Guyana Times - Tuesday May 28, 2024

exports from Guyana to now receive high-ranking certification

286% increase in peanut production, 106% increase in legumes in 2023 …Guyana well on its way to being major food exporter – Pres Ali

Men who helped woman being beaten by partner in bar stabbed

16 plant operators to enhance water supply management across Guyana Miner nabbed with ganja in Route 72 minibus Guyana leading kidney transplant country within Caricom

Injured: Leroy Goriah

Work began on a playfield for the satellite community of Falmouth, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) following a commitment made by President Dr Irfaan Ali during an outreach to Rivers View two weeks ago (President Ali’s social media page photos)

GPL’s customer base surpasses 230,000

…peak demand increased by 45.6% since 2019

The Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) customer base currently stands at over 230,000 while its peak demand has increased by a whopping 45.6 per cent increase since 2019… an increase that the government has made efforts to match by increasing its own investments in new power.

During his Independence Day message in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) on Saturday night, President Dr Irfaan Ali spoke about some the challenges the government has been confronting since its return to office. This includes the increasing demand for power, with the GPL customer base

increasing from 177,000 a decade ago to over 230,000.

“Our GPL customer base has increased from 177,000 in 2014 to more than 230,000 today. That is more than 50,000 new customers but more importantly, we had an increase in demand from 2020 to now. The demand at peak has increased by 45.6%. In 2019, the demand at peak was 126 megawatts. Today the demand at peak is 185 megawatts,” the Head of State said.

President Ali further explained that the government has invested in 127 megawatts of additional power. This additional power includes 9.6 megawatts of emergency

power and 36 megawatts at Everton, Berbice from the recently contracted power ship.

“That is why we have to invest in bringing new power into the equation. We have brought 127 megawatts of addi-

tional power, 9.6 megawatts of emergency power, 46.5 at Garden of Eden, six megawatts at Onverwagt, 28.9 at Columbia and 36 megawatts at Everton,” President Ali added. Last month,

GPL signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Qatar-based Urbacon Concessions Investments, W.L.L (UCI) for the rental of the 36-megawatts floating power plant for two years in a move to add

much-needed capacity to the grid. While the rental deal was signed with UCI, the power ship is owned by Turkeybased Karpowership International.

As part of this agreement, GPL has already paid a US$1 million mobilisation fee. The power company also has to pay a fee of 6.62 US cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as a monthly charter fee for the power ship and a monthly operation and maintenance fee of 0.98 US cents per kWh based on electricity generated. GPL is also required to provide Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for the operation of the generators onboard the vessel.

The power ship at Everton

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, May 28 – no retraction and Wednesday, May 29 –22:00h-23:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, May 28 –07:20h-08:50h and Wednesday, May 29 – 08:25h-09:55h.

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 to prevail during the day and at night, with sunshine in the late afternoon. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 07:38h and 20:23h reaching maximum heights of 2.48 metres and 2.3 metres.

Low Tide: 13:49h reaching a minimum height of 0.65 metre.

Guyana gains international recognition for forest management system

…timber exports from Guyana to now receive high-ranking certification

Guyana has achieved another milestone in its forest management record, with the Ministry of Natural Resources announcing that from henceforth all timber exports from Guyana will be accompanied by Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) international labels and trademarks.

According to the ministry on Monday, this means that all forest management certificates issued by the Guyana National Forest Certification System (GNFCS), which ensures the exports from Guyana are of international standards, will have PEFC approval.

“Guyanese timber and timber products certified under the GNFCS will now bear PEFC International labels and trademarks. This provides clear evidence to local and international buyers that the certified forest operator’s management practices meet global environmental, social, and economic standards,” the Ministry said.

“It also demonstrates compliance with national and international legal forest requirements, including fundamental International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions that govern the rights of workers and the unauthorised use of child labour. This assurance extends to the environmental, social, economic and legal requirements and protection of rights throughout the forest supply chain under the EU Timber Regulation, the US Lacey Act, and the Australian Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill.”

The ministry noted that already, Guyana has a national wood tracking system that has existed since the early 2000’s. Additionally, there is a dual wood tracking system with both electronic and manual components, existing on a national scale.

It was noted that since the GNFCS drew on this existing wood tracking system and the national code of practice for forest management that was developed by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), PEFC’s endorsement of Guyana’s wood tracking system is also an endorsement of these existing systems.

According to the Natural Resources Ministry, improvements will also be made to this dual tracking system under the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) signed with the European Union (EU).

“Some forest stations have internet access and electronic tag scanners; however, stations in remote locations still operate on a purely manual basis with staff having to visually verify tag numbers with removal permits.”

“Under the VPA, there is the intention to further build capacity, enabling the phased implementation of a fully electronic system which will greatly increase efficiency and offer greater credibility to the wood-tracking system. In the interim, however, the dual system will remain functional,” the Ministry explained.

Meanwhile, the GFC noted that it is working on training local auditors to work with the certification bodies under the GNFCS. This will reduce the need for auditors to be brought from overseas, in order to certify timber exports.

“Additionally, the GNFCS complements other national initiatives which the Government of Guyana has embarked on for several years, with an example as the European Union’s Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Voluntary Partnership Agreement.”

“It is also one of the priority areas under Sustainable Forestry in the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030. For achieving yet another milestone, the ministry extends its deep appreciation to all forestry stakeholders, the local PEFC working group and the GFC team,” the Ministry also said.

Last year, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen signed a roadmap for the implementation of the GuyanaEuropean Union (EU) Forest Partnership with the aim of managing Guyana’s forests and promoting the forest bioeconomy. This roadmap establishes the EU and Guyana’s commitment to reaching a set number of targets by 2030.

These include: maintaining 12.5 million hectares of sustainably managed forests; expanding protected and conserved forests to 30 per cent of terrestrial and marine species; increasing restored forest to 200,000 hectares; increasing the

number of forest-related decent jobs; and maintaining the rate of deforestation of natural forests below 0.01 per cent per annum.

The Forest Partnership and the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) and the Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPA) are expected to help Guyana enhance its forest bioeconomy and attract public and private investments while contributing to the climate and biodiversity objectives and reinforcing the rights of local communities and Indigenous people.

In November 2022 during Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), Guyana was one of five countries to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a Forest Partnership with the European Commission. This worked as an acknowledgment of the challenges posed to forests by climate change and development needs as well as the opportunity to position forests to play their full economic, social, and environmental roles.

In addition to its rich biodiversity and ecosystem, Guyana’s total forest cover some 18.4 million hectares, stores more than 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon and removes some 154 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually.

Guyana’s forests cover some 18.4 million hectares

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Sex Offenders Registry finally on the horizon

Following years of advocacy and numerous debates about the establishment of a Sex Offenders Registry, it is very pleasing to see that as part of the Amended Sexual Offences Bill 2024, there is a proposed provision for this database.

It is startling that despite the presence of a modern law protecting children and women from sexual abuse, there are still many of these cases occurring in society.

Greater awareness and education campaigns have led to sexual abuse being widely discussed in society. Even among children, the subject is now being discussed or taught in a decent manner, primarily because they are victims of sexual abuse.

Child sexual abuse especially raises anger and revulsion in society. Because of the frequency in which child sexual abuse is occurring, children are in dire need of protection, especially since it is difficult to distinguish a paedophile in our midst. The frightening side to this is that, in many instances, the perpetrator turns out to be someone familiar.

Although people agree that violating children is revolting, there are no systems in Guyana that expose paedophiles. Since 2017, there have been numerous debates about the establishment of a Sex Offenders Registry. While there has been general agreement and support for such a registry, it is still to be materialised as numerous hiccups have stymied the process. In failing to have such a registry, not only is the public unaware of who among them are predators, but children are placed at greater risk.

As it previously stood, and until the proposed amendments in the Bill are passed in Parliament, paedophiles can commit their acts, go to prison, get released, and simply re-join the community as if their offences were frivolous matters. However, those who commit such heinous acts from May 25, 2010 in or outside Guyana will be included in the registry.

The proposed Bill states: “Where a citizen of Guyana or a resident does an act in a country outside Guyana which, if it were done in Guyana, would constitute an enterable offence under this Act, he shall be required to comply with the provisions of this Part on entry into Guyana.”

The proposals also include provisions for the Police to be notified of the discharge of sex offenders.

The proposed amendment also states: “Commissioner of Police shall, within two months before the discharge of a sex offender, cause a designated officer to attend the prison to interview the sex offender and collect certain information. That officer shall also be responsible for informing the sex offender of his duty to report to the police station nearest, within seven calendar days of his discharge from the prison. A sex offender who, without reasonable excuse, fails to report to a police station has committed an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and to imprisonment for one year.”

As in other societies, paedophilia is a crime that sticks on a person for life; and, by right, societies need to be told and warned of them. We need a more serious approach to curbing paedophilia and dealing with paedophiles.

Some time ago, Education Minister Priya Manickchand alerted education officers sexual offences at schools will not be tolerated.

To quote the Minister: “Education Officers have been alerted to the fact that there is no space for tolerance, whether deliberate or inadvertent, for sex offences in schools or of school children. Any education officer who receives a complaint of such nature must immediately report same to the Deputy Chief Education Officer (admin). Failure to make said report will result in condign action. Teachers and school staff should also take note.”

We are pleased that the proposed amendments to Guyana’s Sexual Offences Act 2010 have finally been complete and include very updated proposals in the fight against sexual offences.

A coalition against the gangs

By Dr. Jason McKay

Here are four primary groups that are likely to interact with the press in relation to a discussion on police actions against gangs. This is apart from the police themselves.

These groups are the Ministry of National Security, the Opposition spokesperson on national security, the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), and the human rights community.

The Government will, from time to time, outline its efforts and demonstrate how effective it has been or explain why, despite its greatest efforts, it has been ineffective.

The Opposition will outline all that the Government and, by extension, the armed forces have done then criticise it, irrespective of the results.

INDECOM will focus its efforts on outlining the police shootings or assaults.

If there is a reduction it will be seen as a result of their input and if there is an escalation it will be said that the police administration is weak and the cops are homicidal.

The human rights groups will treat every shooting as avoidable and a calculated policy of extrajudicial conduct.

The four groups present to the public and, more importantly, the gangs as deeply divided. This needs to change.

The debate among the groups needs to take place behind closed doors. Behind these doors they can debate and quarrel and, if they like, I can supply an assortment of martial arts equipment if they desire to punch it out.

However, when these groups come in front of the public they must be united as one group be-

hind one table with one statement for Jamaicans. The reason for this is that the gangs cannot feel that they have a friend in their corner.

Although the Opposition won’t necessarily treat the gangs as an ally, they don’t come across as being part of the weapon against them. This is normal. Their job is to oppose. That is except when we are in a virtual war with an enemy that is strengthening to a point where they can soon, once again, challenge the armed forces as they did in 2010.

INDECOM has a defined purpose to reduce or eliminate police shootings. This is noble. But even if this is achieved at the expense of the total capitulation of the armed forces, it doesn’t matter. Their job is defined by reduction.

This can’t be an approach, nor can it be acceptable in a case where the enemy is at the gate. But it’s not their fault, really. It’s just their job description.

The human rights groups, by definition, are there to defend the rights of citizens. This should not be limited to State abuses but it certainly should include them. The issue, though, is that the gangs — the same ones that are at the proverbial gate

— may take their actions as support.

So the issue is the enemy. They need to see a united front standing against them. Does it appear to you that we are presenting that?

Then there is that little thing they call a motivated workforce. The armed forces are not that different from any other group. They require motivation to function effectively.

You are asking them to risk losing their lives, endangering their families, exposing themselves to legal issues, including possible incarceration.

Then there is the stress of

court, the boredom of occupation and peacekeeping and lest I forget, the possibility of the loss of United States, Canadian, and United Kingdom visas.

So with all this on the line, are you sure you want to add a division in the bodies of judgement throwing water on police efforts?

The coalition I propose would operate behind closed doors and would still do their jobs. The Opposition would still lobby for what they want to be done; INDECOM would still investigate the incidents and would still report to their bosses overseas and the Parliament; the human rights groups would be free to continue negotiating for the improved rights of citizens, but within the confines of the coalition. This would not stop them from continuing to the point of treason to report to foreign bodies so their funding would continue.

What I am trying to achieve is one voice speaking as a united force to the public, and more importantly, to the gangs that they have no friends in authority to help them.

Why does crime differ from other social issues like education and health? Because crime has an opposing force we call gangs.

When we criticise and attack each other our impact against this enemy is reduced. In fact, the gangs become strengthened.

Every criminal sees INDECOM and the human rights community as their ally. This is a fact. It’s okay in a country where murders are not a staple of our everyday life. Our situation cannot afford this luxury.

Let me put this into perspective. The biggest mass rape in modern human history was carried out by the Russian army after the defeat of Germany in 1945.

An aerial view of the lake in the form of a heart in Rodgau, near Frankfurt, Germany (VOA)

Road accidents have become a scourge

Dear Editor,

Repatriation of Girmitiyas

By Ravi Dev

As we have emphasised, one integral part of the Indenture Contract, was a right to a return passage to India which was guarded jealously. Yet, out of 238,909 Girmitiyas arriving between 1838 and 1917, only 75,547 (32%) were repatriated after serving their indenture period. The first return ships – the Louisa Baille and the Water Ditch left in 1843 with 235 of the 396 who had landed in British Guiana on the Whitby and Hesperus. The last return ship was the Resurgent, which left in 1955 with 243 passengers.

The death rates on the return ships were frequently high and on the Sutlej that left in December 1929 with 920 persons from Jamaica, Trinidad and B Guiana, and arrived in January 1930, 44 died because they were old and the ship was overcrowded. In British Guiana, the planters always resisted paying the return passage because of the cost. They adopted a welter of stratagems to avoid their financial responsibility: the first was to offer a $50 bounty to those who agreed to reindenture, but this was quickly discontinued. In 1895, a law was passed mandating that returnees had to contribute one-fourth of the passage money for males and one-sixth for females. This law was

subsequently amended by Law 2 of 1899, which increased the portion of passage money payable by immigrants by one-half for males and one-third for females. They also offered land in exchange In one early sample period, between1850 and 1869; 5435 adults, 702 children, and 168 infants were repatriated with 379 deaths suffered.

The returning Girmitiyas however, invariably discovered that they had changed significantly during their stay in Guiana and they could not fit in with the India they had left or which some were discovering for the first time. They were fleeced from the moment they stepped off the return ship and the expense of Hindus performing the ceremonies to be reinstated into their community after crossing the Kala Pani (Dark Waters of the ocean) was the final straw. Many returned to the docks where they had returned and tried desperately to raise the money to return to Guiana. A slum developed near the depots of Calcutta at Marienburg where they scraped out a desperate existence. After a while, some philanthropists constructed a home of refuge for them.

In one instance, an individual by the

after a

I pen this letter with a great degree of sadness. Guyana is on a promising developmental trajectory, seen through substantial economic growth and infrastructural advancements. To truly secure our nation’s future, we must preserve our most valuable asset: our human capital. Unfortunately, road accidents have become a scourge, threatening to consistently diminish our already small population with gifted and talented persons capable of adding value to our social and economic advancement.

Road accidents in Guyana have reached alarming levels, with countless lives lost or irreparably altered each year. These incidents devastate families, drain our healthcare resources, and impede economic productivity. If you look carefully, you will observe that there has been a litany of contributory factors to this dilemma. These entail the following:

1. Distracted Driving: This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies while driving. These distractions divert the driver's attention from

the road.

2. Speeding: Driving above the speed limit has been a significant cause of accidents. Speeding reduces the driver's ability to react to sudden changes in the road and increases the severity of accidents.

3. Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, leading to an increased risk of deadly accidents.

4. Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviours such as tailgating, changing lanes abruptly, and disregarding traffic signals amount to stupidity.

5. Ignoring Traffic Signals and Signs: Running red lights, failing to yield, and ignoring stop signs have led to many social collisions.

6. Weather Conditions: While weather is not the driver’s fault, failing to adjust driving behaviour to account for rain has also been instrumental in the causation of fatal accidents.

7. Following Too Closely: Tailgating reduces a driver’s reaction time if the vehicle in front stops suddenly. The last time I checked, the law stated that a car must be 20 feet from the one

A coalition against...

It stands as the biggest disgrace in Russia’s military history. It has not been adequately propagated in history because it would highlight the German people as a victim of at least one atrocity. They were, in fact, a victim of many.

In the build-up to Russia’s march into Berlin everyone knew what was coming and suicides were at mass levels. I see nothing in history of anyone in Germany worrying about the treatment of the approaching army or even the strategy to repel them.

The order of the day was just run because

in front.

One may argue that addressing these causes requires a combination of driver education, law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns, which I firmly believe. However, there comes a time when children become adults and must consequently be responsible for their behaviours by demonstrating a certain degree of discipline. Discipline among drivers is a fundamental element in preventing road accidents. It involves strict adherence to traffic laws, such as obeying speed limits, traffic signals, and lane markings, which helps maintain orderly and predictable traffic flow. Disciplined drivers avoid distractions, such as using mobile phones while driving, and ensure they are sober and well-rested, thus enhancing their focus and reaction times. They practice defensive driving by anticipating

potential hazards and maintaining safe distances from other vehicles. Regular vehicle maintenance, safety practices like seat belt adherence, and respectful behaviour towards other road users further contribute to accident prevention. Ultimately, disciplined driving cultivates a safer road environment, significantly reducing the likelihood of collisions and injuries. Of course, demonstrating such attributes requires adults with a developed brain. Guyana’s path to sustainable development hinges on the health and safety of its people. We must stop the road carnage and injuries now, thereby safeguarding our human capital and ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from our nation’s growth.

Sincerely,

Dr Marcel Hutson

FROM PAGE 4

they are coming to rape and murder.

The group at our gate is far worse than those depraved Russians who participated in the rape of Berlin. There were just more Russians.

In spirit and in conduct the gangs of Jamaica are sheer evil and if they eventually overthrow our Government they will do far worse. This may or may not happen in our future and I hope it doesn’t.

What I know for sure though, is that the division among good men that I am seeing is not helping us to prevent it. (Jamaica Observer)

name of Kainie from the loges of Uitvlugt who returned on the Resurgent wrote to his neighbours

few months, “Send paisa na sa rassi” – send money or send rope to either pay for my passage or hang myself. They did send the money and he returned to De Willem to be taunted for the rest of his life by young boys like myself as “Paisa na sa rassi”!! He would curse something fierce.

Repatriates waving from the MV Resurgent on September 4, 1955 at Sprostons #1 Wharf

Page Foundation

CSEC MATHS

Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the candidate for Dimsville. He is the man who will make all your dreams come true. He is the man who will fulfil all your wishes. He is the man who will stand by you through thick and thin. Our opponents say that he comes from a foreign country and he is not one of you. I must thank them for their kind comments because that is 5 just what you need his exposure to a developed world. He is equipped with the best ideas that will create opportunities for you.

Don't you need steady jobs? And how about a school like that which the other areas have? Yes, my friends. You need to live like valued citizens. Not like oppressed slaves in endless destitution.

Your lives are not a journey into the Promised Land. You wander in a vast wilderness where hostile 10 forces of humanity hound you with relentless cruelty. Your daily bread is sickness and worry, hunger and disease. Your hovels are dens of misery filled with empty hopes and despair. Have you considered the future of the children?

Look at this man; the man who will make your dreams come true; the man who will give you your wishes; the man who cares enough to come to your village.

1. This speech was MOST likely given at a (A) board meeting (B) business meeting (C) political meeting (D) church meeting

2. In the extract, the writer addresses the audience as "you" in order to (A) present himself to the audience (B) distance himself from the audience (C) accuse the audience of failing in their duty (D) make the audience feel he cares about them

3. The speaker suggests that because the

candidate "comes from a foreign country" (lines 3-4) he will (A) not appreciate them (B) leave them at anytime (C) be an advantage to them (D) not represent them well

4. When the speaker says "You need to live like valued citizens" (line 8), he attempts to (A) make the villagers feel good (B) condemn the way the villagers live (C) change the villagers way of life (D) make the villagers feel they are treated well

286% increase in peanut production, 106% increase in legumes in 2023 …Guyana well on its way to being major food exporter – Pres Ali

With the massive increases in the production of various other crops over the past year, President Dr Irfaan Ali has asserted that Guyana is well on its way to being a major food exporter and that the government will continue to make important, strategic investments in agriculture.

The Head of State was at the time addressing the 58th Independence Flag Raising Ceremony held in Region Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice). According to him, these increases will also contribute to Guyana achieving food security domestically.

“We will continue to make these important investments. In agriculture and let me say this. In another two years, we want to ensure that we are the leader in agri-

culture. We are going to be a major food producer for export and we are going to have full sustainability here in Guyana,”

President Ali said.

“What have we seen in 2023? We have seen that in legumes, we had an increase in production of 106 per cent. In peanuts, we increased production by 286 per cent. Coconut production, an increase of 55 per cent.

Ground provision, vegetables, an increase of an average of 218 per cent.

An increase in spice and seasoning of 53 per cent. And 16 per cent increase in fruit production.”

President Ali made it clear, however, that they are not satisfied with these numbers, stressing that the government aims to boost food production even more. This is why, according to the President, the gov-

ernment is now working on building a firstclass regional food hub in Guyana and Region 10 will be critically connected.

There are a number of new crops that are at experimental stages, which Guyana intends to add to its crop production in the coming years. The undertaking of traditional and non-traditional crops is all part of efforts geared towards Guyana and the Caribbean region achieving food security by the year 2025.

For instance, it was announced last month that there had been promising results from onion-cultivation trials and that Guyana is poised to fulfil local onion demand by expanding production at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

The government has already developed 10 acres of land for another trial in onion production, following the success of the first crop. The onion project spans 2.6 acres of land and land space for the project continues to increase. The Brazilian variety of onions, which was imported to reduce the country’s dependence on imports, demonstrated a harvest of about 9.5 tonnes per acre across the 12 beds.

During budget

2024, Finance Minister

Dr Ashni Singh had announced that Government plans to pump $97.6B into agriculture in 2024. This is on the back of a strong performance in agriculture last year.

The sector recorded a growth of seven percent

livestock, fishing, sugar-growing, and forestry.

In delivering his budget presentation, the finance minister noted that huge investments would be made in the subsectors of sugar, rice, other crops, corn and soya, coconut, citrus, and spices; as well

by seven per cent while there was a mere one per cent increase in 2019. The other crops sector grew by 4.1 per cent in 2023, while there was a meagre growth of 0.3 per cent in 2019.

The livestock industry increased by 12.7 per cent in 2023 while

after the sum of $60.4 billion was spent therein for its stimulation and invigoration. The performance is attributed to increases across all sub-sectors; namely, other crops, rice-growing,

as agro-processing, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture.

For 2023, the sugar industry grew by 28 per cent while it declined by 11.8 per cent in 2019. Rice expanded in 2023

2019 recorded a decline of 3.5 per cent. In 2023, Guyana’s fishing industry increased by 37.8 per cent and 25 per cent in the aquaculture sector. (G3)

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Corn and soya bean being cultivated in Tacama

Miner nabbed with ganja in Route 72 minibus

Aminer, who attempted to traffic over two kilograms of marijuana in a Route 72 minibus was nabbed by Police at Mango Landing Police Outpost, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) on Monday.

According to Police, ranks carried out a search of minibus, BAF 4473, which was enroute to Mahdia from Georgetown, driven by “Chowmein” at Mango Landing Police Outpost.

Reports are that there were four passengers in the minibus

The drug that was found in the Route 72 minibus

and a search was carried out on the passengers and their belongings, but nothing illegal was found. However, whilst searching the en-

gine compartment of the bus, two plastic wrapped parcels, which, when removed, were checked and found to contain a quantity of leaves, seeds,

and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The driver and passengers were questioned, and one of the passengers, a 26 years old miner, claimed ownership of the narcotics found, Police said.

The 26-year-old was arrested and he along with the driver and the cannabis were taken to Mahdia Police Station. The drugs were weighed at the station and amounted to 2 kg 035 grams.

The 26-year-old remains in custody pending charges.

GPL ’s customer base surpasses...

The State-owned power company has been experiencing generation shortfalls due to an unprecedented rise in electricity demand coupled with challenges from its aged equipment. In March, two of GPL’s engines failed disrupting power generation across the country.

Before this vessel connected to the grid, GPL was generating

about 165 megawatts of power. The vessel has since been connected to the grid. Currently, GPL is generating enough to meet peak demand, and is aiming to produce at least 265 megawatts of electricity by the end of 2024.

Meanwhile, the gross generation for GPL is expected to grow by 20 per cent per annum between 2024 and 2028,

and the peak demand would grow by 18 per cent per annum. As at May 2024, the peak demand has been recorded at 183 megawatts — the highest for the year.

GPL’s generating capacity is expected to get a major boost next year, when the Gas-to-Energy project comes online. The project is expected to add as much as 300 Mega Watts to the na-

PNC’s...

..Independence?

So, if “independence” was supposed to be better than colonial rule, how come Hoyte had to go with bowl in hand to the IMF that was the guardian of Western Imperialism 23 years after independence to bail us out from the crushing debt burden acquired after independence?? Weren’t the IMF’s conditionalities” for its bailout tantamount to giving up our sovereignty?? Economic freedom is the sine qua non of a State, much less an independent one! What did independence get us? More murders, more banditry, more domestic violence – not to mention leaving us hungry, naked, and homeless!

This PNC lot sold out the rest of the Guyanese who hadn’t supported them – just like some chieftains in Africa sold some folks from other tribes to the pirates!! As Brother Bob said, “Old pirates, yes, they rob I; Sold I to the merchant ships.” Some folks want to forget it was our own who sold us to the pirates to begin with – as our own prophet Walter Rodney showed. But then, Brother Bob also asked – as we should today – “How long shall they kill our prophets,/ While we stand aside and look?” Yet the PNC killed Rodney AFTER Independence!!

tional grid.

The scope of Guyana’s gas-to-energy project consists of the construction of 225 kilometres of pipeline from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil.

It features approximately 200 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore that will run from Liza Destiny and Liza Unity floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to the shore. Upon landing on the West Coast Demerara shore, the pipeline would continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL Plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

In last year’s national budget, the project received a $43.3 billion allocation, in addition to the $24.6 billion injected into the start-up of the transformational project, for construction of the NGL Plant and the 300-megawatt (MW) Combined Cycle Power Plant at Wales, WBD.

This year, a whopping $80 billion was budgeted to advance this project and its associated infrastructure, including transmission and distribution upgrades to offtake the power.

What’s the point of talking about the “rule of law” when Burnham wrote his own constitution that gave him more powers than George!!?? Off with their heads, he would mutter!! Wouldn’t it have been better to keep the British with their laws?? Look how they had to steam into Port Georgetown to warn off Mad Maduro from his machinations to masticate our troops?! !! Whose minds need to be emancipated?

Burnham said the British exploited us economically…which they did! But they trained lawyers of the highest calibre – albeit twisted such as Ramphal, Shahabudeen, et al – who could write the aforementioned constitution for Burnham? What have we produced AFTER Independence? Raphael Trotman?? He’s a shame and disgrace to the legal profession which the British bequeathed to us!! How’d you give away the store when you have such glorious predecessors who showed us how to siphon off all wealth?? Even Burnham knew about the trap of “transfer pricing” when he nationalised bauxite!! So now we have to hire some foreign legal ‘experts’ – most definitely British or American. Some “Independence”!!

But Burnham’s importation of the Trinidadian Carnival takes the cake. He knew that “independence” was a farce he and the Brits cooked up to throw out his bête noir Cheddi and so stressed “Republic Day” – but as a Carnival! Today, even Trinis are complaining about Calypso Tents disappearing in favour of uninhibited alcohol-fuelled sexual displays and frolic. Why don’t we do something Guyanese from now on??

…Mass games?

The PNC says the PPP’s independence bash at Linden was a bust. What did they want? Mass Games like Burnham introduced in 1979, just after he used his ‘sharper steel” to assassinate Walter Rodney?! It was inspired by the North Korean dictator Kim Il-Sung after his visit to that country. According to the N Koreans, Guyana would now be "carrying out socialist construction under the banner of the Juche idea created by the great leader Comrade". “Burnham’s “cooperativism” was analogous to the ‘Juche’ of Kim Il-Sung.

Mass Games were made compulsory for all schoolchildren –- who were forced to march in the sun, perform the “lizard crawl”, etc, to repel “invaders”. No wonder our education system collapsed! What pleased Burnham more than anything was the excuse to introduce the “backdrop panorama” to the games on the field. Thousands of schoolchildren would move perfectly synchronised coloured cards to produce a “scene”. In the first Mass Games of 1980 – with Rodney’s assassination in the offing –Burnham’s face was the first panorama!!

So, what did the PNC want at Linden?? A panorama of Norton’s face?

…meltdown?

The implosion of leadership in the PNC has been so intense we have the equivalent of a “Black Hole” – no pun intended –formed. No one will go near them for fear of disappearing forever!!

Nestlé seeking local partnership to package products in Guyana

…to be branded as ‘Nestlé Guyana’

Global food and beverage conglomerate, Nestlé is engaging several local private sector companies with the hope of fostering a partnership which will see the company of choice

publication that the goods canned here will be branded as ‘Nestlé Guyana’.

While it was not disclosed what goods exactly the company wants Guyana to brand and

packaging its goods.

This is according to Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, who recently told this

distribute on the local market, Nestlé products ranges from Cereals, Coffee, Maggi and the Milo milk powder.

Dr Ramsaroop said the initiative is being un-

dertaken to streamline the company’s operations even as it expands its business across the country, given that Guyana remains an integral part of its market.

“They are (Nestlé), in Guyana, meeting with us, seriously looking for partners that can work with them, that can use some of their goods in Guyana, branded Nestle Guyana. So, we are looking across the board for folks like Chief, who is doing the Parika packaging facility, other areas that can move into a partnership with Nestlé, and not just Nestlé bringing in their products to package in Guyana, but then they may want to start packaging some of our materials,”

Ramsaroop explained that the opportunity,

Men who helped woman being beaten by partner in bar stabbed

…1 received over 6 stab wounds, other stabbed to hand

Two men, who attempted to save a woman, who was being beaten by her partner in a city bar, are now hospitalised after they were stabbed by the angry man.

Injured are Leroy Goriah, 46, of Ketley Street, Albouystown, Georgetown and Alonzo Mc Lean, 48, of Independence Boulevard, Georgetown Reports are that the men were at the GT Bar located at High Bridge, La Penitence, Georgetown at about 21:00h on Saturday when they when saw the 34-year-old suspect beating his 29-year-old girlfriend outside the bar.

Injured: Leroy Goriah

picked up by public spirited citizens and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter Ramsaroop

once garnered, will aid in Guyana Government’s vision of becoming the region’s agro-processing hub.

“Guyana would like to own the region when it comes to agriculture, when it comes to manufacturing because of our energy costs going down. We want to be able to demonstrate that we have the capacity. Why

sell a pineapple for $500 at the Bourda market or whatever it is, and that same pineapple is sold in Grenada for US $10. If we can that, we can have 10 cans of pineapple from that one pineapple. That's the shift that the President is moving to in terms of the whole agro-processing and manufacturing industry,”.

Police on Sunday said that the men intervened to help the woman but the suspect drew a knife from his pants waist and dealt the men several stabs about their body before making good his escape on foot in an eastern direction.

Police said that Goriah's condition is listed as critical, and Alonzo’s condition is stable. Goriah received five stab wounds to his back measuring about six inches each, one to his right-side chest causing his right-side lungs to collapse, and several stabs to his right hand, while Mc Lean received one stab wound to his left side upper back in the vicinity of his shoulder.

Goriah and Mc Lean, a horse cart operator, were

Checks were made at the suspect’s James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown home and surrounding areas but he has not been found.

16 plant operators to enhance water supply management across Guyana

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has conducted a one-year training program for 16 plant operators at level one and 25 operators at level two, from the regions across the country. The program aimed to equip the operators with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate and maintain water supplies effectively.

The first batch of trainees, consisting of both new recruits and level two operators, underwent a comprehensive training curriculum that included theoretical studies, plant site visits, quiz-

zes, and practical assignments.

In his address at the ceremony earlier this month, GWI's CEO, Shaik Baksh, emphasised the significance of continuous training for staff members, citing the growing demand for diverse skills in the industry. He encouraged the officers to seize opportunities to further their education and career growth, emphasising the importance of their roles in managing the country's water supply.

Baksh highlighted the crucial role played by plant operators, consider-

ing the increasing number of treatment plants under GWI's management. Currently overseeing 28 treatment plants with seven more in progress, GWI recognises the pivotal contribution of skilled personnel in delivering safe and sustainable water services to the community.

Executive Director of Human Resources, Elvis Jordon emphasised the company's commitment to investing in its employees, stating, "We as a company need you, and that's why we invest in you." He reiterated the significance of the train-

ing program in aligning with the government’s mandate to construct additional treatment plants, underscoring the collective effort needed to uphold water supply standards across the nation.

It was noted that plant operators are mostly male dominated, however at this ceremony a few females also gradu-

ated in this field, the best graduating student being Mr. Teddy Sukhdeo, who is now being promoted to a supervisor. Deputy Chairman of GWI Board, Dharamkumar Seeraj, congratulated the operators since the knowledge gained will aid in the process of delivering quality water which will be leaving the treatment plant.

The successful com-

pletion of this training program signifies GWI's dedication to enhancing workforce capabilities and ensuring operational excellence in managing water supplies nationwide. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting employee development and meeting the evolving demands of the water industry.

Some of the persons who underwent the one-year training programme

“We want all of you, like Guyana, to rise together”

– Pres Ali to Susannah's Rust, Dora residents

…communities to become major producers of pepper & honey

The communities

of Susannah's Rust and Dora in the Demerara River, off the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, will soon become major producers of peppers and honey as the Guyana Government moves to develop acres of fertile land currently untapped.

This commitment was made by President Dr Irfaan Ali during meetings with residents of the villages on Saturday.

Susannah's Rust holds a population of approximately 120 villagers while Dora has some 200 residents who farms and sell their produce to local markets.

During his visits to the Demerara River communities over the weekend, Ali underscored the need to expand agriculture, specifically the production of bull nose and tiger teeth peppers as well as honey, which he noted Guyana has a ready market for and has proven to be lucrative industries.

Recently, the Head

of State announced plans to establish a national honey bank to enhance the efficiency and quality of honey production, while maximising the country’s economic potential.

He explained that both Susannah's Rust and Dora will play a major role in Guyana reaching its full potential, and to ensure this, government will commence work for the clearing of lands soon.

Each farmer in the respective areas will identify two acres of their land for this initiative, and agricultural inputs such as planting materials and seedlings

will be provided to them, as well as technical support.

“We are making the investment because we believe in the potential of your community, we believe in the potential of all of you, we care about all of you and we want all of you, like Guyana to rise together. We want to invest so that we can give you the best opportunity possible, so that we can create avenues through which we can better serve you,” President Ali said.

According to President Ali, the Guyana government sees an opportunity to

utilise land, and encouraged residents, like those in other Demerara River communities, to set up shade houses to tap into viable markets and increase their disposable income.

He said that government will assist with the capital investment and training to ensure that these ventures take off in the community

“We are ready to train the women in your community in beekeeping, we are ready to invest the safety equipment for those women, invest in the hives, and build an industry around beekeeping in this river and other riverine communities,” the

Guyanese Leader underscored.

Further, to ease their transportation woes, President Ali said that the government will look into procuring cargo boats.

“We are already discussing the possibilities of maybe investing in two cargo boats for the Demerara River so we can help the small and medium size persons to take their produce to the market, take it more to agro-processing but these are the things that we are thinking about,” he added.

Agriculture budget

The total of $97.6 billion allocated through

the National Budget for agricultural development in Guyana, and a huge part of that allocation will be spent on drainage, irrigation and food production as government moves to achieve Vision 25 by 25.

Out of that allocation, $1.3 billion goes to the rice sub-sector, $78 million to the coconut sub-sector, $2.6 billion to advance the production of other crops including high-value produce like cauliflower, peppers and lettuce, and $967.8 million, to further develop the Tacama facility where corn and soya is being produced.

Additionally, government will continue to support the agro-processing industry through training for farmers, providing storage facilities and expanding market opportunities.

In this regard, $527.4 million was allocated for agro-processing purposes while $1.2 billion was allocated for aquaculture and fisheries.

(G1)

Guyana leading kidney transplant country within Caricom - Dr Ramsammy

With the government exhausting billions into Guyana’s health sector, it has now become the leading kidney transplant country within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This is according to Advisor to the Health Minister and Guyana’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Dr Leslie Ramsammy.

In this regard Dr Ramsammy underscored that with the health of citizens being the number one priority Guyana has made significant strides in making more medications and modern services are becoming available particularly for people suffering from kidney diseases.

“Guyana has recently upped its own game

Ramsammy during a recent edition of the health ministry’s ‘Health Matters’ programme highlighted that each year more than 10 percent of the global population is affected by chronic kidney disease however public health entities continue to neglect this important problem. “I would like to call on public health agencies, ministries of health, World Health Organisation (WHO) and other public health entities to up their game, we need more attention on kidney disease, it is a major health problem but just like HIV in the 1980’s we continue to neglect this important problem,” he stated.

when it comes to kidney replacement therapy this is what people generally know as dialysis and kidney transplant, we have become the leading kidney transplant country in CARICOM and in 2024 we are expanding the programme and making it a center of ex-

cellence” he stated.

In March, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) became the first locally certified kidney transplant center by the country’s Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA).

However, Ramsammy

noted that kidney replacement therapy such as dialysis and kidney transplants are last resorts. In this regard he noted that health officials have to identify people with kidney diseases or those at risk early.

“Testing like HbA1c, albumin creatinine ratio etc. should not only be for those who are already sick but we should identify populations that are at risk and test them regularly” he stated. Additionally, Ramsammy highlighted the increase in access for dialysis treatment for patients. This comes in the form of the $600,000 subvention that the government provides annually for each person who is in need of dialysis treatment.” Currently the government provides every citizen in need of dialysis with a subvention of $600,000 annually, this does not include the testing that we provide for each patient which brings the subsidy to more than a million dollars per year” he stated.

The advisor noted that, to keep the country on track with the achievement of leading CARICOM in kidney transplant surgeries, the ministry is in the process of not only rolling out medications such as the HbA1C to persons who are already diagnosed with the disease but also implementing it within the primary healthcare system.

Land in the community of Dora

President Dr Irfaan Ali alongside residents of Susannah's Rust (DPI photo)

Journey to re-election: Toshao discusses journey to become a leader

By Misheal henry

With the highly anticipated election for village Toshao set for June 14 in Pakuri Village (St Cuthbert's Mission), the current Toshao, 36-yearold Timothy Andrews, has shared his journey to becoming a respected leader.

He also unveiled his exciting plans for the hopeful upcoming tenure, promising continued progress and innovation for the community in hopes of being re-elected as village Toshao.

Peeling back the pages of this young leader's journey, Guyana Times caught up with Andrews, who recounted that his path began in 2015 when the former Toshao at that time, Lennox Schuman, and now former deputy speaker, invited him to serve as a counselor.

Initially hesitant, Andrews declined, wishing to avoid involvement in village politics, which seemed potentially contentious. However, on Nomination Day, Andrews was nominated for the counselor position and ultimately accepted the role.

During the early period of holding the position of counselor, Andrews remained ambivalent about the responsibilities. Over time, however, a burning furnace of purpose began to grow within the young leader.

Andrews realised the significant impact that could be made through dedicated representation, not only for the indigenous persons within his village but also for people across the country.

According to Andrews this newfound motivation ignited a passion for broader advocacy and community improvement within him.

“But then after some time when I was elected, there was something that started to spark in me in terms of, you know

what, I think I can do this. I can, you know, take up the mantra and, you know, make the necessary representation for my people, for my village,” he confidently revealed.

As counselor, Andrews’ commitment further extended beyond local issues, focusing on representing and addressing the needs of communities nationwide. This journey of leadership was not entirely unexpected; from a young age, peers and mentors recognised Timothy's leadership potential, as he was often chosen to captain various sports teams. “I had a lot of persons who would have, you know, seen me as a leader, like put me to captain teams, cricket team, football team, volleyball team, you know, so I think from ever since, persons would have seen that probably I had the capability or the potential from since then,” he revealed.

This early recognition of leadership capabilities laid the foundation for Andrews’ current role of Toshao which fell upon him mere years later after residents saw the spark of greatness within the young leader, driving a commitment to serve and represent the broader community effectively.

Though Andrews is relatively young, many would be shocked by the hurdles and accomplishments he has undertaken during his tenure. Under his leadership, he has made sig-

nificant progress in the past three years in terms of Guyana’s culture and tourism, which he is very proud to mention.

“One of the other areas that we really invest a lot of our time and funds in as well is sports. For the past three years, we have been able to produce a large number of football teams. The female football team and both of our male football teams have been a part of the ranking in terms of ranking in the country as well,” he gladly stated, adding that there are a lot of activities that the Toshao council has created for young people, which is just evident of what is next to come for the next years in terms of sports and in terms of these different things.

Amidst his burning desire, the young leader expressed that various challenges he experienced stating that many persons do not realise the difficulties of the role.

“There are a lot of challenges that come with the position of Toshao and one of those challenges, or a few of those challenges, are financial challenges. Especially if you are a family guy like me, it comes with that challenge because Toshaos don't receive a salary; they basically receive a stipend."

He also added that another challenge he has faced while being a Toshao is taking care of his mental health, as many persons do not realise the strain of this while leading.

“One of the challenges a lot of people take for granted is mental challenges that these Toshaos or myself would go through at some time, you know, because there are a lot of responsibilities and you are not really trained to be a Toshao. You just develop this passion for your people, you know, to lead them.”

When asked about his future goals that

he wishes to implement if he is re-elected as Toshao, Andrews expressed that he plans to continue efforts to enhance the agricultural sector and tourism sector within his community of St. Cuthbert's Mission/ Pakuri Village, and he also plans on engaging the residents more.

Voting for the leadership of Toshao within the St. Cuthbert's Mission/ Pakuri Village will be held on June 14.

Toshao Timothy Andrews

A section of Pakuri Village (St Cuthbert's Mission) (Timothy Andrews photo)

President Dr Irfaan Ali interacting with residents of Victory Valley, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) during his recent visit to Linden for Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary celebrations (President Ali’s social media page photos)

Amended Sexual Offences Bill 2024 Establishment of sex offenders’ registry proposed; fingerprints, DNA profile to

be

included …Guyanese sex offenders outside of Guyana to be registered upon entry into country

Arevision of the Sexual Offences Act 2010 has resulted in a number of proposals aimed at modernising the legislation, including the establishment of a National Sex Offender Database, something which has long been touted by local advocates.

As part of the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB)-funded Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) Project being executed by the Attorney General’s Chambers and Legal Affairs Ministry, a consultant was retained to review and conduct a legal gap analysis of the sexual offences legislative regime in Guyana, including but not limited to, the Sexual Offences Act 2010.

The consultant has completed its tasks and has submitted draft amendments to the Sexual Offences Act 2010, now referred to as “the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill 2024.”

Among the proposed amendments is the establishment of a National Sex Offender Database, which shall contain over 30 personal details about the offender including their name and all former names, date and place of birth, sex, nationality, main as well as secondary addresses, place of employment, national identification card, their height, weight and physical description, offences committed, including their respective dates as well as convictions and penalties imposed, acquittals or pardons.

It is proposed that the database also include the

licence plate number of the vehicle for which the offender has regular control or use, or which he owns or operates as well as a description of the vehicle. The names and ages of children residing in the same dwelling house in which the offender is residing as well as the name, address and contact information for the offender’s next of kin are also to be included in the database, according to the proposed amendments.

The name, address and contact information of any club, association or organisation whose membership includes children and with which the offender is affili-

ated is also proposed to be included in the database.

Fingerprints, DNA profile compiled from sample taken from the offender, medical history including information on any communicable diseases contracted by the offender, photograph, information on the IP address of any device regularly used by the offender as well as their email addresses are proposed to be included in the database.

The revised act outlines that the Commissioner of Police, shall with the approval of the minister, maintain the database and ensure that the information entered into the database is in accordance with the law and is accurate.

It is further proposed that the database shall not be accessible to the public however, only certain persons, as outlined in the act, may apply for access to the database.

Meanwhile, the proposed updates to the act also outline that where a sex offender has appealed his conviction, the Court shall withhold making a determination on whether the sex offender shall register, pending the completion of the appeal.

On the other hand, the proposals outline that “where a person is convicted of an enterable Offence…the Court shall order that the person report to a police station… for the purposes of registering as a registered sex offender.”

However, before making that determination, a number of factors should be taken into account including the findings of a mental assessment report, the nature and gravity of the offence, the risk of reoffending, whether the victim was a child or a person with a mental disorder, among others.

Outside of Guyana

The amendments also cater for Guyanese sex offenders outside of Guyana to be registered upon entry into the country.

It states, “where a citizen of Guyana or a resident does an act in a country outside Guyana which, if it were done in Guyana, would constitute an enterable offence under this Act, he shall be required to comply with the provisions of this Part on entry into Guyana.”

“The Chief Immigration Officer shall inform the Commissioner of Police of the name and secondary address of any sex offender…within 48 hours of the entry of the sex offender into Guyana.”

The proposals also include provisions for the police to be notified of discharge of sex offender.

It states that the Commissioner of Police shall, within two months before the discharge of a sex offender, cause a designated officer to attend the prison to interview the sex offender and collect certain information.

That officer shall also be responsible for inform-

ing the sex offender of his duty to report to the police station nearest, within seven calendar days of his discharge from the prison.

A sex offender who, without reasonable excuse, fails to report to a police station has committed an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and to imprisonment for one year.

Additionally, the amended law outlines that within four months of the discharge of a sex offender from a prison, the Commissioner of Prisons shall notify the Commissioner of Police, in writing, of the date of discharge of the sex offender from the prison.

The Commissioner of Police is also tasked with informing the victim and his family of the impending release of the sex offender, within one month of receiving the information.

Additionally, according to the proposals, a registered sex offender who fails to inform a designated officer of any change in any of the information in the national database commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and to imprisonment for one year.

Sexual grooming

Meanwhile, the number of enterable offences were broadened to include sexual grooming, voyeurism, and sex with an animal.

The full Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill 2024 can be accessed at the Ministry of Legal Affairs’ website and the public has been given 21 days to submit feedback. According to a statement from the Attorney General’s Chambers on Monday, “in keeping with the Government’s policy to consult on important legislation, we invite your recommendations, proposals/ amendments to be submitted to agchambersmola@ gmail.com.”

GNBS seizes some 160 unapproved scales

The Guyana

National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has seized some 160 unapproved and unverified measuring scales. This seizure was undertaken during an inspection by the GNBS Legal Metrology Department, which conducted surveillance exercises at shops and markets countrywide to ensure that measuring

these impromptu surveillance visits were conducted in markets in the city and its environs, including those at Stabroek, Bourda, Kitty, Ruimveldt, Plaisance and Mon Repos.

Following this seizure, the GNBS has urged that these scales are not designed for commercial trade as their internal parts cannot withstand the rigours of

instruments used in retail trade were verified.

Commencing in May,

frequent use. As a result, these domestic scales easily be-

come inaccurate, depriving consumers and even users themselves.

Alternatively, the GNBS recommends that vendors and shopkeepers use verified electronic scales, equal Arm (Red scales) and platform scales to weigh goods offered for sale.

To ensure measuring instruments are verified, consumers are urged to check for the GNBS approved seal which should be affixed to the measuring instrument.

For the remainder of the first half of the year, GNBS inspectors will continue surveillance exercises at shops and markets across the country to remove all unapproved and unverified measuring instruments from retail trade to protect consumers.

The GNBS said that it intends to take a stronger stance to deal with malpractice in the marketplace so that con-

Health Minister elected VP at World Health Assembly

Hsumers can get accurate weights and value for their money.

Consumers were advised that the GNBS does not verify (stamp) the unapproved domestic dial scales as they were designed for domestic/ household use only. These scales do not measure solely using the metric units, which is legally acceptable for trade in Guyana.

Only a mere week ago Head of Legal Metrology Department at GNBS, Shailendra Rai revealed that a major challenge in which the GNBS has been facing is that persons are using illegal scales which are posing a risk to vendors’ customers and or themselves.

“One of the Major challenges that we are experiencing right now is the use of the imperial system, the metric system is the only legal system of measurement and forces are required to use that system but what we find primarily, retail sector forces are still trying to facilitate them to get a product sold they would try to weigh in imperial quantities and in doing so they could be robbing

the consumers,” he highlighted.

Meanwhile, he also highlighted that amidst the seizing that has been undertaken, the bureau has recorded a vast influx of vendors requesting the bureau to confirm the of validity of their scales.

“Now persons are actually approaching the bureau requesting verification we don't really have to go out there to them they're actually approaching the bureau so that's one plus I would like to highlight,” he revealed.

The GNBS has sent a strong reminder to vendors, shopkeepers and other retailers who continue to use the unap-

proved dial scales for trade. This comes at a time where consumers are making complaints to the Bureau regarding unjust weights for products they have received during purchases from this type of scale.

The scales which are approved for trade include electronic scales, red equal arm scales, platform scales and the salter brand hanging dial scales. These devices should be weighing in metric qualities and verified by the GNBS. During the ongoing verification exercise, these scales are stamped by the GNBS to indicate that they are approved for use.

Consumers are also reminded that they have the right to demand that items they have purchased be weighed using approved weighing devices, which carried a verification seal or sticker. Further, if consumers have complaints regarding weights and measures used at shops, stores, or markets, they can report such by messaging the GNBS via WhatsApp: 692-GNBS (4627). (G2)

Assembly, which is the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Key responsibilities include the assisting of the President of the WHA in conducting meetings and ensuring that discussions proceed smoothly and efficiently.

The WHA is the decision-making body of the WHO. It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board.

Police probing death of 2 men

Police in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) are investigating the death of a 74-year-old pensioner.

Dead is Hannif Khan of Byderabo Road, Bartica, Region Seven.

Reports are that the man was found lying in his yard with blood oozing from his nostrils on Saturday.

and escorted to Bartica Regional Hospital where a doctor pronounced him dead on arrival.

Inquiries revealed that Khan lived alone at Byderabo Road and suffered from a lung infection and hypertension. He was a regular patient at the Bartica Regional Hospital.

Bacchus, 49.

The police in a release said they received a call from an anonymous caller by telephone stating that the body of a male was seen lying motionless at Fourth Street, Montrose.

The theme of this year's Health Assembly is, “All for Health, Health for All.”

The vice president of the WHA plays a supportive and collaborative role in the governance of the

ealth Minister Dr Frank Anthony was on Monday elected the First Vice President at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland. This appointment as Vice President came on the heels of the 77th World Health Assembly which is being held in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 27 to June 1.

The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the organisation, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget.

The Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.

According to the police, a 16-year-old of Byderabo, who was on his way home, saw the pensioner laying in front of his home motionless.

The police were contacted and upon arrival, the ranks found the motionless body of the handyman bare footed clad in a shirt and a three-quarters pants.

The body bore no marks of violence and was placed into a vehicle

The body was placed in the hospital's mortuary to be transported to Georgetown for post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), the body of an unemployed man was on Monday found lying motionless at Fourth Street Montrose, East Coast Demerara, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

The discovery was made at about 12:40h. Dead is Zaheer Karim

The police patrol responded and found the body of a man lying motionless clad in black shorts.

A physical check was done on the body, and no marks of violence were seen. The Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) were summoned, and a doctor pronounced Bacchus dead.

The body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting post-mortem examination. Investigations are ongoing.

Shailendra Rai

Dr Frank Anthony at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland

$60M water distribution network at Karisparu 60 per cent completed – Croal

…Govt to build 10 homes for vulnerable individuals in village

Karisparu, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), is set to benefit from the Government’s Hinterland Housing and Hinterland Water Supply Programmes as the Housing and Water ministry implement a new water distribution system for residents. The establishment of this water distribution system is part of the government’s efforts to achieve 100% access to potable water in the hinterland by 2025.

Housing Minister, Collin Croal, and Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai met with villagers last week to discuss developments in the area, following a separate memorial service to commemorate the Mahdia School Dorm Fire.

According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, Croal said that in 2020, only about 40 per cent of Region Eight had access to potable water. For Karisparu, the min-

ister noted that the drilling of a well in the village was initially planned last year. However, logistical challenges arose due to the village’s geographical location, making it difficult to transport the heavy drilling rig. In the interim, $60 million was allocated for a trestle and catchment system with distribution networks, following consultations with villagers. According to the DPI report, he further noted that with better access to the area due to the reopening of the airstrip, the contractor will be able to transport more materials into the area. Residents were informed that more water tanks will be added to the two tanks currently in the system. The minister highlighted to residents that overall, a total of $60 million was invested into developing the new water distribution system which is set to be completed by June. “We then put in the trestle system where we are investing about $60 million overall…We are putting in a catchment to catch the water from your creek and then, we will run the distribution system. We are about 60 per cent

works completed…By the mid-June, we will implement that completely,” he stated.

Croal emphasised that the expansion of the water supply coverage prioritises areas with schools, health centers, and other public buildings before extending to individual home connections. Additionally, the minister stated that despite implementation of the new water distribution system he still intends on drilling a well in the area to help further bolster the water distribution system.

Overall, a total of $1.5 billion has been budgeted

to improve water services in the hinterland regions for 2024.Over the past three and a half years, some $526 million has been spent to advance water access in region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

The investment is expected to increase to some $650 million by the end of this year. It was noted that with these investments, the region’s water coverage will move to about 90 per cent by the end of the year.

Meanwhile under the Hinterland Housing Programme, Croal announced that consultations will begin for the construction of 10 homes

in Karisparu. The Village Council and residents will play a key role in identifying the most vulnerable individuals in the village to receive these homes. Other communities set to benefit from the housing programme will be identified later this year. The Hinterland Housing Program aims to construct homes in Regions One (BarimaWaini), Seven(CuyuniMazaruni), Eight (PotaroSiparuni), and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). Several homes have already been completed and handed over to families in Regions One and Nine.

Syphilis cases increase in the Americas - PAHO

New syphilis cases among adults aged 15-49 years increased by 30% between 2020 and 2022 in the Americas, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report, Implementing the global health sector strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections, 2022–2030.

Syphilis, a bacterial, sexually transmitted infection, is a preventable and curable disease, but cases have escalated globally by over 1 million in 2022, reaching a total of 8 million. The Americas currently face the highest incidence worldwide, with 3.37 million cases (or 6.5 cases per 1000 people), accounting for 42% of all new cases.

nancy, leading to severe complications such as miscarriage, fetal death, premature delivery, low birth weight, congenital anomalies, lesions in organs such as the liver, spleen and bones, as well as neurological damage.

“Eliminating syphilis and congenital syphilis is achievable, but it demands a comprehensive approach that addresses the high prevalence of syphilis among the general population, protecting everyone,” PAHO Director,

The rise in syphilis infections can be attributed to several factors, including insufficient awareness about the disease, disparities in access to healthcare services and in diagnostics and treatment, and the persistent stigma around sexually transmitted diseases, which may deter individuals from seeking medical assistance.

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, said. “Countries must reaffirm their political commitment and accelerate efforts to end this preventable and curable disease,” he added. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health issues, including brain and cardiovascular diseases. Many people with syphilis do not have symptoms or do not notice them. Rapid screening tests enable prompt treatment. Correct and consistent use of condoms during sex can prevent syphilis. Syphilis can also be transmitted during preg-

The report released this week by WHO also highlights a rise in cases among pregnant women. In the region, the percentage of pregnant women with syphilis increased by 28% in the past two years.

This trend has translated into an increase in congenital syphilis, reaching an estimated 4.98 cases per 1,000 live births in 2022, significantly surpassing the WHO target of 0.5 cases per 1000 live births. That year an estimated 68,000 babies were born with syphilis in the region.

"We must bolster prenatal care services to ensure universal syphilis testing for every pregnant woman and prompt adequate treatment for those testing positive, and their sexual partners to achieve the elimination of congenital syphilis by 2030," Dr. Sylvain Aldighieri, Director of PAHO's Department for the Prevention, Control and Elimination of Communicable Diseases, said.

PAHO works with countries in the Americas to strengthen surveillance and build capacity among health care workers in the areas of prenatal care services for syphilis and congenital syphilis. The Organization also engages with communities and civil society to raise awareness and advocacy for the elimination of these conditions. Both syphilis and congenital syphilis are included in PAHO's Elimination Initiative, targeting the elimination of 30 diseases and conditions by 2030.

Regionally, WHO has certified 11 countries and territories for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis since 2015.

PAHO recommends that countries continue to raise public awareness of syphilis, including its transmission routes and preventive measures. This entails offering rapid tests for early diagnosis and ensuring timely and appropriate treatment with penicillin to effectively cure the infection, thus averting disease transmission and potential complications.

Housing Minister Collin Croal

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam meD, enDocrinology

Razor bumps are ingrown hairs that develop after shaving or using other hair removal techniques. The medical term for razor bumps is pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).

HEALTH TIPS

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF RAZOR BUMPS

manage them.

• Stop shaving

A person may choose to stop shaving for a time to allow razor bumps to gradually disappear. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), new razor bumps may continue to appear for a while after stopping shaving as new hairs emerge. However, the bumps should disappear after around three months.

• Use salicylic acid

that plug the pores and keep hairs trapped inside. These types of skin care scrub may contain sugar, salt, ground fruit pits, or tiny beads. Scrubs may remove debris and free ingrown hairs by physically sloughing off dead skin cells.

However, some scrubs

also help prevent razor bumps and acne. If OTC methods do not help, a doctor may prescribe medication. This could be a stronger retinoid, such as tretinoin (Retin-A).

• Try another hair removal technique

Shaving is the hair removal method most like-

• Use moisturising shaving cream or gel and leave on for 1-2 minutes before shaving.

• Ensure the shaving cream is wet when starting to shave, or else rinse the skin and apply more liberally.

• Avoid skin-care products that contain irritating ingredients, such as artificial fragrances, which could make inflammation worse.

Activities that increase the risk include:

• Shaving close to the skin

• Shaving under the jawline or on the face and neck

Ingrown hairs develop when hair grows back into the skin rather than up and out. The hair may curl and turn inward after shaving, waxing, or plucking. As the new skin cells grow over the hair, they can become trapped and cause a bump to form. Razor bumps can develop anywhere a person shaves or removes hair, including the face, head, legs, armpits, and pubic area.

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that unclogs pores, sloughs off dead skin cells and treats inflammation, allowing razor bumps to heal. Salicylic acid can also help treat acne, according to the AAD, so it may be a good option for individuals with both acne and razor bumps. Various products contain salicylic acid, such as cleansers, toners, lotions, and peels.

• Try glycolic acid

Like salicylic acid, glycolic acid helps the skin peel by removing old cells from the sur-

Various treatments can help remove or manage razor bumps. These include using salicylic acid, gently brushing the skin, and applying a warm washcloth. Preventive measures may also help.

TREATMENT

Nothing can make razor bumps go away instantly, but various strategies can help remove or

face of the skin. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid. Glycolic acid reduces the curvature of the hair and lessens the risk of re-entering the skin. It speeds up the skin’s natural sloughing process, which is why a glycolic acid product can help remove razor bumps and give the skin a smoother appearance.

A glycolic acid chemical peel may help manage razor bumps.

• Try face scrubs Sometimes, a mechanical or physical scrub can remove dead skin cells

may irritate those with sensitive skin. They may not be suitable for use when a person’s skin has become inflamed or irritated.

Gently brush the skin

A soft brush can help remove dead skin cells and debris that clog the pores and guide hairs out of the pores to stop them from becoming trapped. Brushing can also help train the hair to grow in a single direction, making ingrown hairs less likely. A person may use a skin care brush, a soft-bristle face brush, or a soft toothbrush.

• Use a warm washcloth

Applying a warm, wet washcloth to the skin can help soften the skin and draw the ingrown hairs out, especially when a person combines it with another option, such as brushing. Other options include steaming the area in a hot shower or sauna.

• Consider medical treatment

A doctor or pharmacist may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) creams, serums, and cleansers containing steroids to reduce inflammation and manage infection. A mild retinoid can

ly to lead to razor bumps, so one option is to try a different technique. Hair removal creams, or depilatories, dissolve the hair and reduce the risk of razor bumps. However, they contain chemicals that can irritate the skin. A person should not use these products if their skin is already inflamed or sensitive.

Laser hair removal is a longer-term option, but it can be expensive. A person may need several treatment sessions with a dermatologist, but the hair tends to grow back finer and lighter than before.

PREVENTION

Taking various steps before shaving may help reduce the risk of razor bumps.

• Cleanse the skin with a noncomedogenic product. These can help clear pores and remove excess skin cells from the surface. Noncomedogenic products do not tend to clog pores.

• Shave only when the skin is very wet, either during or immediately after a shower. Alternatively, place a warm, wet towel on the area for 5 minutes before shaving.

• Modifying the shaving technique may also help prevent razor bumps. It may be beneficial to do the following:

• Avoid a close shave. Instead, leave the hair 0.5–3 millimetres long.

• Use a single-blade razor or an electric razor with a variable setting to allow for a longer cut.

• Shave slowly, following the direction of hair growth.

• Avoid pulling the skin tight while shaving.

• Avoid repeating strokes in one area or holding the razor too close to the skin. It is also important to take care of the skin after shaving. The following steps may help:

• Rinse off all traces of shaving cream with warm water to reduce the risk of irritation.

• Place a cool compress on the skin for 5 minutes.

• Apply an aftershave formulated to prevent razor bumps.

• Clean and dry the razor and store it in a dry place.

• Change the blade to a single-use razor every 5–7 shaves. If none of these measures help or if symptoms are severe, it is best to contact a doctor for advice.

• Plucking hairs in the armpits, in the pubic area, or on the legs

• Individual factors can also make razor bumps more likely, such as having:

• Skin folds or scar tissue in areas where people remove hair, as they enable hair of any type to re-enter the skin.

• Tightly curling hair

Hair that grows in different directions

• Coarse hair

• Specific genetic feature involving keratin in the hair follicle.

COMPLICATIONS

Razor bumps can lead to:

Acne-like eruptions on the skin

Skin papules that may be red or the same colour as a person’s skin

Itching and tenderness

In some cases, bleeding when shaving. Sometimes, an infection can develop, which is known as folliculitis barbae.

Other complications that can arise include: Abscesses

Changes in skin colour following inflammation

Scarring, including keloid scarring. Symptoms may be more severe in people with eczema or dermatitis.

If home remedies do not work, it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, to discuss other options. They may recommend prescription skin creams and other treatments.

Research suggests that males of African descent are more susceptible to razor bumps than other people. In addition, razor bumps commonly affect the groin area of females from all populations.

Regional

French Navy seizes 2.4 tonnes of cocaine from Atlantic fishing boat

The French navy has seized 2.4 tonnes of cocaine from a Venezuelan fishing boat in the Atlantic, authorities said Monday.

Kidnapped man running for Mayor in Mexico found alive

AThe boat, the crew and the cocaine were handed over to Venezuelan authorities, the department said in a Facebook post.

The military department said it had now

Acting on a tipoff from the customs department, a helicopter from the frigate Ventose landed a team on the fishing boat about 1,500 kilometres northeast of the Caribbean Island of Martinique, France’s Caribbean Armed Services department said.

seized more than 12 tonnes of narcotics this year. The Caribbean is taking on growing importance in the trafficking of cocaine from South America to Europe and North America.

The 22.7 tonnes of cocaine intercepted in the region in 2022 was more than five times the figure of a decade earlier. (AFP)

Caribbean leader blasts 'empty' climate promises at small islands summit

The president of this decade's summit for Small Island Developing States on Monday blasted "empty" and "grossly inadequate" climate pledges, saying wealthy nations have failed to meet obligations to limit damages from carbon emissions.

Small island states across the Pacific, Atlantic and Caribbean, with negligible emissions, are particularly vulnerable to economic crises and rising temperatures due to their exposure to natural disasters, high debt and reliance on imports and tourism.

The Atlantic hurricane season, starting in June is expected to be more active than usual due to near-record warm Atlantic Ocean temperatures and cooler surface water in the Pacific.

"It is not sufficient for nations to simply make empty and grossly inadequate commitments under the Paris Agreement," conference president and Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said, citing a 2015 treaty to limit emissions and prevent temperatures rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This threshold is seen

as a tipping point for more severe and irreversible climate events. Scientists have warned that without aggressive action the planet is on track to warm between 2.5C and 2.9C.

Browne called for more climate financing, a global carbon tax on oil companies, an end to fossil fuel subsidies and a faster transition to renewable energy sources. He urged rich nations to honor a pledge to send $100 billion a year to poorer countries to help reduce emissions and mitigate extreme weather.

A Reuters investigation found that billions in funds sent so far have been funneled back to rich nations.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres added that Small Island

mayoral candidate who had been kidnapped at gunpoint in Mexico on Sunday has been found alive.

It is not yet known who seized Albino Gómez or why.

Gómez is running for mayor for the governing Morena party in the municipality of Cochoapa el Grande, in southern Guerrero state.

The campaign for Sunday's election in Mexico has been wracked by violence and Guerrero is the most dangerous state for candidates.

Gómez was targeted shortly after he attended his closing campaign rally when gunmen stormed his home and

opened fire.

One man, identified by local media as Gómez's campaign manager, was killed and two more people were injured in the attack.

The mayor of the nearby town of Chilpancingo sounded the alarm about the kidnapping on social media.

She urged authorities to "take the necessary action to safeguard the life of our colleague and those of his team".

The run-up to the election, in which a new president as well as members of the legislature, nine governors and almost 20,000 local officials will be chosen, has been the most violent in recent history.

Dozens of candi-

dates have been killed and hundreds have been threatened.

Candidates running for local office have been the worst affected.

Mexico's powerful criminal groups target them to ensure that their favoured candidate wins, or to frighten rival candidates into complying with their demands.

Corrupting or threatening local officials can yield huge rewards for criminal groups.

Not only can municipal authorities be coerced to turn a blind eye to criminal activity in their area, they can also be forced to channel lucrative building contracts to the gangs.

(BBC News)

Buju Banton announces 1st US performance in 14 years

Buju Banton has announced his first performance in the United States in 14 years.

Developing States had "every right" to demand better financing options and bigger contributions to the "loss and damage" fund.

"The idea that an entire island state will become collateral damage for profiteering by the fossil fuel industry or competition between major economies is simply obscene," he said.

Loss and damage, announced at last year's COP28 summit after long-standing calls by island states, was intended to help poor countries recover from climate disasters, but funding from wealthy nations have been paltry.

"The major contributors to climate change have failed to meet their obligations," Browne said. (Reuters)

Banton’s Long Walk to Freedom concert will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the UBS Arena in New York.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday, May 31. Pre-sale tickets will be made available on Wednesday.

Earlier this month, Banton reentered the

United States of America for the first time since his arrest in the state almost 15 years ago.

Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was arrested in Florida in 2009 on charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and was released in December 2018 from the McRae Correctional Facility in Georgia.

He was deported back to Jamaica where he received a warm welcome from thousands of fans at the National Stadium during his Long Walk to Freedom concert held in March 2019.

Legal experts had posited that since Myrie was deported from the United States he would only be welcomed back on a temporary work visa, but not a visitor’s or non-immigrant one.

(Jamaica Observer)

Peru's President faces constitutional complaint in Rolex case

Peru's Attorney General's office on Monday presented a constitutional complaint against President Dina Boluarte in a case involving her use of luxury watches, which has become a national scandal.

The complaint, which accuses Boluarte of "passive bribery," was

presented to Congress. Boluarte has already faced questioning and Police raids over her use of several Rolex watches and other jewelry that seem at odds with her modest public salary.

The President has said the luxury goods were loaned to her by a local governor. (Reuters)

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte

Around the World

OIL NEWS

OPEC remains optimistic about global oil demand

The global economy has been relatively resilient in recent months, which has led Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to continue to anticipate robust oil demand growth this year and next, OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais said on Monday.

“For 2024, oil demand growth is at 2.2[ million barrels per day] mb/d, with total global demand anticipated to average 104.5 mb/d,” Al Ghais told the Special Session of the 141st Meeting of OPEC’s Economic Commission Board.

Next year, the global oil demand growth forecast shows a further robust expansion of 1.8 million barrels per day year-over-year, averaging 106.3 million bpd, OPEC’s Secretary General added.

The head of the organization – which is currently restricting supply to the market in the OPEC+ deal coordinated with several non-OPEC producers led by Russia – echoed the projections of OPEC in the latest Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR).

OPEC continues to strike an optimistic view of global oil demand despite market concerns about wobbling demand and the prospect of higher-for-longer interest rates that could hurt oil consumption.

Earlier this month, OPEC said in its monthly report that a resilient global economy early this year has additional upside potential in the second half with the possible easing of monetary policies.

OPEC estimates that global oil demand rose by 2.4 million bpd in the first quarter of 2024. For the full year, total world oil demand is anticipated to reach 104.5 million bpd, driven by “strong air travel demand and healthy road mobility, including trucking, as well as industrial, construction, and agricultural activities in non-OECD countries”. (Excerpt from Oliprice.com)

Israeli attack on Rafah tent camp kills 45, prompts international outcry

An Israeli air strike triggered a fire that killed 45 persons in a tent camp in the Gazan city of Rafah, officials said on Monday, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court order to halt Israel's assault.

Palestinian families rushed to hospitals to prepare their dead for burial after a strike late on Sunday night set tents and rickety metal shelters ablaze.

Israel's military, which is trying to eliminate Hamas in Gaza, said it was investigating reports that a strike it carried out against commanders of the Islamist militant group in Rafah had caused the fire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strike had not been intended to cause civilian casualties.

"In Rafah, we already evacuated about one million non-combatant residents and despite our utmost effort not to harm non-combatants, something unfortunately went tragically wrong," he said in a speech in Parliament that was interrupted by shouting from Opposition lawmakers.

Survivors said families were preparing to sleep when the strike hit the Tel Al-Sultan neighbourhood where thousands were sheltering after Israeli forces began a ground offensive in the east of Rafah

US storms kill at least 21 across 4 states on Memorial Day weekend

Tornado-spawning thunderstorms that swept the Southern Plains and the Ozark Mountains have killed at least 21 people across four US states as of Monday afternoon and wrecked hundreds of buildings, as forecasters warned of more severe weather. The death toll over the three-day Memorial Day

holiday weekend included at least eight fatalities in Arkansas, seven in Texas, four in Kentucky and two in Oklahoma, according to tallies by state emergency authorities. A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for parts of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania until Monday evening, the

over two weeks ago.

"We were praying... and we were getting our children's beds ready to sleep. There was nothing unusual, then we heard a very loud noise, and fire erupted around us," said Umm Mohamed Al-Attar, a Palestinian mother in a red headscarf.

"All the children started screaming... The sound was terrifying; we felt like the metal was about to collapse on us, and shrapnel fell into the rooms."

Video footage obtained by Reuters showed a fire raging in the darkness and people screaming in panic. A group of young men tried to haul away sheets of corrugated iron and a hose from a single fire truck began to douse the flames.

More than half of the dead were women, children, and elderly people, health officials in Hamasrun Gaza said, adding that the death toll was likely to rise from people

National Weather Service said. The watch was in effect for more than 30 million people in the Northeast, as the storms were expected to move to that part of the East Coast.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency early on Monday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

with severe burns.

Medics later said an Israeli airstrike on Monday on a house in Rafah had killed seven Palestinians, with several others wounded.

Israel's military said Sunday's strike, based on "precise intelligence", had eliminated Hamas' chief of staff for the second and larger Palestinian territory, the West Bank, plus another official behind deadly attacks on Israelis.

That followed the interception of eight rockets fired towards Israel from the Rafah area in Gaza's southern tip.

Israel has kept up its offensive despite a ruling by the top UN court on Friday ordering it to stop, saying the court's ruling grants it some scope for military action there. The court also reiterated calls for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas.

The US urged Israel

to take more care to protect civilians, but stopped short of calling for a halt to the Rafah incursion.

"Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists who are responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians," a National Security Council spokesperson said. "But as we’ve been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians."

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was "outraged" over Israel's latest attacks. "These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians," he said on X. Several thousand demonstrators later gathered in Paris to protest against the offensive in Gaza.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and the European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the International Court of Justice ruling must be respected.

"International humanitarian law applies for all, also for Israel's conduct of the war," Baerbock said.

Canada's Government said it was "horrified" by the deadly airstrike in Rafah, and called for an immediate ceasefire.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also condemned the Israeli attack and Qatar said the Rafah strike could hinder efforts to mediate a ceasefire and hostage exchange.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Russia captures 2 settlements in Ukraine, Defence Ministry says

Russian forces captured two villages in Ukraine, the Defence Ministry said on Monday.

The settlements were Ivanivka in the Kharkiv region and Netailove in Donetsk.

The Ukrainian mili-

tary's General Staff said in a report late on Sunday its forces had repelled an attack near Ivanivka, east of the town of Kupiansk.

In a report on Monday evening, the General Staff said Ukrainian forces had repelled seven Russian advances in the Kupiansk sector.

Russian forces had recorded "partial success" in one of the areas of the Kupiansk sector, it added, and Ukrainian forces were "taking measures to stabilise the situation and prevent the enemy from advancing". (Reuters)

Palestinians search for food among burnt debris in the aftermath of an Israeli strike on an area designated for displaced people, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, May 27, 2024 (Reuters/Mohammed Salem TPX photo)

Don’t wait for someone else to take the lead. Do your part and show everyone what you have to offer. Money will come your way if you take advantage of an opportunity.

Change begins with you. Take the initiative and make things happen. Keep going until you are satisfied with the results. Hard work and persistence will make a big impression.

Travel, communication and discovery will prove worthwhile. What you learn will help shape your path and motivate you to head in the right direction. Share your feelings and intentions.

Live, laugh and learn. Make today beneficial in every way possible with a positive attitude and a willingness to explore and try something new and exciting.

You’ll be drawn to people and situations that pull at your heartstrings. Be helpful, and the lessons you learn will lead to unexpected opportunities. Review contracts, offers and obligations.

Be careful what you wish for. Someone will offer a partial truth and leave the rest for you to figure out. Do your due diligence and avoid being caught in someone else’s drama. Trust your instincts.

Sign up to do something you enjoy or that makes you feel good about yourself. Helping others, updating your appearance or learning something new will pay off. Speak from the heart.

Keep life simple. Size up your situation, evaluate what’s necessary and make the required changes. Taking control will spare you the aggravation and grief that uncertainty brings.

Go with the flow and see where it takes you. Embrace life, open your heart and take advantage of opportunities before it’s too late. Financial gain is within reach.

Do something out of the ordinary, and it will spark your imagination. Sign up for something that intrigues you, and you won’t be disappointed. Distance yourself from argumentative people.

Consider your overhead and set a budget you can live with. Review your skills and do whatever it takes to ensure you can offer the latest and greatest information and hands-on help.

Work on your skills and knowledge, and you’ll find the path to success. Refuse to let anyone stand in your way or manipulate you. Concentrate on taking care of your interests.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Australia down to 9 players for T20 World Cup warm-ups

Australia will be significantly shorthanded for their two T20 World Cup matches with players who were involved late into the Indian Premier League (IPL) given the chance for a short break at home before heading to the Caribbean.

They are set to have just nine players available for the match against Namibia on Tuesday (Wednesday morning Australia time) with their resources further stretched by Captain Mitchell Marsh not yet ready to bowl following the hamstring injury which ended his IPL. They also play co-hosts West Indies on Thursday.

Pat Cummins, Travis

Head, and Mitchell Starc were involved in the IPL final on Sunday and will briefly return to Australia before joining the World Cup squad. Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, who were part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's run to the play-offs, are also spending time at home. Those five are due to arrive when the Australia squad reaches Barbados ahead of their first group match against Oman on June 5. Marcus Stoinis has also yet to arrive in the Caribbean.

"It's important to be flexible," Marsh told cricket. com.au. "Guys have been at the IPL. They've been playing a lot of cricket, so we've prioritised giving them a

couple of days at home, see their family, refresh and play the long game for this

Birthday boy Narine becomes IPL's MVP for a record 3rd time …after KKR's triumph

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Sunil Narine was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Indian Premier League 2024, marking a historic third time he has won the prestigious award.

The former West Indies cricketer played a pivotal role in KKR's emphatic victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL final on Sunday, May 26, when he celebrated his 36th birthday.

Narine's stellar performance throughout the season was a key factor in KKR's success. He scored 488 runs at an average of 37.07 and an impressive strike rate of 179.85. With the ball, the 36-year-old off-spinner took 17 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 6.90. Additionally, his fielding contributions were significant, with seven catches and three run-outs.

tournament. We'll get to our 15 eventually, but it's really important that we give them a break, even if it's [just] a couple of days at home."

It means that Australia will likely need to call on members of the coaching staff to field during the warm-up matches if they want a full complement.

Brad Hodge has joined the support staff for this tournament while Head Coach Andrew McDonald, national selector George Bailey and assistant coach Andre Borovec could also be called in.

Daniel Vettori, another assistant coach, will also be part of the group after the IPL where he has been Head Coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, but would not be eligible to field in warm-

up matches with those used having to come from the country involved.

Marsh, who will captain Australia in a global event for the first time, was confident of being able to play both warm-up matches as a batter despite a slower-than-expected recovery from the hamstring injury he picked up playing for Delhi Capitals.

"I'm just ticking off the last few things I need to tick off to be fit and available," he said. "All went well today. It's been progressively slow but finally getting there now and looking forward to getting stuck into the tournament.

"Initially, we thought it was a three-weeker, but with tendons they can take a little bit longer and you

sort of have to go on feel. Once I was ruled out of the IPL, we've certainly taken our time to get it right and I feel lucky I've had that bit of extra time, a little bit of time at home to refresh and like all the others who have arrived today, I'm raring to go."

Some teams have opted out of practice matches altogether, but Australia's two warm-ups will carry significance for those players coming from the off-season – Adam Zampa, Josh Inglis, Josh Hazlewood and Ashton Agar –- and those like Matthew Wade and Nathan Ellis who did not feature much for their IPL sides. David Warner, whose international career will come to a close at the World Cup, is also coming into the tournament after a lean IPL and having suffered a hand injury.

"He [Warner] didn't really hit scores, and then he got a nasty hit on his hand. Basically, had the worst bone bruising and his contusion on the back of his hand that he's ever seen," Ricky Ponting, Delhi Capitals' Head Coach, told the International Cricket Council (ICC) review. "He's a feisty little competitor that once the World Cup comes around, he hits the Australian colours back on again, then I've got no real concerns about him."

(ESPNcricinfo)

"The feeling is overwhelming and I couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift. I am enjoying my cricket at the moment – batting, bowling and fielding. What helps is when the team is winning," Narine said after receiving the MVP award.

Narine's overall performance earned him 431.5 MVP points, putting him well ahead of second-placed Virat Kohli (315.5 points) and third-placed Travis Head (274 points). The Trinidadian previously clinched the award in 2012 and 2018. He is also the first player to win the IPL MVP three times. The MVP award, formerly known as the Player of the Tournament, was renamed in 2013. It is awarded based on a player's performance across various

metrics, including runs, wickets, boundaries, catches, run-outs, and dot balls. The calculation is as follows: 3.5 points for each wicket and six hit, 2.5 points for each boundary, catch, run-out, and stumping, and one point for each dot ball bowled.

Narine’s unprecedented third MVP win highlights his all-around abilities and consistency over the years, cementing his status as one of the IPL’s greatest players. As KKR celebrates their triumph, Narine’s remarkable season stands as a testament to his enduring skill and dedication to the game. (Sportsmax)

LTI, UG remain unbeaten...

Avery White, with his ability to penetrate the defences of UCC, led the points table, scoring 17 points followed by Dexter Quintyn and Dennis Prince contributing 11 points apiece.

Adrian King showcased for UCC as he demonstrated his class, contributing 16 points and he received support from Aldon Angel with nine points.

Defending champions UG ended the night’s play with their second win of the tournament as they re-

corded a six-point victory against a powerhouse New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) with the scoreline reading 45-39.

Jushawn Bayley led from the front for UG as he top-scored with 23 points and 9 rebounds while Malaehm Grimmond contributed 13 points.

In an exclusive comment with Guyana Times Sport, Head Coach of UG Warren Wilson noted that despite the win, the team needed some correction.

Wilson shared, “Well, even though we would have won, our execution was not as we would have wanted. Some of the things that we would have worked on, we really fell short on and I’m happy that the guys were able to pull it off and as we go forward in the competition, we got a lot of things, but it was a fair enough win, especially with the constraints that we have.”

The Tertiary Basketball League will continue every Sunday and climax on June 17 with the finals at the National Gymnasium.

Sunil Narine picked up his third IPL MVP accolade

Australia’s squad will be depleted for the World Cup warm-ups

Police stun Western, Santos defeat Fruta as League resumes

Round Two of the KFC Elite League

Season Six got off to a sensational start with impressive victories from the Guyana Police Force FC and Santos FC on Saturday night at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The March 25 opener saw a goalless first half between Santos FC, currently fifth in the standings, and Fruta Conquerors FC, who sit in seventh place.

However, after the interval, a transformed Santos took the pitch, with Stephon Reynolds breaking the deadlock in the 52nd minute and Andrew Simmons sealing the victory with a goal in the 85th minute.

In the second match, Guyana Police Force FC overcame Western Tigers FC with a 4-2 final score. Fans were eagerly anticipating this match-up between the Georgetown sides, who occupy third

and fourth place respectively on the points table.

Guyana Police Force’s Jemar Harrigan opened the scoring in the 19th minute, but Randolph Wagner equalised for Western Tigers just three minutes later. Andrew Murray then added another for Western Tigers in stoppage time, giving them a 2-1 lead at halftime. But the second half belonged to the Guyana Police Force FC, with Neron Barrow netting twice in the 65th and 76th minutes.

Nicholas McArthur

sealed the victory with a stunning goal in the 90th+2 minute, securing a comeback for his team.

The final round continues on Thursday, May 30, with Buxton United FC facing Monedderlust FC at 18:30h, followed by Dem Amstel taking on Ann’s Grove at 21:00h. Both matches will be held at the NTC.

Monedderlust, currently ninth in the standings, are aiming to improve their performance.

Leading the table are Guyana Defence Force FC, closely followed by

Tertiary Basketball League…

LTI, UG remain unbeaten while GSA bag 1st win

The Tertiary Basketball League continued at the National Gymnasium on Sunday, May 26, with Linden Technical Institute (LTI) and University of Guyana (UG) remaining unbeaten while the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) secured their first win in the tournament.

The inaugural game of the night saw LTI, with their ability to convert baskets, coming out on top, as they secured a six-point victory against Government Technical Institute (GTI), with the scoreline reading 60-66.

Kimmol Grimmond, with 16 points, led LTI from the jump ball, and it was an all-round performance from his team,

with Neil Marks contributing 14 points and Calvin Phillips, 11 points. On the losing side, Martin Edwards did not miss out on the action for GTI as he contributed 18 points, supported by Peter Langevine with 17 points.

team

The second game of the night saw GSA getting the better of Upper Corentyne Combined (UCC) as they secured an eight-point victory, with the scoreline reading 4133.

Slingerz FC, with only a slight goal difference separating the two teams.

The 10 Elite League teams will compete over

the next three months for prize rewards of $2,000,000, $1,200,000, $800,000, and $500,000, respectively.

Special Olympics Caribbean Bocce 2024…

Knights and Samsundar strike 2 golds, 1 silver medal

Local bocce players

Keston Knights and Daniel Samundar were in fine form when they represented Guyana at the Caribbean Special Olympics Bocce Event in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

In the singles category, Knights won a gold for the Land of Many Waters after overcoming his opponent from Belize in Division 4.

While Daniel Samundar claimed silver against his opponents from Belize and Barbados in the singles.

In the doubles, Knights and Samsundar came together on Saturday to see Guyana

crush Belize 10 points to 2 in the final.

Earlier, they played and defeated St Lucia.

The event also included a coaching and officiating certification training and included a Caribbean Special Olympics meeting.

The programme, which commenced on May 22, concluded on Sunday.

The three-man team was led by head of Special Olympics Guyana, Wilton Spencer. The head of the delegation noted that he was heartened by the performance from the Guyanese players against their regional counterparts.

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The Linden Technical Institute

Keston Knights and Daniel Samsundar (centre) after winning the doubles

Stephon Reynolds (black) netted a goal for Santos FC in their encounter with Fruta Conquerors

A look at the clash between Police and Western Tigers FC

ExxonMobil U14 tournament kicks off

Some 29 games were on the cards on Monday as the fifth edition of the ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Under-14 school football tournament got underway.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue, was a hive of activity as the customary March past exercise was followed by the official kick-off and then, the on-field action.

As Christ Church Secondary showed off their crisp uniforms and banner to cop the March past accolade, Petra CoDirector Troy Mendonca reminded of the tournament’s objectives and its subsequent growth.

Mendonca shared, “I reflect, a few years ago, when we conceptualised this tournament, we

thought of filling the gap between our Under-18 and Under-11 tournaments. But that event has grown more into a family-oriented event; we have a combination of girls, boys, schools from all parts of Guyana, teachers and it’s an event where

we share experience, we have very good camaraderie.”

Highlighting the tournament’s positive impacts and strides for inclusivity was ExxonMobil Community Relations Advisor Ryan Hoppie, who cited these as rea-

Drayton victorious in National Open Chess Qualifiers

FIDE Master Anthony Drayton has proved once again that he is a force to reckon with over the chessboard.

FM Drayton emerged as the winner of the 2024 National Open Chess Qualifiers, which were sponsored by Ready Mix Concrete. Drayton racked up 6 points out of 7, placing him in the top position of the 40 players who participated in the competition held over the last three weekends.

Placing second was Justino Da Silva also on 6 points, but due to the tiebreak systems in place, he came in second to Drayton. Roberto Neto secured third place with 5.5 points despite missing the first round. CM Ronuel Greenidge, Keron Sandiford, Sachin Pitamber, and Loris Nathoo, all finished on 5 points, placing fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh, respectively. Kyle Couchman and Ethan Lee ended with 4.5 points, earning them eighth and ninth place. The tournament was not without heroic displays coming from some junior players who fought to dislodge their seasoned counterparts. Drayton drew his match with double-titled Under-14/Under-16 champion Sachin Pitamber in a tense rook and pawn endgame. Pitamber also drew

with Loris Nathoo. Justino Da Silva, second-place qualifier, lost his game to Under-14 girls' champion Aditi Joshi. Joshi also drew with seventh-place qualifier Nathoo. Reigning Junior Champion Keron Sandiford also salvaged a draw with the much-experienced Candidate Master (CM) Ronuel Greenidge. These top nine winners have qualified to challenge CM Taffin Khan, the reigning Open Chess Champion, in the 2024 National Open Chess Championship starting on June 1, 2024. Other notable performers were Gilbert Williams, Shiv Nandalall, and Jaden Taylor, who also gained 4.5 points. Aditi Joshi, Ricardo Narine, Matthew Singh, Ciel Clement, Rashad Hussain,

sons for Exxon’s continued support.

“It shows that this tournament is evolving and continuing to be the impactful tournament that we know it to be. I think that, when we look at it, we also see and we recognise the importance that sport plays in the lives of young people. And it’s important as well, to our communities because they get to see who the next star players for the Guyana Golden Jaguars will be,” Hoppie said, addressing the potential ballers.

He went on to add, “But this is why ExxonMobil

is investing in sport and in community, because for us, over the past five years supporting the Petra Organisation with this initiative, we’ve seen it make positive contributions in the area of youth and community empowerment. I mentioned the girls just now, because I’m really pleased to see the inclusivity of the girls’ teams.”

Defending Boys’ Champions, Bartica Secondary were the first to pick up a win when the tournament kicked off, defeating L’Aventure Secondary 3-0. Jaden Christian, Ray Spencer and Lenny Skeete netted one each. Then their regional counterparts, Three Miles Secondary overcame VYC 5-0. Malique Ambrose, Eric Stephen, Lebron Mendonca, Adrian Stoby and Sergio Deagrella contributed one goal each. In the first girls’ game, a brace from Arianna Stoby and one goal from Zalina Jones handed Three Miles Secondary a 3-0 victory over East Ruimveldt Secondary. Marian Academy then defeated Charity Secondary 2-0, with goals from Breanna Nobrega and Ashley Walton.

Sammy lauds West Indies' dominant 3-0 series win over South Africa

West Indies whiteball coach Daren Sammy hailed his team’s performance after they passed their South Africa test with flying colours, culminating in a dominant eight-wicket victory at Sabina Park on Sunday. This win sealed a clean sweep of the three-match T20 International series, setting a positive tone for their final preparations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, which begins on June 1.

and Aquilani Swaminadha ended on 4 points.

The tournament was played at the School of the Nations and supervised by FIDE Arbiters John Lee, Anand Raghunauth and Irshad Mohamad. This qualifying tournament will provide much-needed Grand Prix points to the top players who are vying for a chance to qualify for the Guyana team for the 45th Chess Olympiad in Hungary later this year. The upcoming Championship and Grand Prix 4 will also add points to the players depending on their performances.

The Guyana Chess Federation wishes to thank Ready Mix Concrete for sponsoring the tournament and the School of the Nations for providing the venue.

The West Indies secured their series victory with a comprehensive performance on Sunday, chasing down South Africa's target of 164 with 6.1 overs to spare. This win followed earlier victories on Thursday, May 23, by 28 runs and on Saturday, May 25, by 16 runs. The series was characterised by consistent team efforts, despite the absence of key players such as Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, Andre Russell, and Alzarri Joseph.

In the series finale, South Africa posted 1638 from their 20 overs, with Captain Rassie van der Dussen top-scoring with 51 off 36 balls. Debutant Wiann Mulder contributed a solid 36. The West Indies’ bowling attack was led by Player of the Series Gudakesh Motie, who took 2-21, supported by Shamar Joseph’s 2-26 and Obed McCoy’s 3-39.

The West Indies chase was spearheaded by an explosive opening partnership of 92 runs in just 6.4 overs between Johnson Charles and interim Captain Brandon King. Charles, who was named Player of the Match for his blistering 69 off 26 balls, batted at a strike rate of 265, while King added 44 from 28 balls. Kyle Mayers (36 not out) and Alick Athanaze (6 not out) comfortably saw the hosts over the finish line.

Coach Sammy, who led the West Indies to T20 World Cup victories in 2012 and 2016, praised his team’s all-around performance.

"With the players that we had, we executed quite well,” he told Sportsmax. TV. “We were put under pressure in the powerplay in the second game, but the way the guys responded and won convincingly; we got tested in the three departments – in the field, with the

bat, and the ball – and the way the guys responded was just really good, so I would give them a nine (out of 10).” Charles expressed satisfaction with his performance after struggling in the first two matches. “It was great. We have been working hard during the camp and in the series. Worked hard on our skills leading up to the World Cup, just enforcing the basics. Tried in the first two games, didn’t work out, but came today (Sunday). It’s all about building confidence,” he said.

Stand-in captain King also shared his delight at leading the team to a commanding series win. “(I was) happy with my own performance,” he remarked. “Would’ve liked to carry my bat through to the end though. We understand each other’s games, playing a few years together. (This was) an important 3-0 win.” (Sportsmax)

Justino Da Silva levelled with Drayton on points but finished second in the tournament

West Indies White-ball Head Coach Daren Sammy

Three Miles Secondary (green) took the first win in the Girls’ tournament (Jemima Holmes photo)