Guyana Times - Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Pedestrian killed after 17-yearold driver loses control of pick-up

Police in Berbice have arrested a 17-year-old girl who was at the time driving a motor pick-up that reportedly ran off the road and killed a pedestrian on Sunday evening.

The accident which occurred along the John’s Public Road on the Corentyne claimed the life of 29-year-old Deonarine Budram, a labourer of Rose Hall Town Corentyne.

Police stated that the pick-up bearing registration number, GNN 4363 was proceeding west along the southern side of John’s Public Road, Corentyne, at an allegedly fast rate while the pedestrian was walking in the opposite direction.

Investigations reveal

that the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle and collided with the pedestrian, causing him to be flung into the air and subsequently landed on the roadway.

As a result, the vehicle then crashed into a bus shed and ended up in a nearby drain. The driver reportedly fled the

scene immediately after the accident.

The injured man was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

However, based on information received, the police arrested the driver who is said to be a 17-year-old unlicensed girl who is employed as a cashier. Police have also arrested the owner of the pick-up said to be a 30-year-old man from Tain Village.

Meanwhile, according to the victim’s sister-inlaw, Nandraine Baichan, the now-dead man was on his way to a family gathering.

After time had

elapsed and he did not show, the family got worried. Sometime later, they received a telephone call informing them that Budram was involved in an accident.

The relative stated that the person called for the second time, this time to inform them that he had died.

Family members rushed to the scene but were told by police there that his body was already taken to the mortuary.

“This morning I went and see him and his neck broke, his foot broke, his hand broke and he get blood on his head and his hand get one cut,” the woman said in her poor-

ly constructed Corentyne dialect.

Budram reportedly left home at about 7:00h on Sunday and was on his way home when he met his demise. “Justice, justice,” Baichan stated. Investigations into the fatal accident are ongoing.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Dead: Deonarine Budram

The bus shed that the vehicle crashed into after the accident

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, June 4 –02:30h-04:30h and Wednesday, June 5 – 03:00h-04:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, June 4 –15:00h-16:30h and Wednesday, June 5 – 15:55h-17:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to light rain showers are expected during the day and at night, with sunshine in the late afternoon. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 15:00h reaching a maximum height of 2.54 metres.

Low Tide: 08:32h and 20:46h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metre and 0.69 metre.

Govt engages citizens in “Open Day” event led by VP Jagdeo

– public lauds initiative aimed at addressing concerns

The Government of Guyana on Monday held its ‘Open Day’, an initiative spearheaded by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo that allowed members of the public with various concerns to meet with government ministers.

The initiative to meet members of the public was hosted by the Vice President at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC). Several government ministers were also present including Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, who spoke of some of the logging and mining issues raised by citizens.

“This was a public day called by the Vice President. And you can see the response is massive. We have Guyanese coming from Berbice,

Surveys Commission,” Minister Bharrat also said.

In addition, Minister of Housing and Water Colin Croal, also provided an update on the issues that were addressed in his sector. He revealed that even billing concerns with Guyana Water Incorporated

Essequibo, Linden, Georgetown, East Coast, and East Bank, from all around the country, about issues that are affecting them. So, the idea behind this outreach was to deal with these small issues that are affecting people on a daily basis.”

“We have the Ministers of Housing, dealing with housing issues. Myself dealing with logging and mining issues. Some of the issues are basically permission to set up shops in the interior. Another issue is permission to operate a sawmill on the highway. However, the only way we can issue a permit for a sawmill or a shop is once there’s no objection from the Guyana Lands and

lated to housing will have several persons. Some of the issues you have would be persons who repeatedly tried to get their own way. Persons on a reserve.”

“They’re told clearly, that they can’t be regularised. But you still have to engage them and keep trying to find a way out to let them know they have to apply elsewhere. Some of them are outstanding issues, such as ownership of older lands. And of course, routine follow-ups

(GWI), which falls under his Ministry’s purview, were raised. Additionally, concerns related to water quality were also discussed.

“We’re responsible for both housing and water. So, of course, you’ll recognise whenever there’s an outreach or a public engagement, anything re-

like pending applications, somebody wants additional time to pay for their land,” Minister Croal said.

Also in attendance was Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, complete with a help desk of technical officers from his Ministry.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo while engaging with concerned citizens

A section of those in attendance

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha (left) listens to the concerns of a member of the public

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Inaction is too costly

“Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience” is the theme for this year’s World Environment Day. Tomorrow, Guyana will join the rest of the world in celebrating the day.

Over the past few years, there has been much talk about climate change and the devastating impact it is having, and is likely to have, on communities and the world as a whole.

In fact, it could be argued that, on the global level, not many persons are educated about the issue, especially as it relates to the kind of impact climate change has on the environment and on individuals themselves. Citizens still do take the issue for granted, and do not pay much heed to the various messages about the need to change lifestyle patterns and so on.

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, in his message, said that humanity depended on land, but yet, all over the world, a toxic cocktail of pollution, climate chaos, and biodiversity decimation are turning healthy lands into deserts, and thriving ecosystems into dead zones.

In his message, he states: “They are annihilating forests and grasslands, and sapping the strength of land to support ecosystems, agriculture, and communities. That means crops failing, water sources vanishing, economies weakened, and communities endangered – with the poorest hit hardest. Sustainable development is suffering. And we are trapped in a deadly cycle – land use is responsible for 11 per cent of the carbon dioxide emissions heating our planet. It’s time to break free.”

“Countries must deliver on all their commitments to restore degraded ecosystems and land, and on the entire Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. They must use their new national climate action plans to set out how they will halt and reverse deforestation by 2030. And we must drastically scale-up finance to support developing countries to adapt to violent weather, protect nature, and support sustainable development.

Scientists have argued that the planet is indeed threatened by lifestyle patterns of individuals, and if persons continue to use resources the way we currently do, the planet’s reserves will be exhausted at an increasingly rapid pace. For many countries, there is still the challenge of getting everyone to not only understand and appreciate the idea of the need to work towards sustainable consumption, but also to take practical steps to move in this direction.

Certainly, Governments can set the framework with their policies: set targets, define standards, give incentives to make companies go green. Businesses and industries, together with researchers, can provide the solutions; but, in the end, the consumers have the power of the purse, whether they buy green products or not.

Based on statistics, the world’s population is growing rapidly, as more than a billion new people will enter the middle class by 2050. Experts have predicted that if citizens do not change their consumption patterns, the global use of resources will be multiplied by 15, which is considered dangerous for our planet, as it would not be able to satisfy the needs of everyone.

At the individual level, every individual does play a crucial role in defining his/her own consumption pattern, and can, in a way, also contribute to the fight against climate change. For example, we can reduce the level of energy utilised, and the money that is saved on energy could be used instead to develop climate-friendly technologies and appliances.

Official records show that on a global level, more than 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions are related to household consumption. While it is accepted that it is not an easy task to get persons to change lifestyles and to work towards a climate-friendly environment, the task would be much easier if they are educated about the role they can play and the benefits of their own action.

Here, in Guyana, we still continue to dump garbage carelessly. For example, persons continue to dispose of plastic items in a reckless manner, resulting in the clogging of drains and trenches, thereby leading to flooding, etc.

We agree with the UN SG, who said, “Inaction is too costly. But swift and effective action makes economic sense. Every dollar invested in ecosystem restoration creates up to 30 dollars in economic benefits. We are Generation Restoration. Together, let’s build a sustainable future for land, and for humanity.”

Guyana has made genuine gains in life expectancy, reducing child, maternal deaths

Dear Editor,

Two daily newspapers prominently carried a letter penned by Dr. Kenrick Hunte. Dr. Hunte made reference to a statement by the President, HE Dr. Irfaan Ali, who stated last week that Guyana has made progress in improving life expectancy and maternal and infant mortalities.

While conceding that this is welcome news, he clearly also questioned the accuracy of the statement. He also included a table from Worldometer with life expectancies from other CARICOM countries. The objective was clear, the criticism was obvious – even if life expectancies are improving in Guyana, the country still lags behind life expectancies in the Caribbean, thus rendering the President’s statement as idle boast.

Let us be unequivocal - there have been real and meaningful improvements in life expectancies, child and maternal mortalities in our country. The President accurately highlighted the progress Guyana has achieved in health as it relates to life expectan-

cies, child and maternal mortalities.

Importantly, this note is intended to show that Guyana has considerably reduced the gap that existed between Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean countries and that, at the present pace, between 2025 and 2030, Guyana will, at the minimum, be similar to other Caribbean countries, if not better than many countries, when it comes to life expectancies.

For the benefit of Dr. Hunte and others who wonder about methodology for calculating life expectancies, Guyana’s calculations for life expectancies are based on the exact same formula used by the WHO and is consistent with the formula used in the vast majority of countries, including all developed countries and the vast majority of developing countries.

At the moment, Guyana’s life expectancy is approaching 71, with life expectancy for women at 74 and for men at 70. The global average for life expectancy is 73.4. Thus, Guyana is still below the global av-

erage for life expectancy.

Between 1950 and 1965, Guyana’s life expectancy was significantly higher than the global average (1950: Guyana vs Global average = 49.5 vs 46.5; 1965: 60vs. 54). But between 1965 and 1990, Guyana dropped for the first time below the global average. In 1990, Guyana’s life expectancy was 61 compared to the global average of 64. Guyana has set a target for 2030 to be once again above the global average for life expectancy.

In 1950 and 1965, Guyana’s life expectancy lagged behind that of the ten Caribbean countries Dr. Hunte identified., with a disparity of 4.1 years in 1950 and 4.9 years in 1965. This gap widened considerably between 1965 and 1990, averaging approximately 8 years. However, from 1990 to present, the gap has notably diminished to just over 4. Guyana is catching up.

The gradual improvement and increase in life expectancy in our country is substantiated by the Ministry of health’s data on life expectancy, as well as on

child and maternal mortality. This trend is further evidenced by the growing number of individuals living beyond 65, the age of eligibility for old-age pensions. For instance, in the early 2000s, approximately 42,000 individuals were receiving pensions, compared to about 74,000 today. While it is important to exercise caution when correlating the number of old-age pension recipients with life expectancy in Guyana –since not everyone over 65 years applies for a pension – the general trend remains clear: increased life expectancy is associated with a rise in the number of individuals on the old-age pension roll.

The Ministry of Human Services has plans to establish a Centurian Club in Guyana. What was a very rare event in Guyana in 1990 and even in 2000 is no longer a rare event. Almost every week, we now celebrate the birth anniversary of another Centurian in our country.

The 2024 class of Miss, Mrs & Teen India Guyana was officially sashed at an exquisite high chai event titled "A Mughal Affair" at the Ramada Princess Hotel’s Roraima Ballroom on Sunday evening. In photo are National Directors Hashim and Melicia Partab-Alli, reigning Miss India Worldwide Aruna Sukhdeo, Mrs India Guyana Reanna Roop and Teen Miss India Guyana Netu Lal

Freedom of speech must never be tantamount to death threats

Dear Editor,

I am very sore with this WPA’s Kidackie Amsterdam, for his vitriolic and threatening outburst, when, as alleged, on May 27, 2024, at Peter Rose and Anira Streets, Queenstown, Georgetown, “… he intentionally transmitted, by use of a computer system, words spoken in a video that encouraged or incited persons to murder

President Dr Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh. It is a most deplorable act, and apart from outright condemnation from one and all, this ‘crime’ must be meted with a swift trial.

In this vein, I am pleased to note that this trial seems imminent, as Kidackie Amsterdam, after his ar-

rest and after his in-prison transit, was granted $200,000 bail on his purported cybercrime charge (under the Cybercrime Act). Upon hearing the charge, read to him by Principal Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty, Kidackie pleaded ‘not guilty.’ Well, I am awaiting the unfolding of this critical issue. However, I do have some important points to share with our readers.

First, I remind all, that we, as humans, all have a right to personal safety. It is illegal to kill, inflict personal bodily harm, or threaten to do so (on someone else). This kind of language borders on “terroristic threats.” It is indeed a criminal act when someone threatens to kill or seriously injure someone else. This threat may be verbal, in

Guyana has made...

FROM PAGE 4

writing, or sent via an electronic medium. It usually leaves the intended victim/s in a state of reasonably sustained fear for their safety. What I can say about Kidackie (as evident in the outburst) is that he seems oblivious to ‘the fact that freedom does not mean a person can extend that very freedom to harm another person or sully his reputation, or make a promise or commitment to do so. It is unethical, immoral and for sure, very illegal.

Let me carefully point out too that it doesn’t matter whether or not that person, issuing the threat, can carry it out, or may not have meant it. That person, after trial, if found guilty of making criminal threats, will be sentenced. No ‘ifs’ and no ‘buts.’ As a caveat, we must know that all forms of speech must be free from escalating into something more dangerous,

particularly incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence, which are all prohibited in just about every country.

Where the United Nations is concerned, “Hate Speech is defined as… “any kind of communication in speech, writing or behaviour, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language concerning a person or a group based on who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender or other identity factor.” We must realise that hate speech, whether online or offline, poses a threat to democracy and human rights.

As expected, and rightfully so, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., expressed his strong disapproval of the conduct exhibited by Amsterdam,

who hosts a Facebook programme, pandering to anti-government sentiments. In educating the public, he pointed out that “… talk show hosts (for example, Kidackie) and the callers, are equally responsible, under the law, when viewers or listeners express their opinions, especially with such hostile remarks.” He stated “ … when you have a programme and you encourage colleagues, you encourage listeners and viewers to call in and give them a platform, you are equally responsible for what they say once you offer them that platform. Because, had it not been for your platform, they would not have been able to say what they are saying.”

This is a concrete example of an increase in life expectancy.

There is another example in our health data that validates the real increase in life expectancy – the number of persons dying prematurely from non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). In 1990, more than 90% of persons living with an NCD, died prematurely before the age of 65. Today, that number has decreased dramatically to about 58%. This is a genuine measure that life expectancies in our country have increased.

In 1990, our health indicators were negatively way out of range of health indicators for CARICOM countries, outside of Haiti. Our numbers were more equivalent to countries in sub-Sahara Africa. Since 1990, Guyana has made progress in reducing the gap through strong public health and hospital programs, with more investment in health, moving the per capita investment from less than $US7 to now almost $US 900.

One reason for reduced child mortality is the fact that while in 1990, Guyana utilised

just five vaccines and coverage were between 50 and 60%, today, we use 21 vaccines and coverage for almost all of them are between 95 and 100%.

No Guyanese citizen should believe we have reached the pinnacle; there is still much work to be done. However, President Irfaan Ali, VP Bharat Jagdeo, Minister Frank Anthony and the government have valid reasons to celebrate the country’s improving health indicators. Since 1990, Guyana has gained nearly ten years in life expectancy. Guyana has also meaningfully reduced child and maternal mortalities. Despite the challenges posed by the emergence of HIV/AIDS just before 1990 that plagued Guyana throughout the 1990s, the uncontrolled spread of malaria throughout the 1980s, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Guyana has made significant strides in improving our health indicators. The gap in life expectancy between Guyana and its Caribbean counterparts has notably decreased. This progress is undeniable.

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Free education in Guyana

Dear Editor,

One of the high points of the PNC Administration was the provision of free education from nursery to university. We are ever grateful to the PNC Government that such an offer could have been made to the citizens of this country, wherein its citizens could elevate themselves by educating themselves without the burden of private tuition.

Free education by government funding rather than privately funded tuition is something that developing countries such as ours would welcome with open arms and again I say thanks to the government of the day.

Free education is once again a major issue in Guyana, that is, free government-funded tuition at the tertiary level, we welcome this initiative. Already we see the groundwork is being laid, in the debt write-off for students who are currently in the system. There is also the GOAL Scholarship Programme for

learners wishing to go to the next level.

But I am talking about free education in the truest sense of the word, free education without encumbrances such as a government's imposition of its political ideologies and dogmas. The education that is soon to come, would be free of the dreaded National Service and the indoctrination of a party's national policy.

We are all too familiar with the stint at national service where The PNC Government forcefully imposed itself upon us through a system of brainwashing theories and dogmas; the key word here is party paramountcy.

The new system of free education would be free and separate from government political interference, hence, we all wait with eager anticipation for the ushering in of our new free educational system in 2025.

Respectfully,

Neil Adams

This kind of talk must never be condoned where the law is concerned. So, we will await June 10, 2024, when Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus will further proceedings.

By the way, according to law, and as the AG pointed out, the penalty for this offence is severe. If convicted on indictment, Amsterdam faces up to five years of imprisonment. (And) should the commission of the offence result in the death of the President, any Government member, or any other person, he, Kidackie, is liable to imprisonment for life, as stipulated by the Act.

Yours truly,

As we all recall and can go back and visit the footage, “During the broadcast, a caller incited violence against some high-ranking government officials, suggesting that, President Ali, Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Nandlall, and Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh should be beheaded, and (have) their heads displayed publicly on the seawalls.”

HB Singh

TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2024

Page Foundation

CSEC MATHS

1. According to the information provided, the MAIN theme of the symposium is (A) Youth (B) Drug Abuse (C) Adolescent Health (D) Sexually Transmitted Diseases

2. Which of the following groups is NOT a sponsor of the symposium? (A) Ministry of Youth (B) Ministry of Health (C) Conference of Churches (D) National Council on Drug Abuse

3. Which of the following words can BEST replace "symposium" in the advertisement? (A) Exhibition (B) Conference (C) Discussion (D) Conversation

4. All of the following groups are specifically invited

to attend the symposium EXCEPT (A) youth groups (B) members of the public (C) parents of young people (D) doctors, nurses and other health care workers

5. How can those who want to participate register for the event?

(A) Contact Yvonne Dalton and call the Ministry of Education (B) Call the Ministry of Youth and speak to Yvonne Dalton (C) Telephone the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of Education (D) Complete a registration form and return to the Ministry of Health

6. The MAIN address is to be delivered by (A) Bukawela Tudor (B) Prof. Nancy Sewell (C) Dr. C. Smith-Browne (D) Major Leonard Akansa

Over 400 EBD residents receive land leases after decades of occupancy

–

lease holders offered land to cultivate peppers as Govt forges ahead with modern farming initiatives

Some 435 residents from Base Road Timehri, Swan Turn, Kuru Kururu, and Banakari (Long Creek) on Monday received land leases for lands that they have been occupying for decades.

The leases were handed over at State House, Main Street, Georgetown by President Dr Irfaan Ali and other government officials.

During the event, the President emphasised the government's commitment to balanced urban development, modern farming initiatives, and economic empowerment amidst the complexities of building the new Silica City highway infrastructure.

He highlighted plans for modern farming plots, shade housing, and income plans aimed at ensuring sustainable livelihoods and addressing

thinking about new settlements, major tourism initiatives, and developing farm steps."

According to the Head of State, farmers will be considered in this planning. On this note, he stated that farmers from the highway whose focus is on planting hot peppers

we calculated this.”

Further, he stated that out of the new land owner, those who are interested in modern farming would receive an eighth of an acre.

"If we have 500 persons from the highway who want to do farming in a modern way, we will

climate change challenges.

He noted the special urban planning required for the new highway and Silica City, which will include new settlements and major tourism initiatives.

The head of state mentioned that this new highway requires a special urban planning environment which will be beneficial for farmers.

"We have a new city coming on the highway, Silica City, that requires a special urban planning environment. We are

can be ready to eliminate the need to travel to sell their produce as the government will be purchasing the peppers from them through a production facility.

“So, if we have 500 persons and 500 persons are concentrating on hot pepper, we will put a production facility that will take off all the hot pepper from you, you don't have to travel to the market to sell it we'll fix the price, we'll take off the hot pepper from you and the last time

allocate an eighth of an acre for each, where they can build their farm steps. The government will help establish shade houses to support good production," he stated, emphasising that this would provide a decent living.

Ali also mentioned plans for income generation, for farmers.

"We want to give you an income plan if you want to farm out here. We will help you establish shade houses for food production. You can get a decent liv-

ing out of your farm cell," he explained, adding that even with limited land, residents could maintain high-value crops such as peppers.

The president also stated that farmers who are granted shade houses will be allowed to take care of them and develop a production area.

He projected that a person with a one-acre farm land could earn over $1.2 million annually.

"We want to develop a farm setup force. Not everyone wants a ten-acre

farm, but we can help you by giving you the means to achieve significant annual production," Ali asserted.

Ali emphasised the government's scientific approach to this development, incorporating infrastructure to support farming and guard against climate change.

"We are doing this scientifically, putting in infrastructure to support you, and building farm steps in a modern way," he noted.

He underscored the complexity of planning

this new area, balancing residential, commercial, tourism, agriculture, and watershed considerations.

"There are very few planning areas globally where planners must strike such a balance. This complexity is what we face, and we are confronting it in a people-centered way to improve your prospects of earning and decent living," Ali stated.

The government aims to provide residents not just access to land but also the opportunity to own it, he reiterated.

President Ali hands over a lease to a resident

A section of the gathering at the distribution exercise

President Ali with some of the new lease holders

GEA appeals dismissal of charge against businessman for illegal importation of fuel

The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) on Monday stated that it has filed a Notice of Appeal against the decision of Magistrate Sunil Scarce who dismissed the charge of the importation of petroleum against SBF Petroleum President Dorwain Bess.

Bess was accused of importing 155,000 litres of Diesel without the authority to do so under an import or an importing wholesale licence between November 3 and 4, 2020 at Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

During the court proceedings on May 17, 2024, the GEA presented evidence from five

witnesses but the presiding magistrate upheld the no-case submission filed by counsel for the defendant.

“The Guyana Energy Agency is of the view that the Learned Magistrate erred in law and/or misdirected himself on the law when he held that a prima facie case was not made out against the Defendant and that the dismissal of the case after the prosecution closed its case was against the weight of the evidence which was before the court,” the GEA stated in the release.

Further, the agency stated that it will continue to execute its mandate in ensuring

that persons do not engage in the importation of fuel without the requisite licences issued by the Guyana Energy Agency.

However, during his ruling on the matter, the magistrate stated that his decision was based on the evidence provided by the prosecution’s

key witness, Mohanram Persaud of the GEA.

The court was told that the only evidence against Bess was a telephone conversation in which Bess mentioned having a pending application for an import licence; however, there was no specific reference in this exchange to the vessel carrying the fuel in question.

“The exchange in and of itself does not point to any specific allegations.”

Meanwhile, back in 2023, Magistrate Rhondell Weever found SBF International Incorporated guilty of illegally importing fuel.

The company was charged back in 2021 with the offence of conducting the business of a wholesaler of petroleum and petroleum products without the authority to do so under a wholesale and/or importing wholesale licence. The company was also fined $300,000.

The GEA charged SBF International Inc for selling diesel and gasoline to Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc (GINMIN) between September 28, 2020, and December 27, 2020, after the company’s fuel licence was cancelled on September 14, 2020.

Spreading…

…civic wings?

One of the ironies of living in Guyana is that so many of the organisations in the public sphere are oblivious to the ironies inherent in their pronouncements. Some would say “hypocrisy”!! Take the GHRA and their release supposedly about the need for the members of the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) to focus on their “civic” moorings. Now that’s all good, but why dismiss the role of the political parties in the CRC?? Weren’t they also selected by a “civic” process called “national elections” – where every citizen had an opportunity to select who’ll speak for them??

Can the “civic organisations” say the same for themselves? How exactly were they chosen to represent the “cause” they purport to do?? The GHRA snidely criticised the political parties’ selection process: “National elections, for example, are symbolised by cups, trees and other paraphernalia rather than by names or photos of actual candidates, and financing of political activity is disguised in any number of fictions.” But how’s the GHRA’s executive chosen? And isn’t the organisation also symbolised by the “paraphernalia” of a scale being balanced?? And it’s a telling symbol: dozens of people clamouring for attention in one scale being balanced by one person in the other – the GHRA!!

How’d we know whether those people clamoured for THEM? The GHRA said the “civic organisations” should “hold regular meetings with the sectors they represent and for these meetings to be made public, so that ordinary people know civic representatives’ positions and are provided with opportunities to interact with them”! Has the GHRA been doing this with the clamouring masses it claims to be representing? Has it ever held a meeting outside of Georgetown? Or folks aren’t clamouring out in the boons?? Are they ‘slow” in their thinking?

As for the GHRA’s executives, do we have THEIR names or photos?? Or their source of financing?? We found out from the AG that they’re registered under the Companies Act and through their by-laws they’re supposed to be “Non-Profit”. But how come the GHRA’s so doggedly POLITICALLY biased? In its release on the CRC, it evidently couldn’t help delivering some sharp uppercuts at the PPP Government!! “While getting rid of the economic straight-jacket of ‘Marxism-Leninism’ from the Party’s constitution, the ruling party explicitly retained ‘democratic centralism’, i.e. the policy of dominant control of the State by the party in power.”

So when the PNC or the APNU/AFC coalition – or any other party – are in power, they don’t have “dominant control of the State”?? What exactly has been the function of political parties in Western democracies for the past 200 years?? To allow selfappointed “civic” organisations to run the State with them??

Would the GHRA like to handle, say, the Ministry of Finance??

…rigging ennui

There’s absolutely no reason why the trial for those who are accused election riggers is still open. The latest red herring thrown across the trail was their demand to have access to CONFIDENTIAL minutes of GECOM Meetings!! The Chief Justice rightly threw out their case and accused them of being on a “fishing expedition”!! To catch another herring, obviously!! So, we now hear the case is gonna be heard starting July 29 – just in time for Emancipation Day, your Eyewitness figures!! Maybe we’ll finally be free of PNC rigging?? Your Eyewitness frankly doesn’t think so!!

What we need is a fixed time frame for election petitions to be heard by the courts – and this should be one of the priority changes coming out of the CRC process. In Kenya – with a similar history of a fractured electorate and election petitions – they inserted into their constitution: "Within fourteen days after the filing of a petition…the Supreme Court shall hear and determine the petition and its determination shall be final."

…or cribbing agri

The Barbados-based CXC Board has rescinded the Agri double award into a single one – at a time when the Region’s battling food insecurity!! Shouldn’t they have rejigged the curriculum to assist “25 by 25”?

SBF Petroleum President Dorwain Bess

Govt working to open new sandpits beyond saturated Linden-Soesdyke Highway – Min Bharrat

...urges more use of barges to transport sand along Demerara River

As Guyana continues to experience a boom in the construction sector, fueling the demand for sand, the Government of Guyana is looking to open up new sandpit mining areas beyond the already saturated Linden-Soesdyke Highway, as well as new and more innovative ways of transporting it.

In an interview with the Guyana Times on the sidelines of an open public day led by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC), Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat spoke about the government’s approach to sandpit mining.

Sandpit mining has for some time been heavily concentrated along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, a situation the government is making an effort to change. According to him, they are looking to open new areas, to make room on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway for other developments.

“So, we’re looking at new areas. But I understand that most of the applications and most of

the prospective miners, their preference is on the highway. You know how truckers and miners operate. They prefer to just turn into the highway and be able to access sand.”

“Now we’ve got to change that. Because the highway is developing too. You know the plans to develop Silica City and regularise some of the communities on the highway, that President Ali spoke of. All of that is happening right now,” Minister Bharrat said.

As far back as March, it had been announced that the government had put a halt to the granting of private sand pit licenses on the Highway.

According to Bharrat, one issue is the fact that ap-

plicants have the wrong type of lease, inhibiting the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) from granting them permits.

“The demand has increased tremendously. And several people are trying to acquire sand mining permits on the highway. However, GGMC will not be in a position to issue a permit, if a no objection is not given by Lands and Surveys. What has happened is a lot of people have leases on the highway. But it is mostly agriculture leases. So GGMC cannot allow mining on an agriculture lease,” Bharrat explained.

Minister Bharrat also revealed that they want to encourage more per-

sons in the industry to use barges as a means of transporting the sand. Not only is this approach more feasible but according to Bharrat, it is more profitable.

“So, it is difficult to have sand mining operations ongoing within close proximity to housing areas on the Linden/ Soesdyke highway. So, we’re looking at other areas. So, it means now we may have to change the approach to sand mining.”

“Rather than trucking, some people may have to invest in barging sand down the river. Which, I must add, is far more fea-

Minister Bharrat also noted that while the areas close to the Soesdyke Junction are in high demand for sand pit mining, this area is also the one earmarked for Silica City and further housing development.

Situated along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, Silica City, the brainchild of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, will be Guyana’s first smart urban centre. Some 3,800 acres of land have been set aside for this Silica City project.

Additionally, infrastructural works are already underway, includ-

sible. Far more profitable. And it is better done by barging it down the river, than going through the congested traffic on the East Bank, with trucks.”

ing the creation of 100 residential homes in addition to shopping centres, apartment complexes, condos, hotels, restaurants, and other facilities.

Infrastructural works such as road and drainage networks are also ongoing.

The Silica City project aims to address the impacts of climate change and sea level rises, as well as issues associated with the growth of non-coastal urban settlements. The development is being monitored by the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s Projects Department. Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, has already said that the project is still in the first phase and that a further 10,000 acres of land will be developed for this project. (Jarryl Bryan)

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

A sandpit in Region 3

Overhead view of Silica City

Policy Forum Guyana launches 1.5 lifestyle starter kit

In observance of World Environment Day on June 5, Policy Forum Guyana (PFG) unveiled its innovative 1.5 Lifestyle Starter Kit, aimed at inspiring young people and the wider Guyanese community to adopt eco-friendly practices and limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

The official unveiling took place at the National Library conference room on Saturday in a simple ceremony.

The introduction of the lifestyle kit marks a significant milestone in PFG's ongoing efforts to promote a 1.5 lifestyle. Building on successful initiatives like the "Change Lifestyles Not Climate" Pledge and the Glass-It-Up Competition, which have raised environmental awareness among both organisations and youth.

The launch event was well-attended, with over 50 guests, including representatives from the Diplomatic Corps, NGOs, and international organisations. Key partners such as Teleperformance

Guyana, Darthan Investments, Jars Zero Waste, EcoDen, and others have played a crucial role in bringing this initiative to life.

During the event, Project Coordinator, Jasmine Crawford emphasised the urgent need to address the climate crisis and strive to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

She stressed the importance of the 1.5 lifestyle as a beacon of hope in the face of environmental challenges. In a symbolic gesture, the 1.5 Lifestyle Initiative Kits were presented to 12 in-

fluential personalities, including Elsie Harry, Romario Hastings, Nicolette Fernandes, and others from diverse backgrounds such as Indigenous leaders, LGBTQ+ advocates, and pageant queens. These individuals are the inaugural recipients of the 1.5 lifestyle kit in Guyana.

In addition, the Coordinator at Policy Forum Guyana, Benita Davis described the 1.5 Lifestyle Initiative Kit as a powerful tool to promote sustainable living and positive behavior

changes in Guyana.

As such, she called for collective action to make a tangible impact on building a greener future. The carefully curated 1.5°C Influencer Kit contains a range of eco-friendly items to help individuals reduce their environmental impact and align with the 1.5°C climate target.

Davis highlighted the importance of simple lifestyle changes, such as using reusable water bottles and shopping bags, to support the campaign's goals. Individuals

interested in acquiring a 1.5 Lifestyle Kit or campaign items can contact Policy Forum Guyana.

Organisations or representatives of NGOs can receive the kit for free to aid in promoting sustainable practices.

The cost of the kit is

$25,000, with individual items priced variably. Looking ahead, PFG is planning the Trash the Runway fashion event scheduled for October 2024, offering further opportunities for engagement in environmental conservation efforts.

MoH staff trained in shipping infectious substances safely

Sixteen participants from the Health Ministry have completed the Shipping of Infectious Substances and Laboratory Biosafety Practices training facilitated by CARPHA-IATA certified trainers.

The training workshop was held between May 20 to 27, 2024 at Guyana’s National Public Health Laboratory and was made possible through funding from the Republic of KoreaCARICOM Cooperation Fund.

“The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) underscores the importance of maintaining International Air Transport Association (IATA) certification and the Agency has been working since 2016 with Member States on improving national capacities for biosafety and bi-

osecurity, which are key components for national and regional health security. To date, more than 300 laboratory personnel from CARPHA Member States (CMS) have been trained in how to safely prepare shipments of infectious substances,” Executive Director at CARPHA, Dr. Joy St. John.

The recently concluded training was aimed at increasing the cadre of persons in Guyana with essential knowledge and practical skills on how to safely prepare and ship infectious materials, and to increase the compliance of CMS with World Health Organization International Health Regulations (WHO IHR).

Participants engaged in an intensive curriculum that combined theoretical and practical instruction covering a range of topics including waste disposal; materials management and chemical safety; biosafety audits and monitoring; shipping of infectious substances/ practical assessment

packaging; handling and emergency response.

CARPHA, through its Medical Microbiology Laboratory has been working within the Caribbean Region to promote and support the achievement of regional health security through compliance with the WHO IHR and increased laboratory capacity to respond to public health threats / public health emergencies.

“Our region continues to face both old and new public health challenges. These include non-communicable diseases, natural disasters, and emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. As such, we must have the capacity to respond at the national and regional levels to safely and quickly respond to these situations. Having teams of trained and certified shippers in the public health systems al-

lows us to do just that,” Director of Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control at CARPHA, Dr. Lisa Indar noted. In continuation of this programme, CARPHA will conduct a series of Training Workshops in the Member States during the coming months. The Training series is supported through the project “Strengthening Health Systems in CARICOM to Address Infectious Diseases”, which is funded by the Republic of Korea through the Republic of Korea-CARICOM Cooperation Fund. The project supports regional and national level workshops in the Shipping of Infectious Substances, as well as the enhancement of other biosafety and biosecurity measures in CARPHA Member States.

Trained staff and trainers after the programme

Influential personality Elsie Harry

Project Coordinator Jasmine Crawford

The Lifestyle Starter Kit

DDL discusses challenges to global supply chain, market access with US Congressman

Executives of the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) led by its Chairman, Komal Samaroo on Tuesday discussed several issues with US Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson including challenges to the global supply chain, market access, and efforts at attaining regional food security in the Caribbean.

The US Congressman was at the time visiting DDL’s TOPCO plant and packaging operations where he and his team observed the processing of carambola and packaging of cherry juice and learnt of the various fruit juices and the milk currently produced and packaged at the plant.

In discussions on the issue of regional food security, Chairman Samaroo explained DDL’s diversification and expansion program which includes outreach to local farmers for an increase in fruit and vegetable cultivation to ensure adequate supplies to the plant as well as investment in a multimillion US dollar state of the

art dairy farm at Moblissa on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

The tour offered Congressman Jackson a unique glimpse into DDL's rich 300-year legacy and an on-the-spot look at the distillery operations which have shaped the history and traditions of Demerara Rum's world-renowned reputation.

During lunch

Chairman Samaroo shared DDL’s recent diversification efforts in response to the regional call for food security “Aligning with the regional food se-

curity policy established by CARICOM, we have ventured into the milk and dairy business, contributing to Guyana's and the Caribbean's food security goals.” He further added that the decision to diversify has made room for local farmers to expand their operations.

Chairman Samaroo also took the opportunity to bring to the congressman’s attention the ongoing issues surrounding the US ‘cover-over’ programme and its impact on the Caribbean/Guyana’s rum industry. “The cov-

Govt engages citizens in...

For her part, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development

Sonia Parag explained that most of the issues raised for her sector had to do with Neighborhood Democratic Councils and waste disposal.

Several participants from the public who attended the open day left satisfied that their concerns would be addressed. Delroy Williams, an Imam from the Sophia Masjid, lauded the initiative and the opportunity it presented to meet policymakers directly. Similarly, Brenda Edwards, a Small Business Owner and miner from Region One also expressed her satisfaction.

“Desilting, (cleaning of) the trenches in Sophia. I’m also the Imam and religious leader in Sophia. So, I was engaging with them. And they gave me a very positive reply that

er-over agreement is a major issue to the rum industry in Guyana and other Caribbean countries. These subsidies create an uneven playing field, jeopardising the livelihoods of thousands and the economic stability of our region.”

The cover-over programme, as it currently operates, involves the US Government remitting 98 per cent of all excise taxes collected on rum sold in the United States (US) to US territories Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Congressman Jackson

FROM PAGE 3

Minister within the Housing Ministry Susan Rodrigues is attentive as a citizen explains her plight

they will get it done. I’m very pleased with what is going on here and they can continue more often.

It’s very commendable, and we have to thank the people behind it. We’re getting full access to the Vice President and government Ministers,” Williams said.

“My concerns were about documenting the small businesses in the interior. Where I

am, is Kamarang, upper Mazaruni. So, it takes maybe about three months for us to get out all the documents that are required to do the business permits. So, at the end of those three months, we have to wait an additional three months. So, I was wondering if we could get it in a shorter time…

I’m satisfied with the response,” Edwards meanwhile added. (G-3)

expressed his appreciation for DDL's hospitality and its dedication to quality rum production. He commended the company's success and added that he looks forward to continued dialogue and a strong relationship. Congressman Jackson and Mr. Samaroo are expected to meet again next month in Washington DC during Caribbean Legislative Week on Capitol Hill.

Jackson represents Illinois’ First Congressional District of the United States Congress and is a leading member of

the Congressional Black Caucus. He also serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Agriculture. He was on a visit to Guyana at the invitation of President Irfaan Ali and was accompanied by staffers James Gomez and Saroya Kirton.

DDL’s Chairman Komal Samaroo was accompanied on the tour by Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vasudeo Singh, Master Distiller Lennox Shaun Caleb, and Government Affairs Advisor Wesley Kirton.

Congressman Jonathan L Jackson and DDL’s Chairman Komal Samaroo

TOPCO Plant Manager Rebecca Rampher-Adams, Congressman Jonathan L Jackson and Master Distiller Lennox Shaun Caleb

Public meeting facilitated by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Monday

Banks DIH, UG ink MoU to support development of future engineers

Research and Development Officer & Coordinator, Associate for Arts General Studies Programme, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Engagement, Suzette James; Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), Verlyn Klass; Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement, Professor Emanuel Cummings; University of Guyana’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin; Human Resources Director, Banks DIH Limited, Andrew Carto; Human Resources Executive Sharon Nelson; and Operations Director, Banks DIH Limited, Gavin Todd; and Industrial Liason Officer (FET), Anil James

Banks DIH

Limited and the University of Guyana (UG), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will see the two entities collaborating to promote student development, academic partnerships, and knowledge transfer.

The MoU was signed between Human Resources Director, Andrew Carto, Operations Director of Banks DIH Limited, Gavin Todd and ViceChancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Thirst Park,

Georgetown.

Under this agreement, Banks DIH Limited and the University of Guyana will explore opportunities for student internships and the exchange of knowledge in areas of mutual interest. The partnership will also facilitate the exchange of students and faculty members for research, training, and educational purposes, particularly as it relates to UG’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

Carto said, “We are eager to partner with the University of Guyana to leverage our strengths and expertise to address some of the most press-

ing challenges facing the industry and the emerging needs of both institutions. This partnership will provide us with access to talent while enabling us to contribute to the advancement of students, the institution, and education.”

On the other hand, Todd noted that he is also happy to see this process formalised as it is an opportunity for Banks DIH Limited to continue the work of “Preparing students to go out into the field.” Further, Todd noted that as a student he benefitted tremendously from his attachment at Banks DIH Limited.

Further, Professor Mohamed-Martin ap-

plauded Banks DIH Limited for this collaboration and emphasised the importance of early engagement with students.

“There is more complexity in the Guyana labour market now than there was five years ago. The challenges in the labour force in Guyana are growing, with the government and local private sector losing staff to the international private sector,” Professor Mohamed Martin explained. She added that companies should not wait until students have graduated but must begin thinking of more aggressive ways to engage students before they en-

ter the university.”

In addition, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement, Professor Emanuel Cummings, highlighted the benefits of the partnership.

“The MoU will strengthen the training provided to engineering students. We are grateful for this partnership with Banks DIH Limited.”

Meanwhile, the

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), Verlyn Klass, noted that the MoU continues the longstanding programme between Banks DIH Limited and the University of Guyana.

“The faculty is very pleased to continue this collaboration with one of the companies we are committed to supporting.”

Albouystown youth gets $100K bail on narcotics charge

Quinn Neblett of Sussex Street, Albouystown, Georgetown was on Monday released on $100,000 bail on a narcotics possession charge.

He made an appearance before Magistrate Clive Nurse who read the charge to him which stated that on May 28 at Barrack and Fort Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, he had 44 grams of cannabis.

Neblett, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail following an application by his attorney Bernard DaSilva.

Charged: Quinn Neblett

However, a condition for bail stipulates that he report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Brickdam every other Monday until the determination of the matter.

Neblett will make his next court appearance on July 3.

ERC hopes for 'fair resolution' over use of "negro" in official Police report

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is hoping for a fair resolution over the use of the word “negro” in an official report prepared by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

This comes on the heels of a letter of complaint that was issued to the Commission by Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes on May 31, 2024.

In raising his concerns about the Guyana Police Force’s use of the derogatory word in its official reports, Attorneyat-Law Nigel Hughes cited Article 149 of Guyana’s Constitution and several other pieces of legislation, which commits to equality and non-discrimination, and mandates that all citizens be treated with respect and fairness.

The Attorney-atLaw’s letter to the ERC stemmed from the police force’s initial description of Working People’s Alliance (WPA) activist, Kidackie Amsterdam as a “negro”. Amsterdam was arrested and charged with violating the Cybercrime Act after a caller to his Facebook programme allegedly advocated the killing of the President and four government ministers. He is currently on $200,000 bail. However, Attorney Hughes had engaged the ERC to issue a directive to the police force, advising that law enforcement agency to cease the use of the term and any other derogatory language when referring to individuals of African descent.

In a statement pro-

vided to this newscast, the ERC noted that it has formally written to Hughes acknowledging receipt of his letter and indicated that the matter is engaging the attention of the full Commission.

Moreover, it was highlighted that the body is analysing the various details outlined in the letter and will determine the series of actions to be taken for a fair and just resolution to the concerns raised.

However, the Guyana Times understands that the ERC has since initiated discussions with the police force regarding this issue. When asked specifically for an update

on these talks, no response was provided by the ERC.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has since weighed in on the situation, making it clear that he has never objected to the request for the removal of that derogatory word from the policing system.

His response was issued publicly following allegations that he has objected to motion put forward to ERC by Hughes.

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Legal

Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall took to social media to clarify that the matter is solely being dealt with by the constitutional body (ERC) and he has not objected to the request for the removal of the word from the policing system. His response was issued publicly following allegations that he has objected the motion put forward to ERC via Hughes. In a post he said “It has been drawn to my attention that in certain quarters on social media

it is being peddled that I objected “to Guyanese of African descent calling for the removal of the word negro from the Guyana Police Force. For the record, I have done no such thing…the truth is, I am not supportive of the use of that term” he expressed. Moreover, the Minister clarified that he only questioned the motive of Hughes who “suddenly and opportunistically objected to the use of the term… after it has been in use for over 180 years without any prior objection,” he added.

More “Special Needs Education” classrooms to be opened by year-end – Min Manickchand

Later this year, the government will be commissioning several special education classrooms in the public school system, aimed at assisting students who may experience difficulties with the traditional methods of learning.

Special education classrooms allow students to have more oneon-one sessions with educators and access appropriate learning materials tailored to help them enhance their learning capability and process information within a short time.

Some 12 such facilities have already been commissioned across the country and several more are currently being established and outfitted.

This was disclosed

by

Education Minister Priya Manickchand during a recent broadcast of the Guyana Dialogue programme.

According to Manickchand, the initiative is part of efforts to ensure that more children with special education needs are now able to access education in a mainstream school setting.

She added that disability is one of the most serious barriers to education across the globe and these classrooms will ensure that children access education regardless of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, or circumstances.

“When we talk about inclusive education, we are more talking about

special needs students being included in the holistic education system so that they could receive an education that allows them to be competitive in whatever field they choose,” Minister Manickchand said.

The Special Education Needs Unit was established to provide support for students with learning challenges. It is an arm of the Education Ministry, giving guidance on education policies and promoting equal opportunities despite disparities. Some services include continuous professional development training for special needs teachers.

In this regard, over 706 teachers have been trained in nine of the 10 Administrative Regions and Georgetown. These

training sessions are targeted based on what officers uncover during visits, or from information provided by teachers.

Literacy

Meanwhile, in a bid to improve literacy among the school-aged population, the Education Ministry will be launching Libraries of novels in primary schools across the country.

The programme which will commence in the new school term aims to provide students with the necessary tools to read and enhance their critical thinking skills at an early age.

Manickchand noted that this intervention is vital given that illiteracy among students remains one of the biggest problems plaguing

Guyana’s education sector, leading to disparity in academic performance and National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examination results.

“We really want to do that across the country to make sure we have the library spaces and library materials that children can benefit from, with a view of making sure that in four years every single child could read at an appropriate grade level except they have a learning disability which we will identify and use our special needs classroom to try to correct,” she explained.

She added that while Guyana is pushing the use of technology in schools, literacy among learners is equally important.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister

Anil Nandlall

Working People’s Alliance (WPA) activist, Kidackie Amsterdam, who was arrested last Tuesday

Attorney-at-Law

Nigel Hughes

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

Capping stack to arrive in Guyana by month-end – EPA Head

– will be only country in the Region with 1

Guyana is set to welcome a capping stack to mitigate large oil spills, according to Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Khemraj Parsram who highlighted that this piece of equipment will be the first of its kind in the region.

Capping stacks are placed over blown-out wells as a cap to stop or redirect the flow of hydrocarbons and buy engineers time to seal the well permanently.

It is on this note, that Parsram stated that part of the EPA’s permit to oil companies deal with the prevention of oil spills. One requirement that this permit seeks out is for the country to be equipped with the best technology.

In this regard, he highlighted that by the end of the month, Guyana will be equipped with the first capping stack in the region. This is the centerpiece of a containment system kept in readiness at an onshore location.

“With the capping stack, we ask them to have it in the country and it's actually on its way right now. So it should be by the end of this month, it should be in Guyana. So it's the first time in this region

that we're actually having one in the country.”

However, Parsram highlighted that the Environmental Protection Act is clear about full liability as such he noted that the EPA, over the past two to three years has examined what the Act outlines about financial assurance and how those requirements can be strengthened.

“One key thing, the law the Environmental Protection Act is clear about is full liability. What it means is if you are a permit holder, you are fully responsible and fully liable for any pollution that you cause. And that doesn't have to be proven. But how does that transfer to the securitization of your liability? And so, what we've

done over the past two years or three years, we looked at what our Act says about financial assurance and strengthen those requirements as well as looking at what exists in other jurisdictions” he stated.

Parsram noted that every year the EPA requests an annual declaration from oil companies of their liquidity, or their financial statements, to show that they have enough money to cover liabilities.

He noted that in the event of an environmental disaster such as an oil spill and relief efforts are costing more than the estimated amount there is a clause that states that the beneficiary which is the EPA and the guarantor can negotiate to fulfill the excess cost.

“Now, even if something happens, a spill does occur, and we're in the middle of it and we realise there's a default, and we have to go to this guarantee then we find that, oh, it's probably costing more, then there's a clause that says that the beneficiary, which is EPA, and the guarantor can negotiate to fulfill the cost over that. So in essence, it is an open with a floor, and as your liabilities are coming to place, then you cover the cost. But irrespective of what happens, at the end of the day the polluter will have to stand the full cost.”

Back in April, ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair

Routledge reported that a capping stack is imminent while noting that the government mandated that the company has one in-country in case of a large spill.

“We did commit to purchasing one [a capping stack] that will be arriving in Guyana in the next few weeks.”

Routledge has stated that having a capping stack in-country is “further assurance that we want to make sure that we’re taking care of the environment in Guyana.”

Guyana remains protected from any liability with three layers of defense should an oil spill occur; a sum that amounted to more than

US$20 billion as of 2023. There is a US$2 billion guarantee, to be tapped if Exxon’s insurance policy and its assets are not enough to respond to the impacts and fallout associated with an oil spill. The environmental liability insurance is US$600 million. Once this runs out, Exxon would have to rely on its assets and those of its Stabroek Block partners, Hess and CNOOC, to cover additional expenses. This total was more than US$18 billion as of the end of 2022. An update on the value of the Stabroek Block co-venturers’ assets is expected in the second quarter of 2024.

Labour Ministry to engage MoE on poor OHS practices

The Ministry of Labour has indicated that it will engage the Ministry of Education about its failure to adhere to Occupational Health and Safety protocols following the recent circulation of a photo that was posted by the Minister of Education herself.

The photo showed an employee working from dangerous heights and during heavy downpours, without the use of protective gear at a primary school in Waramuri Village in Moruca, Region One (Barima/Waini). The photo in question was shared by Minister of Education Priya Manickchand on Sunday. It further shows the worker with an umbrella in one hand and a phone in the other, on a rooftop, in pounding rain, attempting to install internet at the school. While the post was

the ministry has to overcome to meaningfully serve the nation, the government agency was scrutinised by the public for not prioritising the health and safety of the employee.

Guyana’s Occupational Safety and Health Act stipulates that the general duty on all employers is “to provide and maintain a safe, sound, healthy and secure working environment as far as is reasonably practicable.

”

Environmental Protection Agency’s Executive Director, Khemraj Parsram

A capping stack

made by the Minister to highlight hurdles

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton

Photo shared of Education Ministry staff installing internet connection at the primary school without safety gear

Just & lasting solution to IsraeliPalestine conflict must be pursued – Govt

...reiterates importance of implementing two-State solution for lasting peace

In the wake of the announced peace deal between Israel and Hamas, the government of Guyana has made it clear to the international community that a just and lasting solution to the Israel and Palestine conflict must be pursued… particularly through the implementation of the two-state solution.

This was expressed by the government in a statement on Monday, responding to news of the Isarael and Hamas deal, as announced by United States (US) President Joe Biden. This particular ceasefire contains a threephase approach to bring the war in Gaza to an end.

“We have noted that the proposal aligns in several ways with previous decisions taken

by the United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly to end the war which Guyana supported.”

“These include an immediate and sustained ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, the rapid scaling up of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the importance of developing a robust reconstruction plan for Gaza,” the government said in its statement.

According to the government, the plan

for reconstruction would require strong guarantees of security.

Nonetheless, the government reiterated the importance of achieving a “just and lasting solution” to the conflict, which has lasted for over 70 years.

“The only viable solution to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict is through the full implementation of the twostate solution with the creation of a free and independent state of Palestine based on the

Labour Ministry to engage MoE...

In this regard, employers must provide employees with all equipment, material, protective devices and clothing suitable for them to carry out their respective duties.

Additionally, it is the employer’s duty to point out occupational hazards and develop solutions to mitigate the possibility of someone being “injured or worse, killed”.

In an invited comment on the issue, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton explained that the action depicted in the photo posted by the Minister should not have happened, and that his Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health department will look into the matter.

“So, from the standpoint of health and safety, things like that should not happen. We would hope that the au-

thorities over there will be kind enough to pay attention to people's life and limb… And thirdly, the fact that now you're calling me on the matter, I will confer with them for them to pay some attention to the infringement.”

Efforts to contact Education Ministry officials on the matter proved futile.

Occupational deaths

In 2023, the Ministry of Labour recorded a total of 20 occupational deaths, due to accidents in Mining, Construction, Agriculture and Manufacturing sectors. Of the 20 deaths recorded, nine occurred in the mining sector in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) while six were recorded in the construction sector.

Outside of the fatalities, the Ministry recorded 175 non-fatal

pre-1967 borders, living peacefully alongside the state of Israel.”

FROM PAGE 16

accidents that were investigated out of the 577 reports received. However, majority of these reports emanated from the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

In instances where breaches of the Occupational Safety and Health Act were identified, the Labour Ministry offered written and verbal advice.

These figures were provided by Subject Minister Joseph Hamilton during his ministry’s End of Year press conference.

At the time, Minister Hamilton explained that the figures were lower when compared to the number of fatalities recorded in 2022. In 2020, there were 32 workplace deaths; in 2021, the number decreased to 27 deaths and then in 2022, there were 21 deaths.

“Guyana urges the international community to redouble its efforts to this end, bringing an end to the decades of bloodshed and insecurity that have characterised the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” the government added.

It was only recently that Guyana was forced to express its strong condemnation of Israel’s actions following last weekend’s airstrikes that killed over 40 Palestinians who were seeking refuge in a camp in Rafah.

This was after airstrikes from the Israeli Defence Forces struck Tal al-Sultan in western Rafah, setting fire to a displacement camp where some 45 Palestinians seeking refuge were killed and over 200 were injured. This incident has sparked widespread condemnation globally.

At a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Meeting last week, Guyana’s Permanent

Representative to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, joined in denouncing the actions of the Israeli Government. Noting that the war crisis is in the occupied Palestinian territory, she also sounded calls for an international probe into the incident.

The Guyanese UN Representative had further renewed calls for a two-state solution to end the decades-old war between Palestine and Israel. She noted that the Palestinian people must exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, and it is the UN that must guarantee the exercise of that right.

In addition to its calls for a ceasefire, the Guyana Government had, back in February, pledged US$150,000 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in support of Palestinians displaced and affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Another US$80 million in donations was raised by lo -

cal stakeholders during the month of Ramadan in April.

During Wednesday’s UNSC meeting, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett underscored the importance of UNRWA, and pledged Guyana’s unwavering support for the relief agency. She also expressed deep concerns about and rejected, moves to designate UNRWA as a terrorist organisation.

The UN Representative has said Guyana is prepared to work with the Security Council to accomplish peace for Palestinians and Israelis. However, even as international outcry continues against Israel’s onslaught in Gaza, it has been reported that another airstrike on Thursday morning killed 12 more Palestinians.

Since the October 7 2023 attacks, more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed, and over 80,000 injured – many of these victims being women and children.

A scene from the Israeli-Hamas conflict

“Flood water has receded a lot around the country” – Min Mustapha

– but Lethem experiences a rise in water level

The government remains vigilant in monitoring the country’s drainage and irrigation systems nationwide to avoid major flooding, especially during the ongoing May-June rainy season.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha on Monday stated, “Water has receded a lot around the country. A number of initiatives have been put in place…We have

cidents in several communities prompted swift governmental action to mitigate the impact. Areas such as Black Bush Polder in Region Six, Wismar Shore –Silvertown, Victory Valley, and First, Second, and Third Alleys in Region Ten were affected.

The government responded by initiating manual cleaning and excavation of drains, alongside desilting ma-

systems in place like pumps, sluices, and outfalls which are all working. And we will continue to monitor the situation.”

Recent flooding in -

al, three engineers oversee drainage systems round-the-clock to ensure their effectiveness.

Minister Mustapha underscored collaborative efforts with the Public Works Ministry and other stakeholders to ensure robust management of drainage systems.

Nevertheless, several sections in Region Nine including Lethem have seen some flooding. A source in Lethem told the Guyana Times that some areas around central Lethem have experienced a rise in water which has caused them to take precautionary measures.

ing canals continued to come inland.

Presently, the regional administration is working with stakeholders including the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to address the situation.

jor canals, among other drainage and irrigation (D&I) interventions across affected areas.

In Georgetown, where 12 pumps are operation-

“Generally, we don’t have any major concerns. I am hoping that the system can continue to work as it is working presently…I am hoping to get a report shortly countrywide to see what are the effects and if there are any, we will look at it,” the agriculture minister stated.

Climate change made devastating Brazil floods twice as likely, scientists say

Climate change made the recent flooding that devastated southern Brazil twice as likely, a team of international scientists said on Monday, adding that the heavy rains were also intensified by the natural El Niño phenomenon.

More than 170 persons were killed and nearly 580,000 displaced after storms and floods battered Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul last month, with local authorities describing it as the worst disaster in the region's history.

He added that despite putting the necessary measures in place, some residents were forced to move to higher grounds as the water from the mountains and overflow -

In Region Six, water levels in some sections of the Black Bush Polder (BBP) continue to rise even with the pumps operating at Number 43 Village, Eversham and Adventure. Many livestock owners have been forced to take their animals and birds to higher grounds.

Residents of Mibicuri,

Johanna and Yakasari reported that the water levels continue to rise. In addition, farmers at Lesbeholden stated that the water was coming from the Savannah area.

There are reports which suggest that there are breaches in the system allowing water from Cookrite Savannah to enter the cultivation area in all four polders. The sluice at Eversham drains Mibicuri and apart from gravitational the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority has erected a pump that is assisting with the drainage.

Young: ConocoPhillips action will not affect Dragon Gas deal

TEven in the current climate, experts from the World Weather Attribution group said, the heavy rainfall that submerged entire towns and destroyed critical infrastructure was an "extremely rare" event expected to occur only once every 100 to 250 years. But it would have been even rarer without the effects of burning fossil fuel, the group said. By combining weather observations with results from climate models, the scientists estimated that climate change had made the event in southern Brazil twice as likely and more intense.

man activities have contributed to more intense and frequent extreme events, highlighting the country's vulnerability to climate change."

The El Niño phenomenon, which contributes to higher temperatures in many parts of the world and boosts rainfall and flood risk in parts of the Americas, also played a part in the recent disaster, the scientists noted.

rinidad and Tobago Energy Minister Stuart Young has rubbished claims that the recent recognition of a US$1.3 billion arbitral award to US-based energy giant ConocoPhillips in Trinidad and Tobago against Venezuela's State-owned oil and gas companies will affect the 30-year-exploration and production licence for the Dragon Gas Field.

against Venezuela’s State-owned oil company Petroleos e Venezuela (PDVSA) and two subsidiaries.

Seepersad’s order also allows ConocoPhillips to enforce an award and judgment for US$1.1 billion and the post-award interest.

"The climate in Brazil has already changed," said Lincoln Alves, a researcher at Brazil's space research centre INPE. "This attribution study confirms that hu-

Failure of critical infrastructure, deforestation and the rapid urbanisation of cities such as Rio Grande do Sul's capital Porto Alegre, home to 1.3 million, helped to amplify the effects of the disaster, the scientists added. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“Our pursuit of the production of the gas from Dragon and the export of this gas to Trinidad and Tobago is not affected by the recognition of the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) award against PDVSA,” Young said on June 1.

On May 29, Justice Frank Seepersad allowed ConocoPhillips and its subsidiary, Phillips Petroleum Company Venezuela Ltd, to register the 2018 ICC final award

An application by ConocoPhillips said it believed that there are assets belonging to PDVSA that were within the court’s jurisdiction which could be used to satisfy some or all of the award, including proceeds from the Dragon Gas deal between TT and Venezuela which has been in development since 2016.

Young said the Government was seeking legal advice on the court's recognition of the ICC award.

“This order of the judge was made without notice to the State,” Young said. “Lawyers and legal proceedings will decide the standing of the ICC award and whether it was properly recognised by our High Court.”

Young once again called on the public to ignore what he described as “continued misinformation” from Opposition naysayers.

He said the Government secured a 30-year licence for the Dragon gas field as well as a specific amended OFAC licence from the US, to develop Dragon and produce and export gas from the field to T&T. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

ConocoPhillips said it wished to have the arbitral award recognised so it could enforce it as a judgment of the TT High Court against any compensation (or any other monies) payable to PDVSA.

One of the pumps working to drain the water

Some of the flooded areas

Around the World OIL NEWS

Oil hits 4-month low as OPEC+ decision fails to allay demand worries

Oil prices tumbled by US$3 a barrel on Monday to their lowest in nearly four months, as investors worried that a complicated Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies (OPEC+) output decision could lead to higher supplies later in the year even though demand growth has been slow.

Brent crude futures fell by US$2.75, or 3.4 per cent, to settle at US$78.36 a barrel, closing below US$80 for the first time since February 7. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures also closed at a near four-month low of US$74.22 a barrel, down by US$2.77 or 3.6 per cent from Friday.

Both contracts were down by US$3 a barrel in post-settlement trading.

OPEC+ on Sunday agreed to extend most of its oil output cuts into 2025, but left room for voluntary cuts from eight members to be gradually unwound from October onward.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs said the outcome was negative for oil prices as the phasing-out of voluntary cuts shows a strong desire by several OPEC+ members to bring back output despite recent increases in global oil stocks.

"The communication of a surprisingly detailed default plan to unwind extra cuts makes it harder to maintain low production if the market turns out softer than bullish OPEC expectations," Goldman Sachs analysts said.

Other analysts also called the group's decision incrementally bearish for oil prices in light of high interest rates and rising output from non-OPEC producers like the United States.

"Ultimately, a combination of factors has come into play," independent oil analyst Gaurav Sharma said, highlighting disappointing economic indicators in the United States and China.

"When OPEC+ took the decision it did over the weekend, in a reasonably well-supplied crude market, traders factored in the macro picture alongside a dwindling risk premium (with talk of a ceasefire in Gaza) and went net short," Sharma said.

Signs of weakening demand growth have also weighed on oil prices in recent months, with data on US fuel consumption in focus.

The US Government will release estimates of oil stocks and demand on Wednesday, which will show how much gasoline was consumed around the Memorial Day weekend, the start to the US driving season.

"The hard numbers are that the market is well-supplied," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital. (Excerpt from Reuters)

G7 leaders “fully endorse” Biden's Gaza peace plan

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies "fully endorse and will stand behind the comprehensive" ceasefire and hostage release deal for the Gaza war outlined by US President Joe Biden and call on Hamas to accept it, a statement said on Monday.

The deal "would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian assistance for distribution throughout Gaza, and an enduring end to the crisis, with

Israel's security interests and Gazan civilian safety assured", the statement said.

last week, winning a positive initial reaction from Hamas.

An aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday that Israel had accepted the framework deal for winding down the Gaza war, though he described it as flawed and in need of much more work.

Ajury was sworn in on Monday for the trial of Hunter Biden on gun charges, a historic criminal prosecution of a sitting president's son with the potential to influence the 2024 presidential election.

Hunter Biden, 54, went on trial at the federal courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware, four days after Republican Donald Trump, the Democratic President's rival for the November 5 US election,

became the first former President found guilty of a crime.

President Joe Biden's son is accused of failing to disclose his use of illegal drugs when he bought a Colt Cobra .38-calibre revolver and of illegally possessing the weapon for 11 days in October 2018. He has pleaded not guilty to the three felony charges.

The case, brought by US Special Counsel David Weiss, a Trump appointee,

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to win a record-equalling third consecutive term in office on Tuesday when the 642 million votes cast in the world's largest election are counted.

Exit polls have projected a big win for Modi and if they are confirmed – they have often got the outcome wrong in India – Modi will have triumphed in a vitriolic campaign in which parties accused each other of religious bias and of posing a threat to sections of the population.

Hunter Biden jury sworn in, will hear evidence of addiction and a gun buy

is one of Hunter Biden's two criminal cases. He also faces federal tax charges in California.

The case is expected to centre on Hunter Biden's years of crack cocaine use and addiction, which he has discussed publicly and which was a prominent part of his 2021 autobiography, "Beautiful Things." He told Noreika at a hearing last year that he has been sober since the middle of 2019. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The G7, of which Italy holds the rotating presidency for 2024, reaffirmed support "for a credible pathway towards peace leading to a two-State solution".

Biden laid out what he described as a three-phase Israeli ceasefire proposal

"We call on Hamas to accept this deal, that Israel is ready to move forward with, and we urge countries with influence over Hamas to help ensure that it does so," the G7 statement said. (Reuters)

India's Modi eyes biggest win yet when votes counted in giant election

Investors have already cheered the prospects of another Modi term, expecting it to deliver for India further years of strong economic growth and pro-business reforms, while a possible two-thirds majority in Parliament could allow major changes to the Constitution, rivals and critics fear.

Nearly one billion people were eligible to vote in the seven-phase, seven-week poll which began on April 19 and concluded

on June 1, held in searing summer heat with temperatures touching nearly 50 degrees Celsius in some parts.

Yet more than 66 per cent of registered voters turned out, just one percentage point lower than the previous election in 2019, belying fears that voters might shun a contest thought to be a foregone conclusion in Modi's favour.

Modi, 73, who first swept to power in 2014

by promising growth and change, is seeking to be only the second Prime Minister after India's independence leader Jawaharlal Nehru to win three straight terms. He began his campaign by showcasing his record in office including economic growth, welfare policies, national pride, and his own personal commitment to fulfilling promises which he called "Modi's Guarantee". (Excerpt from Reuters)

Fauci denies suppressing COVID lab leak theory before US House panel

Former top U.S. infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci strongly denied suppressing the theory that COVID-19 originated from a lab leak in China, telling lawmakers he never influenced research on the origins of the virus.

In his first time addressing the allegations publicly since a 14-hour hearing held behind closed doors in January, Fauci also reiterated that he believes the most likely origin of the pandemic was animal-to-human transmission.

"I've also been very, very clear, and said multiple times, that I don’t think the concept of there being a lab (leak) is inherently a conspiracy theory," he said.

"What is conspiracy is the kind of distortions of that particular subject, like it was a lab leak, and I was parachuted into the CIA like Jason Bourne and told the CIA that they should really not be talking about a lab leak," he told a US House of Representatives panel.

Fauci, who retired in December 2022 after 54

years at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) including 38 serving as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), was testifying before the House Oversight and Accountability Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. The committee, set up to discover the origins of the virus, has uncovered emails showing top NIH officials trying to hide public records by evading Freedom of Information Act requests. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US President Joe Biden

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Too much too fast will get you in trouble. Don't buy into someone else's dream. An argument will deter you from accomplishing what you set out to do. Rethink your strategy.

Put your money, time and effort into personal gain, and you'll attract interest and the help you require to move forward. Embrace change and be willing to try something new and exciting.

Research will open your mind to solutions and opportunities to make your life easier. Avoid anyone trying to push you into a slot that doesn't fit your agenda. Use your intelligence.

Mix ingenuity, creativity and mastery, and you'll find the perfect balance. Let your intuition lead the way. An emotional plea will pay off. Use your connections to get ahead.

Keep moving forward, regardless of any emotional intervention you encounter. Protect yourself from anyone who tries to strong-arm you into something you don't want to pursue.

Don't fall for a scam. Pay attention to detail. Altering your agenda or how you think will affect the treatment you receive. Believe in yourself and what you can do.

Expand your mind, but don't indulge in overpriced events that require you to take on more than you can handle. An investment that offers financial stability looks inviting.

Size up situations and consider what's beneficial. A change will spark your imagination and encourage you to find a unique way to get something done. Don't sell yourself short.

Domestic issues will surface if you don't set ground rules. Listen carefully and refuse to let exaggeration and inflated emotions seep into a situation or encounter.

An unusual choice will turn out better than anticipated. Once you recognize what's making life difficult at home or in your community, you'll know how to fix the problem.

Make changes because you want to, not because someone is twisting your arm or being manipulative. Stick close to home and enforce discipline regarding medical and financial issues.

Set your sights on what you want, and don't stop until you reach your goal. Refrain from following the crowd or letting anyone sidetrack you. Impulsive expenditures will cost more than you anticipate.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

Anrich Nortje's 4 for 7 sets up South Africa win on tricky New York pitch

South Africa opened their T20 World Cup campaign in authoritative fashion by bowling Sri Lanka out for their lowest total in the format and chasing 78 runs inside 17 overs to secure two points. At the first official T20I match to be played at the newly-created stadium at Eisenhower Park, we learnt more about the conditions than either of the two sides. The surface is tricky to bat on, there's inconsistent bounce, not much turn and the venue has big square boundaries, which are difficult to breach.

Sri Lanka chose to bat first and were on the back foot almost immediately. Their power play yielded just 24 runs, and they had their lowest 10-over score: 40 for 5. South Africa's four-seam attack adapted to conditions quickly, went

high-class pace – he touched 150kph – and excellent use of the slower ball. He was complemented by World Cup debutant Ottneil Baartman, who bowled 20 dot balls in total, the jointmost by a bowler in an innings at a T20 World Cup, equalling Ajantha Mendis against Zimbabwe in 2012. As a result of the South

fuller upfront, varied pace well and were disciplined. Their headliner was Anrich Nortje, who put in his best performance since returning from a stress fracture that sidelined him from the international game for almost nine months. Nortje's 4 for 7, his career-best figures, was embroidered with

Africans’ combined efforts, only three Sri Lankan batters got into double figures, and only one partnership –their seventh-wicket stand between Dasun Shanaka and Angelo Mathews – was worth more than 20. They'll rue not getting another 20 or 30 runs because that could have made things really tricky for South Africa.

At 58 for 4 in the 13th over, 100 would have been a tough ask, but 78 was within reach. Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller took them home with 22 balls to spare. In all, 127 out of the 214 balls faced by the batters in this game were dots, the most dots in a Men's T20 World Cup game.

Baartman strikes with his first ball Dreams do come true and Baartman is living proof of that. After a decade in the domestic system with little recognition and a dalliance with giving up cricket for a career in the South African National Defence Force, he was the SA20's leading wicket-taker this season until the final, when Marco Jansen leapfrogged him, and earned a callup to the T20 World Cup squad. Before last month, he had never even been out of South Africa, but if the magnitude of the occasion overwhelmed him you'd never have known. Given the ball in the fourth over, Baartman saw the lengths Jansen employed and delivered his first one full and wide. Pathum Nissanka sensed an opportunity to clear deep third, but got a thick edge to Klaasen and

made Baartman the first South African bowler, and 18th overall, to take a wicket with his opening delivery at a World Cup.

Nortje storms back

The numbers – 11 T20 matches since comeback from a stress fracture in March, 40 overs, 449 runs, nine wickets – suggested picking Nortje was a risk, but the coach, Rob Walter, believed otherwise. He backed Nortje's selection based on his raw pace and

finished with impeccable figures of 4 for 7.

Mathews vs Markram

Aiden Markram captained South Africa to the Under-19 World Cup title in 2014. Mathews was part of the Sri Lankan side that won the 2014 T20 World Cup. And neither of them, nor their countries, have enjoyed international triumph since, so there was something special about them facing off in the third over of South Africa's in-

the ability to vary it, and Nortje justified his backing in spectacular fashion. Brought on as the fifth bowler, after the power play, Nortje followed what he saw his fellow quicks doing and resisted the short ball for fuller lengths. He was rewarded with his fifth ball as Kamindu Mendis tried to flick him over square leg, but the shot lacked power and found Reeza Hendricks instead. Kusal Mendis tried to clear a 150kph ball over the big square boundary, but was well-caught by Tristan Stubbs, looking into the sun. Charith Asalanka went the same way as Kamindu, and Mathews was rushed into the hook shot and top-edged. Nortje

Ganeshdin leads Eagles to...

The Eagles outfit continued to keep their composure and showed their class, as they managed to extend their lead again, netting 17 points while the Sonics were restricted to 11 points, with the scoreline reading 53-45 after the third quarter.

The Stabroek Eagles went on to secure the win in the final quarter with a scoreline of 70-65.

Omario Ganeshdin continues to be persistent with the ball in hand as he led the offensive for the Eagles, top-scoring with 15 points,

receiving support from Martin Edwards with 14 points and Captain Alafin Joseph with 12 points. In a post-match interview with media operatives, Stabroek Eagles Captain Joseph spoke on the key areas of improvement that spurred the win and the momentum the win gives them.

Joseph related, “I think mostly was our defence, even though we didn’t play as well, but in the first two quarters coming down to the last half, we did play good defence ‘cause they

got some fast breaks on us which in we ain’t worry about that, but it was a good game. Winning this game is very good for us ‘cause now we are back in it; all we gotta do is win our last game and we gotta do it by majority points.”

Meanwhile on the losing side, Pepsi Sonics Captain Murvin Mars divulged that mistakes were made and he expected the team to recuperate and come back stronger in their next game.

“Well, to me, we started off strong; we think we

FROM PAGE 22

had them in a good position to win, but we fell short I can’t say where was the mistake, but we made a lot of mistakes. I can’t pinpoint them, but we just fell short to me and all we gotta do is get better and come back again stronger; hopefully we can get back in the competition,” Mars divulged.

The Guyana Amateur Basketball Association Under-23 Club Championships continues at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue on Wednesday.

the respect they deserved. He took a single off the last delivery to spoil what would have been a flawless over from Mathews, who was replaced by Dasun Shanaka for the next over. That brought the reward Sri Lanka wanted, when Shanaka squared Markram up with a delivery that seamed away, took the outside edge and was well caught low down by Kusal Mendis at wide first slip.

nings. Mathews controlled the exchange, with length balls on off stump, and then issued a warning. He found seam movement that jagged into Markram at around 120kph and hit him on the box. Markram needed some medical attention and saw out the next two balls with

The boundaries: finally There weren't very many to choose from, with only three fours and three sixes in Sri Lanka's innings and the same number from South Africa to create a) an antidote to the IPL and b) a match of old-fashioned grind and some tension. What there was dissipated when Klaasen, arguably the best boundary-hitter at the event, hit Wanindu Hasaranga over long-on and then straight down the ground for six and then four to all but end the match. With those two shots, Klaasen showed off the quality of the base from which he hits the ball and the power with which he hits it, and South Africa will hope to see a lot more of that as the tournament goes on. On Monday, it was enough to secure victory. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka (20 ovs maximum)

Pathum Nissanka c Klaasen

b Baartman 3

Kusal Mendis †c Stubbs

b Nortje 19

Kamindu Mendis c Hendricks

b Nortje 11

Wanindu Hasaranga (c) st †de Kock

b Maharaj 0

Sadeera Samarawickrama

b Maharaj 0

Charith Asalanka c Hendricks

b Nortje 6

Angelo Mathews c Baartman

b Nortje 16

Dasun Shanaka

b Rabada 9

Maheesh Theekshana not out 7

Matheesha Pathirana c Markram

b Rabada 0

Nuwan Thushara run out

(Nortje/Jansen) 0

Extras (lb 3, w 3) 6

TOTAL 19.1 Ov (RR: 4.01) 77

Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Pathum Nissanka, 3.1 ov), 2-31 (Kamindu Mendis, 7.5 ov), 3-32 (Wanindu Hasaranga, 8.2 ov), 4-32 (Sadeera Samarawickrama, 8.3 ov), 5-40 (Kusal Mendis, 9.6 ov), 6-45 (Charith Asalanka, 11.2 ov), 7-68 (Dasun Shanaka, 14.4 ov), 8-70 (Angelo Mathews, 15.4 ov), 9-71 (Matheesha Pathirana, 17.2 ov), 10-77 (Nuwan Thushara, 19.1 ov) • DRS

BOWLING O-M-R-W

3.1-0-15-0

Marco Jansen

Kagiso Rabada 4-1-21-2

4-1-9-1

Ottneil Baartman

Keshav Maharaj 4-0-22-2

Anrich Nortje 4-0-7-4

South Africa (T: 78 runs from 20 ovs)

Quinton de Kock †

c & b Hasaranga 20

Reeza Hendricks c PHKD Mendis b Thushara 4

Aiden Markram (c) c PHKD Mendis

Quinton de Kock was steady in the small chase

Keshav Maharaj struck back-to-back

Anrich Nortje got three wickets in his first three overs

Golden Jags squad named for World Cup Qualifiers

Guyana Senior Men's National Team

Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz has finalised his 24-man squad for the June 6 match against Panama in Panama City, including MSL players Chicago Fire striker Omari Glasgow and Seattle Sounders striker Osaze De Rosario.

The match is the beginning of the Golden Jaguars’ campaign in the CONCACAF Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Coach Shabazz selected the squad after a two-week training camp in Brazil, which concluded on Sunday, June 2.

Alongside tactical drills and fitness sessions, the Golden Jaguars engaged in four test matches against Brazilian clubs, including Flamengo FC, one of Brazil's

premier clubs with the second-largest global fanbase.

Shabazz shared that the players have put in a lot of work over two weeks, and the coaching staff have seen

Silver Bullets lift

improvement from the first couple of days to now.

"The matches in Brazil provided a good dress rehearsal for us. Our tactical patterns are ambitious, but

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Linden trophy

Silver Bullets captured their third crown in the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Linden edition following a crushing 5-0 victory over Hardball Management on Saturday evening at the Retrieve hard court.

It was a commanding performance from the Silver Bullets unit, as the contest was effectively over at the halftime break following a 3-0 advantage.

Damion Williams opened the scoring in the sixth minute, before Colwyn Drakes doubled their advantage as he scored in the eighth minute. Amoniki Buntin then completed a perfect firsthalf period, as he netted in the 17th minute.

Drakes then sealed the result as he tallied a “Guinness Goal” [a goal scored in the final three minutes of normal time which counts as two] in the 28th minute.

With the win, Silver Bullets walked away with $500,000 and the championship trophy. They also earned an automatic berth to the national championship in Georgetown during the month of August. The losing side received $400,000 and the runner-up trophy.

In the third-place playoff, Turf President crushed Spaniards 4-0. Anthony Layne, Kelroy Anthony,

Malachi Todd, and Floyd Headly found the back of the net in the fifth, sixth, ninth, and 10th minutes, respectively.

With the win, Turf President walked away with $300,000 and the respective trophy, while Spaniards pocketed $250,000 and a trophy.

Meanwhile, in the earlier semi-final segment,

Hardball Management downed Turf President 2-0. The contest, which was rescheduled owing to persistent rainfall on May 31, was settled following goals from Roshan Kitt and Yhanks Brummel in the 25th and 30th minutes, respectively.

The Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Championship will now

clearly understood by the players. We have a couple more days to complete our work."

The team read:

Goalkeepers: Quillan Roberts, Kai McKenzie Lyle, and Akel Clarke.

Defenders: Curtez Kellman, Jalen Jones, Colin Nelson, Terrence Vancooten, Quincy Adams, Leo Lovell, Liam Gordon, Terique Mohammed, and Miquel Scarlett.

Midfielders: Nathan Ferguson, Ryan Hackett, Elliot Bonds, Daniel Wilson, Nathan Moriah Welch, Stephen Duke McKenna, Kadel Daniel, and Darron Niles.

Forwards: Kelsey Benjamin, Omari Glasgow, Deon Moore, and Osaze De Rosario.

The Guyanese team face a challenging journey for World Cup qualification between June 2024 and 2025.

Drawn in Group D alongside Panama, Nicaragua, Montserrat, and Belize, they face formidable opponents starting with their opening fixture against Panama, currently ranked third on the CONCACAF Index as of March 31.

Guyana currently occupy the 19th position on the table.

The squad is set to take on Belize, currently ranked 29th by CONCACAF, in Barbados on June 11.

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde wished the team a good start to their World Cup journey, adding: "They have the full backing of the Federation and the support of the Guyanese people. We are confident that the players will represent the country with pride."

The qualification process comprises three stages, involving 32 FIFA-affiliated CONCACAF Member Associations. In the initial round, the lowest-ranked Member Associations, such as Turks and Caicos Islands, British Virgin Islands, United States Virgin Islands, and Anguilla, competed.

Moving into the second round, the first-round victors and the remaining 28 participating Member Associations, including Guyana, will partake in a series of four matches. Only the group winners and runners-up will progress to the third and final round of Qualifiers.

In the final round, the second-round group winners and runners-up – comprising 12 teams – will be divided into three groups of four teams each.

These teams will battle it out in six home-and-away matches across the FIFA international match windows of September, October, and November 2025. The victo-

GABA U23 Championships…

Ganeshdin leads

Eagles to win

make its maiden voyage to Essequibo, which is pencilled to commence on Friday evening.

Complete Results

Guinness Goal-(GG)-2

Final

Silver Bullets 5 v Hardball Management 0

Colwyn Drakes – 8th and GG – 28th

Damion Williams – 6th

Amoniki Buntin – 17th

3rd-Place Playoffs

Turf President 4 v Spaniards 0

Anthony Layne – 5th

Kelroy Anthony – 6th

Malachi Todd – 9th

Floyd Headly – 10th

2nd Semifinal

Hardball Management 2 v Turf President 0

Roshan Kitt – 25th

Yhanks Brummel –30th

Stabroek Eagles found themselves in the winners’ circle on Saturday night when the Guyana Amateur Basketball Association Under-23 Club Championships continued at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Stabroek Eagles, with their ability to counter to the basket, secured their second win against a powerful Pepsi Sonics, starting the

rious trio from these groups will secure their places in the prestigious World Cup.

Guyana's ambition is to secure one of these three spots for direct qualification, aiming to make their debut appearance in the World Cup alongside hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The GFF urges Guyanese, both at home and abroad, to rally behind the Golden Jaguars as they pursue their ambitions for the 2026 World Cup.

game on a high to lead the first quarter with the scoreline reading 19-16.

In the second quarter, the Sonics managed to convert shots as they minimised the Eagles’ lead to 2 points; scoring 18 points for a total of 34 points at the end of the quarter, while the Eagles scored 17 points for a total of 36 points.

Guyana.

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The victorious Silver Bullets team receive their prizes after winning their third Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Linden Zone title

The Golden Jaguars will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign this week

The Stabroek Eagles

Record prize money announced for historic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

The ninth edition of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup will see the winners of the 20-team tournament earn at least US$2.45 million, the highest prize money in the history of the tournament, along with the trophy that they will lift at Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29. The runners-up will receive at least US$1.28 million, while the losing

semi-finalists walk away with US$787,500 each from the total, historic prize pot of US$11.25 million.

The four teams that fail to make it out of the Super 8s will earn US$382,500 each, while the teams placed ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th receive US$247,500 each. Participants who finish 13th to 20th place will return with US$225,000. And every team receive

an additional US$31,154 for each match they win barring the semi-finals and final.

The 55-match event will be played over 28 days, across nine venues in the West Indies and USA, making this the biggest ICC T20 World Cup ever.

The format of this year’s tournament will see 40 first-round matches played before the top eight progress to the Super 8s.

Four teams will then qualify for the semi-finals, which will be staged in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, ending with the final in Barbados where the 2024 men’s champions will be crowned.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said:

“This event is historic in so many ways, so it is fitting that the prize money for players reflects that.

Hundreds of millions of fans around the world will be entertained by the players in what we’re

ExxonMobil U14 tournament…

Goals galore as group stage continues

It was raining goals on Sunday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, especially in the Girls’ division, when the ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ football tournament headed into the second round of the group stage.

The girls’ defending champions put the others in the competition on notice once for the second consecutive week, but other challengers showed that they were up to the task. With braces off the boots of Brentia Marks (9th, 17th) and Erika Harris (15th, 23rd), alongside one each from Nickisha Williams and Electra Marks in the 2nd and 20th minutes and an own goal, 2023 champions Waramuri Primary Top romped to a 7-0 victory over Christ Church Secondary.

Their regional counterparts, Santa Rosa Secondary matched their fireworks with a 7-0 victory of their own, against New Central High. Veronica Chatta was the leading lady for Santa Rosa, netting 5 goals in the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 10th and 12th minutes. Shevon Benjamin backed up her teammate with a double in the 28th and 30th minutes.

However, in another big victory of the day, last year’s runners-up President’s College’s girls thumped Marian Academy

8-0. Reyanna Gounga led the charge with goals in the 5th, 7th, 13th, 25th and 29th minutes, while Kimore Edwards had a hat-trick in the 8th, 17th and 27th minutes.

Also in the winners’ circle were Bartica Secondary, who, led by a hat-trick of the boots of Nerismar Williams (23rd, 27th, 28th) secured a 7-1 win against Westminster Secondary. Kelys Willams (7th) and Genesha Spencer (32nd) netted one each for Bartica while Westminster added two own goals to their opponents’ tally. Meanwhile, Julianna Pillay scored Westminster’s consolation in the 25th minute.

Charity Secondary also ‘won big’ on Sunday as a team effort steered them to a 5-0 win against Dolphin Secondary. Rhyia Wilson(2nd), Remilia Dc Agrella (12th), Cyenthia

De Losta (18th, 20th) and Shelezo Boston (24th) were the goal scorers for Charity.

Another team effort with goals from Latrisha Jack (2nd, 23rd), Moneta Fraser (12th) and Ashante Scott (18th) handed Cotton Field Secondary a 4-0 defeat on behalf of Bush Lot secondary.

Ceara Glasgow’s brace in the 7th and 19th minutes helped Tucville Secondary’s girls to a 2-0 victory over East Ruimveldt Secondary. Meanwhile, Three Miles Secondary and Carmel Secondary were awarded walkovers instead of facing New Campbelville and IAE.

Over in the Boys’ competition, Three Miles Secondary started the day off with a 2-0 victory over Leonora Secondary. Keon Grant (15th) and Quincy Fraser (29th) were

the marksmen for Three Miles.

Buoyed by a Jadan Christian (5th, 19th, 27th) hat-trick, Bartica Secondary pulled off a 4-1 win when they came up against Annandale Secondary. While Gerald Homid (23rd) netted Bartica’s fourth, S Rogers (9th) secured Annandale’s consolation.

A Pharez Noble strike in the 23rd minute made the difference between Christianburg Wismar and Abram Zuil Secondary in their encounter. The scoreline was the same when Hope Secondary met with Brickdam. Oswald Duke was the lone scorer in the 28th minute to hand Hope the win.

Another close encounter saw New Amsterdam Secondary getting past Christ Church Secondary 2-1. Eon Willams (18th, 21st) netted a double for

New Amsterdam while Jadel Liverpool had put Christ Church ahead in the 8th. Westminister Secondary, on the back of goals from Germine Garrett (3rd, 7th) and Shakell Waaldijk (4th) defeated St Joseph’s High 3-1. Akel Sahaeo had the lone reply for St Joseph’s in the 24th minute.

Damani Hardy’s 6th-minute goal became the only one as Dolphin Secondary needled New Campbellville Secondary. The same was the case when Jamaine Caster struck in the 30th minute for President’s College against St John’s.

Lucas Pinol (12th, 20th); Nyhl George (14th) and Cristiano Larose (23rd) lifted Marian Academy to a 4-0 victory over Queen’s College.

Jasia Ross (7th) and Isaiah Cozier (24th) net-

ted one apiece in a 2-0 win for Carmel Secondary against West Demerara Secondary. L’ Aventure Secondary later overcame East Ruimveldt Secondary on the back of a solitary goal from Jermanie Thornhill in the 22nd minute.

Chase’s Academy got the better of VYC in a 2-1 encounter. Omar Pedro (5th) and Mark Glasgow (29th) were the goal scorers for Chase’s. The score was the same as Santa Rosa Secondary got the better of Patentia Secondary. Shane James (22nd, 40th) registered a brace for Santa Rosa.

A 1-0 win for last year’s runners-up Waramuri Primary Top over Charlestown Secondary closed the day’s proceedings. Leandro Edwards was the lone marksman in the 24th minute. In other results, South Ruimveldt and South Secondary played to a 1-1 draw, while Bygeval and Bush Lot Secondary were tied up 2-2 at the end of their meeting. West Ruimveldt and School of the Nations also played to the same 2-2 result. Ann’s Grove Secondary and New Central High also tied 1-1.

The ExxonMobil U14 tournament is expected to continue with the final round of the group stage this weekend at the same venue.

hoping to be an out-of-thisworld event.”

Teams will be vying for more than just the coveted World Cup Trophy this year

Scenes from the ExxonMobil U14 tournament (Jemima Holmes photos)