Guyana Times - Tuesday, April 23, 2024

GPHC to benefit from additional Cath Lab to boost cardiac services

Pres Ali urges US officials to take

heed

after NY visit provokes divisive rhetoric

Bartica businessman nabbed with ecstasy, gun & ammo at Itaballi

$650M pump station at Canal No 1 Polder for completion in 3 months

Timehri man gets 2 years for gun, ammo possession

– tells those threatening boycotts to come for him, not ordinary Guyanese

Guyana looking to tap into regional market to export 200,000 tonnes of refined sugar – Agri Minister

Sophia youth shot dead after fighting off bandits during robbery attempt

Reunion Gold to invest US$1M annually in environmental & social projects

Semi-submersible vessel found in Kaituma River

Massy, Rotary join forces to rehabilitate greenhouse at Cheshire Home

4 homeless as fire guts Providence house

Sophia youth shot dead after fighting off bandits during robbery attempt

Alabourer who attempted to fight off two bandits as they attempted to relieve him of his motorcycle was on Sunday evening shot dead in Sophia, Georgetown. The dead man has been identified as 22-year-old Alvin Griffith of 'A' Field, South Sophia, Georgetown.

Based on preliminary investigations, on the day in question at about 21:30h, the victim was sitting on his black CB1 Motorcycle, bearing registration number, CM 3560 in front of his home when two men - one of whom pointed a handgun at him and attempted to take away his motorcycle.

Giffith put up a fight that resulted in a scuffle during which the man who was armed with the handgun discharged a round, hitting the victim to his right side upper chest.

The injured man reportedly ran a short distance and collapsed on the roadway. As the suspects were about to mount the motorcycle, an alarm was raised by residents who went to the young man’s aid.

In retaliation, the two suspects attempted to escape but the residents gave chase and managed to ap-

prehend one of them. He was later identified as a 19-yearold of Campbell Street, Albouystown, Georgetown.

However, the injured victim was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced

dead on arrival. On the other hand, the suspect who was beaten by the residents was also taken to the medical facility in an unconscious state.

He remains a patient under police guard.

When Guyana Times visited the area on Monday, neighbours related that the now-dead man lived alone and was described as an honest person who worked hard to purchase his motorcycle.

One neighbour who recalled, “Well last night I was inside and I hear ‘bow’ and by the time I come out I see my neighbour son run and drop so we run to assistance and by time we turn he over he had a hole by he stomach and deh seh that was it, he finish.”

She further stated that the young man grew up in front of her and she can attest that he was a mannerly and humble person.

“He save his money to buy a bike and that is his ending. A night like last night it was so sad, it was so sad 22 and he gone… it sad a mother lost a child”.

Further reports are that the dead young man’s relatives migrated to Suriname and he was left to take care of the house.

Meanwhile, the police are on the hunt for the second suspect as investigations continue.

Dead: Alvin Griffith

The area where the shooting took place

Pres Ali urges US officials to take heed after NY visit provokes divisive rhetoric –

successful Brooklyn visit, which saw the Guyanese diaspora warmly welcoming him into their businesses and arms, has also attracted the ire of some in the diaspora who have threatened these businesses with boycotts.

In the wake of this divisive rhetoric, President Ali is speaking out in defence of these Guyanese and urging elected officials in the United States (US), some of whom have close ties to those spewing this rhetoric, to do the same.

In a video broadcast on Sunday, President Ali stoutly defended members of the Guyanese diaspora, including businesses who welcomed him during his visit. This comes after an organisation known as the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), run by Rickford Burke, issued a statement calling for these businesses to be boycotted.

“It hurts me, to know that people and an organisation that claims to love, can be so divisive, can be so self-centred and selfish. They can issue statements calling for the boycott of businesses and your eco-

guns and weapons to me. But leave the people out of this. Do not seek to destroy the lives of ordinary people. Do not seek to separate our people,” President Ali said.

In light of the apparent close relations between the organization and United States officials such as Hakeem Jeffries, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ali also urged them to examine the group’s actions against ordinary Guyanese.

“They are guilty of nothing. All they want is to share

“No right-thinking person can agree with the narrative, the Burkes or the statements that were issued. And I call on all the elected officials, whether it’s Mr. Hakeem Jeffries or Mr. Meeks, I call on them to examine the action of this group against ordinary AfroGuyanese.”

Calling the Guyanese diaspora an important part of Guyana, President Ali not-

nomic well-being.”

“How low can you get? If you have something against me, come after me with all that you have! Point all your

ed that these officials understand the value of standing on the right side of history. And it was not lost on the

their ideas, their vision, share an opportunity to interact. To ensure that the country that they love, that their love for their country is bigger than any one’s selfish desire to divide us,” the Head of State also said.

President that had he not visited Brooklyn, this would have also prompted criticism.

“Do not belittle these people, do not destroy their characters by saying they are puppets and stooges and they were paid and their businesses should be boycotted. What manner of behaviour is this? Is this what Hakeem Jeffries will support? I do not think so because he should understand how important it is to stand on the right side of history.”

“We have to decide, do we really want honesty, love and unity? Do these persons honestly want love and unity? Look at the hypocrisy. He would have loved for me to come to the US and not go to Brooklyn. Because again, he would have gotten an opportunity to preach the separatist path.”

President Ali assured that his People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government will continue to pursue closer ties with the Guyanese diaspora. He also reminded them of their importance to their homeland.

“The diaspora, you are an important part of our future. You are an important part of building a stronger Guyana. You are an important part of building prosperity. This opportunity gives us a point of honest reflection. It gives you an opportunity to measure these leaders by their actions,” President Ali added.

President Dr Irfaan Ali was warmly received during his visit to Brooklyn, NY

President Ali and well-wishers in Little Guyana, Queens, New York

Preserving Mother Earth

The 18th century “European Enlightenment” was supposed to have ushered in a new age: when man’s activities would be guided by reason and rationality, as opposed to the “superstitions” prevailing before.

Unfortunately, while leading to great progress in most areas of learning and the production of new goods for our consumption, it also led to the most destructive wars in the history of mankind, and to the creation of weapons which can literally destroy all life on Earth overnight.

By the 20th century, however, another threat to life on Earth was conceded, after the evidence accumulating since the previous century finally became incontrovertible: pollution and poisoning of the land and waters by the effluents from the industrial production and use of the same goods that were supposed to deliver the good life to all mankind.

The USA by then had clawed its way to become the most “advanced” country in the world, and it was, therefore, not surprising it had produced the most pollutants and became the most polluted country. By 1970, exactly one century after the “Industrial Revolution” was accepted to have been launched, an American Senator started a campaign for “Earth Day” to be commemorated annually on April 22, to publicise the need to reduce pollution of the Earth.

At that time, the leaching of fertilisers and dumping of industrial wastes into rivers were seen as the most potent polluters. The US and other developed countries have since done much to reverse that trend.

On the other hand, the Third World, in its quest to become First World, has now not only picked up the slack in the production of pollutants but has surged past the polluters previously mentioned. In addition, it has been discovered that pollution of the Earth has been much more insidious and pervasive.

The burning of petroleum and other fossil fuels, such as coal, all produce the gas carbon dioxide, which accumulates in the atmosphere and acts to prevent radiant energy impinging on the Earth from the sun from escaping into space. As such, with the onset of progress in the production of goods by the Industrial Revolution, its carbon dioxide waste was leading to the steady and inexorable warming of the atmosphere. This, in turn, unleashed all kinds of deleterious effects, such as a change in weather patterns and raised sea levels, caused by ever-faster melting ice caps.

While “global warming” was fought by many, especially by those who benefited from the production of fossil fuels, the United Nations made a fin de siècle warning that we could not afford to go beyond a 2C rise from the temperature of the 19th century. This would push global warming beyond its tipping point, with its concomitant climate change that could lead to an even more rapid rise in sea level, crop failures, and the collapse of coral reefs and invaluable ecosystems. According to the report, the world can only continue to emit carbon for roughly another 23 years at current levels before it will have a more than two-thirds chance of going over the 2C limit.

The theme for World Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs Plastics. The theme aims to bring attention to the serious issue of plastic pollution and how it harms nature.

The production of plastic – a completely new substance never produced in the billions of years of Earth’s existence — was seen as a wonder of the Industrial Revolution. Today, its use is ubiquitous, but so is its disposal; and since it is not “biodegradable”, it is now seen as a pollutant from several angles.

In light of this, the call has been made to reduce the production of plastic by 60 per cent by 2040.

In Guyana, we should all be aware of its effects in clogging up canals and causing massive flooding on our coasts. But a new threat has been revealed: the amount of plastic in the oceans will soon exceed that of marine life, and pose a threat to the latter’s survival.

The time has come for us to come together and take action for a healthier planet and a brighter future as Earth Day reminds us about the importance of environment conservation and sustainability.

Unless PPC is given authority, it cannot cancel any contracts

Dear Editor, The Public Procurement Commission's publication of the report has sparked a deluge of commentaries from politicians, media personalities, and social media commentators. Based on their comments, I am convinced that most did not read the report. For instance, these individuals queried the PPC's decision not to annul the tender proceeding when paragraph 22 of the report states the rationale for the decision.

In simple and easy-to-follow English, the PPC stated in the said paragraph that it was not permitted to ‘revoke, rescind or recall and or in any way alter, suspend the contract’ because of the doctrine of privity of contract. It is also noteworthy that the position taken by the current PPC is not new, but consistent with the stance adopted by the previous Commission, which conducted several investigations in the past but did not annul the procurement proceedings or penalise anyone.

A well-known example is the unsolicited tender taken by Mr David Patterson, former Minister of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, to Cabinet for approval. In this case, the Minister and the entire Cabinet unlawfully entertained and awarded a contract to a consultant who was not invited to do so in clear breach of the Procurement Act 2003 and Procurement Regulations

2004. Notwithstanding the unlawful award of the contract, it was not annulled, and the PPC did not recommend penalties for anyone since the Procurement Act and Regulations do not offer any mechanism to discipline persons involved in procurement proceedings for wrongdoing except as provided for under Section 55 of the Act. Indeed, the Act lacks a dedicated section on offences that can be used by the PPC or any other authority to sanction persons for wrongdoing, except as set out in the section of the Act mentioned earlier.

We should also easily recall the infamous emergency procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical suppliers by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). In this case, the evaluation committee waived the evaluation criteria to award the contract to the selected supplier. It was alleged that a Minister influenced the selection of the successful bidder. Again, the former PPC did not rescind the contract since it had no power to do so under the Act or Regulations. Like the forgoing example, no one was penalised by the former PPC.

Another case we should recall is where the Ministry of Public Health waived the evaluation criteria to procure drugs and medical supplies from HDM labs. The items were procured from HDM labs at prices significantly above those tendered

by other bidders. Evidence in the procurement file also suggests a sitting Minister influenced the decision to select the preferred bidder. Again, the previous PPC did not rescind the contract or punish anyone for this mis-procurement.

Editor, the harsh reality is that the current Act and Regulations do not empower the PPC to annul active procurement contracts, especially when these contracts are protested by individuals other than the bidders who participated in the procurement proceedings. Additionally, the Act and Regulations do not provide the PPC with any mechanism to penalise anyone who participated in tender proceedings, which may be flawed or unlawful.

I would like to offer some friendly advice to those who are attempting to use the Tepui contract for political gain. It's important to understand that unless the PPC is given the authority through the enabling legislation, it will not be able to cancel contracts that have been improperly awarded or hold individuals responsible for such actions.

In this regard, if the commentators genuinely want to empower the PPC to cancel contracts that were not properly awarded, they should consider advocating for amendments to the relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, they should support the call to implement the recommendations in the PPC’s re-

cently- published report by the concerned agencies. I am incredibly pleased with the commitment of the National Procurement and Tender Administration and the Minister of Finance to implement the PPC’s recommendations. I am equally happy to hear about the establishment of the Bid Protest Committee which will afford bidders another option for ensuring their bids or tenders are fairly considered.

Finally, in the interest of being fair to everyone, I would like to challenge those who are calling for sanctions and fair procurement also to demand (i) the submission of the accounting records for the Durban Park Development Project, which remains a mystery; (ii) the submission of the evaluation reports for tenders administered by the various regions during 2019; (iii) sanctions be imposed on all those who participated in the procurement breaches during the period 2015-2020 including Cabinet and former Ministers; and (iv) that the social commentators who participated in procurement breaches, including the illegally-awarded forensic audits and Demerara River Bridge Feasibility Study, to stop being hypocritical by pretending to be morally upright when they would have committed similar sins in the past.

Regards, Kevin Persaud

Teams from various departments within the Human Services and Social Security Ministry and the Young Influencers engaged the public on the final day of “WE LIFT 4”, which was held at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown

Who was Hanuman? Planet vs Plastics

Dear Editor,

It would not be incorrect to say that Hanuman is the most popular of all Hindu Deities. Whatever Poojaa a Hindu may perform, worship of Hanuman is surely included. His Jhanda (Flag) graces the homes of almost all Hindus. The Hanuman Chaaleesa is also the most popular of all Chaaleesas. However, both Hindi and English translations of the Ramayana refer to him as a ‘monkey’, and, accordingly, his picture and murti resemble the monkey form. Who then was Hanuman? Was he really a monkey? Do we, the Hindus, worship a monkey god? The Hindu world has not been giving this matter the serious consideration it deserves. We owe Hanumanji this much – restore him to his rightful position.

In the heart of anyone who honestly cares for the integrity of Hinduism and the integrity of Hindu heroes and icons, there is an immediate sense of repugnance as soon as someone says that Hanuman is a ‘monkey god’. Hanuman, a monkey? No! On the contrary, he was a profound scholar of Veda and Vyaakaran (Sanskrit Grammar), a prestige that no monkey of any age can dream of acquiring. The Chaaleesa describes him as “a master of all knowledge; full of virtue and wisdom.” And who certified his scholarship? No one, but Valmiki, the poet and chronicler of the Ramayana, as well as Shri Rama Himself. In the Kishkindha Kaanda of the Valmiki Ramayana, Valmiki describes Hanuman as ‘vaakya-jna vaakya-kushala’, that is, ‘someone who knows the language and who is proficient in using language.’ In modern-day India, or anywhere else, for that matter, only an accomplished Sanskrit grammarian and prolific writer and speaker will qualify for this honorific title.

When Hanuman introduced himself to Rama and Lakshmana for the first time, Rama was so struck with Hanuman’s eloquence in Sanskrit that he remarked to Lakshmana: “Lakshman! To speak in the way Hanuman has done is not possible for one who is not well-versed in the Rig-Veda, the Yajur-veda, and the Saama-veda. There is also, no doubt that he has studied the entire range of Sanskrit Grammar, as is clear from the fact that he has spoken so long without making a single grammatical error.”

Who were the Vaanaras and Kapis?

The word "kapi-loha" means brass. The Vaanaras were well known in the production of brass metal. The fact that some prehistoric remains of metal smithery were discovered in the region leads one to believe that Hampi, the Vaanara land, was a stronghold of Vaanara master craftsmen who excelled in preparing standard brass weapons along with other metal crafts. The Vaanaras were a strongly-built tribe with extraordinary skills as architects, craftsmen in brass and steel, and builders. Anjana, Tara and Ruma are described as very beautiful ladies. Nala and Neela were engineers who built the bridge across Lanka.

They could not have been monkeys. Perhaps, these Vaanaras had habitats, as mentioned in Ramayana, in the Himalayas and Mahendra

hills. Incidentally, that area is still rich in iron and manganese ore. Many known and unknown battles were fought for the possession of this region for tools of battle-craft.

In the following centuries, craftsmen of ‘Kapiloha’ (brass), mainly the Vaanara-people, might have come to be recognised as "Kapis", who played a crucial role in the Raama–Ravana battle of Ramayana.

It is extremely important to translate the Sanskrit word ‘Vaanara.’ Vaanara is made up of two words –vaan, ‘of the forest’, and nara, ‘man.’ ‘Vaanara’, therefore, refers to a person residing in the forest. Vaanara, originally, did not mean monkey; it meant a forest dweller. In the Encyclopaedia of Ancient Indian Biographies, written by Maha Mahopadhyaya Shastri, it is written: “Vaanara refers to a very ancient human racial group that lived in Southern India.

They lived in Kishkindha (South India), and some of their kings were Vaali, Sugreeva and Angad. They spoke the human language and lived like ordinary human beings, practising human culture.” Shastri concludes: “Confusing Hanuman’s personality with that of a monkey is a blunder that overshadows his real self and hides his heroism.”

Despite the foregoing history of the vaanaras, isn’t it true that the word vaanara does mean monkey? Yes! The present-day conventional meaning of the Sanskrit word vaanara is monkey. However, words do change their meanings from time to time. As such, we need to understand the derived and etymological meaning of the word vaanara. For example, ashva conventionally means a ‘horse’, but etymologically means ashnute adhvaanam – that which runs fast. Similarly, the word ‘go’ conventionally means a cow, but etymologically means the earth. Air is one object that travels very fast, and so, one possible meaning of Asvamedha is ‘that sacrifice (yajna) for the purification of the atmosphere.” From the foregoing etymological explanation, we can understand the horrendous mistake we have been making all through the ages in saying that Gomedha means ‘cow sacrifice’, and Ashvamedha means ‘horse sacrifice.’ Thus, ‘Gopaala’ does not refer to Sri Krishna as the protector of the cow, but protector of the Earth; paala means protector.

The ruinous effects of the Mahabharata war were severely felt in all walks of life at the end of the Dwaapara and the beginning of the Kali Age. With a few exceptions, the Brahmins were no longer able to maintain the tradition of studying and teaching the Shastras, the Hindu texts of knowledge. They misunderstood and so, misrepresented the true meanings of our Scriptures. For, another example, the word gavyam –literally ‘that which comes from the cow,’ and which, in fact, referred to milk and milk products, started to denote cow’s meat. And so, the practice of animal sacrifice commenced with cow’s meat, instead of cow’s butter-ghee being offered into the sacred fire. Encyclopaedia Britannica talks of a lengthy series of rituals – sometimes lasting a whole year – in which hundreds of animals were slaughtered.

By giving conventional meanings to technical terms, we have grossly misrepresented Hindu beliefs and practices to the point of no return to any sensible state.

The bridging of the Indian Ocean Nala and Neela, we are told, were engineers who bridged the river across to Lanka. They were human beings. Furthermore, the name Hanuman is a combination of two words – hanu, meaning jaw, and maan – (maanava), meaning man. Therefore, Hanuman refers to a being with human features. This race, however, became extinct through intermarriage with other tribes in India, and also, many died in the war with Ravana.

Both Valmiki and Tulsidasa used Vaanara and Kapi when referring to Hanuman. But Hindi as well as English translators of the texts, after the extinction of the race, not knowing what Hanuman really looked like, and using conventional meanings of the word, use the words ‘bandar’ and ‘monkey’ to refer to Hanuman. The painter and sculptor, also, never seeing Hanuman in person, completed the ‘job’ by painting a monkey figure to depict him.

The truth is, in addition to the Aryans, there were many tribal and aboriginal groups of people in India at the time of the Ramayana, some of which were the Vaanara (or Kapi), Aabheer, Yavan, Kirat (or Bhil), Kol, Khas, Nishaad, Draavid, Raakshas, Naag, Shabar, Geedh, Gandharva, Kinnar, Yaksha, etc. Hanuman belonged to the Vaanara tribe, who were skilled tradesmen in Kapi-loha, fashioning works out of brass. Thus, Hanuman, the Vaanara, was a Kapi.

But then you will rightly ask that if Hanuman was not a monkey, how come he lit his tail afire burning down Lanka? To answer this, we have to refer to Tulsidas’ statement at the end of the Ramayana, that he has written 500 verses. But the Ramayana currently in use has 1500 verses! Where have the additional verses come from? Who has written them? As happened during the Moghul and British occupation of India, many Hindu texts were tampered with. There were additions made (interpolation), and many verses were deliberately mistranslated to portray Hinduism as a backward religion. Hanuman burning down Lanka with his ‘tail’ on fire was such an addition; like many other verses, which contradict the Vedas, it was not written by Tulsidas. It intended to reduce Hanuman to a sub-human species and, also, create some mocking laughter. We also join in the fun when the supposed incident is read. The incident could not have happened; it was not possible. No one can survive if his body is on fire.

Hanuman is lovingly referred to as Raama Bhakta – Devotee of God; Raama Doota – Messenger of God; Seeta Shoka Vinaashaka – Remover of the misery of Seeta; Maha-Veera –the great hero.

Hanuman was a great and exemplary Devotee of Lord Rama. We owe Him this much – restore him to his rightful position.

Yours truly, Pt Ramdial Balbadar

Dear

This year’s

theme is “Planet vs Plastics”. In honour of our planet and in support of the global push to preserve its sustainable future, we should all look at ways to reduce the use of plastics. Whether by using only biodegradable and recyclable materials for the school feeding programme or by establishing recycling facilities in each region where plastics are collected and processed for use in other areas, we must embrace the global initiative to reduce the use of plastics.

In today’s environment, plastics have been found in the ocean and seafood. This has caused cardiovascular problems and the pollution continues to increase. Guyana’s current stage of development allows for the country to leapfrog these problems and focus on the newly-developed alternatives being used to combat the problem of plastic. Glass has been a better alternative to plastic when it comes to the direct impact on the environment, but transportation costs have made plastics more attractive to large companies. This has introduced new products such as

boxed water products which allow for a biodegradable solution. The world is beginning to once again embrace paper products as packaging alternatives to help combat the extensive use of plastics. New technology has enabled producers to make products that are more sturdy and durable.

The Government can play a major role in reducing plastic use through import restrictions and the development of local biodegradable products. Bottled water is a fertile area for such an initiative. The packaging used by the fast food industry can also be positively impacted by such regulations.

Our ecotourism credentials will be boosted as we implement legislation that supports the global push for the reduction of plastics. Let’s do our part in achieving a 60 per cent reduction by 2040. If we truly believe in our role as environmental stewards, we should help lead this initiative by providing a stellar example of how to live and thrive with minimal use of plastics.

Best regards,

Jamil Changlee

Page Foundation

The universal set is all the integers.

Universal Set

When talking about sets, it is fairly standard to use Capital Letters to represent the set, and lowercase letters to represent an element in that set.

So for example, A is a set, and a is an element in A. Same with B and b, and C and c.

Equal sets

Two sets are equal if they have precisely the same members.

Example: Are A and B equal where:

A is the set whose members are the first four positive whole numbers

B = {4, 2, 1, 3}

Let’s check. They both contain 1. They both contain 2. And 3, And 4. And we have checked every element of both sets, so: Yes, they are equal!

And the equals sign (=) is used to show equality, so we write:

A = B

Subsets

When we define a set, if we take pieces of that set, we can form what is called a subset.

Example: the set {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

A subset of this is {1, 2, 3}. Another subset is {3, 4} or even another is {1}, etc. But {1, 6} is not a subset, since it has an element (6) which is not in the parent set.

A is a subset of B if and only if every element of A is in B.

When we say that A is a subset of B, we write A B

Or we can say that A is not a subset of B by writing A B («A is not a subset of B»)

Empty (or Null) Set

As an example, think of the set of piano keys on a guitar. “But wait!” you say, “There are no piano keys on a guitar!” And right you are. It is a set with no elements. This is known as the Empty Set (or Null Set).There aren’t any elements in it. Not one. Zero. It is represented by

Or by {} (a set with no elements)

The empty set is a subset of every set, including the empty set itself. (mathsisfun.com)

Guyana looking to tap into regional market to export

200,000 tonnes of refined sugar – Agri Minister

– says investor to build Enmore sugar refinery being examined

With a potential market to export over 200,000 tonnes of refined sugar to the Caribbean, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is currently looking at an investor interested in building a sugar refinery at Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

During a recent video broadcast, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha spoke of ways in which the government is going about making the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) profitable including the building of a sugar refinery, to tap into the regional market.

“We’re looking at a private investor to build a (sugar) refinery at Enmore. We still have options at Skeldon. We’ll start planting cane at Skeldon. We’re planning to do another 5000 hectares of planting there. So, all those plans are in place at GUYSUCO.”

“We are going into value-added production. We want to do a variety of sugar, not only the raw sugar. So that is why we’re working very hard to get this refinery at Enmore. Right now, there are opportunities right in the Caribbean, that we can sell over 200,000 tonnes of refined sugar in the Caribbean. We have a market for that.”

It had previously been announced this year that the Enmore Sugar Estate,

one of several sugar estates that were closed down and abandoned by the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government, would be reconstructed into a sugar refinery within the next two years. President Dr. Irfaan Ali had, some time ago, disclosed that the Enmore estate would be developed into an industrial zone and a state-of-the-art machine shop and pipe yard. However, plans have been changed after investors indicated their interest in the development of the estate.

As a result, this sugar refinery has become another project under the PPP/C Government aimed at revitalising the sugar industry. With Guyana’s brown sugar production now pro -

jected to again increase to 100,000 tonnes annually from this year, it is expected that the Enmore facility will be able to refine up to 180,000 metric tonnes annually.

A refinery is different from a sugar mill, in that the latter crushes the cane stalks, squeezes the juice from the plant, and facilitates crystallization of the juice so it turns into raw sugar; whereas a refinery converts that raw sugar into food-grade white sugar.

Profitability

Other ways of making GUYSUCO profitable include the mechanisation of the industry, which has seen a five-year strategic plan being developed to advance the mechanising of all the estates such as the

refurbishing of generators across the industry, the building of 250 new punts, the creation of a new packaging plant at Albion, and the expansion of the packaging plant at Blairmont, among other initiatives.

“People have an option, people have opportunities where you can go to other sectors for employment. So, these things, what we have to do is very important, in terms of producing sugar and also, we are trying to mechanise GUYSUCO so that we’ll not only depend on manual labour.”

“You see, if we want to improve production and in -

crease productivity, you have to go into mechanisation to survive and bring down the cost of production. So we’re doing that in GUYSUCO. Whilst we’re doing that, we have moved the packaging plant to Albion to start the packaging plant there,” Mustapha further said.

Back in 2016, the former Government closed the Wales Estate, and the following year, shut down the Enmore, Rose Hall, and Skeldon Estates, putting over 7000 sugar workers on the breadline. The downsising of the sugar industry resulted in only the Uitvlugt, Blairmont, and Albion Estates being left in operation.

After taking of -

fice in 2020, the PPP/C Government had announced in the Emergency Budget presented in September 2020, that some $5 billion would be injected into the sugar industry for the phased reopening of the closed estates. Since then, sizeable allocations have been made to return the sector to its former glory. GuySuCo was allocated a further $2 billion in the 2021 Budget by the PPP/C Government for capital works to be undertaken at the various estates to help in the turnaround of the sugar industry. Then in 2022, GuySuCo received $1 billion in supplementary funds from the Government. (G-3)

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

The Enmore Sugar Estate

Semi-submersible vessel found in Kaituma River

The Guyana Police Force intercepted a semi-submersible vessel in Paiana Creek in Port Kaituma River, North West District on Saturday.

base as investigations continue.

A few years back, a SelfPropelled Semi-Submersible (SPSS) vessel was found in a secluded area in Region One.

The blue Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible was found by the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Special Forces, Coast Guard and Air Corps

This was the first time an SPSS was found in Guyana and was built to trans-ship tonnes of narcotics/contraband, smuggled into the country, possibly for onward movement through the northwest coast onto the Trans-Atlantic route.

The craft was already fitted with a diesel engine and steering wheel, navigation and other machinery to deem it serviceable.

Winning…

…Brooklyn’s hearts

WBased on reports received at about 16:35h on the day in question, the police found the grey-coloured vessel that was covered in troolie leaves. In addition, a makeshift camp was found nearby.

The vessel was subsequently searched and approximately 15 sandbags were discovered, along with about six cases of water. The vessel was escorted to police

Timehri man gets 2 years for gun, ammo possession

Thirty-five-yearold Lorne Anthony Whinfield of Hyde

Sentenced: Lorne Anthony Whinfield

Park, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was on Monday sentenced to two years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to two charges of 'Unlawful Possession of a Firearm without License' and 'Unlawful Possession of Ammunition without License'.

He appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court where the charge was read to him.

He pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to two years imprisonment for each charge. The sentence will run concurrently. Whinfield was also fined $50,000 on each charge.

ell, you just gotta hand it to Prezzie…the man genuinely likes to press the flesh!! And it’s earning him and his party a whole lotta goodwill – and votes??! – as he spontaneously bounds into crowds to mix and mingle with ordinary folks. It’s a welcome change from his predecessor David Granger – who was so aloof you wouldn’t be faulted for thinking he was ALOFT!! And unlike even a people person like his party founder Jagan, he doesn’t interject political opinions into the bonding. Seems he mixes for the pure pleasure of meeting HIS people. Not like Burnham with his “Meet THE People Tours” – Pres Ali doesn’t have scripted interactions and just goes with the people’s flow of life even when he’s on official business.

So, here it was, he’d gone up to New York to receive the Legacy Award Class of 2024 for “leadership and vision” from the American Foundation for UWI’s 27th Annual Awards Gala – and took the opportunity to meet his peeps in what’s widely known in Guyanese circles as Region 11!! The youthful Head of State bounded over to Brooklyn – in street clothes to the surprise of one and all in the Big Apple – and ended up in Flatbush home to so many Guyanese. He ambled into the famous German Restaurant – which has its origin in our own Tiger Bay! –and had to try out the oxtail soup for which it’s famous. Maybe it was a quality control check to ensure the Guyanese recipe wasn’t being tampered with by adding “Yankee” touches?!!

He continued to Pam and Steve Bakery where he actually went with the owners into the kitchen to show them how to “clap” roti the good, old-fashioned way!! Like Prezzie, your Eyewitness was surprised to see that the Guyanese “in foreign” were simulating the process by putting the oiled and cooked roti into a can and shaking it vigorously!! Can’t have that, can we?? Prezzie promptly took over the job, turned a roti on the “taawa” and then clapped it with his hands. Voila!! GUYANESE roti!! He then tried it out and shared pieces with the crowd to their great delight!! He even cut hair in a Guyanese barbershop!!

Your Eyewitness has already recounted the consternation of the local haters – represented by Simone “Fried Rice” Broomes – who’d keep the Guyanese people apart. But the hater-in-chief from Brooklyn wasn’t to be left out. The CGID went ballistic and almost apoplectic as he screamed, “This is an egregious betrayal of Black people!! Their acquiescence to Ali and their refusal to demand accountability undermines the ongoing fight for justice!!”

He announced CGID’s intention to boycott AfroGuyanese in the New York Diaspora who fail to stand against the Ali-Jagdeo regime’s injustices!!

Can’t stop the Ali juggernaut!!

…against Mad Maduro

The Government’s rolling back Mad Maduro’s aggression against our Essequibo. On the diplomatic front – after commitments of support from the US, the UK, Caricom, Commonwealth, etc – we secured a statement from the Security Council for there to be no further hostilities. But by now, we all know Mad Maduro ain’t gonna be persuaded of the errors of his ways through jawboning, don’t we??

So, while we know that we can’t beat Mad Maduro’s Russian armed military might, our Govt’s showing we ain’t gonna be no walkover!! This Jan, they approved $16B for the GDF to buy helicopters, drone systems, and an offshore patrol vessel. One US-built patrol vessel just sailed into Port Georgetown to join the four we already have. Then there’s the US$42 million military patrol vessel from French shipbuilder Ocea!

In the air, we’ve received the 2 Dorniers 228 from India. And we can’t forget those 5 drones Ramjattan bought from that start-up company, can we?? Where are they??

…against the odds

It ain’t easy for the Government to make its point that workers on the State’s payroll mustn’t allow themselves to be used as political pawns. Whatever our sympathies for teachers, they gotta concede their strike was politicized!

The semi-submersible vessel found on Saturday

Reunion Gold to invest US$1M annually in environmental & social projects

– as part of new mineral agreement signed with Govt

Having signed an agreement with the Natural Resources Ministry, Canadian company, Reunion Gold has committed itself to invest US$1 million in both environmental and social projects annually in surrounding communities of its Oko West gold project in Region Seven.

It was explained in a statement from the Ministry that the Canadian company will be prioritising the employment of Guyanese in its project, as part of the agreement. Additionally, it will be implementing comprehensive training to ensure Guyanese develop the additional skills needed at all operational levels.

According to the Ministry, this will contribute to the sustainable development of Guyana through the nurturing of local talent… in much the same way as Reunion Gold’s financial pledges will contribute to surrounding communities.

“The company pledges to establish a financial support program for environmental and social projects, allocating US$1 million annually towards initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and address social needs within surrounding communities. This commitment will commence upon

commercial production or within 24 months from the issuance of a mining license, whichever occurs first,” the Ministry said.

Only recently, the Guyana Government accepted the terms of scope for the environmental and social impact assessment on the Oko West project, allowing the Canadian company, Reunion Gold, to move ahead with permitting. The project area occupies about 12,000 acres of prime gold property.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of Reunion Gold Rick Howes, had said in a statement last month that the company remains on track with its accelerated development timeline for Oko West, which includes the completion of a preliminary economic assessment by the end of the second quarter of 2024.

The Canadian company had also said it plans to advance work on both the feasibility study and the environmental permits throughout the remainder of 2024 and into the first quarter of next year.

During a recent discussion on the Guyana Dialogue programme, Natural Resource Minister Vickram Bharrat revealed that gold mining operations will commence in three years following the construction of a min-

ing facility.

“So, there is a large amount of it in the largescale gold mining operation in which we see the results in another three to four years from now. I mentioned a new company we are going into an agreement with soon; they are going to create 1500 jobs during construction and then 500 during production. This is a direct benefit to Guyanese again,” Minister Bharrat disclosed.

In 2023 Reunion Gold in a release said that it has raised $70 million from a bought deal financing and will use part of the proceeds to advance the company’s Oko West project in Guyana

to the next stage of development.

The company had said an underwriting syndicate acquired 152.2 million shares at 46 cents per share. It also said the underwriters have been granted the option to purchase an additional 15% of the offering to cover over-allotments, if any. The green shoe option remains open for 30 days after closing.

Back in February 2022, the company announced

that it would continue drilling at its Region Seven location since it believes that even more deposits of gold are available at the Wenot deposit.

Before that, the company had filed a technical report with SEDAR, which supports the 16.7 million tonnes of indicated gold and 19.5 million tonnes of inferred gold it had announced the Wenot deposit held back in January.

Gold mining in Guyana is the second-highest contribu-

tor to the country’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which grew by 33 per cent in 2023. Some 40,000 Guyanese are currently working in the sector which expanded by 42.6 percent last year.

When it comes to the future of the sector, a total of $710 million is allocated in the 2024 National Budget for several projects, including the rolling out of a mineral mapping project which would be launched in phases.

Reunion Gold’s Oko West project

4 homeless as fire guts Providence house

Afire so far of unknown origin on Monday decimated a house located at Lot 12 Old Road, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) leaving a woman, her husband and their two children homeless.

The one-storey wooden building was occupied by Natasha Hope, her husband Ceon Roberts and their two children, aged 18 and 9. The fire started at about 9:00h and at the time of the blaze, no one was at home.

When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, Hope related that she was at a nearby shop when a resident informed her that a house in the area was on fire. “When I reach, I

see my house on fire,” she noted while adding that she lost two beloved cats in the inferno. Hope further related that

none of her family members were at home. Her nine-yearold son was at school, her daughter was by another fam-

ily member and her husband had gone to work.

Upon spotting the fire, Hope explained that she ran into the burning building in a bid to retrieve her son’s school documents and was successful in saving some of them.

She related that about $500,000 in household appliances were destroyed including a washing machine, a living room suite and kitchen appliances. However, by the time the fire service arrived at the scene, the entire house was engulfed in flames. The firefighters, nevertheless, managed to contain the fire at one location.

The Guyana Fire Service reminds all citizens to prioritise fire safety by ensur-

ing homes and businesses are equipped with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and smoke alarms.

An investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched by the Guyana Fire Service.

The woman retrieving her son’s school books Firefighters at the scene attempting to douse the fire

GPHC to benefit from additional Cath Lab to boost cardiac services

The Guyana Government is currently procuring an additional Catheterisation Laboratory (CATH lab) to boost its services to the citizens at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The substantial investment in cutting-edge equipment is a result of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the hospital’s cardiology department.

During brief remarks at GPHC’s second annual Cardiology Symposium held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal on Saturday, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Robbie Rambarran stated that the new lab will allow GPHC to serve more Guyanese in need of cardiac care.

through the GPHC Institute of Health Science Education and the University of Guyana.

throughout two missions in 2023.

However, this year saw eight complex cardiology cardiac surgeries being done so far, with two more missions expected to be completed within the year.

This includes diagnostic cardiology, interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery.

Additionally, a total of 20 of the hospital’s nurses completed the congenital heart disease training curriculum. This, he said, is a testament to enhancing their skills and knowledge in specialised areas of cardiology care.

According to the CEO, at

“This investment will undoubtedly elevate our capacity to diagnose and treat complex cardiovascular conditions benefiting patients across Guyana… While we acknowledge that there is much more work to be done and many plans to improve our facility, equipment and overall service for all Guyanese, I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made thus far,” he said as he announced plans for another Catheterisation Laboratory.

Further, Rambarran explained that the investment in training and education has been instrumental in enhancing the capacity of staff and improving patient outcomes.

On this point, he reminded that some six nurses graduated in 2023 from the inaugural batch of the cardiovascular nurses’ degree programme, along with two technicians who acquired a post-graduate diploma in echocardiography

present, they have a group of eight nursing assistants ongoing specialised ECG training and two technicians undergoing intensive training in echo-sonography to transition to a technician within the cardiology department.

‘These training areas are made possible through the Guyana Project for Advanced Cardiac Care (GPAC), a testament to our ongoing commitment to investing in the professional development of the healthcare workforce by equipping our staff with the necessary skills and expertise. We are not only enhancing the quality of care we provide but also empowering our team to meet the evolving needs of our patients,” he related.

Following the reactivation of the partnership with the GPHC and Gift of Life International, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to providing lifesaving cardiac care to countries like Guyana, the hospital was able to facilitate 18 paediatric cardiac surgeries

In highlighting the immense achievement of the department, Rambarran said that in 2023, the Cardiology Department witnessed a remarkable influx of patients seeking care with a total of 2538 cardiology scans conducted.

According to the CEO, the team also performed 14,249 echocardiograms, 220 stress tests, 616 angiograms, 286 stent replacements, and 49 pacemakers’ implants, underscoring the comprehensive range of cardiovascular intervention offered at the facility.

First Cath Lab

GPHC’s first $2.1 billion Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory was commissioned in 2016 through a collaboration with the Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI).

Located in the compound of the GPHC, the new lab was said to be the largest and most advanced of its kind in the Caribbean and it is equipped to offer procedures, such as cardiac catheterisations, the insertion of cardiac stents, pacemakers and defibrillators through the groin without open heart surgery.

At the time, heart disease was the one cause of death globally, with an estimated 17.5 million people dying from it in 2012.

The lab was part of Guyana’s efforts to change these figures through the use of technology.

Nevertheless, citizens were still urged to adopt healthier lifestyles and behaviours as it pertains to cardiovascular diseases and the risk factors, which include obesity, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and harmful consumption of alcohol and tobacco.

GPHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robbie Rambarran

Wide-view of a state-of-the-art Catheterisation Laboratory

Massy, Rotary join forces to rehabilitate greenhouse at Cheshire Home

Massy Distribution

Guyana, as part of its Forces for Good Initiative, recently donated US$5,000 to the Rotary Club of Garden City to rehabilitate the greenhouse at the Cheshire Home in Unity, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The greenhouse, initially constructed by the Rotary Club to supply healthy meals to the residents of the Home, had fallen into disrepair due to resource constraints.

Massy Distribution’s support will restore and maintain this vital facility for the community’s well-being. The company recognises the efforts to promote healthy living and is proud to donate time and funds to rebuild and upkeep the shade house.

Human Resources

Manager at Massy Distribution Guyana, Sarah Deokaran-Mustapha stated “We are delighted to partner with the Rotary Club of Garden City in this worthy endeavour.” “By supporting the rehabilitation of the greenhouse at Cheshire Home, we are not only promoting healthy living but also enhancing the quality of life for those in need within our community.”

In addition, the Director for Services at the Rotary Club of Garden City, Elizabeth Cox extended heartfelt gratitude to Massy Distribution Guyana for its generous support.

Wear denim on Wednesday to support survivors of sexual assault

AThe Cheshire Home houses approximately 30 persons with various disabilities and is located at Unity Mahaica on the East Coast of Demerara.

“Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of the residents at Cheshire Home, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals and a nurturing environment.”

s Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) winds down communities around the world are gearing up to observe Denim Day on April 24, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence and challenging victim-blaming attitudes.

The Human Services and

Social Security Ministry, through its Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Policy Unit, encourages individuals to wear denim to show their support for survivors of sexual assault and to challenge the harmful myths and misconceptions that perpetuate victim blaming.

HR Manager Sarah Deokaran-Mustapha; Director for Services – Rotary Club of Garden City, Elizabeth Cox; and Graduate Trainee (HR) Onika Frank

Persons clad in denim outfits

Guyana scholar Dr Vivian Rambihar inducted into Walk of Fame

Dr. Vivian Rambihar, a globally renowned Toronto cardiologist, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, author and global community activist for close to 50 years was inducted into the Scarborough Walk of Fame 2024 for Health and Science on April 10, 2024.

He is one of the foremost global thinkers today, with pioneering contributions in medicine, science and society with global impact.

Dr. Rambihar grew attended and taught math at Queen’s College. He migrated to Canada in 1970, after winning the Guyana Scholarship and studied medicine at McMaster University after a BSc at the University of Toronto, then trained in cardiology at McMaster University and the University of Toronto.

He started cardiology practice in Scarborough in 1980 and began community engagement and health promotion, advocating for system and policy change

to address the high rates of premature heart disease and diabetes, especially in the immigrant and South Asian community.

He is a pioneer in chaos and complexity science, teaching health professionals and using it for health promotion for 30 years, and advocates its use in medicine and health, and for complex global crises, an idea validated by the 2021 Physics Nobel Prize as the science of climate change.

His book “Tsunami Chaos Global Heart - using complexity science to rethink and make a better world,” written after the tsunami of 2004 and made available free online, is called “a work of visionary intensity” by BW Powe, author of “A Canada of Light.” He rewrote medicine from a chaos and complexity perspective, with his “Chaos 2000 Making a New Medicine” book, responding to James Gleick’s 1987 book “Chaos Making a new Science.”

Dr. Rambihar is a pi-

oneer in Diversity and Health, with global contribution since the 1990s. As the first South Asian community cardiologist in the emerging diversity of Toronto in 1980, with a large SA community, he identified and addressed significant disparities in health.

He was among the first in Canada to do research confirming and reporting such disparities in heart health and to start advocacy and health promotion in Scarborough, across GTA and nationally for 3 decades, helping to establish Immigrant Health, Ethnicity and Health and gender differences as important in the changing demographics and emerging diversity of Toronto and Canada, and written Editorials on Diversity and Health.

The Guyanese scholar has brought these two ideas together, for even possibly a greater impact in the future, proposing chaos and complexity thinking to transform DEI and community

Wear denim on Wednesday to...

By wearing denim, we send a clear message that no survivor should ever be blamed for the violence they have experienced.

Head of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Cona Husbands emphasizes the significance of Denim Day in combatting sexual violence.

"Denim Day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight against sexual assault and the importance of supporting survivors. By wearing denim on this day, we demonstrate our commitment to ending

victim blaming and creating a culture of empathy and understanding."

Denim Day originated in Italy in 1998 as a response to a shocking court decision that overturned a rape conviction based on the victim's clothing. Now, 25 years later, Denim Day continues to serve as a powerful symbol of solidarity and resistance against sexual violence.

The history behind Denim Day is a stark reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice. In 1992, in Muro Lucano, Italy, an 18-yearold girl was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor during her first lesson.

engagement as well as medicine and health, with an emerging literature. DEI is complex and dynamic, with disparities amplified during the Covid pandemic and worse expected with climate change and other global crises.

Dr. Rambihar taps into his 30 years of experience using chaos and complexity for medicine, health, society, and Diversity and Health, to propose using it for global crises, for DEI and community engagement.

He advocates using this 21st century science for global crises in many posts to the BMJ, with his 2023 BMJ Letter to the Editor proposing that all medical schools should teach chaos and complexity.

There is increasing validation of this, such as the Editorial in Jan 2024

Can. J. Family Medicine “Family Medicine is Complexity Medicine” and Dr. Rambihar’s previous Letter to the Editor “Age of Complexity,” and his books on the subject.

FROM PAGE 12

Despite the perpetrator's initial conviction, the Italian Supreme Court later overturned the ruling, citing the victim's tight jeans as evidence of consent. This appalling decision sparked outrage and led to the first Denim Day protest in Italy, where women wore jeans to work in solidarity with the survivors.

Dr. Husbands encouraged individuals and groups to post their photos in their denim showing solidarity and tag the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security using the hashtag #EndGVB #SAAM #DenimDay

Dr Vivian Rambihar and his family at his induction

Dr Rambihar

3 schools cop cash prizes in 2nd leg of Guyana-Monaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix

The second leg of the Guyana-Monaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix was held on April 19 at the Everest Cricket Ground, with seven participating schools – Abram Zuil Secondary, Diamond Secondary, Friendship Secondary, Johanna Cecelia Secondary, St. Roses High, St. Stanislaus College and West Demerara Secondary.

The competition is the local qualifier to enter the Monaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix, an international competition held annually in the Principality of Monaco. Created by Marco Casiraghi under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco, the competition aims to promote Science and Engineering to students in a fun, exciting way.

Previous winner, Raphel

Persaud of St. Stanislaus College shared his experience travelling to Monaco with this year’s competitors and encouraged them to seise the opportunity.

Deputy Chief Education Officer – Technical at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ritesh Tularam speaking on behalf of the Education Minister, reinforced the importance of collaboration in promoting awareness of the usefulness of Science and Technology.

“The Ministry of Education carefully recognises the committed collaboration with SBM Offshore Guyana in promoting and building the awareness and appreciation among our secondary school students of the fundamental importance that Science and Technology can play in … solving of real-life problems.”

Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, Charles Ramson Jr. underscored the pivotal role of innovation, expressing that aligning with the importance of innovation along with being open to global ideas are crucial to the country’s development trajectory.

Three categories were open for participation –Acceleration, which assessed the vehicle that travelled to a 10-meter line in the shortest time; Endurance, which measured the furthest possible distance travelled, and Innovation and Creativity, which evaluated the most creative, unique racecar.

Copping the first prize for the Acceleration Category was a team from St. Rose’s High, with Abram Zuil Secondary placing first in the Endurance category and St. Stanislaus College

copping the first place for Innovation and Creativity. The winning schools received cash prizes to develop their STEM clubs or Science laboratories.

The first, second and third-place winners of each category will be entered for consideration in the international competition in Monaco.

If successful in gaining entry, the winning team from Guyana will compete for a chance to represent the country in Monaco. If a Guyanese school wins the international competition,

they will receive tickets to watch the Historic Grand Prix from a prime location (either on the circuit or in the prestigious Tunnel Riva) and an expense-paid trip to Monaco for one week.

Local Content Officer at SBM Offshore Guyana, Garri Fraser, highlighted that “Beyond being a mere race, this competition encourages our students to demonstrate their critical thinking abilities, teamwork, and adaptability. It challenges them to push the boundaries of their imagination and showcases their

incredible potential to the world.”

In closing, General Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana Martin Cheong, advocated for the continued nurturing of the next generation, positing, “Together, we can create a future where creativity knows no bounds, where innovation thrives, and where every dream has the opportunity to become a reality.”

The Guyana-Monaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix is hosted by SBM Offshore Guyana with support from the Education Ministry.

Consultations ongoing for construction of solar farms in Essequibo

Efforts to accelerate the construction of solar farms in Charity and Onderneeming, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), have begun with a series of consultations and site assessments.

Recently, Regional Chairman, Vilma De Silva, along with representatives from Guyana Utility Scale-Solar Photovoltaic (GUYSOL), conducted a visit to the proposed site in Charity.

De Silva told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Monday that the visit aimed to evaluate the area’s accessibility for future construction activities.

As part of this process, consultations for the construction of a sturdy bridge within the vicinity have commenced, with the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC) identifying a suitable location for the bridge over an existing canal.

“Because you know when they are in the process of building the solar farms there would be a lot of heavy-duty equipment that will be traversing the area. So, were on site to identify an area for a bridge,” the regional chair explained.

In the meantime, De Silva has requested GUYSOL to

engage with the Ministry of Housing and Water and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) for further guidance on the bridge construction.

Preparations for the solar farm in Onderneeming are also progressing smoothly, with land clearing set to commence soon due to the area’s easy accessibility.

The project, funded through the REDD+ Investment Fund managed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), involves a partnership between GUYSOL and

SUMEC.

The

US $38 million contract that was signed last month will facilitate the construction of solar farms in Regions Two, Five, and Six, generating a total of 18 megawatts of solar power.

In Region Two alone, eight megawatts will be distributed, with Charity and Onderneeming contributing three and five megawatts, respectively. An additional 10 megawatts will be allocated to villages in Regions Five and Six, including Trafalgar, Prospect, and Hampshire.

Officials visiting the site at Charity for the construction of the solar farm

Participants of the competition with the team from SBM Offshore Guyana and the Ministry of Education

First-place winners of the local competition with the SBM Offshore team who were each awarded the sum of $350,000 to develop their school’s STEM/Physics laboratories

MoH Hearts programme expanding incrementally – Dr Anthony ...available at 171 primary healthcare sites

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) HEARTS protocol, which Guyana adopted in 2023 has drastically improved the Health Ministry’s delivery of cardiovascular care in Guyana.

This was according to subject minister Dr. Frank Anthony during his address at an event at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on Saturday.

The event brought together healthcare professionals, experts, and stakeholders from across the country.

It features informative presentations, engaging panel discussions, and networking opportunities, providing invaluable insights into the latest developments and best practices in cardiology at GPHC and Guyana.

However, Dr. Anthony told the gathering that the HEARTS programme has been implemented in 171 different health centres across the country and is playing a pivotal role in making cardiac services available to persons in remote areas. This saw a to-

tal of 825 patients accessing cardiology services in 2023.

Additionally, the ministry has been able to introduce new medications that are more effective and would lead to better control of various cardiovascular conditions.

He noted that the goal

Reg 2 students to benefit from training in civil management

Some 40 Students from Region

Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are set to benefit from intensive training in Civic Management.

This announcement was made by Community Solutions Programme alumnus Deodat Persaud, who disclosed that a group of 40 students and 8 teachers from Anna Regina Multilateral, Abrams Zuil, Charity, Johanna Cecilia, Cotton Field, and Aurora Secondary Schools will participate in the YOUthEngage592 Leadership Training Program.

Persaud stated that the programme was launched on Saturday at the Anna Regina Secondary School and is derived from a con-

tribution from the dynamic partnership of the Guyana Center for Civic Engagement (GyCCE) and funded by the U.S. Embassy.

According to him, the Goal of this initiative is to nurture youths and enable them with skills to foster constructive change.

"Our goal is to nurture a generation of leaders who are not only passionate about civic engagement but also equipped with the skills and commitment to drive positive change."

He also revealed that the students will train for 2 months, and training will span across key areas such as civic engagement, voting education, conflict resolution, and project planning, alongside instilling a strong

ethos of volunteerism within their communities.

Upon successful completion of the one-month implementation, students will receive a certificate in recognition of their dedication and completion of a community-based project.

This project’s component also aims to further instil the values of volunteerism and civic responsibility among participants and aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are not only knowledgeable about civic responsibility.

The success of the "YOUthEngage592" program underscores the commitment of GyCCE to foster youth development and promote democratic values in Guyana.

is to emphasise primary health care and preventative medicine to reduce the burden of complications associated with heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

“One of the challenges that we still have is that while we have introduced this programme, we have seen that there is still a need for better compliance of our patients. So, we have medicines, we have people who are following guidelines, the challenge now is to make sure that we get our patients to comply so that we can see better outcomes.”

Meanwhile, he related that through its collaboration with Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, a team from GPHC will de-

velop national guidelines for cardiovascular care to be able to standardise guidelines across the health sector.

Partnerships with several universities outside of Guyana are also in the pipeline to facilitate training for medical doctors in various specialities including cardiology.

According, to him this will aid in the relaunch of the Pediatric Cardiac programme, which was stopped between 2015-2020.

“Having purchased the equipment, and trained people, we have been able to restart that programme now last year we did 18 surgeries, this year already we have finished eight, and with two more teams coming in during the year, we

are hoping that at least 30 pediatric surgeries would be completed during this year,” he stated.

The National HEARTS initiative focuses on providing healthcare for patients with non-communicable diseases, with a major focus on chronic lung illnesses, and more importantly, the factors that lead to these diseases.

The HEARTS Technical Package comprises six modules and an implementation guide that helps healthcare providers. This is to standardise the level of care provided and prevent the possibility of patients restarting treatments. This means all healthcare facilities are aware of the methods of treatment for particular diseases.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

Students of the YOUthEngage592 Leadership Training Program

$650M pump station at Canal No 1 Polder for completion in 3 months

As construction accelerates on a pump station at Canal No. One Polder, West Bank Demerara in Region Three, (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), farmers and residents are poised to benefit from improved drainage and irrigation (D&I) access.

The pump station which is being constructed at a tune of $650 million is slated for completion within three months.

The development is part of a broader initiative to enhance D&I infrastructure in the region, which also includes projects at Belle Vue, A-Line sluice, and MetenMeer-Zorg.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha inspected the Canal Number One

Polder pump station on Saturday last, where he announced the project’s completion date, among other interventions.

When completed, the pump station will feature two mechanically driven pumping units, each capable of discharging 150 cubic feet of water per second.

A total of 19 pump stations are under construction nationwide and Minister Mustapha remains optimistic about the operationalisation of these pump stations by mid-2025.

Apart from the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of existing drainage and irrigation infrastructure, the government also plans to replicate the success of the Hope Canal at East Coast

Demerara, across Regions Three, Five, and Six.

“We also will be building a Hope-like canal in this area by the B-Line structure. It is a mega project that will help to drain the system. This area is a large agricultural area for us and we are trying to put systems in place to mitigate flooding in the future,” the agriculture minister underscored.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth, emphasised that these projects represent a nationwide comprehensive drainage improvement programme.

Works will also advance on pump stations at Charity, Cottage, Cozier, Jimbo Grove, and Letter Kenny,

with additional investments planned for pump stations at Chesney, Farm, Grove South, and Little Diamond.

Several other drainage improvement projects in various communities are currently in the tendering stage.

These projects include the construction of a guest house at Lama; East Conservancy Water Dam in Region Four, estimated at $8.9 million, and the rehabilitation of Sukhram Cross Drainage Channel from Number 52 Dam to Number 66 Main Dam, Corentyne,

Region Six, estimated at $13.9 million.

Works will also include the rehabilitation of a 30km access road in Ebini/Kimbia, Region Ten, with an estimated cost of $394 million, and the construction of an access road at Canal Number Two Conservancy Dam, West Bank Demerara, costing approximately $145.7 million.

Residents along the Corentyne in Region Six will benefit from the rehabilitation of the Number Two drainage pump at Ankerville pump station, estimated at $38.4 million.

Additionally, $167.5 million is budgeted for the construction of a sluice and revetment work at Blenheim in Leguan, and $16.3 million is allocated for the upgrade of Flagstaff Road at East Conservancy Water Dam in Region Three.

Furthermore, Somerset and Berks Co-op Pastureland in Essequibo, Region Two, will be developed at an estimated cost of $27 million, and $22.4 million will be invested to rehabilitate Hackney Canal in the Lower Pomeroon River in Region Two.

Guyana receives WTM award for fostering Indigenous tourism

Guyana has been awarded for its magnificent contributions made to the indigenous communities nationwide at the 4th edition of the World Travel Market (WTM) Latin America Responsible Tourism Awards.

The country secured silver place under the category ‘Best Initiatives for Indigenous Communities and/or Traditional Communities.’

“This was well-deserved because as you know, Guyana is uniquely positioned as a country that promotes indigenous tourism that is led and owned. This means that the indigenous people own the land, the assets, the business, and control the profits,” the director explained.

He added that this type

The Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh noted that over the years, the nation has been fostering many tourism initiatives led by the indigenous peoples.

of indigenous tourism is a major differentiating factor compared to other community-based tourism models around the world.

“One of our officers who is also an indigenous person went to Brazil to collect this award and also to make a presentation. We are really happy about this because it shows our commitment to supporting communities and developing tourism in

In Guyana, many tourism products and services can be found deep within indigenous communities due to the nature-like and relaxing environment like the pristine rivers and the fresh and heavy vegetation that surrounds these areas.

Additionally, with great tourism potential existing in many indigenous villages, the GTA plays a crucial

role in helping the leaders and residents of the communities to further build upon what the village is already offering.

The authority oftentimes conducts its assessment of the talent and art of the people such as pottery and painting and see how it can make this into an activity for tourists when they visit the village, making their stay more enjoyable.

With the implementation of these activities, employment for the indigenous people will become available

and foreign exchange will begin to circulate in the villages which will help to expand the newfound venture.

The government also plays a pivotal role in sustaining these products and services by funding them through various grants such as the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) funds and the Presidential Grants.

These grants help the villages to build guest houses, kitchens, and purchase vehicles to propel tourism within the area.

The $650 million pump station at Canal No One Polder under construction

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha and other officials on Saturday

Guyana,” Baksh stated.

Indigenous people of Guyana celebrate their rich heritage, which is enjoyed by tourists who visited the villages

Canoes built by members of an Indigenous community that are used by tourists to tour the streams within the village

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh

25 shade houses to cultivate hot peppers under construction at Mon Repos

Twenty-five shade houses are currently under construction at the National Agricultural and Extension Institute (NAREI) in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

These structures are designed to cultivate two types of hot peppers—bull nose and tiger teeth—for an already secured market in St. Lucia.

It is projected that each cycle of the 25 shade houses will accommodate approximately 11,250 plants, yielding over 75,000 pounds of pepper per cycle. This will result in an annual production of about 75 tonnes of fresh peppers.

This initiative is part of the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), which

Bartica businessman nabbed with ecstasy, gun & ammo at Itaballi

A businessman was on Monday intercepted with a quantity of ecstasy pills, one pistol and several live rounds of ammunition at Itaballi checkpoint in Region Seven (CuyuniMazarunui).

Based on reports received, the 28-year-old man from Bartica who was driving an All-Terrain Vehicle was stopped at the checkpoint by police ranks.

was launched by President Dr. Irfaan Ali in January 2022.

The AIEP aims to stimulate interest in agriculture, boost economic growth, and improve the livelihoods of youths.

Since its inception, the programme has led to the construction of 120 shade houses across the country. In 2023 alone, 90 new shade structures were completed, bringing the total to over 450.

By December 2023, the AIEP had garnered some $25.4 million. Notably, over 70 per cent of young agriculturists participating in the programme have become successful agri-business entrepreneurs.

This year, Guyana plans to construct approximately 200 more shade houses to meet the increased demand and profitability of high-value crops.

The 54 shade houses at NAREI continue to yield remarkable results in the cultivation of crops such as cauliflower, bell peppers, lettuce,

and carrots. Additionally, a variety of other crops including kale, mint, celery, ‘blue star’ sweet peppers, cilantro, and parsley are being grown on-site.

The harvested crops are distributed to communities, farmers’ markets, hotels, and restaurants.

Furthermore, Guyana boasts one of the largest hydroponic facilities in the Caribbean at NAREI, which will soon be replicated in Regions Two, Five, and Ten, benefiting over 300 youths.

Guyana’s approach emphasises innovative agro-business opportunities

through the integration of technology, research, and the active involvement of women and young people.

This investment in shade houses, hydroponics, and other agricultural mechanisms are expected to significantly reduce CARICOM’s high food import bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025.

In 2021, Guyana spent $2.6 billion on importing high-value crops to satisfy the hospitality sector. However, with local production now in place, the country has managed to reduce importation by almost 50 per cent.

Guyana aims to exceed gender equality index assessment

– Min Persaud

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud shared the government’s resolute commitment to surpassing this year’s Gender Equality Index assessment.

The minister made the address at the WE LIFT ‘4’ Exposition held at the Aquatic Centre on Saturday.

Highlighting Guyana’s remarkable progress, the minister underscored a significant leap of 18 positions in the index, as a result of women’s increased participation in the labour market.

The ranks requested his driver's licence and the documents for the vehicle but he related that he did not have a driver's license.

The ecstasy pills found on the businessman

This prompted the officers to search his belong -

ings and vehicle during which 40 pills suspected to be amphetamine (ecsta -

sy) were discovered in the haversack he was carrying.

A further search on the ATV unearthed a pistol branded "Springfield Armory USA," bearing serial #US979040 on the frame, along with 10 live rounds of 9mm ammunition.

The businessman was told of the offense committed, cautioned, and arrested. Investigations are ongoing.

“If you look at the growth you will see it reflected when Guyana climbed 18 notches in the index that represented women’s participation in the labour market in one year and that was in 2022…I am hoping that when this year is assessed we are closer and closer to the top,” Minister Persaud remarked.

The minister stated that this stride mirrors the government’s steadfast efforts to empower women across various fronts, including facilitating homeownership opportunities, enhancing healthcare services and facilities, ensuring access to education, and notably, providing free technical and vocational training opportunities.

“Speaking to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, we have a laser-sharp focus on women and their own development and even paying attention to the social issues that manifest themselves,” the Minister added.

Among the initiatives implemented by the ministry that complement the government’s drive to bridge the gender equality gap is the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) training programme.

The programme is the brainchild of Minister Persaud and was designed to equip women with the skills and confidence to pursue economic opportunities and achieve financial independence. WIIN offers a multitude of training courses such as

garment construction, and information and communications technology (ICT) among others.

Soon the programme will upskill 300 women in plumbing, carpentry, and electrical installation to address the existing gap in the labour market.

Aside from training opportunities, participants also have access to a business incubator where they can receive training in business literacy.

This training helps them to understand how to start a business, develop business plans, and sustain and grow their businesses effectively.

These initiatives coupled with the government’s unwavering commitment, Minister Persaud said Guyana stands poised on the cusp of transformative change in gender equality.

The gun and ammunition confiscated during the operation

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud at WE LIFT 4, held at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown

Hot peppers being grown in a shade house

Some of the shade houses at NAREI, Mon Repos

Regional

UN

warns Haiti's capital blockaded, no aid for malnourished children

Haiti's capital is almost completely cut off by air, sea and land blockades as gang violence intensifies, stopping aid from getting to 58,000 children with the most life-threatening form of malnutrition, the Head of the United Nations children's agency warned on Monday.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said two-thirds of Haiti's children need aid, women and girls are being targeted with "extreme levels" of gender-based and sexual violence and 30-50 per cent of armed groups have children in their ranks.

"The situation in Haiti is catastrophic, and it grows worse by the day," Russell told the UN Security Council. "Port-au-Prince is now almost completely sealed off because of air, sea and land blockades."

Haiti is preparing for the installation of a nine-member council to take over from Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who pledged to step down on March 11 while stranded outside the country and under pressure from the United States.

Haiti's gangs, many of which have grouped together under an alliance known as "Viv Ansanm" (Living Together), have said their siege on the capital was a battle to oust Henry, but since his announcement there has been little let-up in attacks.

Viv Ansanm gangs were fighting Police around the National Palace on Monday, local media reported. The transitional council is set to be installed in the palace, though the date has yet to be confirmed.

"Since March 8, close to

100,000 Haitians have left Port-au-Prince for the regions, escaping gang violence in search of security," UN special envoy on Haiti, Maria Isabel Salvador told the Security Council.

"Food insecurity also remains rampant across the country, with half of the population suffering from severe food insecurity," she said, adding that a UN appeal for US$674 million for 2024 was eight per cent funded.

“Running out of fuel” Operations at Haiti's main fuel import terminal were suspended on Monday as armed men seized trucks and demanded the port be shut down, according to a source with information on the matter.

Armed gangs blocked the Varreux terminal for nearly a month in October 2021, and again a year later for more than a month, halting most economic activities and prompting the Government to call for foreign intervention.

"They are running out of fuel," World Food Programme Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau, who visited Haiti over

the weekend, told Reuters earlier on Monday. "There's a ship coming. If that can dock and unload then they are safe, but we are talking about days until they run out."

With most businesses unable to maintain power without their diesel generators, under the previous blockades hospitals were forced to shut down, radio stations stopped programming, mobile antennas ran out of fuel and transport was brought to a halt.

The Security Council authorised in October 2023 a foreign security mission to Haiti. But the mission, which Kenya has stepped forward to lead, has not yet deployed amid legal and funding issues.

Russell said that given the security mission would likely be deployed in dense urban environments, "the safety of the civilian population is paramount".

"The use of force in and around populated areas must be avoided, and the mission must only use the least harmful means that are necessary and proportionate to the legitimate law enforcement objective," she said. (Reuters)

Chile's President says Codelco output to grow; touts investment climate

Chilean President Gabriel Boric told a major copper industry conference on Wednesday he expects production at State-run miner Codelco to grow slowly this year and reach 1.7 million metric tonnes by 2030, and that he sees copper prices rising.

"The Codelco production will rebound," he said, offering a vote of confidence for the country's top copper producer, whose output last year hit a quarter-century low, at 1.325 million metric tonnes.

Boric's comments came in a surprise appearance at a gathering of top global copper executives and analysts at CESCO Week, which alongside the CRU World Copper Conference, makes up the biggest annual gathering of sector professionals.

At a time when global companies have raised concern about long approval times for new mines and expansions, he said Chile, the world's biggest copper producer, is dedicated to speeding up the permitting process for mining

projects.

He also stressed the need for greater economic distribution of mining industry profits to local communities.

As well, Boric said one of Chile's strong suits was ensuring long-term security for investors.

"Long term mining projects work when there is greater certainty, when there are clear rules for all," he said. "Investments are also based on the perception of trust. And that is something intangible."

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Panama recalls its Ambassador to Nicaragua for talks over Martinelli

Panama recalled its Ambassador to Nicaragua on Monday for consultations, citing the Government's "energetic protest" against what it called the illegal protection afforded to a former Panamanian President at its Embassy in Panama City.

In a statement, Panama's Foreign Ministry accused the Government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega of allowing Ricardo Martinelli to conduct political activities

from its diplomatic mission in Panama, which it argues is contrary to international law.

"The Republic of Panama demands that the Republic of Nicaragua complies with its international obligations," the statement said.

Since February, Martinelli has sought refuge in the Nicaraguan Embassy in Panama City after Ortega's Government provided him with asylum status.

The 71-year-old super-

market tycoon-turned-politician has lashed out at what he labels a corrupt government at home carrying out a political prosecution against him.

Last month, Martinelli appealed an electoral court's ruling that deemed him ineligible to run in May's presidential election due to a nearly 11-year prison sentence for money laundering. Martinelli governed Panama from 2009 to 2014.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Venezuela to accelerate cryptocurrency shift as oil sanctions return

Venezuela's Staterun oil company

PDVSA plans to increase digital currency usage in its crude and fuel exports as the US reimposes oil sanctions on the country, three people familiar with the plan said.

The US Treasury Department last week gave PDVSA's customers and providers until May 31 to wind down transactions under a general licence it did not renew owing to a lack of electoral reforms. The move will make it more difficult for the country to increase oil output and exports as companies will have to wait for individual US authorisations to do business with Venezuela.

PDVSA since last year had been slowly moving oil sales to USDT, a digital currency also known as Tether whose value is pegged to the US dollar and designed to maintain a stable value. The return of oil sanctions is speeding

up the shift, a move to reduce the risk of sale proceeds getting frozen in foreign bank accounts due to the measures, the people said.

"We have different currencies, according to what is stated in contracts," Venezuelan Oil Minister Pedro Tellechea told Reuters last week, adding that in some contracts digital currencies might be the preferred payment method.

The US dollar is the preferred currency for transactions in the global oil market. Even though they are emerging in some countries, payments in cryptocurrency are not frequent.

Last year, PDVSA was rocked by a corruption scandal after the discovery of some $21 billion in unaccounted receivables for oil exports in recent years, partially related to prior transactions involving other cryptocurrencies.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

T&T MP: Dragon deal squeezed by US, Venezuela

David Lee, Pointe-aPierre Member of Parliament (MP), was downbeat on the prospects of the Dragon deal for T&T to access natural gas from a Venezuelan gas field, saying the arrangement was now under pressure from legalities posed by both the US and Venezuela.

At a United National Congress (UNC) news briefing on Sunday, he also suggested splits within Cabinet on the prospects for this deal and suggested that oil firm Shell might be having second thoughts about the deal, in which it is licensed to extract the gas.

The uncertainty arose last week when the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said it would not extend OFAC General Licence 44 beyond expiration on April 18, and all entities operating under it have until May 31 to wind down all oil and gas operations in Venezuela.

The Ministry of Energy said that that would not affect a separate OFAC licence granted to T&T for Shell, the National Gas Company (NGC) and contractors to work on the Dragon field.

"The specific amended OFAC Licence issued to T&T on October 17, 2023,

is valid until October 31, 2025, and permits Shell, NGC and contractors to continue the works being undertaken to explore, produce and export natural gas from the Venezuelan Dragon Gas Field."

Energy Minister Stuart Young said T&T has a 30year exploration and production licence from the Venezuelan Government for the gas field, upon which work to "explore, produce and export" was continuing.

However, the Prime Minister later said T&T was not immune to USVenezuela dynamics.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

People gather to buy gasoline at a petrol station as violence spreads and armed gangs expand their control over the capital, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 29, 2024 (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol photo)

An oil tanker is seen on Lake Maracaibo, in Cabimas, Venezuela, October 14, 2022 (Reuters/Issac Urrutia photo)

Around the World OIL NEWS

Oil futures fall as fears of wider Middle East war fade

Oil futures fell on Monday as traders focused on market fundamentals, seeing little near-term risk that the Middle East conflict would impact supply.

Brent crude futures settled at US$87.00 a barrel, down 29 cents, or 0.33 per cent. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude finished down 29 cents, or 0.35 per cent, at US$82.85 a barrel.

Traders see a tightening supply-demand balance in the coming months, said Phil Flynn of Price Futures Group.

"The fundamentals on oil are strong," Flynn said. "The expectation is the markets are going to tighten this summer on the supply side."

Geopolitical risk premiums tend not to last if supply is not actually disrupted, said UBS strategist Giovanni Staunovo, adding that the high spare capacity of a few oil-producing countries could compensate for any supply disruptions.

A protracted oil rally could happen if the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil artery, was disrupted or Saudi Arabia directly drawn into the conflict, said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM.

Meanwhile, plentiful supplies of some of the biggest crude grades are limiting the conflict's impact on oil futures, a Reuters analysis found.

On the economic front, inflation is back in focus, with comments from Federal Reserve officials and a run of hotterthan-expected inflation data forcing a paring back last week of expectations of interest rate cuts.

Economic concerns have again become a bearish factor in the crude market, with prices under pressure due to a large build in the US stockpile and a hawkish Fed that has led to a strong dollar, said Tina Teng, an independent market analyst.

A strong dollar makes oil more expensive for holders of other currencies.(Reuters)

Taiwan hit by numerous quakes, strongest reaching 6.3 magnitude

Taiwan’s capital was hit by a series of earthquakes overnight into the early hours of today, with the Central Weather Administration saying the strongest was a magnitude-6.3 tremor originating in eastern Hualien.

The first strong quake — a magnitude 5.5 — hit on Monday at around 5:08 pm (0908 GMT), according to Central Weather Administration. It could be felt in the capital Taipei.

That was followed by a series of aftershocks and quakes, with two intense tremors hitting one after another around 2:30 am (1830 GMT) Tuesday, according to AFP reporters and witnesses

Israeli military intelligence Head resigns over Oct 7 failures

The Head of Israeli military intelligence has resigned after accepting responsibility for the failures that allowed the devastating Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, the military said on Monday.

Major General Aharon Haliva, a 38-year veteran of the military, was one of a number of senior Israeli commanders who said they had failed to foresee and prevent the deadliest attack in Israel's history.

"The intelligence division under my command did not live up to the task we were entrusted with. I have carried that black day with me ever since," he said in a resignation letter released by the military.

He will remain in post until a successor is named. Israeli media and commentators expect further resignations once the main mil-

itary campaign in Gaza wraps up.

The October 7 attack badly tarnished the reputation of the Israeli military and intelligence services, previously seen as virtually unbeatable by armed Palestinian groups like Hamas.

In the early hours of the morning, following an intense rocket barrage, thousands of fighters from Hamas and other groups broke through security barriers around Gaza, surprising Israeli forces and rampaging through communities in southern Israel.

Some 1200 Israelis and foreigners were killed in the attack, most of them civilians, and around 250 were taken into captivity in Gaza, where 133 remain as hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

The Head of the armed forces, Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi, and the head of the domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, both accepted responsibility in the aftermath of the attack, but have stayed on while the war in Gaza has continued.

Meanwhile, Israeli troops fought their way back into an eastern section of Khan Younis in a surprise raid, residents said on Monday, sending people who had returned to abandoned homes in the ruins of the southern Gaza Strip's main city fleeing once more. (Excerpts from Reuters)

On 1st day of Trump hush money trial, Prosecutors say he corrupted 2016 election

N

ew York Prosecutors said on the first day of Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial that the former President broke the law and corrupted the 2016 election by trying to cover up sexual encounters with a porn star and a Playboy model, while his defence lawyer said he committed no crime.

Jurors in the historic trial also heard briefly from the prosecution's first witness: former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, who prosecutors say participated in a "catch and kill" scheme to suppress unflattering stories about Trump and help him get elected.

In the first-ever trial

of a former US President, Trump is charged with falsifying business records to cover up a US$130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016 to keep quiet about a sexual encounter she says they had 10 years earlier. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denies the encounter took place.

Prosecutors portrayed the payment as a criminal effort to deceive voters at a time when Trump was facing other accusations of crude sexual behaviour.

"This was a planned, coordinated, long-running conspiracy to influence the 2016 election, to help Donald Trump get elected through illegal expenditures to si-

lence people who had something bad to say about his behaviour,” prosecutor Matthew Colangelo said. “It was election fraud, pure and simple."

Colangelo told the jury

that they would hear Trump working out the details of the scheme in recorded conversations and see an extensive paper trail to back up the testimony of witnesses.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Blinken says genocide in Xinjiang is ongoing in report ahead of China

visit Biden vows to

“quickly” supply new military aid to Ukraine

Uin Taipei.

“I was washing my hands, and suddenly felt what I thought was vertigo,” Olivier Bonifacio, a tourist staying in Taipei’s Da’an district, told AFP.

“I stepped into my room and noticed the building was rocking and I heard the desk creak,” he said, adding that it was then he realised it was another aftershock.

The Central Weather Administration said a magnitude-6.0 quake had hit at 2:26 am, followed six minutes later by a magnitude-6.3 one.

The US Geological Survey puts the first one at a magnitude-6.1, followed by a magnitude-6.0. (Excerpt from AFP)

S President Joe Biden has told his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky he will "move quickly" to send Ukraine fresh military aid, after US lawmakers passed a US$61 billion support package. The House of Representatives approved the bill on Saturday after months of political gridlock in the chamber.

Biden promised "significant" support for Kyiv – including more air defences – if Senators approve the bill as expected today.

The assurances come as Russian attacks destroyed a TV tower in Kharkiv. Footage showed the red and white tower collapsing seconds after Russian

missiles slammed into it on Monday afternoon in the eastern Ukrainian city, which lies just 19 miles (30km) from the Russian border.

Local officials said there were no casualties in the attack, with regional Governor Oleg Syniehubov writing on social media that staff were in a shelter at the time.

Kharkiv has been targeted in relentless air attacks by Russian forces in recent weeks. In a social media post after the attack, President Zelensky wrote that it was "Russia's clear intention to make the city uninhabitable".

He added that he had informed President Biden of the strike, which he said happened just before their call on Monday. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Beijing is continuing to commit genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in its western Xinjiang province, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said in a report published on Monday, ahead of his planned visit to China this week. The State Department's annual human rights report, which documents abuses recorded all over the world during the previous calendar year, repeated language from previous years on the treatment of Muslims in Xinjiang, but the publication raises the issue ahead of delicate talks, including on the war in Ukraine and global trade, between the top US

diplomat and Chinese counterparts.

In a preface, Blinken said the report "documents ongoing grave human rights abuses in the People's Republic of China (PRC)".

"For example, in Xinjiang, the PRC continues to carry out genocide, crimes against humanity, forced labour, and other human rights violations against predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups," Blinken said in the preface.

China has vigorously denied abuses in Xinjiang and says it established "vocational training centres" to curb terrorism, separatism and religious radicalism. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Smoke rises following Israeli strikes in Gaza, October 7, 2023 (Reuters/Mohammed Salem photo)

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken holds a press conference at the end of the G7 Foreign Ministers meeting on Capri island, Italy, April 19, 2024 (Reuters/Ciro De Luca photo)

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

SUDOKU

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Reach out and connect with people of interest. Don't feel pressured to participate in pastimes you don't enjoy. Refrain from letting others take charge. Happiness is determined by doing what makes you happy.

Be secretive regarding your plans until you have everything in place. Sharing personal information will backfire, forcing you to head into damage control and leaving no time to get things done.

Use your knowledge to improve yourself. A physical change will give you the boost and confidence you need to further your agenda. Believe in yourself, and everything else will fall into place.

Choose self-improvement and pastimes that promote positive thinking. Be creative and you'll discover exciting ways to use your skills. Refuse to let outside influences cause emotional setbacks.

Following up is essential. Whatever you decide to do, have a plan and oversee every detail. Your input will make the difference and give you leverage. Don't put emotional pressure on yourself.

It's up to you to make a difference and navigate your way to your destination. Relationships will require insight and patience, but you'll make headway when you understand what others want.

Rely on your charm and intelligence, and you'll get what you want. Put pressure on yourself to tidy up and finish what you start. The progress you make will help you to lower your overhead.

Pick up the pace. Added discipline will help you reach your goal in record time and with a unique twist that will capture the imagination of those you encounter. Opportunity comes with change.

Keep your eye on what's important and take action to protect what's yours. Don't offer a false impression. A direct and honest approach will save time, money and reputation.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Go over money matters and clear up paperwork. Refrain from letting someone talk you into something costly or uninviting. You can't always please everyone. Put yourself first, relax and rejuvenate.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Watch where your money goes and look for a way to lower overhead. Don't let what others do tempt you. You are better off doing your own thing and simplifying your lifestyle to fit your budget.

Make changes, try something new, or look for opportunities to make your life easier. Rethink how you use your space, and you'll devise a plan that saves you time and money.

CALVIN AND HOBBES PICKLES

Sandeep Sharma announced his return from injury with magnificent figures of 5 for 18, the best by any bowler in this season's IPL, before Yashasvi Jaiswal blazed back to form with a sparkling 59-ball century, as Rajasthan Royals signed off from the Jaipur leg of their campaign with a seventh statement win in eight matches to cement their table-topping status.

Set a middling 180 for victory after a Mumbai Indians' innings that owed everything to a 99-run fifth-wicket stand between Tilak Varma and Nehal Wadhera, Royals' chase was signalled and sealed by Jaiswal, who had 31 from 18 balls prior to a 30-minute rain delay, before converting his first fifty of a difficult season into a towering 104 not out from 60 balls.

Jaiswal added 74 in eight overs with the in-form Jos Buttler, who made 35 from 25, and a further 109 in 65 with Sanju Samson, whose terrible reprieve on 19 by

Tim David at midwicket was the moment all hope evaporated for Mumbai. By then, Jaiswal had also had a major let-off, on 50, when Wadhera at deep cover dropped a leading-edged swipe off Piyush Chawla over the ropes for six. Mumbai's performance was summed up by the deployment of their two outstanding bowlers of the campaign. After being riled by a

first-ball slap for six, Gerald Coetzee bowled like the wind in his solitary powerplay over, visibly troubling Jaiswal with his 150kphplus pace, in particular with a top-edged pull that flew over the keeper for four. Yet he was not given another over until Jaiswal was into the 80s, when he again got a well-set batter flinching, but by this stage the match was already lost.

And though Jasprit Bumrah bowled with his peerless verve up front, including a two-run first over to limit Buttler's early intentions, he too was held back too late into the chase - and when he did return, his comeback over was not

19.1 ov), 8-176 (Gerald Coetzee, 19.2 ov),

Sandeep Sharma 4-0-18-5

a success. A first-ball no-ball was followed by a second-ball wide on height, where upon Jaiswal swung the rolledover free hit for six, en route to a 16-run over, Bumrah's most expensive of a stellar season.

Boult, Sandeep boss the powerplay

At the Wankhede three weeks ago, Trent Boult silenced Mumbai's home support with the prized scalp of Rohit Sharma, who grazed his first ball of the matchand the fifth of the innings - through to Sanju Samson behind the stumps. It was a case of rinse-and-repeat in

the rematch: Rohit c Samson b Boult, again from the fifth ball, albeit this time with 6 to his name. One filleted four through deep third, then a wild swing through the full length, for Samson to rush round from behind the stumps and gather with a tumble. Remarkably, it was the 26th time that Boult had

for 3, the damage at the top was already telling.

200 up for Yuzvendra Chahal

Only two bowlers in the history of T20 cricket had previously taken 200 wickets in a single competition - Danny Briggs and Samit Patel, both in the T20 Blast. With his extraction of Nabi

struck in the first over of his IPL career.

Mumbai had batted first after winning the toss, on the proviso that there's not a lot of dew on offer when chasing in Jaipur. There was, however, sufficient movement off another dry surface to reward Royals' attacking full lengths, and after one ball of the fourth over, Sandeep had launched a memorable per-

formance in style, to reduce his opponents to a ropey 20 for 3.

The first of his victims was Ishan Kishan, caught behind for a third-ball duck as he went fishing to Sandeep's wide line, pushed tantalisingly up into his arc. Then, after a flurry of two fours in three balls that had hinted at riches to come, Suryakumar Yadav swung without timing across the scrambled seam, and was already wincing as the ball plopped into Rovman Powell's hands at midwicket. Mohammad Nabi ended the powerplay with an 18-run flurry against Avesh Khan's first over, but at 45

in his first over of the night, Yuzvendra Chahal became the third entry on that list, and against Mumbai too - the team for whom he had made a one-off, wicketless debut in his maiden IPL season in 2013.

The moment arose with another cunning piece of bowling, as Nabi, on 23, closed the face on the front foot to lob a leading edge back to the bowler, off his third delivery. Chahal sunk to his knees as his team-mates engulfed him, fully aware of the feat of excellence and endurance that he'd just recorded. And, at 52 for 4, Mumbai were on their knees too.

Tilak, Wadhera find some fight

Measured at first - particularly while R Ashwin was rattling through four wicketless overs for 31 - and then with mounting assurance, Mumbai's revival was entirely down to two of the younger men in their ranks. Tilak led the line with a combative 65 from 45, bringing up his fifty with a six that also made him, at the age of 21 years and 166 days, the third-youngest player to 1000 IPL runs.

However, it was the less heralded Wadhera, playing his first match of the season, who provided the impetus that met the needs of this extraordinarily high-scoring edition. His 49 from 24 balls included three fours and four sixes - two of them in consecutive balls from Chahal, who moments earlier thought he had managed to trap Tilak lbw for 55 on the reverse-sweep.

DRS, however, showed

the ball to be missing off, and the pair celebrated the reprieve with the verve of a century, which spoke volumes for the importance of their stand. But, as it turns out, their alliance would end on 99 from 54 balls when Boult was recalled to the attack for his final over. His first delivery was a slower-ball bouncer, which Wadhera could only lob to backward point.

Sandeep applies the gloss finish

At 170 for 5 in the 18th over, Mumbai still had designs on a 200-run total, but Royals' death bowlers had other ideas. Avesh was on the mark to pin Hardik Pandya lbw for 10 as he walked across his stumps, and after leaking just six runs, even with Tim David looking to cut loose, Sandeep snapped the innings shut.

Tilak's excellent knock ended with a tumbling take from Powell at long-on, following which Coetzee's first-ball launch picked out Shimron Hetmyer down the ground. David finally got the strike back with three balls remaining but he too picked out a boundary rider to make it three wickets in the over, and 5 for 18 all told for Sandeep.

Not only were they the best figures by an Indian bowler for Royals, Sandeep's figures marked a triumphant return after an injury-plagued season - he had previously managed one wicket in two outings before a side strain had kept him sidelined for most of a month.

Jaiswal finds his range at the right time

After two double-centuries and more than 700 runs in a startling Test campaign against England, Jaiswal's IPL had been something of a comedown - just 121 runs and a top score of 39 in seven previous knocks. But there's never been any doubting his precocity, and when he did finally reach his first fifty of this campaign, the acclaim on the Royals bench was notable. They are already top of the table at the halfway mark, after all … if he is hitting his straps for the run-in, so much the better for their prospects of a second title. By the end, it was as if he'd never been away. His innings was studded with eight fours and seven sixes, including the winning carve through point off Tilak with eight balls left unused. On his watch, Royals are four points clear at the top, and getting better with every outing. (ESPNcricinfo)

Yashasvi Jaiswal leaps in the air after scoring his second IPL hundred

Sandeep Sharma rattled Mumbai Indians with a five-wicket haul

Tilak Varma steadied the Mumbai Indians innings after early collapse

Yuzvendra Chahal celebrates his 200th IPL wicket

Team Digicel Guyana dominate AMCHAM Golf Tournament

Over the weekend, the prestigious Lusignan Golf Club played host to the highly-anticipated AMCHAM Golf Tournament, drawing golf enthusiasts and professionals alike from across the region. With more than 70 players showcasing their skills on the immaculate greens, the tournament proved to be a thrilling display of talent and sportsmanship.

Not far behind, Team ExxonMobil Guyana secured a commendable second-place finish with 21 points. Phillip Rietema, Jim Peck, Corey Dean, and Matt Rall demonstrated unwavering determination and precision on the course, earning well-deserved recognition for their stellar performance.

Rounding out the top three, Digicel Guyana clinched third place with 23 points, showcas-

In a fiercely competitive field, Team Digicel Guyana emerged victorious, claiming the coveted first-place title with an impressive 23 points. Comprised of Ryan Ramjit, Avinash Persaud, Balaji Vinjimoor, and Vishal Dhani, Team Digicel Guyana showcased exceptional teamwork and skill throughout the tournament.

ing the depth of talent within their organisation. Maurice Solomon, Robert Hanoman, Monnaff Arjune, and Richard Haniff exhibited a commendable display of skill and sportsmanship, solidifying their position among the tournament's elite competitors.

The AMCHAM Golf Tournament not only provided a platform for friendly competition, but also fostered camaraderie and networking opportunities among participants. With the support of sponsors, including Digicel Guyana and ExxonMobil Guyana, the event proved to be a resounding suc-

6 teams to begin quest in GCB T10 Blast today

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will be bowling off its inaugural tournament, dubbed the Guyana T10 Blast, which commences today, Tuesday, April 23, with a mouth-watering double-header.

FanCode has come on board as the exclusive digital partners for the India and India subcontinent territory to live stream the matches that will feature Guyana’s best cricketers.

The GCB has approved seven grounds across the country, including No# 69 Ground, Malteenoes, Enmore, Imam Bacchus, and Blairmont as venues; which will host some of the most entertaining T10 cricket over the next few weeks.

Six franchise teams, two from each county, will battle for supremacy, with the likes of Essequibo Jaguars, Demerara Pitbulls, Berbice Piranhas, Essequibo Anacondas, Berbice Caimans and the Demerara Hawks representing their demographics.

Round 1 bowls off at Enmore Ground today, with an exciting double-header starting with a clash between the Jaguars and the Hawks from 12:00h.

The second game, which gets underway from 14:30h, features the Pitbulls squaring off against the Caimans, as part of the opening round action.

Rounds 2 and 3 continue on Wednesday, April 24 and Thursday, April 25 respectively, also at the Enmore Ground.

The second round will see Piranhas and Anacondas facing off from 12:00h while the Essequibo Jaguars and Caimans of Berbice play each other from 14:30h.

Thursday's encounters will see the Pitbulls locking up with the Anacondas from 12:30h, while Piranhas look to take a bite out of the Hawks from 14:30h.

Friday's round at MetenMeer-Zorg features the Jaguars playing the Anacondas from 12:30h, with the second match at 14:30h between the Pitbulls and Piranhas.

Speaking on the magnitude of such a tournament, GCB President Bissoondyal Singh said this initiative has been on the agenda ever since the Board was elected, adding that he was pleased to be in partnership with FanCode as “we seek to modernise the game in Guyana”.

Singh noted that the quality of the players involved is set to make the tournament overly exciting, as a number of stars will be on show and is urging fans to support the tournament.

Some 90 of the best players, along with a number of top upcoming coaches, will be involved as the tournament’s aim is to afford players the opportunity to showcase their talent in this specific T10 format.

As a mandate, the GCB President said all franchises are expected to have two U19 players in their playing XI at all times as part of the continued development of the younger core of players.

Players and teams’ selection was carried out by a draw supervised by Chairman of the national senior selectors, Ramnaresh Sarwan and his selection panel.

Essequibo Anacondas: Anthony Adams (Captain), Raymond Perez, Jonathan Foo, Avinash Persaud, Joshua Jones, Thaddeus Lovell (U19), Bruce Vincent (U19), Qumar Torrington, Quency Sampson, Quacy Mickel, Tuleseeram Premnauth, Abdul Ramsammy, Ushardeva Balgobin, Alvin Mohabir, Kevon Boodie.

Demerara Hawks: Tevin Imlach (Captain), Rampertab Ramnauth, Joshua Persaud,

Ronaldo Alimohamed, Akshaya Persaud, Richie Looknauth, Isai Thorne (U19), Neiland Cadogan, Totaram Bishun, David Williams, Sheldon Charles, Garfield Benjamin, Zeynul Ramsammy, Asraf Bodhoo (U19), Tommani

Caesar.

Berbice Caimans: Kevlon Anderson (Captain), Navindra Persaud, Alex Algoo, Kevin Sinclair, Abdool Subhan, Steven Sankar, Johnathan Van Lange (U19), Shahid Viera (U19), Sylus Tyndall, Aryan Persaud, Devon Lord, Bernard Bailey, Romeo Deonarain (U19), Travis Persaud, Matthew Pottaya.

Berbice Piranhas: Veerasammy Permaul (Captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Ricardo Peters, Quentin Sampson, Ronaldo Renee, Rivaldo Phillips, Suresh Dhanai, Darwin Joseph (U19), Haimant Singh, Garfield Phillips, Rajendra Chandrika, Jermey Sandia, Brandon Jaikaran, Nigel Deodat, Shemar Yearwood (U19).

Essequibo Jaguars: Kemol Savory (Captain) Chandrapaul Hemraj, Ricardo Adams, Anthony Lim, Joemal LaFleur, Carlos Larose, Shemroy Barrington, Demeter Cameron, Nial Smith, Ashmead Nedd, Leon Andrews, Seon Glasgow, Mavindra Dindyal (U19) , Kevin Kisten (U19), Zachary Jodah (U19).

Demerara Pitbulls: Chris Barnwell (Captain), Sachin Singh, Orin Gibson, Junior Sinclair, Malcom Hubbard, Johnathan Rampersaud, Gulcharran Chulai (U19), Leon Swamy, Floy Joseph, Jadon Campbell, Keon Sinclair, Damian Vantull, Jeremiah Scott, Justin Sutton, Ronald Jeffery (U19).

cess, further cementing its status as a highlight on the local golfing calendar.

As the sun set on another thrilling tournament at

Lusignan

Club, participants and spectators alike departed with cherished memories and a renewed passion for the sport. The organisers ex-

tended their heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event and look forward to welcoming players back for future tournaments.

Forde presents CONCACAF awards to Glasgow’s family

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde on Saturday proudly presented Omari Glasgow's family with his prestigious Concacaf Nations League Top Scorer and Young Player Awards at the Beterverwagting Community Centre on the East Coast of Demerara.

Glasgow, the first Guyanese football player to achieve this feat, received the acknowledgement after an outstanding 2023-2024 season in League B, Group D, competing alongside Antigua and Barbuda, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas.

During a modest ceremony on April 20, President Forde presented the awards to Vonnetta Justice, the mother of the Senior Men’s National Team forward. The event was attended by East Demerara Football Association Vice President Rickford Profit; President of the BV-Triumph United, Dwayne Duncan; relatives; friends; aspiring players and members of the community.

Glasgow wrapped up the season with a commendable tally of seven goals, accumulating a total of 10.5 points. His consistent scoring across all five of Guyana's matches was instrumental in him receiving the Young Player Award and contributed to Guyana's historic promotion to League A.

In his remarks, the

GFF top official shared that Glasgow's achievements stem from the consistent backing of his family and community, as well as his personal qualities of humility, discipline, self-respect, and respect for others.

"It takes a village to raise a child and I believe this is what we are all experiencing here with the tremendous performances that Omari has been able to deliver from the time he entered into the national team programme.

“Omari is an example of the BV community and I know many of you present here and those that might not be here now played a tremendous role in his upbringing. Oftentimes, we might believe that Omari's greatest gift is his ability to play football, but his greatest gift from my own experience interacting with the young man is his humility and his discipline, his respectfulness.”

President Forde stressed that Glasgow stands as a source of pride within Guyana’s football community, and “it’s simply an honour and a privilege for me personally to be here to present to you guys the acknowledgement and the awards that Concacaf has bestowed on him.”

East Demerara Football Association Vice President Profit also expressed pride in Glasgow's development through the East Coast programme. “It takes humility, it

takes...courage and it takes a lot of discipline to achieve such marks. I sit among you guys here to say, indeed, we have and we will be having more Omaris coming up from the East Coast. We will do our best to raise and to increase, (to) motivate persons and players.”

The President of BV Triumph United FC also extended his congratulations to Glasgow, praising his parents for believing in his talent and providing the support necessary for its cultivation.

In response, Vonnetta Justice expressed gratitude to the Federation for organising the ceremony for her son and the community.

She added that she was confident that he “will take us from here further”, and shared her dream to witness him playing on "one of the high-level teams, maybe in England or some other part of the (world).”

Golf

Team Digicel Guyana comprising of Ryan Ramjit, Avinash Persaud, Balaji Vinjimoor, and Vishal Dhani won the competition

Omari Glasgow’s family, over the weekend, received his prestigious CONCACAF Awards

Fresh off a victory with the Guyana Harpy Eagles, Tevin Imlach will switch formats to T10, leading the Demerara Hawks

Kevlon Anderson leads the Berbice Caimans into battle

The experienced Christopher Barnwell will steer the Demerara Pitbulls

Dharry finds redemption in Marques KO

…Allicock begins pro career on perfect note

More than just a title fight, USA-based Guyanese professional boxer Elton Dharry was battling for his respect on Saturday last, when the Guyana Fight Night card engulfed the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) Ground.

The Guyanese, many later found out, had a sour taste left in his mouth from one of his recent performances on home shores and entered the ring, in front of the likes of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo; Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, with a point to prove to all and sundry.

Arguably the most entertaining bout of the 8-fight card, Dharry met familiar foe Dexter “the Kidd” Marques for the WBA Super

Flyweight Gold, a battle that was shorter than anticipated.

Dharry, after a solid first two rounds, restricted his opponent to the ropes and followed up with a flurry of

body shots, landing his 16th career knockout to secure the title.

“I came home to Guyana to fight at the Stadium, took me all the heart and the courage and the bravery I had in

Hero’s welcome meets West Indies champions Harpy Eagles on return

There were nail-biting scenes in Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday last, as time winded down on the Windward Islands Volcanoes and the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their championship-deciding clash.

As close of play and a draw were announced for that game, Guyana’s victory in the 2024 West Indies Championship was confirmed after pulling off an eight-wicket win over Combined Campuses and Colleges a day earlier.

The championship winning team returned to local shores late on Sunday night into Monday morning, and was greeted by several stakeholders, including Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr and Director of Sport (DoS) Steve Ninvalle, against the backdrop of music and dance.

Harpy Eagles Head Coach Ryan Hercules chronicled the team’s journey this season, labelling them the best in the Caribbean.

Hercules related, “I think it was good cricket from us. I think we are one of the best teams in the Region, as it is now. I’ve seen so many wonderful performances from batters, from bowlers, allround cricket, even before we left to go out on this venture,

we would’ve thought it was a young side and we thought it was a good development process. But I think, to where we are now, I must say job well done to the guys coming back home as champions.

“From where we started off playing Trinidad and Tobago and we’re 2 points or 3 points on the table and then we play against Leeward and we lost. I think the victory coming from the back end, to where we are now, I think it shows character in terms of what we have going forward as a franchise,” the GHE Head Coach added.

Sharing similar sentiments regarding Guyana’s superiority in the Region was Sport Minister Ramson Jr who expressed his pride in the team.

“The fact that you were able to come together as a unit, with the pressures of starting slow and still bring home the hardware, it shows that we have heart-ware. So, it’s teamwork and teams that make dreams real,” the Sport Minister initially stated.

Ramson Jr went on to state, “I can’t say how proud I am of you, I can’t say enough how proud I am of you. It’s a privilege. This is not hard for me to do here, sacrifice what I’m doing right now to come

me to do it. I gave of my best that night, I was knocked down twice and my people, all they see was me getting knocked down, they didn’t see nothing else, I take that as an insult,” the Guyanese pugilist shared following his title-winning fight.

Dharry continued, “And tonight I came home, to fight the next best Guyanese fighter and I showed him who Elton Dharry is. Two decades, 20 years, I’m undefeated in Guyana. I want that from the people in boxing here.

““I turned myself into an animal after I heard the s**t talking in Guyana and my own people talking s**t. So, I said let me show them who

the hell the little Indian guy is,” he added.

Quizzed about how he anticipated the contest would go, Dharry said, “I was in my locker room, wondering if I’m going to be able, physically able, to go the distance tonight, because I was a bit dehydrated, plus I came here, waited five hours, probably lose a few more pounds in the locker room. So, it was just things in my mind before I came in here, but once I get in the ring, I got in the zone and I didn’t feel too much punching power.”

“I knew by the fourth round I’m going to start pick it up, but he didn’t get there.

“This means a lot, this

is the biggest title I’ve won. I’ve won eight titles, I fought for the world title and this is the closest thing to a world champion you can get, other than the world title,” Dharry later added.

Earlier in the evening, amateur boxer-turned-pro Keevin Allicock had the perfect debut, that ended in the KO of his opponent.

Allicock, like Dharry, bullied Barbadian pugilist Jusean Shepherd in a junior lightweight clash until the Bajan lost his footing in the third round. A third knockout was witnessed when Laured “Lion” Stewart flattened Imran “Magic” Khan in round four of their sixround catchweight clash.

Another title fight on the night saw Panama’s Nataly Delgado clinching the WBA Fedelatin Super Flyweight title after a unanimous decision victory over Venezuela’s Johana Zuniga.

Edmond Declou, Pedro Sanchez, and Ricardo Blackman were the others in the winning circle while Dominican Republic’s Jean Carlos Rodrigues and Venezuela’s Rafael Marquez fought to a draw.

Chase, Dolphin, PC, Waramuri storm into Milo semi-finals

Fup here to welcome you, it’s a privilege, it’s an honour. We are extremely pleased to be here to welcome you, to support you so that you and our team can continue to be the best in the region and to become the best in the world.”

Winning his first 4-Day Championship as a new Captain, Tevin Imlach highlighted that his team deserved the win for their efforts.

“To have the Ministers here and to show appreciation and celebration for the achievement of these cricketers and what we’ve achieved as players. You know, it wasn’t easy, definitely had our ups and downs. It was challenging, but we’re growing as a team and we’re growing as individuals, so happy to see where we started and where we at now. Hats off to the guys, they showed a lot of character throughout this tournament and it was brilliant to see,” Imlach shared.

The Harpy Eagles accumulated 103.8 points over 7 rounds for first place, while the Windward islands Volcanoes were second with 98.2 points. Leeward Islands Hurricanes ended fourth with 94 points. The Harpy Eagles pocketed a whopping US$250,000 for the win.

our teams – Chase’s Academic Foundation, President’s College, Waramuri Primary Top and Dolphin Secondary – have punched their tickets, in contrasting fashion, to the Milo Schools’ Under-18 Football tournament semi-finals, scheduled for this Thursday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Sunday’s quarter-finals produced the chills and thrills as some schools fought valiantly for their spot in the next round, while

others eased past the competition.

One such school was Chase’s Academic Foundation, who defeated Bartica Secondary 5-0. It was a team effort as Chase’s Neeiaz Baksh, Omar Sam, Bryan Wharton, Mark Glasgow and Isaiah Ifill netted one goal each in the 20th, 21st, 40th, 69th and 70th minutes for the win.

Next, President’s College put on a dominating per-

formance to keep a feisty East Ruimveldt Secondary at bay. President’s College converted their chances through Lyshown Morriah and Shamar Barrington in the 17th and 28th minutes while East failed to do the same, for a 2-0 score at the half. Daniel Alexander later made it a 3-0 game in the 65th, but Jahiem Herbert pulled one back for East Ruimveldt, for a 3-1 affair.

Waramuri Primary Top, after being tested by Ann’s

Grove Secondary, emerged victorious, 3-0. Rondell Peters and Chetram Thomas found the back of the net in the 27th and 34th minutes to put Waramuri ahead, while Odell Holmes added the cherry on top in the 62nd minute.

The final game of the night was a thriller as Dolphin Secondary fought tooth and nail to overcome West Ruimveldt Secondary. The win for Dolphin came via a narrow 1-0 margin, after Ezekiel David netted in the first half.

The 10th Milo Schools’ football semi-finals are set to be staged this Thursday, April 25, while the final is expected to be contested Sunday, April 28 at the Carifesta Avenue venue.

In the semi-finals, Chase’s Academy will take on President’s College from 16:30h, while at 18:30h, Dolphin Secondary and Waramuri Primary Top will do battle for the remaining spot in Sunday’s final.

Keevin Allicock had his opponent on the ropes before landing the knockout punch

Laured “Lion” Stewart (red) also enjoyed a KO win

The Guyana Harpy Eagles retained their West Indies Championship title over the weekend

Chase’s Academy (blue) dominated their contest against Bartica Secondary

Dolphin Secondary (orange) needled West Ruimveldt to advance

“A Team” for historic Nepal tour

Cricket West Indies (CWI)

Men’s Selection Panel on Monday unveiled the 15-member squad for the West Indies Men’s A Team set to tour Nepal from April 25 to May 15, 2024.

Led by the experienced Roston Chase as Captain and supported by Alick Athanaze as Vice Captain, the West Indies Men’s A Team will engage in a series of five Twenty20 matches

against the Nepal Senior Men’s Team. This tour holds significant importance as it serves as another phase in preparations leading up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The series also marks a historic occasion as it is West Indies' first-ever tour to Nepal.

Chase will take on the responsibility of Captain for the first time at this level. Commenting on Chase’s

selection as Captain, Dr Desmond Haynes, CWI’s Lead Selector, emphasised Chase’s consistent display of diligence and leadership skills. Dr Haynes remarked, “Chase has exhibited over the past few years an impressive work ethic and proven leadership qualities”.

He further noted, “No doubt since Chase made his T20I debut in October 2021, for the West Indies against

Bangladesh, he has continued to make considerable strides.”

Dr Haynes further emphasised the significance of this squad, stating “I am confident this Nepal tour marks a crucial step forward in our preparatory phase for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. It presents an invaluable opportunity to get our players who are not in the IPL back on the park playing competitive T20 cricket as well as provides the chance for us to expose a few emerging prospects.”

more clearly. Additionally, with nine players in the IPL, we can truly gauge and push the limits of our T20 team’s depth.”

The tour’s opening T20 fixture will bowl off at Tribhuvan University on April 27, 2024. It has also been noted that Brandon King sustained an injury during the West Indies Championship and is rehabilitating. Meanwhile, Evin Lewis advised that he was unavailable for selection.

In preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, White Ball Head Coach Daren Sammy said: “From a coaching perspective, the Nepal tour couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. It offers us a chance to refine our World Cup squad, defining roles and personnel

FULL SQUAD: Roston Chase (Captain) Alick Athanaze (Vice Captain)

Fabian Allen

Kadeem Alleyne

Joshua Bishop

Keacy Carty

Johnson Charles

Mark Deyal

Andre Fletcher

Matthew Forde Obed McCoy

Gudakesh Motie

Keemo Paul

Oshane Thomas

Hayden Walsh

The coaching and support staff accompanying the squad are as follows:

Head Coach: Floyd Reifer

Assistant Coach:

Rayon Griffith

Physiotherapist: Neil Barry

Strength & Conditioning Coach: Shayne Cooper

Team Manager & Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram

The deadline for submission of the West Indies World Cup squad is May 1, 2024. Prior to the World Cup, the West Indies team will host South Africa for a three-match T20 series from May 22-26, 2024.

West Indies’ ‘A team’ will tour Nepal for 5 T20s

Roston Chase will lead the Windies ‘A Team’ to Nepal