an indoor arena in Jakarta shortly after polls closed – and cautioned jubilant supporters not to be arrogant. “Even though we should be grateful, we must not be arrogant, not euphoric, remain humble; this victory must be a victory for all the people of Indonesia,” said Prabowo, who heads the Advanced Indonesia Coalition. He also mentioned the names of former Presidents, including a note of gratitude to outgoing President Joko Widodo whose policies he has promised to continue. (Excerpt from BBC News)

the displaced Palestinians that Israel would soon storm Rafah, which abuts Egypt. “We will fight until complete victory and this includes a powerful action in Rafah as well, after we allow the civilian population to leave the battle zones,” Netanyahu said on his Telegram account. Earlier, Netanyahu’s office said Hamas had presented no new offer for a hostage deal in the Cairo talks and that Israel would not accept the militant group’s “ludicrous demands”. “A change in Hamas’ positions will make it possible to move forward in the negotiations,” it said. Relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas said they would barricade the Israeli defence headquarters on Wednesday in protest at what they said was a scandalous decision by Israel not to send negotiators to the next session of the Cairo talks. The move “amounts to a death sentence” for the 134 hostages in Hamas’ tunnels, the group said, in a sign of growing domestic dissent in Israel after four months of the Gaza war. The Israeli military says it wants to flush out Islamist militants from hideouts in Rafah and free hostages being held there after the Hamas rampage in Israel on October 7, but has given no details of a proposed plan to evacuate civilians. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Hundreds of Kenyans spent their Valentine’s Day demanding action from the Government to prevent femicide [Edwin Ndeke/ Al Jazeera]

s people around the world mark Valentine’s Day with flowers and chocolate, Kenyan women are mourning. Hundreds of them donned black outfits and held lit candles and red roses at a vigil in honour of more than 30 women who have been murdered in the country in 2024. Wednesday’s vigil in Nairobi – which featured impassioned calls to action and musical performances – was organised by the End Femicide Kenya Movement, a collective of more than 1000 organisations and individuals. “Dark Valentine” vigils were also held in six other cities amid rising cases of femicide, which have captured national attention. “Flowers are not beautiful on a casket,” says a message in Swahili on a shirt worn by many of the mourners in Nairobi. The vigils aim to pressure the Government to address the demands of the movement, which include declaring femicide and vi-

olence against women as a national emergency and establishing a commission to eliminate both. Organisers say they planned the events on Valentine’s Day to draw attention to “the dark realities” of gender-based violence and women being killed by those they love.

“The tragic toll of women killed by their partners or family members [are] turned into sensationalised media headlines,” a statement from the movement reads. According to End Femicide Kenya, responses to these murders by authorities and politicians “focus [on] victim blaming” and are “filled with misinformed advice urging women to be careful not to meet with strangers”. Figures from the Africa Data Hub reveal that husbands and boyfriends – not strangers – are the perpetrators of two-thirds of murders of women in Kenya. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2024

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DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

Give yourself room to stretch. You have plenty to learn, and taking the time to understand your options will determine how much you accomplish. Avoid risk-takers, and keep your costs down. Don't let your stubbornness cost you. Focus on beneficial actions that encourage you to let go of what you can't fix. Change is inevitable, so consider your response to it.

PICKLES (April 20-May 20)

Stay updated and put yourself out there. Problems with institutions and authority figures will surface if you are lax regarding regulations or payments.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Keep your money in your wallet. Offer a kind and worthwhile suggestion instead of a cash donation. Follow your heart and pursue your dream. Make commitment and self-improvement your goals. Do your own thing. Refuse to get caught up in someone else's pursuit. Put your energy into finishing what you start, taking care of your responsibilities and making time for the people you love.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Follow your instincts. Expect interference and deal with it before it spins out of control. Be aware of what's happening around you and stay focused on what's important.

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

Make room at home for something you want to pursue. Reach out to people who can help you resolve pending issues. Attend meetings and ask questions pertinent to a situation you face.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Pour your energy into personal growth and worthwhile relationships. By thinking outside the box, you'll devise a unique path that leads to a stable future.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Take a deep breath and let the dust settle before you start something new. Don't trust what you hear without going to the source and getting the facts in writing. Hidden costs are apparent.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Don't ignore what's happening at home. Conversations will be difficult but necessary. Be open to change and willing to compromise. Take an interest in what others can contribute.

LAST PUBLISHED WORD -- INCUMBENT

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Set boundaries to avoid giving others the chance to take advantage of you. Let your imagination take charge and fill your head with new possibilities. Put your energy where it counts.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Rearrange your schedule to free up time. Take a closer look at your budget, contracts and medical issues. Don't be afraid to do things your way. Implement change that benefits you.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 holds security, safety, medical summit …brings together regional and international stakeholders O

rganizers of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 have recently held high-level meetings with various stakeholders as preparation for the global sporting event intensifies. Regional organizations such as the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and the Organization of American States (OAS) were just some of the main agencies represented by officials, in addition to the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) and Commissioners of Police (CoPs) of Caricom member states hosting the historic cricket event. The summit was held at the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre on 7 and 8 February, with over 60 delegates discussing and contributing to the primary topics of security, safety, medical and public health for the world event, in addition to related areas of accreditation, logis-

ICC T20 Men’s World Cup Head of Operations, K.J Singh, making a point during the summit

tics, venue preparedness, technology, cyber-security, and match-day management. Based on outcomes of the summit, the partnerships between medical, health, safety, and security will be crucial elements towards the successful hosting of the tournament, which will be played from June 1 to 29. Fans from around the world will be in attendance for what would be the biggest event ever staged in the re-

gion.

K.J Singh, Head of Operations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA, has said he is extremely pleased with the level of participation, information sharing, and commitments made by national, regional, and international agencies; which would be left as a legacy not only for the hosting of cricket, but other major events in the region. “This will be the biggest

NBA round up

Tatum scores 41 points as Boston extends Eastern Conference lead

Jayson Tatum is averaging 27.3 points per game for the Boston Celtics this season

ayson Tatum scored 41 points in a dazzling display as the Boston Celtics beat the Brooklyn Nets 118-110 to extend their lead at the top. Boston are now six games clear at the top of the Eastern Conference. The Boston star also claimed 14 rebounds and five assists to help the Celtics to a fifth straight win, which takes them to 42-12 on the season. Jaylen Brown added 19 points, and 16 each came from Al Horford and Derrick White. Tatum scored 31 of his points in the first half, and the Celtics led by as many as 23 in the third quarter, before Brooklyn fought back in the fourth to make a game of

it.

Meanwhile, an under-strength Miami Heat thrashed the Milwaukee Bucks 123-97 in Wisconsin, even though they were without Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier and Josh Richardson. They shot brilliantly from three-point range, and made 19 out of 40 from beyond the arc, to cruise to victory. Nicola Jovic top-scored with 24, and Duncan Robinson made six threes in a 23-point performance. The Bucks stay third in the East with the Heat seventh, half a game out of the play-off places. Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were again in fine form

as Oklahoma City Thunder claimed a comfortable 127-113 win over Orlando Magic. Orlando led by 11 in the first quarter, but the Thunder responded, and 33 points for Williams and 32 for NBA Most Valuable Player candidate Gilgeous-Alexander led them to a convincing victory. M i n n e s o t a Timberwolves stay a game ahead of Oklahoma City at the top of Western Conference though, after Anthony Edwards’s 41 points took them to a 121-109 triumph at the Portland Trail Blazers. Kevin Durant scored 28 points as the Phoenix Suns won an exciting backand-forth contest against the Sacramento Kings 130125. The lead changed hands 17 times - but despite De’Aaron Fox scoring 40 and a 35-point triple-double for Domantas Sabonis for the Kings, Phoenix came out on top. Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a straightforward 125-111 win over the struggling Detroit Pistons, with LeBron James scoring 25 points for the hosts. (BBC Sport)

event the region has ever undertaken, and to ensure its success, it will require the collaboration and operational integration of many key regional and international agencies, especially since the tournament is being hosted for the first time jointly between two regions in the Southern Hemisphere. “The key objective of the summit was to bring the main security, safety, medical, and health stakeholders together with a focus on sharing information, insight, experiences, best practices, and resources,” Singh said. “Coming out of the summit, we are all unified on what is required and next steps to be taken to ensure that we meet all the minimum requirements to host this mega event. “Commitments have been garnered by the host nations

and supporting regional and international agencies to provide essential resources, joint training exercises, and other collaborative preparedness initiatives to host member countries and tournament stakeholders. With these next steps and commitments in place, we are confident that the region will be ready to deliver international-standard safety, care, and service to all tournament contingents, including the thousands of spectators, both visiting and local, positioned to attend the match at this historic world cricket event.” The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be the largest in the tournament’s history, with 20 international teams playing 55 matches across nine host locations. It is the first time USA will host matches at a T20 World Cup,

with 16 first-round matches split between Nassau County International Cricket Stadium (New York), Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium (Dallas), and Broward County Stadium (Lauderhill). West Indies, who hosted the event in 2010, will hold matches at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (Antigua and Barbuda), Kensington Oval (Barbados), Guyana National Stadium (Guyana), Daren Sammy Cricket Ground (Saint Lucia), Arnos Vale (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) and Brian Lara Cricket Academy (Trinidad and Tobago). Cricket West Indies is the official host of the event, with an entity, T20 World Cup Inc., established to administer local delivery within the USA to support the growth of the sport in that country.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024

Yellow Steel Inc supporting LGC hosts successful Romel 10th edition of Milo U18 and Robin Golf Tournament Schools’ Football tournament

Those on winners’ row

Petra Organization Secretary Jacklyn Boodie receiving Yellow Steel’s sponsorship from company General Manager Uwe Van Dijk

n just the nick of time before the 10th edition of the tournament kicks off this month, Yellow Steel Inc, distributors of heavy-duty equipment, have pledged their continued support for the Milo Schools’ U18 Football tournament. In a simple presentation ceremony held at the company’s Head Office at Parcel 1242, Block 1 Eccles, East Bank Demerara on Tuesday, February 13th, Petra Secretary Jacklyn Boodie received an undisclosed sum from Yellow Steel Inc General Manager Mr. Uwe Van Dijk, who expressed his willingness to

support the programme this year based on the success of last year’s competition. In turn, Boodie thanked Mr. Van Dijk for his continued confidence in the Petra Organization, and the support given to the Milo Schools’ U18 Football programme. The 10th edition of this tournament is slated to commence later this month with 24 schools from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 vying for a firstplace prize of $300,000, which would go towards a school project. The secondthird- and fourth-place finishers would be award-

ed the respective sums of $200,000, $150,000 and $75,000, which would each go towards a school project. Chase’s Academic Foundation, Carmel Secondary, Marian Academy, Mackenzie High, President’s College, West Ruimveldt Secondary, Queen’s College, Charlestown Secondary, Dolphin Secondary, Santa Rosa Secondary and Bartica Secondary are the teams that automatically qualify for this year’s tournament. Santa Rosa Secondary of Region One are this year’s defending champions.

he picturesque greens of the Lusignan Golf Club played host last Sunday to the highly anticipated Romel and Robin Golf Tournament, which attracted golf enthusiasts from near and far. Renowned for its camaraderie and competitive spirit, the event showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship throughout the day. In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Patanjilee Persaud, who demonstrated remarkable prowess on the course, emerged as the overall winner of the tournament. Impressive performances

were witnessed across all categories, with Vishal Dhani, showcasing precision and finesse in every stroke, claiming victory in the 0-9 Flight. In the fiercely contested 10-18 Flight, Patanjilee Persaud showcased unwavering resilience to secure the top position with a stellar performance. And Anthony Scarce showcased his expertise in the 19-36 Flight by delivering a masterful display of golfing excellence to clinch victory. The Romel and Robin Golf Tournament exemplified the essence of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and passion for the game, leaving partici-

Cevons backing Mash Street Football promoted by SMI

Trinidad Derby winner Soca Harmony joins Jagdeo Racing Stables

Soca Harmony is expected to light up horse racing in Guyana

rinidad Derby Stakes winner Soca Harmony is among three horses imported to Guyana on Monday morning. She arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri after flying all the way from the horse-racing nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Coming from the Santa Rosa Park in Arima, this fiveyear-old bay horse, daughter of J'Ouvert and Soca Rhapsody owned by Lester Moore, has now joined the Jagdeo Racing Stables on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice, Region Six.

Soca Harmony has participated in 22 races in Trinidad from age two to age five; and she has won nine (9), finished second in seven (7), third in four (4), and fourth in two. She has never been out of the money in her 22 starts, with earnings of $308,148.25. The 2023 Stewards Cup winner was joined on the flight by four-year-old filly Theory of Colour, and dark/ bay two-year-old filly St Vigeur/ Market Rally – who is a sister of the now four-yearold filly Red Ruby, who won two Derby contests last year for Jagdeo Racing Stables.

She has an unraced threeyear-old chestnut sister in the country. She was bought last year by Fazal Habibulla as a two-year-old. All three horses are related to the sensational T&T-based Princess Aruna, who lost her unbeaten winning streak on the turf earlier this month. That was only her first turf defeat. Soca Harmony, a blacktype, multiple-graded winner formerly trained by champion trainer John O'Brien, is one of the most versatile horses to be imported from Trinidad to race in Guyana. She is the only Trinidad-bred horse to have won the 2,000-metre Trinidad Derby Stakes and Grade One 1,200-metre Stewards Cup. Her dam Soca Rhapsody is a Jamaican-bred mare who also produced Soca Symphony -- which was imported by Slingerz Racing Stables but did not get to show her true potential as she suffered an untimely death. Theory of Colour, formerly trained by Glenn Mendez, is an improving filly. Both Theory of Colour and Soca Harmony could be seen in action on Sunday, February 25 at the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice.

Cevons Waste Management Sales Supervisor Denroy Durant handing over the sponsorship to Terryann Caesar yesterday at the company’s Mandela Avenue Headquarters

orporate Guyana continues to firmly support the muchtalked-about and hyped Mashramani Street Football Championship, slated for Sunday at the National Park. This event is the brain child of Sports Management Inc (SMI), an organization headed by Edison Jefford which has a track record of producing successful sporting events over the last 15 years. Cevons Waste Management yesterday handed over its sponsorship for the event at its Mandela Avenue Headquarters, and one of the event’s brand ambassadors, Terryann Caesar, thanked Cevons for its continued support while declaring that the company has always been supportive of SMI’s initiatives.

“If (Edison) Jefford was here, he would certainly express his profound gratitude to you for continuing to support all that he does,” Caesar declared. The Street Football contest this year, which has been crunched into what SMI calls “one big night”, in which 16 of the best teams would be featured in competition against each other, has been endorsed by other stakeholders, like the Guyana Police Force. A total of $1 million would be split among the top four teams of the competition, which makes it a historic giveaway in what the organisers call “one big night”. The Mashramani Street Football Championship is indeed one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events on the calendar for this format of the sport.

pants and spectators alike with unforgettable memories and inspiring moments.

The results of the tournament were as follows:

0-9 Flight Vishal Dhanai - Gross 34, HC 2, Net 32 Mike Mangal - Gross 40, HC 4, Net 36 Kassim Khan - Gross 39, HC 3, Net 36. 10-18 Flight Patanjilee Persaud - Gross 39, HC 7, Net 32 Randy Dindanauth Gross 40, HC 7, Net 33 Roberto Mohan - Gross 41, HC 7 Net 34. 19-36 Flight Anthony Scarce - Gross 48, HC 12, Net 36 Ryan Dindanauth - Gross 46, HC 10, Net 36 Chet Bowling - Gross 52, HC 13, Net 39. Honest Player - Navin Kamai Longest Drive - Ajay Raju NTP - Roberto Mohan Best Gross - Vishal Dhanai Overall Best Net Patanjilee Persaud.

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024

Louis drives Leewards’ resistance on Day 1 SCOREBOARD

Mikyle Louis slammed a century on Day 1 against the Harpy Eagles Cadogan in taking his first first-class wicket. The next best score came Isai Thorne became the newest GHE member after receiving his cap prior to the match being bowled off sparkling century Championships. and opted to bat first. off the bat of Mikyle The GHE bowlers toiled Louis slammed 113 Louis put up re- to get wickets on what ap- from 221 deliveries, while sistance for the Leeward peared to be a decent bat- Jahmar Hamilton also Islands Hurricanes as ting track at the Warner batted well to get the they faced the Guyana Park in St. Kitts and Nevis, Hurricanes close to 300 afHarpy Eagles on the first but managed only to re- ter the first day. Hamilton day of the second round in move 6 batsmen after the hit 77 from 122 balls before the ongoing West Indies Hurricanes won the toss being removed by Neiland

GCB senior Women's Super50 Inter-County tournament…

Berbice clinch title in 7-wicket win over Demerara

Leeward Islands Hurricanes 299/6 BATTING R Mikyle Louis RHB lbw V Permaul 113 Kofi JamesRHB c K Savory b RJ Alimohamed 12 Kacey Carty RHB c RJ Alimohamed b K Sinclair 13 Terance Warde RHB lbw RJ Alimohamed 23 Jewel Andrew RHB c V Permaul b AO Adams 0 Jahmar Hamilton RHB c K Sinclair b N Cadogan 77 Rahkeem Cornwall

RHB not out 39 Jeremiah Louis RHB not out 3 Yet to bat: Hayden Walsh, Colin Archibald Extras – 19 b: 4 lb: 10 wd: 4 nb: 1 Total 299/6 (91.0 overs) BOWLING O-M-R-W Isai ThornePACE 11.3-3-32-0 Neiland Cadogan PACE 5.0-1-15-1 Ronaldo Alimohamed PACE 15.3-2-49-2 Veerasammy Permaul SPIN 29.0-9-54-1 Kevin Sinclair SPIN 13.0-0-66-1 Anthony Adams SPIN 17.0-3-69-1

from Rahkeem Cornwall, who remained unbeaten on 39 from 55 balls at the end of play. For the Harpy Eagles, Ronaldo Alimohamed bagged 2 wickets for 49 runs from 15.3 overs; while Kevin Sinclair, Veerasammy Permaul, Anthony Adams

and Cadogan each bagged one wicket. Though not getting any rewards just yet, Isai Thorne was economical in his first outing for the Harpy Eagles, claiming 0-32 from 11.3 overs. The four-day action will continue today from 10:00hrs.

Peterson-Griffith eyeing World Championship – after impressive Sheffield outing

he Sheffield Powerlifting Championships concluded over the past weekend with renowned Guyanese strongman Carlos “the Showstopper” PetersonGriffith making waves on the international stage: he shattered the world squat record and reset it at 332.5kg in his second attempt at the squats, then went on to finish 7th overall in the competition by amassing a total of 875kg at 98.5%. Speaking after his feat, “the Showstopper” noted that he is contented with his performance, and is hungry for more. He said, “Sheffield has been a great experience! Marvellous! Besides the weather, settling in and so forth, one of my main aspects was to perform, not just at a great stage, but a high level. One of the main things is: set

Carlos Peterson-Griffith during his record-breaking squat

Gavin Aiden at 337kg, Peterson- Griffith was able to better a number of his personal bests. With his bench press improving from 172.5kg to 182.5kg and his deadlift from 355kg to 360kg, the Guyanese is looking to extend the gap in South America, and even clinch the top spot in the

The victorious Berbice Women’s team

ith their bevy of star bowlers, Berbice yesterday flexed their muscles to overrun Demerara and seal a huge 7-wicket win in capturing the GCB senior Women's Super50 Inter-County title. With the match being played under overcast conditions at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground, Demerara managed just 76 all out in 29 overs, of which Naomi Barkoye hit a gruelling 24. Nyia Latchman (16*) and Mandy Mangru (12) also each played a primary role for the city ladies, but no other player got out of the blocks. The Berbice star-studded lot of bowlers dominated the event, with Ashmini Munisar (3-16), Sheneta Grimmond (2-14), Tricia Hardat (2-14) and Plaffiana Millington (27) making light work of their opponents. In reply, Berbice can-

tered to 77-3 in 15 overs, thanks to West Indies star batter Shabika Gajnabi hitting 24 not out off 31 balls. Opener Realeanna

struggled, although Kycia Schultz, Litesha Jordan and Latchman each took a wicket. Demerara finished without success.

Carlos Peterson-Griffith

Berbice Captain Ashmini Munisar receiving an accolade

Grimmond gave Berbice the ideal start with a run-a-ball 18, while her partner Crystal Durant chipped in with 11, and extras contributed 15 runs. Unlike their opponents, the Demerara bowlers

The GCB senior Female Inter-County Tournament will continue today (Thursday) when the teams switch to T20 mode. Berbice will take on Essequibo at Malteenoes from 13:30 hours.

out to be one of the best, and set out to compete among the best,” the powerlifter shared. Peterson added, “My main objective was to place among the big guns. With that being said, my previous world totals was 847.5kg, I was able to surpass that, and not just rewriting history in the South American region, but also clinch the World record on my second attempt squat, which was 332.5kg.” Aside from his brief World record achievement, which was later reset by American

world. “I’m still currently number one in South America, solidly now opening a greater gap and also to pursue higher heights. I’m currently 25 kilos away, literally 20 kilos away, from becoming World champion. I’ll do the necessary tweaks and (be) able to put that in motion,” PetersonGriffith has vowed. Besides his impressive achievements, PetersonGriffith has walked away with a sum in excess of 1000 euros after the competition,

and words of high praise from those on these local shores. President of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF), Franklin Wilson, was most effusive in his praise for the Guyanese athlete and those involved in making possible his participation at this international event. He said, “I would like to, on behalf of the GAPLF Executive and the powerlifting fraternity, congratulate Carlos for bringing himself and the nation great joy with his historic performance. “We are proud of this achievement, which further strengthened the foundation for the sport to advance even more. He has worked hard, is very dedicated to the sport, and we are awed that this is another hurdle crossed in his still growing career. “Kudos must be extended to his technical team, Coach Jones and Assistant Coach Mc Donald. They worked excellently as a team, and put in a lot of work behind the scenes. “Special thanks to Minister of Sport Charles Ramson Jr for his continued support, which had paid dividends. The National Sports Commission, and by extension the Government of Guyana, must also be commended for their support over the years. Bigger things are on the horizon for the sport and Guyana!” Wilson shared in a statement.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024

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

resistance on Day 1

Pg 23

Peterson-Griffith eyeing World Pg23 Championship – after impressive Sheffield outing

Berbice clinch title in 7-wicket win over Demerara Pg 23

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