Guyana times - Wednesday, January 3, 2024.pdf by Gytimes

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

Issue No. 5600

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024

Guyana takes up membership on United Nations Security Council – to seek a people-centred approach to finding solutions to existing conflicts See story on page 3

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Sonia Parag named substantive Local Government P11 Minister – Dr Ashni Singh to oversee operations of Public Service Ministry

Drug smuggling attempts thwarted at Camp Street, NA Prisons P20

Labour Ministry International companies recoups $69M Govt withdraws express interest $31B from in producing in restitution Natural fertiliser locally Resource Fund …as agro-processing facilities will be integrated – Agri Minister for employees North Ruimveldt Santa Cruz man allegedly drowns trio wanted for during New Year’s Day outing attempted execution with friends of businessman Gas-to-energy project Page 7

Page 11

P17

– final withdrawal for 2023 from US$1B parliamentary approved allocation

Page 14

P20

Wanted: Lennin Messiah, also called "Baby"

Wanted: Shannon Braxton Wilson

8 homeless after fire guts La Grange home on New Year’s Day

Wanted: Joel Sars

Page 2

...blaze started by child playing with lighter – GFS

1 dead, another critical after P20 gunmen invade wedding house

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 homeless after fire guts La Grange home on New Year’s Day ...blaze started by child playing with lighter – GFS

ight persons have now been rendered homeless after a fire completely gutted a house they occupied at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD). According to officials, the fire reportedly started at about 13:45h on Monday, after a chair caught fire while a child left unattended was playing with a lighter at Lot 171 Unity Street, La Grange, WBD.

“The lighter sparked, resulting in naked flames that fell onto the chair; (which) ignited, and (the fire) spread to nearby combustible materials,” the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has said. The building was owned by 44-year-old Nigel Douglas, who had occupied the top flat while 34-yearold Keon Gonsalves and his seven-member family had occupied the ground floor.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has said that upon receiving the report of a fire, a water tender and crew from the La Grange Fire Station was immediately dispatched to the location. The building was situated behind several houses, and was accessible only via a narrow alleyway. The distance from the water tender to the burning building was approximately 250 metres.

The aftermath of the fire

Upon arriving at the scene, the firefighters encountered the two-storey wooden-and-concrete structure fully engulfed in flames. Because the roof of the building had already collapsed but no nearby building was threatened by the fire, firefighters opted to establish a continuous water relay system using a light pump and an open water source, instead of using the tank’s supply. Thus, one jet working from an open water source was used to extinguish the fire. When Guyana Times visited the scene on Tuesday, one of the affected occupants, Erica Lawson, related that at the time of the fire, no one was in the house. She refuted the report presented by the Guyana Fire Service by saying: “Nobody wasn’t at home, because my little brother take everybody out and lock the door…he tell them go to front…when he done move all he niece and nephew, he come back and see the fire…” She added that the fire had reportedly started in her brother’s bedroom. “If the

A firefighter extinguishing the blaze on Monday

door de lock, them children couldn’t get in the house…it means that somebody had to throw something into meh brother bedroom through the window!” she insisted. She was adamant that the fire couldn’t have started from a chair being ignited while a child was playing with a lighter. In addition, she noted that the house did not have electricity. Citizens are advised to exercise caution, and follow safety measures to avoid home fires. These include: not leaving children unat-

tended, or at home without adult supervision; educating children on the dangers of fire starters, and warning them about their use or misuse; keeping children away from the cooking area, and ensuring that matches and lighters are out of their reach at all times; and, more importantly, equipping homes with fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, as these appliances would aid in alerting people to a fire, and in putting out a fire quickly.

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, Jan 3 – 22:00h – 23:30h and Thursday, Jan 4 – 23:00h – 00:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, Jan 3 – 09:10h – 10:40h and Thursday, Jan 4 – 10:15h – 11:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.91 metres. High Tide: 09:21h and 21:45h reaching maximum heights of 2.25 metres and 2.24 metres. Low Tide: 15:16h reaching a minimum height of 0.98 metre.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2023

LOTTERY NUMBERS G

02 06

09 23 25

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2024 DAILY MILLIONS

14 15 24

04 07 LUCKY 3

Afternoon Draw

Evening Draw

Guyana takes up membership on United Nations Security Council – to seek a people-centred approach to finding solutions to existing conflicts

uyana has taken its seat as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term 2024-2025. Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett on Monday installed the Guyana Flag alongside those of other Security Council members outside the Council chambers. Also participating in the simple ceremony were the other newly-elected members, Algeria, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia. In a brief statement, Ambassador RodriguesBirkett recognised that the task of maintaining international peace and security is growing increasingly complex with multidimensional challenges and, that the Council is, therefore, compelled to be proactive in addressing potential sources of conflict, and comprehensive in its response to existing conflict situations. She stated that Guyana will seek a people-centred approach, including the involvement of women and youth in the search for solutions, ever mindful that conflict is a driver of poverty and underdevelopment and therefore inimical to the achievement of the Sustainable Development

The Guyanese team at the United Nations

priorities, Guyana has endorsed the “Joint Pledge on Climate, Peace, and Security” and joined the “Statement of Shared Commitments on Women, Peace, and Security”. This will be Guyana’s third time serving on the Council following terms in 1975-1976 and 1982-1983. In June 2023, Guyana was elected to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) – becoming one of five new non-permanent members for the term 20242025. Guyana’s candidacy was uncontested, being the

ty to serve on the Security Council, which is charged under the UN Charter with the responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It is a responsibility that we will assume with utmost seriousness and dedication, mindful of the complex and challenging times in which we live,” he expressed. The Head of State continued that the theme

al law both for the people of our own country and for peoples across the globe.” The United Nations Charter established six main organs of the organisation, including the Security Council. It is given primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Its functions and powers are: to maintain international peace and securi-

DRAW DE LINE

09 11

14 15 16

SUPER

PAY DAY

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

07 08 09 12 14 1

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2023

01 11 13 14 17

5 Afternoon Draw

FP Afternoon Draw

1 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

955

Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett addressing the gathering

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Crude Oil

$75.89/barrel

-1.49

Rough Rice London Sugar

$321.84/ton $603.50/ton

+2.43 0.00

Live Spot Gold Bid/Ask Low/High Change

Change %

USD Per Ounce $2061.63 $2059.17 +2.01

$2061.87 $2061.78 +0.10

Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett installing the Golden Arrowhead alongside those of other Security Council members outside the Council chambers

Goals. The theme of Guyana’s participation in the Security Council is “Partnering for Peace and Prosperity”. Guyana's tenure on the Council will be rooted in a firm commitment to multilateralism and guided by the priorities of climate change, food insecurity and conflict; peacebuilding and conflict prevention; women, peace and security; protection of children in armed conflict; and youth, peace and security. In keeping with these

sole candidate for a single seat available to the Latin America and Caribbean Region, where it garnered the highest vote count at 191 out of 192. In lauding the achievement, President Dr Irfaan Ali penned that Guyana is honoured and humbled by the confidence that has been expressed by the international community in electing it to this most important position of responsibility on the global stage. “Guyana has now been accorded the opportuni-

of Guyana’s candidacy: “Partnering for Peace and Prosperity” serves as a guide to this country’s approach to service on the Security Council. “We intend to be a constructive and engaged partner with the members of the Council and the wider international community in the search for solutions to the myriad of momentous challenges that beset our human family.” He offered the nation’s deep gratitude to the Member States of the United Nations for the overwhelming support extended to Guyana’s candidature. “The Government of Guyana looks forward to continuing our nation’s contribution to the strengthening of multilateralism and the rule of international law, to the promotion of peace, sustainable development, human rights, and respect for internation-

ty in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations; to investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction; to recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement; to formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments; to determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression and to recommend what action should be taken among others. In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorising the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security. Temporary members hold their seats on a rotating basis by geographic region. Guyana will serve a two-year term on the Council from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025.

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024

Views

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

Children’s curiosity and fire

he holidays were overwhelmed with sad news; and more so, on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, families had to deal with the heartbreak from devasting news of tragedy as a result of fire. On Christmas Day, three died in a tragic fire in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), as a result of arson; while, on New Year’s Day, nine persons were left homeless. The fire on New Year’s Day, according to the Guyana Fire Service, was ignited by a child playing with a lighter. The headlines in the local press have been inundated with the loss of lives and property as a result of fires. These stories have been heart-rending, as families and friends are left in the path of destruction. Last year, fires occurred at homes, markets, business places, schools, and dormitories. Unfortunately, the new year has started with another tragic fire. As in the case of an accident, in the case of a fire, the sudden and shocking death of someone close and the loss of property and home can never be easy to endure. The ensuing excruciating pain and mental trauma that are inflicted on survivors can be unbearable. In a fleeting moment, families were plunged into despair, and often the lingering impact may be hidden from the spotlight of the media. The reality is that people, including those who survive, suffer in unimaginable ways. Several fires that have occurred had resulted from children being left at home alone and/or playing with inflammable objects. A study conducted by the New York City Fire Department found that most children have a natural curiosity about fire. They want to know how fire looks and feels, and what it can do. To address this locally, there is a need for early education programme /lessons on the dangers and consequences of fire. Such a campaign should also include how to avoid fire-related accidents, and how to respond quickly if these should occur. Assuming that playing with flammable items, matches and lighters is a product of the natural curiosity of children and lack of understanding, then such programmes should be done at various stages of child development. This would lead to a health appreciation for fire safety. Every year, Guyana joins in observing Fire Prevention Week at the beginning of October. This is a good time to have youth and young children countrywide learning about the importance of fire safety and fire prevention. Another important safety regulation is the enforcement of fire codes and the Fire Prevention Act, Chapter 22:02. Importantly, the Guyana Fire Service on Wednesday issued safety tips following the increase in house fires. These are: 1) Don’t leave things cooking on the stovetop unattended, and check regularly on the things cooking in the oven. It takes only a minute for a fire to get out-of-hand. 2) Equip your homes with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and fire alarms. 3) Keep flammable things like tissues, towels, paper bags, or cereal boxes away from your stove. 4) Don’t try to put out grease or electrical fires with water; this will only make them worse! Adding water to a grease fire can make it spread. Adding water to an electrical fire can cause electrocution. 5) One of the simplest and cheapest extinguishers for grease fires is baking soda. Keep a box next to your stove to throw on stovetop fires. 6) Use your stove only as directed. If you have a gas stove and smell gas, turn off all burners, open windows for better ventilation, and call your gas company. 7) Be careful when lighting the stove; make sure the room is wellventilated, and use long-stemmed matches or lighters. 8) Pay attention when you are cooking. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off all burners. If a pot is on the fire, turn off the burner and cover the pot with a lid. 9) Avoid wearing clothes with long, loose-fitting sleeves, which may catch fire easily. If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop, and roll! 10) Don’t use your oven as extra storage for flammable things like paper or plastic bags, plastic containers, or dish towels. Even if you don’t turn the oven on, the pilot light could ignite objects inside. With the use of modern technology at our disposal, we must utilise this advancement to bring awareness to fire safety. Additionally, we must continue the task of educating through school site visits and community visits. Education and awareness are the first steps in turning around this deadly trend that has consumed our society.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) illuminated the skies with a magnificent display of fireworks to usher in the New Year. The display was witnessed by thousands of Guyanese who lined the Kitty Roundabout (GDF photo)

In tribute to Basdeo Panday and ties to Guyana Dear Editor, Basdeo Panday died on New Year’s Day at a Jacksonville, Florida hospital. Tributes have poured in about this very colourful character who was a lawyer, politician, trade unionist, economist, actor, Indian musician (instrumentalist). He is well known among Guyanese at home and in the diaspora because he mingled and socialized among them, visiting Guyana multiple times going back to the 1970s. Panday, or Bas, as we called him, had a long association with Guyanese and with Cheddi Jagan, as he related to me in numerous conversations at his home, office, New York, Guyana, India, and elsewhere. He met Cheddi in Trinidad after the suspension of the 1953 Government, before jetting off to London to further his studies in 1957 when democratic governance was restored in Guiana. Panday studied with Guyanese in England during the late 1950s and early 1960s, particularly during his law studies at Inns Court of Law. Like so many Guyanese and other West Indians, he became a member of Lincoln’s Inn, and was called to the bar. (Panday also studied Economics, obtaining a BSc from University of London). In 1965, Panday was awarded a Commonwealth scholarship to pursue a PhD at the prestigious Delhi School of Economics. He decided to return home first and visit his family. He got caught up in local politics, culture, and family life, and decided to forego the scholarship. He ran for office, and was resoundingly defeated as a candidate for the

Workers and Farmers Party in 1966. He became a Senator in 1972, and won a seat as a ULF candidate to the House in 1976, becoming Opposition Leader. Panday’s association with Guyanese deepened after 1966. He became close to Cheddi especially after the 1968 election-rigging. Cheddi visited Trinidad regularly, seeking support for free and fair election, having meetings in Tunapuna, St. Augustine, and South Trinidad. In 1977, a group of Guyanese and Trinis formed an organization (Indo Club) in NY to champion free and fair elections. In 1978, I communicated with Panday, seeking the opposition support for our struggle for FFE, and he was supportive. Panday, who was also leader of the sugar workers union, was invited to Guyana by Dr Nanda Gopaul in late 1970s, and addressed the NAACIE labour conference in Georgetown. He visited Guyana several times thereafter, and also visited New York at our invitation, and discussed Guyanese and Trinidadian politics. At our urging, he raised the issue of rigged elections in Guyana in T&T Parliament during the late 1970s. Panday sought our assistance for his party in Trinidad, and he received our help, which included a group of us travelling to Trinidad and campaigning for his party in the 1981 elections. During the late 1970s, Guyanese migrated to Trinidad in search of better economic opportunities. In a racially polarised society, they naturally gravitated towards

Panday’s Indian-supported party, ULF, and other reincarnations. Panday’s newly-formed Trinidad and Tobago Alliance was resoundingly defeated. During the new Parliament (1981-86), Panday, Trevor Sudama and Kelvin Ramnath regularly raised the issue of fraudulent elections and human rights’ violations in Guyana. The Opposition also called for regularization of status and amnesty for Guyanese living illegally in Trinidad. He spoke out against the abuse of Guyanese, particularly females, in Trinidad, and their harassment at Piarco. Panday entered into an alliance (NAR) with other opposition parties, and appealed for resources from our NY group; Guyanese responded positively. The NAR won the December 1986 elections, and Panday was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs. As promised to us, Panday piloted amnesty and legalised status for Guyanese and other undocumented in Trinidad and Tobago in 1987. Panday also travelled to Guyana several times as Foreign Minister, and called for FFE. He met Cheddi and other stalwarts involved in the struggle. Panday spoke out against Robinson’s reluctance to speak out against rigged elections and human rights’ violations in Guyana; NAR MPs backpedalled on a commitment they made with us (including Ravi Dev’s and Depoo’s group UDM) in NY to assist in our struggle for restoration of democracy in Guyana. Panday (and Oma) visited New York in September 1987

for the UN General Assembly Session, and met a group of us. The discussion focused on FFE in Guyana. Panday committed to intensify the struggle for racial and working-class equality in T&T and for restoration of democracy in Guyana. On returning to Trinidad, Panday was told to take his “ten Indian seats and go”. He became more emboldened to speak out against racial discrimination. Robinson expelled Panday and several other Ministers and MPs affiliated with Panday. They sat in the Opposition. Panday became Opposition Leader and continued championing the cause of FFE in Guyana. He and Cheddi were invited to, and delivered keynote addresses at, our Global Conference on Indians in the Diaspora at Columbia University in July 1988, and held meetings. The duo met again in August 1989 at the global convention of PIOs in NY. In conversations I had with Cheddi in NY, he complained that Panday was not “left” enough, and that he should join the international movement against imperialism. Panday remained a centrist, but was a laborite who championed the working class. Facing international political pressure, including from Trinidad and Caribbean leaders, President Desmond Hoyte agreed to hold free and fair elections in October 1992 under international observers. The PPP won, and Manning was present at the swearing-in. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024

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

Attempting to defend the unjustifiable actions of Forbes Burnham Dear Editor, A reading of the Venezuelan submission to the ICJ (28.11.2019) reveals the almost total dependence of Venezuela’s claim on the fact that the Geneva Agreement (GA) was entered into; that is to say, by agreeing to resolve the dispute caused by the claim, the claim was thereby recognized, ergo legitimate. Retired Rear Admiral Dr. Gary Best, in an opinion piece for an online news outlet, posits: “Then Prime Minister Burnham had no control over the affairs of the colony of British Guiana”, and was thus not a principal signatory to the agreement; but in the next breath, Best describes the Geneva Agreement as “a master chess move by Forbes Burnham” (sic) (Demerara Waves 31.12.23), and Best asks: “Imagine where Guyana would have been had Cheddi Jagan succeeded as Prime Minister in 1964, and not signing such a well-constructed Geneva Agreement.” Before any attempt to answer the question posed by Best is made, there has to be a careful examination of the very real consequences of Burnham’s signature on the GA and (Burnham’s) motivations. For close to sixty years, Guyanese have held their tongues and their opinions of the GA for desire of unity, and to refrain from giving aid or comfort to our enemy. Now, however, the case is in the ICJ, and the GA will be under intense scrutiny. My opinion holds that no lawyer worth tuppence would have willingly signed

the GA, and no patriot would have put pen to paper to give the slightest credence to the Venezuelan claim. Cheddi Jagan, a Dentist, saw this easily. “Recognition was thus given to the spurious Venezuelan territorial claim, and what was a closed case since 1899 was re-opened” (The West on Trial, 1966). Anyone reading the GA can see this, how then did Forbes Burnham, a lawyer, fail to see the obvious? Burnham had no mandate from the people; quite the opposite. He had clear objections from Jagan. Then there was the issue of the American CIA money being paid to Burnham at the time, and the question must be asked if it came with demands and/or threats of exposure (blackmail) should he not comply with American directions. Burnham left no clues as to his thinking and/or process. His personal life was also in turmoil; as, in 1966, he was in the midst of a divorce (he remarried in 1967), and none of the spouses wrote memoirs, and we are left grasping as to Burnham’s motivation/s for this colossal blunder. Burnham signed the GA, and the Venezuelan interpretation is laid out thusly: 20. Article VIII of the Geneva Agreement provided that, once independent, Guyana would automatically become a party. Guyana achieved its independence and assumed all obligations contained in the Agreement. Venezuela proceeded to its recognition with an express reservation of its territorial claim over the territory

Panday pioneered CCJ Dear Editor, Former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Basdeo Panday, was a man of many parts. A lawyer, politician, and trade unionist who served as head of government for six years. He was, however, not given the credit for his role in setting up the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Panday was at the forefront in the establishment of the regional court, hence the reason why Port-of-Spain is the headquarters of the CCJ. The failure of the ‘twinisland republic’ not to abolish appeals to the Privy Council is the main reason why Panday was not given more recognition for the regional court. So far only five countries: Guyana, Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St Lucia, have accepted the CCJ as the final appellate Court. Panday was one of the

top Caribbean leaders who were very close to the Guyana Government. He spent a week in Guyana when Cheddi Jagan died. He attended the motorcade from Georgetown to Port Mourant, and witnessed the ceremonies leading up to the cremation at Babu Jaan. Panday was known as one of the leaders who advocated for Caribbean unity through the University of the West Indies, West Indies Cricket, and other regional sporting activities. He was influential in setting up several regional stadiums in Trinidad and Tobago. Although he studied law in England, he was in full support of the training of lawyers in the Caribbean. Panday died at the ripe age of 90. May his soul rest in peace. Sincerely, Oscar Ramjeet

west of the Essequibo River. The territorial dispute was therefore inextricably linked to the birth of Guyana as an independent State. Guyana cannot ignore now its pending condition, or reduce it to the question of the validity of the 1899 Award on basis of a new interpretation of the Geneva Agreement. The ICJ has ruled that Guyana’s interpretation of the GA is correct, and Venezuela erred when it supposed that the dispute cannot be settled judicially unless both parties consent to that course of action. Unfortunately, this has not dissuaded Venezuela from threatening annexation via force and war. We now come to Best’s hypothesis of where we would be if Cheddi Jagan had been Prime Minister and refused to sign the GA. The short answer is the Venezuelan claim would have dissipated with the end of the Cold War. Mallet-Provost’s posthumous claims could not/ would not stand scrutiny nor pass any credibility test. Guyana has at all times included the Essequibo territory, and Venezuela, for much of its existence, only settled as far as the Orinoco, a buffer zone of thousands of square miles of unoccu-

pied territory that separated the countries until the late 19th century. Even now, Venezuela has little presence on its side of the border, as opposed to long-established and vibrant villages and townships on ours. The Geneva Agreement never prevented an invasion of Guyana; proof of that is the illegal invasion and seizure of the eastern half of Ankoko Island by Venezuela's armed forces in October of 1966. This is a clear breach of the GA, and is among the reliefs sought by Guyana at the ICJ. One can argue whether Burnham had the authority to sign a document binding a country that did not yet exist and creating a dispute from a ‘spurious claim’, but it does not change the reality that we face an existential threat from a well-armed superior force because of the Geneva Agreement. In contrast, the Argyle Agreement signed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali and objected to by Gary Best guarantees peace for as long as it holds; a welcome relief for all right-thinking Guyanese. Guyanese would have been so much better off had the Geneva Agreement not been conceived or assent-

Randy Persaud did not repudiate or contest my contentions Dear Editor, Knowing Dr. Randy Persaud to be a paid propagandist of the Government operating under the nomenclature of Presidential Advisor, I do not pay his letters any heed. However, his letter of December 31 attracted my attention, since it is an attempt to respond to, and nullify, if not vilify, a letter written by me and published on Dec. 30, 2023 under the title: “Spouting the rule of law and good governance but observing them in the breach”. The goodly doctor’s letter is as vacuous as can be. While accusing me of “inaccuracies” and “half-truths”, he fails to identify any inaccuracy or half-truth. Rather, he seeks to place me in a cocoon, the PNC, by stating, “Mr. Alexander’s party was happy with the passage of that Bill”, and on that basis describes my letter as being “At best, …disingenuous”. That is but an attempt to distract the readers from the essence of my letter. It matters not what was the APNU’s position on the bill, my contentions are grounded, factual and beyond repudiation. In fact, Persaud does not even attempt to repudiate or contest my conten-

tions. In similar manner, he seeks to distract the attention of readers from GECOM’s corrupted employment practices and consequential installation of two persons to the highest administrative offices at GECOM by referring to “the extrajudicial October 19, 2017 unilateral appointment of Justice James Patterson as Chair of GECOM”. Where, in the name of heavens, does one wrongdoing justify another? Not to mention that Patterson was removed from office, while those GECOM officers are in situ and are largely responsible for conducting one of the exercises that constitute the kernel of our proclaimed democracy. It’s like putting the ‘cat to guard the milk’. As for his snide comment on my warning that we are at the ‘cusp’ of fascism, here is a definition of fascism: “a way of organizing a society in which a government ruled by a dictator controls the lives of the people and in which people are not allowed to disagree with the government.”(https://www.britannica.com>fascism). Yours sincerely, Vincent Alexander

ed to by Forbes Burnham (whatever the motivations). It remains one of Burnham’s many follies that continue to affect the nation negatively long after his demise. Best can do better with his time in retirement than at-

tempting to defend the unjustifiable actions of Forbes Burnham, the CIA’s ‘man’ in Guyana. Sincerely, Robin Singh

In tribute to...

But President Cheddi and Panday met several times. Several fundraisers were held by Guyanese New Yorkers for Panday’s UNC after 1991, and those continued until 2010. When Panday became PM in 1995, one of his earliest acts was cancellation of tens of millions of dollars in debt owed by Guyana. He travelled to Guyana as PM to meet Cheddi. Panday attended the State Funeral of Cheddi, who died in March 1997, spending several days, and even travelling to Corentyne for the cremation. He stayed at Albion Estate. He won re-election in December 2000; his government collapsed in 2001 in a fallout with Ramesh Maharaj, his AG, who carried out a campaign against corruption. Panday expelled Ramesh, and called snap elections and lost. Panday was not able to make a comeback, and remained Opposition Leader till 2010, when he was defeated for party leadership by Kamla Persad-Bissessar. He met Presidents Sam Hinds, Janet Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar, and Irfaan Ali in his various titles. Post 2010, Panday continued

FROM PAGE 4

his association with Guyanese. Panday was also hosted as speaker at several functions organized by Guyanese in NY, including by GOPIO when Berbician Ashook Ramsaran was President. Deo Gosine, Ashook, and I succeeded in reconciling Panday and Ramesh Maharaj at a PBD reception in Mumbai in January 2005 at the Taj Palace hotel. He also developed a very close relationship with Nohar Singh of Travel Span; Nohar hosted him and Oma at his home. Panday and Oma were also at several programmes hosted by Nohar in Guyana, and at Travel Span tours including last summer in Punta Cana. He attended several concerts where Guyanese entertained audiences in Trinidad, Guyana, New York, and other locations. He would be remembered by Guyanese for his contributions to the struggle for FFE, and for his socializing with Guyanese who developed a likeness for him. He was a charismatic and charming figure. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024

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

(Sign on) Inspiration Time Cartoons Evening News (RB) Stop Suffering Guy's Grocery Games Grand Designs Paternity Court Divorce Court News Break Movie - Guiding Emily (2023) Wheel of Fortune The Really Loud House E5 The Tom and Jerry Show S3 E15 Indian Soaps Sydney to the Max S3 E7 Austin & Ally S4 E11 The Young & The Restless CNN The Evening News Stop Suffering Stand-up Comedy Manifest S4 E13 The Crown S5 E1 The Office S5 E8 Insecure S2 E2 Sign off

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024

Foundation ◄

Page

Power Up Maths

Decimal place value and rounding

Sometimes you will be asked to round a number with a decimal to the nearest whole number. You need to look at the number on the right side of the decimal point. If that number is less than five, keep the whole number as it is. If that number is 5 or greater, add 1 to the whole number.

By Wordsworth McAndrew

Ol' woman wid de wrinkled skin, Leh de ol' higue1 wuk begin. Put on you fiery disguise, Ol' woman wid de weary eyes Shed you swizzly skin. Ball o' fire, raise up high Raise up till you touch de sky. Land 'pon top somebody roof Tr'ipse in through de keyhole - poof! Open you ol' higue eye.

Sometimes you will be asked to round a number with a decimal to the near Tens Ones Tenths Hundredths Thousandths to look at the number on the right side of the decimal point. If that number 3 2 6 1 2 . In other exercises, you might need to round a decimal to the nearest tenth, the nearest hundredth, or number is.toIfthe that is 5to. or thewhole nearest thousandth. Always look as at the it number right of thenumber place you are rounding For greater, add 1 to the whole num

example, if you are rounding to tenths, look at the hundredths place. If the number you look at is less than 5, keep the original number, but only to the place you need. If that number is 5 or greater, add 1 to the number in the tenths place.

Tens Ones >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Example: 3 2 Example: Round 32.612 to a whole number

Exercises:

Round 32.612 to a whole number Round to the nearest whole number: Step 1: Look at the number to the immediate ***Step 1***: Look at the number to the immediate right of the decimal point: 6 right of the decimal point: 6 1) 34.050 2) 2.897 3) 67.900 4)

Find de baby where 'e lie Change back faster than de eye. Find de baby, lif de sheet, Mek de puncture wid you teet', Suck de baby dry. Before 'e wake an' start to cry Change back fast, an' out you fly. Find de goobie2 wid you skin Mek de semidodge, then - in! Grin you ol' higue grin. In you dutty powder gown Next day schoolchildren flock you round. "Ol' higue, ol' higue!" dey hollerin' out Tek it easy, hold you mout' Doan leh dem find you out. Dey gwine mark up wid a chalk Everywhere wheh you got to walk You bridge, you door, you jealousie But cross de marks an' leh dem see Else dey might spread de talk. Next night you gone out jus' de same, Wrap up in you ball o' flame, To find an' suck another child, But tikkay! Rumour spreading wild. An' people know you name. Fly across dis window sill, Why dis baby lyin' so still? Lif' de sheet like how you does do, Oh God! Dis baby nightgown blue! Run fo' de window sill! Woman you gwine run or not? Doan mind de rice near to de cot. De smell o' asafoetida Like um tek effect 'pon you. You wan' get kyetch or what?

Tenths 6

Hun 1

In other exercises, you might need to round a decimal to the nearest tenth 110.125 Step 2: Ask yourself: Is that number 5 or greater? the nearest thousandth. Always look at the number to the right of the place ***Step 2***: Ask It is.yourself: Is that number 5 or greater? Round to the nearest tenth: Step 3: Add 1 to the whole number: 32 + 1 = 33 5) 34.050 6) 2.897 7) 67.900 8) It is. example, if you are rounding 110.125 to tenths, look at the hundredths place. If the Example: RoundAdd 32.612 nearest hundredth ***Step 3***: 1 to to thethe whole number: 32 + 1 = 33 Step 1: Look at the place to the right of the thanplace. 5,(Itkeep the original number, only to the place you need. If that num Round to the nearestbut hundredth: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> hundredth will be the number in the 9) 34.050 10) 2.897 11) 67.900 thousandths place.) 12) 110.125 the number in the tenths place. Step 2: Ask yourself: Is that number 5 or greater? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Round to the nearest thousandth: It is not. 13) 34.050 14) 2.897 15) 67.900 Example: Round the nearest hundredth Step 3: Keep the 32.612 originaltonumber, but only to the 16) 110.125 place you need: 32.61 ***Step 1***: Look at the place to the right of the hundredth place. (It will be the number in the thousandths place.)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

LOST ATtoSEA Example: Round 32.612 a whole number

and observe. n this fun and easy cool science Instructions: experiment, we’re going to use Place the compass on a table How it works: science to trick a compass and so that it is facing north.5 or greater? ***Step 2***: Ask yourself: Is that number As electricity from the battery maybe get lost at sea! Place the wire over the top of flows through the wire it creates Materials: It is not. the compass. Make sure the wire a magnetic field. This magnetic One piece of insulated wire is facing north and that both ends field can be used to manipulate andplace trick the compass. with both ends3***: bare Keep the original of the bare wires extend over ***Step number, but out only to the you need:A compass 32.61 was among the early tools used Compass the compass. Battery (1.5 volts) Touch each end of the wire to to navigate the ocean and keep >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> the opposite ends of the battery sailors from becoming lost at sea.

A compass works by detecting and pointing towards the Earth’s natural magnetic fields.

But now is too late for advice, 'Cause you done start to count de rice An' if you only drop one grain You must begin it all again. But you gwine count in vain.

Whuh ah tell you? Day done, light an' rice still mountin' Till dey wake an' kyetch you countin' An' pick up de big fat cabbage broom An' beat you all around de room. Is now you should start countin' Whaxen! Whaxen! Whaxen! Plai! You gwine pay fo' you sins befo' you die. Lash she all across she head You suck me baby till um dead? Whaxen! Whaxen! Plai! You feel de manicole3 'cross you hip? Beat she till blood start to drip. "Ow me God! You bruk me hip! Done now, nuh? All you done!"

***Step 1***: Look at the number to the immediate right of the decimal p Make this a science project: See if other items can manipulate a compass. Sit the compass on electronic devices. Sit the compass on metal. Move the compass near a phone charger. (sciencefun.org)

Is whuh you sayin' deh, you witch? Done? Look, allyou beat de bitch. Whaxen! Whaxen! Pladai! Plai! Die, you witch you. Die. Whaxen! Whaxen! Plai!

WORD SEARCH

***Step 2***: Ask yourself: Is that number 5 or greater? It is. ***Step 3***: Add 1 to the whole number: 32 + 1 = 33 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Example: Round 32.612 to the nearest hundredth ***Step 1***: Look at the place to the right of the hundredth place. (It will

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana extends solidarity, offers support to Japan following devastating earthquake – as President Ali dispatches letter to Japanese Emperor

n the wake of a devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake that rocked Japan, killing over 50 people and causing billions in infrastructural damage, Guyana has reached out to offer its condolences and support to its Japanese bilateral partner. President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday dispatched a letter to Emperor Naruhito of Japan, in which he extended condolences to the Japanese people and also expressed hope for the swift recovery of those injured in the quake. “Your Imperial Majesty, it is with sadness and deep concern that I extend my heartfelt condolences to Your Imperial Majesty and the people of Japan in the wake

Scenes from the carnage left by the earthquake

of the recent earthquake and its aftershocks that have struck your country,” President Ali wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families during this challenging time. The government and people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana express our deepest sympathy to the families who have lost their loved ones and extend our wishes for the swift recovery of those injured.” Meanwhile, President Ali expressed confidence that Japan will be able to recover from the devastation of the earthquake, going on to offer the Japanese solidarity and support in their moment

of need. “I am confident that your country will prevail in its efforts to rebuild and recover in the aftermath of this horrific natural disaster. Guyana stands by Japan during this sad moment, offering our support and solidarity. Please accept, Your Imperial Majesty, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the President further said. The earthquake struck western Japan on Monday afternoon, New Year’s Day, triggering tsunami alerts as far away as eastern Russia, prompting orders for residents to evacuate affected coastal areas of Japan even as buildings collapsed and

fires erupted. The earthquake struck at 4:10 pm local time at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles) in the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa prefecture, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Per CNN reports, the Japan Meteorological Agency immediately issued a tsunami warning along coastal regions of western Japan, and the first waves were reported hitting the coast just over 10 minutes later. Some of the first reports came from the city of Wajima in Ishikawa prefecture, which saw tsunami waves of around 1.2 metres (3.9 feet) around 4:21 pm, according to Japanese public broadcaster

NHK. No immediate damage was reported. The Defence Ministry subsequently dispatched 1000 military personnel to help the rescue and recovery efforts, Subject Minister Minoru Kihara told reporters. The Japan Meteorological Agency meanwhile issued a “major tsunami warning” – the first since 2011’s devastating earthquake – for Noto but later downgraded it to a “tsunami warning.” Under Japan’s tsunami warning system, waves expected less than 1-metre fall under “tsunami advisory,” while those expected up to 3 metres fall under “tsunami warning” and waves expect-

ed above 5 metres fall under “major tsunami warning.” In a televised address earlier, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi urged people living in areas under tsunami warnings to evacuate to higher ground. Only recently, there has been intensified bilateral collaboration between Guyana and Japan, as both countries have been elected to serve as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 2024. Guyana and Japan have pledged to work together on several global security challenges during their terms as non-permanent members of the Council.

Gas-to-energy project

Int’l companies express interest in producing fertiliser locally …as agro-processing facilities will be integrated – Agri Minister

A model of the gas-to-energy project, showing the NGL plant location

mong the various benefits that the gas-to-energy project will bring for the agriculture sector is cheaper energy, with the Government looking to integrate the nation’s agro-processing facilities with the ambitious project to bring down agro-processing costs and expand the manufacturing side of agriculture. During his year-end press conference, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha reflected on the impact the gas-to-energy project will have on agriculture. According to Mustapha, the project will allow for manufacturers and food processors to get both cheaper and more reliable power. This will also lead to an expansion of food production. “Recently I had a discus-

sion with one of the companies that came in Guyana, interested in producing fertiliser. You know with the Russian/Ukraine war, we’ve seen an escalation in the cost of fertiliser. And if we can produce our own fertiliser in Guyana, then that would be a big thing for us in terms of reduction of the cost of production.” “So, if we have reduction of fertiliser cost, reduction in energy and manufacturing, in terms of agro-processing, that would help us tremendously. That would redound to the sector, in terms of producing more and getting cheaper input in these agriculture sectors,” Mustapha said. Reducing the agro-processing costs will be an important part of Guyana’s

plan to reduce food imports into the Region by 25 per cent by 2025. With this in mind, the Minister noted that the Government is also looking to integrate food processing facilities with the project. These projects, being implemented in conjunction with the new Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), will benefit from the cheap and reliable energy. “What we are now doing, especially with the New GMC, they have been working with a number of stakeholders, agro-processors. And we’ve built 12, 13 of those agro-processing facilities across the country. We need proper energy to run these places.” “Because the lines that we have there, will demand what we want to produce. For example, we are working with various groups across the country. Right here on the coast, we have built a number of those. But we cannot depend solely on the network we have in GPL,” Minister Mustapha further said. Under the gas-to-energy project, an Integrated Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Plant and 300-megawatt (MW) Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant will

Agro-processing is an important aspect of Guyana’s food security plans

be built. An industrial park, called the Wales Development Zone (WDZ), will also be built and benefit directly from the gas. The NGL and 300MW power plant components of the Gas-to-Shore Project are expected to cost US$759.8 million, and will be financed through sources that include budgets and loan financing. The scope of Guyana’s gas-to-energy project also 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. In July of last year, a US$159 million engineer-

ing, procurement and construction (EPC) contract was awarded to Indian company Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL). Under the terms of the contract, KPIL will be providing EPC services for the transmission lines and substations component of the Gas-to-Shore Project. Meanwhile, oil and gas consortium Lindsayca/CH4 (LNDCH4) was contracted back in 2022 to construct the 300-megawatt power plant and NGL plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara as part of the gas-to-shore initiative. Outside of the EPC contracts, the supervision of the NGL and power plant com-

ponents of the project will cost another US$23 million. With a timetable to deliver the power plant by the end of 2024 and the NGL plant to be online by 2025, works are progressing on getting the gas-to-energy project off the ground. In November last, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had revealed that Government will seek for another partner to come on board and fast-track the project, noting that they will further engage ExxonMobil, which along with its partners Hess Corporation and CNOOC Limited is producing oil in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana where at least two commercial gas fields have been found. According to the Vice President, the Government is not pleased with the pace at which the development of gas is moving, hence considering another partner. He had pointed out that with the finalisation of the gas monetisation strategy, the Government would like to nudge the gas development process along. Thus, bringing in another partner will help to underwrite some of the expenses and the risks associated with monetising the gas. (G3)

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pres Ali, VP Jagdeo express condolences on passing of fmr T&T Prime Minister

ormer Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Basdeo Panday passed at the age of 90 on Monday with his family by his side. In a post on her social media page, his daughter, Mickela Panday, stated “With deep sorrow, we would like to share that our loving husband and father, Basdeo Panday passed away on 1st January 2024, surrounded by his family. In life and death, he was a fighter. He passed with his boots on, keeping everybody

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

around him on their toes with his wit and humour.

He will live on in all of us, remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, leader, and friend. He was an inspiration to his family and everybody that knew him. We will continue to celebrate his life and treasure the time we were able to spend with him.” Following his passing, President Dr Irfaan Ali extended his sincere condolences to Panday’s family, friends, and colleagues. In addition, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on his Facebook page stated: “I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Basdeo Panday.” “May his legacy be a source of comfort, and may cherished memories bring solace during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the people of Trinidad and Tobago,”

Jagdeo added. Panday served twice as Prime Minister, from 1995 to 2001 following key elections that marked a turning point for the Indo-Trinidadians who lived on the twin-island nation, whose population is currently 35% East Indian and 34% of African descent. Panday was a lawyer, economist and union leader who also co-founded three political parties, including the United National Congress. He temporarily stepped down as Opposition Leader of that party after being convicted in 2006 of failing to disclose a bank account in London. In 2005, Panday and others were charged with corruption and arrested in a

Former T&T Prime Minister Basdeo Panday

case related to an airport construction contract. The charges were later dropped, with supporters claiming the allegations were political persecution. Further, Panday was the first person of Indian descent to lead a Government in Trinidad and was first elected to Parliament in 1976. He served as Opposition Leader on five occasions between 1976 and 2010 and was the founding member of three political parties including the now main opposition United National Congress (UNC). He is survived by his wife, Oma, and his daughter.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Why fear…

…the British Lion?

hatever in the world would cause Mad Maduro to go so over-the-top at the news that Britain sent one of its PATROL ships - which works to interdict drug traffickers across the Atlantic – to Guyana? Boasting that Venezuelans were “warriors”, the fella went ballistic calling Britain “a decadent, rotten, ex-empire” and warning that “no one should mess with Venezuela”!! And he didn’t stop with his chest-beating like a Venezuelan Tarzan in the Venezuelan jungles. The ex-bus driver put on a military cap and ordered 5682 soldiers; 3 ocean patrol vessels; 7 missile boats; 12 Sukhoi planes, AND a host of amphibious vehicles into a military exercise near Essequibo!! We know he’s mad, but surely he didn’t think that a single British ship with not more than 50 men, with mere cannons - presented such a threat to his country?? Let’s face it: while Brittania might’ve once “ruled the waves”, so that it could transport its army wherever it wanted to back up whatever claim it asserted, those days are long gone!! In fact, as far back as in 1976, George S. Brown - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter - dismissed Britain and its military as “pathetic.” For good measure, he added, “They’re no longer a world power. All they’ve got are generals, admirals and bands. They do things in great style…on the protocol side. But it makes you sick to see their forces”!! But maybe because - even after such disparagement - just six years later, Britain was able to whup Argentina’s a55 some 8000 miles away and recover its Falklands Islands – led by a woman (Margaret Thatcher), of all people!! – it still irks Mad Maduro’s Latin machismo?? Could be… you can never tell what goes on in the mind of a people scorned. And Britain’s view of Venezuela and the other Latin American leaders - as dictators parading around with chests bedecked with ribbons, but who’ve never actually seen battle!! – had to have irked. Especially when Mad Maduro’s always conscious that, unlike his mentor Chavez, he never was even in the military, and their “loyalty” to him has to be bought!! However, the truth is - almost fifty years after Brown’s bleak assessment - Britain’s forces haven’t been noticeably empowered. Its army is just about half of Venezuela’s, at 78,000 troops – less than during the Napoleonic Wars of 1803-1815! ! Its Navy’s fleet has shrunk to fewer than 20 surface ships and 10 submarines. Its newest aircraft carrier, the Queen Elizabeth, cannot launch or retrieve conventional aircraft. Its Air Wing consists of the vertical take-off and landing F-35Bs. And its famous RA has fewer than 300 fixed-wing aircraft!! Is Mad Maduro quaking because he knows his forces are paper tigers?? …social media?? A lot of folks are getting their drawers and bucktas in a knot over concerns raised by the Government in regard to incendiary and divisive rhetoric being spewed over social media! Now, your Eyewitness has already addressed the issue from a free-speech perspective by pointing out that, even in the most liberal of societies that worship free speech – the US – “you can’t yell “FIRE!!!” in a crowded theatre!! But there’s far more to it than that!! Back in the 60s, “the medium is the message” was a phrase created to signal the form a medium embeds itself in the message - creating a symbiotic relationship by which the medium influences how the message is perceived. Well, we’ve come a long way from TV, where broadcasters’ idiosyncrasies had to be curbed by legislation!! With social media, there are no rules of the game - and messages are no longer “mediated”!! We must all be concerned we don’t allow folks to scream “FIRE” that’s gonna consume us all!! …development It would appear that there are some among us who fear development – like the Luddites of yore, who broke factory machinery that was “taking away peoples’ jobs”! History shows that, after an initial imbalance, jobs should match people!! The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Essequibo man shot during robbery at Chinese supermarket

nwar Sukhnanand, also known as "Danny", a 35-yearold excavator operator of Johanna Cecelia on the Essequibo Coast, has been shot and injured after gunmen invaded a Chinese supermarket in that Region Two (Pomeroom-Supenaam) community. The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday at about 20:45h at the Good Life Supermarket owned by Chinese national Guang. According to information reaching Guyana Times, five masked men, armed with handguns and dressed in dark clothing, stormed the

The victim after receiving treatment

supermarket while the Chinese businessman was behind the counter and several customers were shopping. The armed men went into the cashier’s booth and

confiscated an undisclosed sum of cash and a quantity of phone cards before making good their escape. Sukhnanand, who was in the company of his wife and

friends, was shot when one of the men discharged a round in his direction as they made their way into the supermarket. He reportedly collapsed to the ground. "Me and Danny (Anwar) went to the supermarket to purchase a few household items; and while coming out, we met a few friends, so we stayed a while and chat and had a drink. Then suddenly we heard a sound like a firecracker, and then another one, then my husband fall to the ground and all I see is blood coming from his foot… I started to panic, and everyone scattered and run away," the man's wife explained. She

The Chinese supermarket where the shooting took place

added that three armed men then rushed into the supermarket, attacked the Chinese businessman, and looted the cash register. However, after being shot,

Sukhnanand was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was treated and admitted as a patient. An investigation into the shooting is underway.

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Labour Ministry recoups $69M in restitution for employees I

n 2023, a total of 912 complaints from employees regarding various issues such as termination benefits, annual leave, unlawful deductions from salaries, overtime payments, failure to pay minimum wage and severance payments were lodged at the Labour Ministry. The Ministry’s Labour Department was able to resolve 85 per cent of these complaints on behalf of the employees and the other 15 per cent would be resolved within the first quarter of 2024. This is according to Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton during the Ministry’s end of year press conference. In this regard, 32 matters were filed in the Magistrates’ Courts. Of this number, 21 cases were resolved last year while 11 are still before the courts and are at different stages in the legal proceedings. As a result of the resolved cases, a total of $69 million was recovered on behalf of employees, a 42 per cent increase when compared to 2022. During his Ministry’s end of year press conference on Tuesday Hamilton disclosed

Social dialogue

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton

that a large proportion of complaints were made by workers employed in the private security sector. It was revealed that several companies in the sector aforementioned refused to pay basic minimum wage (60,147 per month) as stipulated by the National Tripartite Committee via the National Minimum Wage Order 2022. “People still failing to pay $60-something thousand per month, $15,000-something per week, we still have to deal with that, those are matters in court. Most especially and grievously the security companies notorious. One time we had about 400 cases against one person in

the court…as I speak to you CLO is looking at a matter where somebody is offering 10 million dollars to resolve an issue. He’s saying to me that when he starts to compute the 10 million dollar it in even scratch the surface of what they owe the employee,” Hamilton said. The Minister explained that Government’s goal is to resolve the remaining cases this year, and engage employers through forums such as seminars, in an effort to reduce such complaints. Those will be paired with efforts to conduct business inspections to ensure companies comply with the legislative requirements governing conditions of work.

Sonia Parag named substantive Local Government Minister – Dr Ashni Singh to oversee operations of Public Service Ministry

Minister Sonia Parag

Embattled: Nigel Dharamlall

ublic Service Minister Sonia Parag will take up the post as substantiative Local Government and Regional Development Minister in the coming days. This was announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday on his Facebook page. According to the Head of State, Minister Parag will be assisted by Minister Anand Persaud, who has been acting in that position since the resignation of former embattled Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall. In addition, the Public Service Ministry which was headed by Minister Parag will now fall under the ambit of Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh out of the Office of the

Minister Anand Persaud

President. Back in July 2023, Former Regional Vice Chairperson for Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Nandranie Coonjah replaced Dharamlall as a parliamentarian. Coonjah, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Region Two candidate and a longstanding Commissioner on the Women and Gender Equality Commission, was selected after the party wrote to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to extract her name from the geographic list of candidates. Before this development, Dharamlall resigned as both a Minister and Member of Parliament (MP). It was announced on July 4, 2023, that

Dharamlall had resigned, following allegations of rape that were levelled against him. Subsequently, however, the complainant declined to pursue the matter. The victim had given a “no further action statement” to investigators in the presence of one of her parents and a representative of the Child Care and Protection Agency. This had led to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali Hack, SC, advising the Police not to proceed with the case. The DPP, in her advice, stated that the victim’s decision to withdraw the complaint was not influenced by anyone, and that same was done in her best interest.

The Ministry in 2023 continued its social dialogue through the National Tripartite Committee, between Government, employers’ and workers’ organisations on topics such as inclusive economic growth, better wages and working conditions. In this regard, the National Tripartite Committee, with technical support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has commenced the development of the Decent Work Country

Programme (DWCP) 20242028. The DWCP’s primary goal is to spearhead efforts that will result in positive changes in the world of work in Guyana. All actions to be taken will align with key areas of development that are also aligned with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Complaints’ procedure and prosecution

When an employee makes a complaint, the Ministry then invites both the em-

ployer and the employee to a meeting to hear both parties and then based on the facts and circumstances, a decision/recommendation is made in keeping with Guyana’s labour laws. The Ministry’s primary goal is to resolve all complaints amicably, ensure that the process is fair, transparent and without prejudice or bias. If the decision made is in favour of the employee and the employer does not honour that decision, then the case is taken to the Magistrate’s Court for enforcement.

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GDF medevacs 2 Reg 7 children to city

he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) recently conducted a successful medical evacuation mission to transport two young patients from the Chinoweing Health Post in Region Seven

(Cuyuni-Mazaruni) to receive urgent medical care. The patients, an 11-month-old infant and a 4-year-old child were facing health complications that required immediate atten-

tion beyond the capabilities of the local health facility. The GDF utilised the reliable 8R-GMN Islander for the evacuation, ensuring a safe and secure journey for the young patients. Upon ar-

rival at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, the children were swiftly transferred to the awaiting ambulance, which then transported them to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

for further medical care. Captain Teffurn James and Lieutenant Shane Jones were the pilot and co-pilot, respectively, while Corporal Jamal Sears and Private

Kenisha Boyce provided medical care to the young patients during the evacuation. The GDF wishes a speedy recovery for the young patients. (GDF)

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

7 babies delivered on New Year’s Day at GPHC

ife of Prime M i n i s t e r , Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Mrs Mignon Bowen-Phillips visited the Maternity Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on New Year’s Day, spreading joy among new mothers by gifting them essential supplies for their newborns.

During her visit, she interacted with the mothers and seven New Year's babies (five girls and two boys). In an invited comment, she expressed her excitement at contributing to the happiness of the mothers. "One of the greatest gifts or one of the best blessings, in fact, for a

(Photos: Office of the Prime Minister)

woman is becoming a mother. And so, I'm excited that they have this responsibility to care for and nurture another human being. "You know, we need all the resources that we have to be part of the development of Guyana, and so, it's such a good feeling to be a part of this small but significant activity."

She added, "It's an opportunity for me to wish them all the best for the new year and to hope that all their dreams, in terms of the growth and development of their children, will come through." Mrs Bowen-Phillips was accompanied by the CEO of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran.

14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

North Ruimveldt trio wanted for attempted execution of businessman T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Tuesday issued wanted bulletins for three men for questioning in relation to the execution attempt on popular businessman Safraz Khan, who was shot multiple times in front of his home at Austin Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, on July 6, 2023. Wanted are Lennin Messiah, also called “Baby,” of Lot 3667 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown; 20-year-old Shannon

Braxton Wilson of Lot 2570 Kaikan Street, North Ruimveldt, and Joel Sars also known as “Joe” of Lot 3667 North Ruimveldt. It has been reported that multiple gunshots rang out in Austin Street, Campbellville, at about 20:07h on July 6 last, before an unidentified man was seen entering the front passenger seat of a silver-grey motor car and fleeing the scene. Businessman Safraz Khan

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

The shooter re-entering the silver-grey car after the attempted execution

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

North Ruimveldt trio wanted for...

FROM PAGE 14

After that shooting incident, Police detailed that on the day in question, the 42-yearold businessman had left his work site at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, at about 19:50h in his white Toyota Premio vehicle, PVV 8859; and as he was making his way home, he had observed a silver-grey Allion motor car trailing him. As Khan turned into the entrance of his home and stopped his car, the suspect immediately exited the front passenger seat of the Allion with a gun in his hand, and approached Khan’s vehicle. According to detectives, as Khan saw the armed suspect approaching his vehicle, he availed

Wanted: Lennin Messiah, also called “Baby”

Wanted: Shannon Braxton Wilson

himself of his licensed pistol and discharged rounds in the suspect’s direction. Thereupon, the suspect riddled Khan’s car with bullets, before re-entering the silver-grey car, which sped off the scene. Slumped in the driv-

er’s seat, bleeding from wounds on his feet and hands, Khan was immediately rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted. His condition was regarded as stable. In their investigations,

Wanted: Joel Sars

detectives had found 27 spent shells of .223 ammunition on the roadway, and another 13 spent shells of 9mm ammunition in Khan’s car. They had also found Khan’s gun on the front seat of his bullet-riddled car, while bullet holes had

also been found on a concrete fence, a verandah, and on the garage gate. Another car, a grey BMW owned by Khan, which was parked alongside the other car, had a hole in the right front door. Police have since confirmed that Khan had sustained gunshot injuries to the thigh and left elbow. Back in 2018, Khan had been charged and granted bail in relation to discharging a loaded firearm outside a popular night club on Main Street. Khan, who was 37 at that time, had appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore, where the charge read to him had stated that on October 28, at Main

Street, Georgetown, he had discharged a loaded firearm within 100 yards of a public way. Khan had denied the allegation levelled against him, and his lawyer Glenn Hanoman had been successful in making an application for him to be placed on bail. Khan is the brother of Imran Khan, who had been slapped with an attempted murder charge following an attack on Romario Balget, called “Short Boss”. Meanwhile, anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of the three men is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 225-6940, 225-8196, 227-1149, 911, or at the nearest Police station.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pump station contractors given strict deadlines to complete work – Agri Minister ...$1.3B in works on Liliendaal pump station on track for completion

he contractors working on several pump stations, for instance, those at Canal Number One in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Charity in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), have been given a stern warning by the Government and a strict deadline by which they are expected to complete these projects. It was reported in October of 2022 that several pump stations being constructed in various regions were facing delays. Among them were pump stations at Charity, Canal Number 1, Cottage and Black Bush Polder, the latter of which

actually resulted in the contract being terminated. During his year-end press conference, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha acknowledged the delays these projects have faced. According to him, they recently met with these contractors and they were warned to stick to the revised deadlines for the project. In addition, $1.3 billion in rehabilitation works on the Liliendaal pump station are well on track for completion. “The Liliendaal pump station, yes, it’s on track. And I’m very optimistic it will meet its deadline. That’s a major project, a World

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during a visit to the Liliendaal pump station in 2020

Bank project. And I’m hoping it will meet its deadline. Other pump stations too, not just Liliendaal. Those like what the Opposition MP, Mahipaul was raising. We met with the contractors.” “They have to complete it by the specific deadline that was set. All the contractors we met with. Places like Canal One, A-Line, the Charity, the Cozier, all those areas. The one at Cottage. The contractors, last week Thursday, we met with them. And they signed, yes, all the contracts will be completed,” Mustapha said during his press conference. TURN TO PAGE 20

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt withdraws $31B from Natural Resource Fund – final withdrawal for 2023 from US$1B parliamentary approved allocation

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has made its eighth and final withdrawal from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) for 2023, this time withdrawing over US$150 million to finance projects under the 2023 budget. Making this announcement was the Ministry of Finance, which explained that US$152.1 million (equivalent to G$31.6 billion) was withdrawn on December 27, 2023, from the NRF and transferred to the Consolidated Fund in accordance with the NRF Act (2021) and the approved Budget 2023. “This transfer brings the accumulated withdrawals for 2023 to US$1.002 billion (equivalent to G$208.4 billion), in line with the total of US$1.002 billion (equivalent to G$208.9 billion) approved to be withdrawn in 2023.” It was pointed out by the Ministry that Parliament has already approved the withdrawal of US$1 billion from the NRF. With a total of eight withdrawals made last year, this means that the December 27 withdrawal has exhausted the approved allo-

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

cation. “It would be recalled in 2021, the Government amended the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act to bring greater transparency and accountability in the management of Guyana’s oil resources, including the requirement of the Government to seek annual parliamentary approval for withdrawals from the NRF as stated in Section 19 of the NRF Act 2021.” “Pursuant to that provision, as part of its consideration of the Budget Process, the Parliament approved US$1.002 billion (equivalent to G$208.9 billion) to be withdrawn from the NRF in 2023,” the Ministry further pointed.

Back in November, the Government had made its sixth and seventh withdrawals (both US$100 million respectively) from the NRF. Then, in September, the Government reported its fifth withdrawal from the NRF, totalling G$10.4 billion (equivalent to US$50 million). It was also announced that in August and September 2023, amounts totalling US$200 million or G$41.6 billion had been transferred from the NRF to the Consolidated Fund to finance national development priorities. These withdrawals followed another US$400 million or G$83.2 billion being taken out of the NRF in February and May of last year. The funds from the NRF have their origins in the Stabroek Block – the only block currently producing oil. The Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Exxon, through its local affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd (EEPGL), is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC

Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest. The company is currently undertaking four production projects – Liza 1, Liza 2, Payara, and Yellowtail – in the oil-rich block. It is estimated that when the Yellowtail development project comes on stream, production will climb to 810,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2027. The US oil major anticipates at least six floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels in operation by 2030. Section 3 (1) of the NRF Act 2021, Act No 19 of 2021, which was assented to by President Dr Irfaan Ali on December 30, 2021, establishes the NRF to man-

age the natural resource wealth of Guyana for the present and future benefit of the people effectively and efficiently and in accordance with the principles of good governance, transparency, accountability, and international best practices, including the Santiago Principles. Section 5 (1) of the Act provides for a Board of Directors of the Fund comprising not less than three and not more than five members, who shall be appointed by the President, inclusive of a Chairperson. In accordance with Section 5 (2), these Directors are to be selected from persons who have wide experience in legal, financial, business, or administrative matters, one of whom shall be nominated by the

National Assembly and one of whom shall be a representative of the private sector. The Public Accountability and Oversight Committee is chaired by former Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Clement Sealey. The other six members are Wendell Jeffrey, Abu Zaman, Ryan Alexander, Dawn Gardener, Teni Housty, and Aslim Singh. The Investment Committee follows a makeup of seven members who will advise the NRF Board on matters that concern investing the oil funds, in a way that maximises the benefits to Guyana. Chairperson Shaleeza Shaw was sworn in with members Michael Monroe and Richard Rambarran.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

20 NEWS 1 dead, another critical after Ramsammy’s Ruminations Global jeopardies will gunmen invade wedding house not derail Guyana from WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ne man is now dead while another is in a critical state after they were shot during a robbery at a wedding celebration at Canal Number 2 Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD), on Sunday evening. Dead is 40-year-old Natram Persaud known as “Vishal” of Stanleytown, WBD. Manipaul Rambarhak, called “Anand,” a 57-year-old farmer of Canal Number 2 Polder, was identified as the person who remains in a critical condition. It was reported that the murder/robbery was committed by three men

Dead: Natram Persaud

who were all dressed in dark clothing and wearing masks. One of them was armed with a handgun. Rambarhak was reportedly sitting at the western side of the entrance

along with another friend when the three bandits approached him during which one of them discharged two rounds at him and relieved him of his gold band valued at $250,000. As the men were leaving, the now dead man reportedly chased after them. He eventually caught up with the men and a scuffle ensued with one of them. During the scuffle, a loud explosion was heard, after which Persaud fell to the ground. The three bandits then made good their escape. As relatives rushed to assist Rambarhak and Persaud, they realised that they were shot.

They were picked up and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where Persaud was pronounced dead on arrival. Rambarhak sustained a gunshot injury to his stomach, which exited his lower back, while Persaud received a gunshot injury to the back of his head. At the scene, three .45mm spent shells were recovered - one on the bridge area and two at the entrance of the yard. Several CCTV cameras were seen affixed to the building where the wedding function was held, and these will be reviewed by detectives.

Santa Cruz man allegedly drowns during New Year’s Day outing with friends

he lifeless body of a young father was pulled from the Waini River, North West District (NWD) – one day after he went missing while swimming with a group of friends. The dead man has been identified as Owen Smith of Santa Cruz, Waini River, NWD, Region One (Barima-Waini). Based on reports received, Cruz

Dead: Owen Smith

joined friends on Monday for a New Year’s Day swim. He reportedly plunged into the river at about 16:00h and never resurfaced thus resulting in his friends raising an alarm. They reportedly searched the area but after it got dark without finding Smith, the search was called off. However, the search resumed on Tuesday. Hours

into the search, the man’s body was recovered. Based on reports received, Smith sustained injuries to his head – injuries he might have received after hitting his head on an object in the water when he plunged. His body was taken to the Kumaka Hospital at Moruca where a post-mortem is expected to be performed. Investigations are continuing.

Drug smuggling attempts thwarted at Camp Street, NA Prisons quent strip search revealed the contraband hidden in his underwear.

Safraaz was promptly arrested. Both men are expected to appear in court today.

Pump station contractors...

FROM PAGE 16

Pradesh Ballkishun

Safraaz Hossein

wo separate attempts to smuggle drugs into Guyana's prisons were thwarted by vigilant law enforcement officers on New Year’s Day. In Georgetown's Camp Street penitentiary, Pradesh Ballkishun, a resident of Coldigen, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was apprehended by Police stationed at Brickdam. Ballkishun had visited the prison to drop off personal items for a male inmate, Kapil Gangaden. However, during the routine check of the items at the self-support area, prison staff uncovered a concealed stash of

marijuana in a bowl of soup. The marijuana was found wrapped in small plastics and hidden inside the dumpling. Ballkishun is now cooperating with investigators and is expected to face charges related to the possession of narcotics for trafficking. In addition, at the New Amsterdam Prison, a 29-yearold man from Corentyne, Berbice, Safraaz Hossein, attempted to smuggle two grams of marijuana into the facility. Hossein, visiting the jailhouse to deliver personal items for his brother, Sultun Hossein, raised suspicions among the jail staff due to his peculiar behaviour. A subse-

After Opposition Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul had highlighted delays in these projects, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) explained the factors behind the delays. For instance, NDIA had explained that the Charity pump station was delayed because of squatters. At the time, however, the agency had said that works were proceeding. Other factors cited were relocating existing infrastructure and constructing new ones. One of the assertions that were made by the Opposition MP at the time regarding the termination of the Black Bush Polder pump station contract, was that concrete should have been poured over steel rods in the foundation of the project. He had claimed that terminating the contract would cost taxpayers $38 million. However, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had debunked this recom-

mendation as not being technically sound, since the experts have advised that the entire structure will have to be replaced. Further, he had said that as per the contract, the contractor would only be paid for works “satisfactorily completed”. Pumps play a critical role in preventing floods and are especially important for rice cultivation in the Black Bush Polder. It had been reported late last year that even as rice farmers were preparing their lands for the next crop, they were facing challenges with replanting since several pumps that supply farmers with water were inoperable. The Ministry of Agriculture received $33.2 billion in Budget 2023. A contract for a pump station at Black Bush Polder was among the several contracts totalling $2.7 billion that were signed in October 2021, by agencies within the Agriculture Ministry. (G-3)

most transformative year ever in 2024

e take this opportunity to wish everyone a joyful and prosperous 2024. We pray for peace in our country, our region, and globally. In particular, we pray for solutions to ensure that no child must suffer from war, hunger, or disease, no matter where they live. Last week, I wrote that 2024 will be a momentous year for Guyana. I am confident that President Irfaan Ali will lead the PPP Government in making 2024 Dr Leslie Ramsammy the most transformative year in Guyana’s history. For one thing, his announcement during the New Year’s Day Message confirmed the Government’s plan to remove university fees; lift the overall educational system; and take further steps to alleviate the cost of living, being driven by global circumstances such as wars in Ukraine and Palestine. There are global threats and seemingly insurmountable challenges that Guyana and other countries around the world would have to navigate. This column has often argued that Guyana has navigated these challenges better than many more powerful and wealthier countries than ours. I am confident that President Ali and the PPP Government would safely navigate Guyana through the perilous pathways and challenges that stand in our way. I am confident that 2024 will be a momentous year for our country. Some of the things Guyana and other countries around the world will have to navigate include the overall global economy, climate change, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the migration crisis, wars and conflicts. These are issues that would impact the lives of every Guyanese and everyone on the planet. How governments navigate these challenges will have profound implications for the wellbeing of citizens and countries. We are fortunate that President Ali and his Government have shown the capacity to navigate Guyana through these difficult paths safely. In 2024, some elections can have significant impacts on Guyana and the world. There is an election scheduled in Venezuela that has enormous significance for Guyana. There is a good chance that the elections will be rigged, and that Mad Maduro will have many more years to threaten Guyana and the Zone of Peace for the Region. But, if the Western democracies are successful in their bid to promote free and fair elections in Venezuela, the ICJ pathway that Guyana has submitted itself to will have the potential to end the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy. Maduro has rejected, while the combined opposition has accepted, the ICJ as the way forward. Elections in several other countries: such as the US, EU, India, the UK, Russia, and even Israel, could also determine a swing in the balance of power that could have profound global implications. These elections have increasingly become battles between progressives and conservatives, nationalists and internationalists, climate change vs anti-climate change proponents, and migration vs anti-migration proponents. Whoever wins election in these powerful countries would have a licence to effect consequential social changes. These social changes will impact Guyana’s development in 2024 and for years to come; in particular the global pathways in climate change, migration, and the wars in Ukraine and Palestine could be affected by these elections, which could have consequences for Guyana. Climate change has had a severe impact on Guyana’s development already. COP28, where Guyana played a leading advocacy role, was disappointing to most of the world, as powerful countries continued to abrogate their responsibilities. COP28 was oblivious to the urgency of averting the catastrophic effects of climate change, and failed to recognize the rapidly escalating crisis. Guyana spoke eloquently of clean energy, carbon capture, and low carbon development strategies as part of the solution, and spoke about payments for carbon credits. Already earning about US$800M until 2030, Guyana has the potential to raise an additionally sum that is more than US$2B from carbon credits by 2030. Elections in countries like the US, UK, EU and India have consequential impacts on how the world tackles climate change, and, in turn, these will impact Guyana in negative and positive ways. This is why leadership in Guyana is important. While Guyana is hoping for a global trajectory that would be positive for Guyana, Guyana is already readying Plan B to ensure negative impacts on climate change, because election results in other countries do not severely impact us. Artificial intelligence (AI) is part of everyday life, and Guyana has already been impacted. I will avoid the temptation of an exhaustive discussion on AI and what it means for life at this time, since AI discussion will take the whole of several columns. However, AI will play a critical role in healthcare in Guyana. By the end of 2024, AI will become an integral part of imaging diagnostics – radiologists will be aided by AI in interpreting images from ultrasound, X-rays, CT and MRI. Already, using AI X-rays in prisons in many African countries has led to an increase in TB diagnostics, picking up more than 16% of new cases that were missed by radiologists. Guyana has made the bold move, and already GPHC is using a limited AI capacity. In January of 2024, AI will be utilised to help in interpretation in the pathology lab that will be critical for cancer diagnostics. A brave new world that has already crept into GPHC will become well-established in Guyana by the end of 2024. The shift in global economics: where the US, the UK and the EU no longer control global economies and the economic focal point becomes BRICS and other Asian powers, could alter trade and market possibilities. Elections in the US, UK, EU and India could either delay or accelerate this potential. Similarly, how global migration is managed could lead to severe social changes. Guyana is not immune from these economic and social changes. Even with the multitude of global threats, Guyana is looking at a transformative, momentous 2024. The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024

Drakes, Tudor lead Milerock to UDFA futsal Championship

MVP Colwyn Drakes

packed audience at the Retrieve Hard Court witnessed the most anticipated game of the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA’s) Year- end Futsal Tournament; wherein the likes of Colwyn Drakes and Marcus Tudor led Milerock to the Championship, displaying such dominance and tactical precision on the court as to nudge Capital FC into the second-place spot. Tyric McAllister, Andre Mayers and Emmanuel Atkins each secured one goal

for Capital FC, but their collective effort didn’t measure up to those of the Colwyn Drakes ‘Show’, as he netted three goals for his side. He was assisted by Allan Haley and Rawle Gittens who each secured one goal; and team captain Marcus Tudor, who scored two goals for his squad, to secure the 7-3 win. In another spectacular show of skills, Nicholas Gentle scored 6 goals against Botofago FC to ensure Winners Connection’s 9-7 victory in the third-place playoff.

Milerock FC celebrating their victory Omar Brewley and Antwaine Gill each managed to net two goals for Botofago, and aided their team in securing 7 goals, but it was not enough to challenge their opponents. The winners of the tournament, Milerock FC, took home the championship trophy and $1,000,000; while second place finishers Capital FC carted off $500,000. 3rd Place team,

Winners Connection, ceived $200,000.

re-

Meanwhile, Colwyn Drakes has copped the Most

Valuable award.

Player

(MVP)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024

GCB shares ‘record year’ of selections

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), having labelled 2023 as a ‘record year for international and regional selections for Guyanese cricketers’, has shared the extensive list, which is below: “Guyana enjoyed a record year, as a number of players were selected for West Indies and Caribbean Premiere League (CPL) duties in both male and female, senior and junior teams throughout 2023. See below as we highlight a successful 2023,” The GCB wrote.

MALE CRICKET

West Indies Test Tour of

Sherfane Rutherford

Zimbabwe in Feb-Mar 2023 * Tagenarine Chanderpaul * Gudakesh Motie West Indies Tour of United Arab Emirates in July 2023 * Keemo Paul * Kevin Sinclair ICC 50 overs World Cup

Qualifiers in Jun-July 2023 * Romario Shepherd * Kevin Sinclair * Keemo Paul West Indies ‘A’ Team tour of Bangladesh in May-Jun 2023 * Kevin Sinclair * Tagenarine Chanderpaul * Veerasammy Permaul * Tevin Imlach West Indies vs India 50 overs Series in August 2023 * Romario Shepherd * Shimron Hetmyer * Gudakesh Motie West Indies vs India T20I Series in August 2023 * Romario Shepherd * Shimron Hetmyer * Gudakesh Motie Caribbean Premier League

Arjune outdistances the competition in LGC end-of-year tournament

Shamar Joseph

(Men) in August-September 2023 * Romario Shepherd * Gudakesh Motie * Shimron Hetmyer * Shamar Joseph * Junior Sinclair * Keemo Paul * Kevlon Anderson * Ronsford Beaton * Chandrapaul Hemraj * Sherfane Rutherford (St Kitts and Nevis) * Ashmead Nedd (St Kitts and Nevis)

* Kevlon Anderson West Indies Academy versus Ireland Academy in Nov-Dec 2023 * Isai Thorne * Junior Sinclair * Matthew Nandu * Kevlon Anderson West Indies vs England T20I Series in December 2023 * Romario Shepherd * Gudakesh Motie * Shimron Hetmyer * Sherfane Rutherford West Indies vs England 50

Cherry- Ann Fraser

overs Series in December 2023 * Romario Shepherd * Gudakesh Motie * Shimron Hetmyer

n fine style, and more focused on the bragging rights, Monnaf Arjune was delighted to emerge Net Champion in the LGC end-of-year 18-hole Medal Play Club Tournament that teed-off at 12:30pm on Saturday 30 December, 2023. Monnaf scored 69, including a Birdie from a massive 150 yard 4-iron hole-in stroke on Hole Number 7. He outdistanced

the competitors, including Guyana’s current male National Golf Champion Avinash Persaud, who though winning the Best Gross prize with an excellent score of 74, came in 3rd, after a tie with veteran player Gavin Todd for a Net score of 71. In 4th place was LGC Treasurer Miguel Yunes, showing great improvement in the use of his Driver, with a net score of 74.

Meanwhile, former Captain Patrick Prashad brought his experience and skill to bear in winning both the Longest Drive and Nearest The Pin specialty prizes. Club Captain Dr Pope Emanuel London, in expressing congratulations to the winners and thanks to the participants, indicated that the new year promises to have even more exciting and rewarding competitions for the golfers.

West Indies ‘A’ Team Tour of South Africa in November 2023 * Kevin Sinclair * Tagenarine Chanderpaul Shemaine Campbelle

Ashmini Munisar

* Tevin Imlach * Shamar Joseph

CLASSIFIED ADS VACANCY VACANCY FOR HOTEL MANAGER – Aracari Resort. Must be mature and experienced. Contact 592-264-2946 or 592-628-8619. Send CV to manager@aracariresort.com.

ASTROLOGY

Isai Thorne Winners, from left to right: Avinash Persaud, Miguel Yunes, Monnaf Arjune and Patrick Prashad

Kevin Sinclair

Special Mention to: * Guyana Boys Under-13 that won the second annual Goodwill Bilateral Series 2-1 against Trinidad and Tobago in August 2023 * Guyana Harpy Eagles for winning a record sixth West Indies Championship in 2023

* Sherfane Rutherford West Indies Tour of Australia in Jan-Feb 2024 * Tagenarine Chanderpaul * Gudakesh Motie * Kevin Sinclair * Shamar Joseph * Tevin Imlach West Indies Under-19 Youth World Cup in Jan-Feb 2024 * Mavendra Dindyal * Isai Thorne

Roland Butcher’s contract as West Indies selector not renewed

PANDITH SHIVA Tell you past, present, future, Relationship, Business, Health, Financial, Court Case, Marriage Issues, Sexual problem, Specialist Bring Back Loved one, Remove negative Energy, Evil Spirits, Black Magic. Removal, etc. Located Georgetown, Guyana. Call now : +592 632 9090. Vishnu Astrology Center +592 632 9943. Past, present & future. Spiritual healing & Black magic. Specialist in bringing back love & Any Business, Health, Marriage, Domestic problems. Lottery numbers & More. Expert in life time protection. Call or WhatsApp +592 632 9943, Georgetown, Guyana. Pandit Mohan Expert in Bring back loved one, Ex Lover, Relationship, Financial problems, Marriage problems. Health any kind of problems he will solve & give the Guarantee results. Call or WhatsApp +592 692 1009 – Georgetown.

TO RENT Business Opportunity: Restaurant for Rent – West Bank Demerara, (at Aracari Resort, Versailles – between Harbour Bridge and Vreedn-Hoop). Turn key Business. Covid-19 Reduced Capacity 60; Furnished and equipped. Phone 264-2946; 626-5290.

ACCOMMODATIONS Aracari Hotel, West Bank Demerara (Versailles – between Harbour Bridge and Vreed-enHoop) – Air Conditioned Comfort. Amenities include TV, Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool, Gym. Free Parking, Free WiFi. Spend 7 nights and get 1 Free. Rates from $65 US. Breakfast included. Long term rates available. Phone : 264-29469. www.aracariresort.com

Roland Butcher

oland Butcher’s time as a member of the Desmond Haynes-led Senior Selection Panel for the West Indies Men’s teams seems to have come to an end, as his contract has not been renewed. Cricket West Indies have yet to confirm Butcher’s con-

tract as a selector has expired on December 31, 2023, and it has yet to be renewed. Butcher, who was born in Barbados and played three Test matches and three ODIs for England from 198081, was appointed to the panel in December 2022. (Sportsmax)

ENTERTAINMENT Swimming Pool Family Fun & Picnic – Crystal Clear Pool. Kids and Adult Sections. Very Safe. Aracari Resort: West Bank Demerara (Versailles, Vreeden-Hoop) – Every Weekend, DJ Music. Groups and Excursions welcome – Phone 264-2946-9. Sunday ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET 11 AM – 3 PM. Adults $3,000 Kids $1,000.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024

Thriller ends with GDF being crowned champions

he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Football Club have added another piece of silverware to their already burgeoning trophy case with a nail-biting victory over familiar foes Western Tigers Football Club on January 1. A rematch of the January 1 final of 3 years ago, the KFC Elite League Cup final, played at the Police Sports Club Ground between the champions and runners-up

duced to 10 men. It seemed as though the misfortunes were finally levelled, given that Western came into the big final without the guidance of their experienced Coach Calvin ‘Fluman’ Allen, who resigned from the post a few days prior. Scores remained the same in the second half, with Western Tigers having a solid opportunity to go ahead; but only after the ball connected with the nets

ly, but squandering the fifth; while GDF had missed their fourth kick at that juncture. However, the soldiers and the eventual best goalkeeper of the tournament, GDF’s Jamaine Cumberbatch - held their nerve to win 8-7 on penalty kicks. An instrumental player in the GDF’s victory, Ryan Hackett, summed up his team’s performance in a comment invited by this publication after the win. He

Best goalkeeper Jamaine Cumberbatch receiving his prize from GFF General Secretary Ian Alves

second-placed Western Tigers had to settle for

GDF’s Chris Macey receiving his MVP award from GFF President Wayne Forde

$1M. Police and Buxton United pocketed $500,000

and $250,000 for third and fourth respectively.

Bossalina spanks Spankhurst on New Year’s Day at Rising Sun

ossalina has avenged her defeat in the Horse of the Year title race by slamming a star-studded field that included Horse of the Year winner Spankhurst. She earned a comfortable win in the feature event of the SinoTruck Sprint at the Rising

I took her back, and gradually made my move." While not taking the focus from Bossalina, Spankhurst's rider Colin Ross almost fell from his mount at the bottom turn because of an infringement caused by the rider of John Bull. On the first day of

peted, Country Rock gave Appadu back-to-back success by slamming favourite Money Time very easily. Then it was all Jumbo Jet Racing Stables, RossDharamjit. They won the 1,600-metre Derby, dominating with Firecracker,

Ecstatic fans and supporters rushed on the field when GDF secured their winning strike

of 2023’s 5th edition of the Elite League, began evenly poised, and even saw early shots on target sending the sizeable crowd of spectators into a frenzy. However, boisterous fans had to postpone celebration of an actual goal, as both sides employed their best tactics to keep the scores locked at nil-all. Both sides had positive chances in the first half, though. For Western Tigers, it was a set piece from just below the halfway mark that both Curtez Kellman and Marcus Wilson got a touch on. However, GDF goalkeeper Jamaine Cumberbatch got fingertips on the shot and ensured it went awry. For GDF, Ryan Hackett was a menace, lining up his customary long shot on several occasions and giving Western Tigers keeper some diving to do. Then, in the 54th minute, GDF’s Nicholai Andrews re-

did the players notice the linesman’s airborne flag. Remaining unfazed by their fewer numbers on the field, the soldiers’ finish-

The Bossalina connection completed their revenge in the feature race

ing continued to be a bother, leading to deadlocked scores at the end of regulation time. The script was the same in extra time, and the game was taken down to kicks from the penalty mark. There, Western

Action in the KFC Elite League Cup final

ceived his second yellow card; meaning, he was sent walking and GDF were re-

said: “First of all, we got to thank God for making this possible; you know, for everybody come through see a new year, 2024. It was a

Tigers had the opportunity to win it twice, connecting their first four kicks perfect-

good game. The boys them stood out, suck up the pressure and then play organized as a team; and then end up come out victorious,” Hackett related. Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC eased past Buxton United 3-0 in the third-place playoff. Buxton put up a good fight early on, which saw the score remaining deadlocked until the second half. Pernel Schultz opened the scoring for the Policemen in the 61st, after which Neron Barrow quickly made it a 2-0 affair in the 69th minute. Nicholas McArthur added the cherry on top in the 86th to seal the third- place win. Western Tigers’ Randolph Wagner was adjudged the highest goal-scorer of the tournament, while GDF’s Cumberbatch and Chris Macey were adjudged best goalkeeper and most valuable player (MVP) respectively. The champions, GDF, carted off $1.5M, while

Sun Turf Club on New Year’s Day. The Deleep Esreepersaudowned and trained dark bay daughter of Street Boss and Headmistress defeated recent import Stolen Money, Spankhurst, and John Bull, with the crowd urging on the mare for a very popular victory as the light began to set on Rising Sun. This was sweet revenge for Esreepersaud. On Boxing Day last year, Bossalina was beaten by Spankhurst at Port Mourant, and that defeat was the reason why she wasn't voted as the Horse of the Year. Asked about the severyear-old mare’s success, an elated Esreepersaud stated, “Last time we talk, the horse win (speaking about the person interviewing him). We need to speak more regularly. When I speak to you, I win." Sharing what was the turnaround that improved Bossalina for the New Year's Day feature, Esreepersaud added: “She came into this race well prepared. The jockey rode to instructions, and that is how I am speaking to you; as it's nice to see your horse win, it’s very emotional. She will remain in training; and, to me, she is the Horse of the Year for 2023 and 2024." Asked about the ride, Jockey Patrick said, "The last race I rode, it did not have any speed, so I had to ride against her style of running. This time it had speed. When she was beaten (by) Spankhurst…the race had no speed. This time,

the racing season, rain and sun fought an alternating battle among themselves, while back on earth, at Rising Sun Turf Club race track, human and equine athletes battled for supremacy. Trainer Damain Dharamjit and owner of the Jumbo Jet Racing Stables dominated the New Year's Day seven-race card proceedings. Jumbo Jet Racing Stables did not have any run-

who scored readily from stablemates Flight Time and Scandal in the six-horse contest. Jockey Appadu’s riding skills on opening day of the 2024 racing suggest that he could be a very big threat to recently crowned Champion Jockey Ross. After four races were run off, Appadu won two aboard Game Changer for owner Jumbo Jet Stables, trained by Dharamjit, and then took

Piloted by Jockey Nicholas Patrick, Bossalina showed which horse was boss on New Year’s Day ner in the opening event, and their raid started from the second race, with Twisted Jet trotting up under rider Colin Ross. In the third race, Ross opted to ride American Traveller instead of Game Changer, and that proved to be a very big mistake; as young Ronaldo Appadu (replacing Ross) rode a waiting race and swooped on the field for a very easy win. In the fourth race, wherein Guyana-bred horses com-

the 1,100-metre Guyana-bred two-year-old contest aboard Country Rock. In the day's opener, he finished in second aboard Shake The Bank, beaten by Donald Trump, ridden by Kevin Paul. He also finished second aboard GT Boss in the second race to Twisted Jet ridden by Ross. However, Ross bounced back by recording a treble on the card. Racing action continues at Rising Sun on January 28, 2024.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024

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

Pg 23

Pg 21

GCB shares ‘record year’ of selections

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

Pg 22