Guyana Times -Saturday, June 17, 2023.pdf

Vergenoegen residents to get land titles in 2 weeks

Residents of the Acme Housing Scheme and the Railway Embankment (Parcel 137) in Vergenoegen, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) will soon be receiving their land ownership documents as the Government moves to regularise the area.

This was following a meeting with President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday morning during which a number of residents from the East Bank Essequibo community indicated that they are looking to move away from the co-op society structure in place and

acquire individual titles for their lands.

They also spoke to the Head of State about developing the scheme.

At that meeting, President Ali was accompanied by Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal; Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall and Director of Presidential Affairs, Marcia NadirSharma.

The President subsequently discussed with his Cabinet Members, providing solutions to the concerns of the residents.

Consequently, Croal led

a team to Vergenoegen to engage residents there on Thursday afternoon, when he informed them that they will be getting their land titles within the next two weeks.

Attending the meeting alongside the Housing Minister were the Director of Community Development at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Gladwin Charles, and the Head of the Conveyance Unit, Esther Stephen.

There are some 65 lots within the Acme Housing Scheme, which began in the early 1990s as a co-op.

However, the co-op does not possess ownership of the land, which affected the recording of the cadastral plan for processing of titles. CH&PA was therefore approached for regularisation and has since completed inventory.

With regards to the Railway Embankment area, there are another 65 lots, according to the block and occupation survey. The inventory has been completed and Block Titles obtained.

Additionally, the sketch plan was also submitted to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) to obtain mutation parcel numbers for submission to the Land Registry. Upon completion of the cadastral plan, CH&PA will then commence the title processing.

The Housing Minister informed the residents that the Ministry will conduct an exercise in the community for the processing of Agreements of Sale and Certificates of Title, following which the titles will be presented to the respective residents.

“We are committed to completing that task…and ensuring that you finally receive that ownership document,” Croal assured the residents.

Further, he encouraged the persons to work with the agency to ensure a seamless process in the coming days.

Meanwhile, in keeping with the commitment made by President Ali during Thursday’s meeting with the residents, the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry will also be addressing infrastructure development in the areas.

Nevertheless, Croal outlined that the regularisation of the two areas in Vergenoegen is a crucial aspect of the Ministry’s comprehensive 2023 Regularisation Programme for Region Three. He highlighted that over 270 plots of land are scheduled for regularisation in various locations across the region including Good Hope Railway Embankment, Philadelphia Railway Embankment, Barnwell, Zeelugt, Plantation De Willem, and

Back in March, the Housing Minister had warned squatters along the river beds and sea defences across the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara region against squatting in those areas. He had noted that while regularisation efforts were being undertaken in the region, the sea defence areas cannot be regularised for living.

Instead, Croal outlined that massive housing developments are being undertaken in communities such as Anna Catherina, Cornelia Ida, Stewartville, Edinburgh and MetenMeer-Zorg and so persons should explore these areas to apply for lands.

As part of the move to push the local housing drive, the Ali-led Administration has rolled out a number of initiatives to help persons build their own homes. These include the Government’s housing assistance programme with local banks to provide low-income loans and pre-built homes as well as the steel and cement programme. (G8)

Plantation Tuschen.

President Dr Irfaan Ali meeting with Vergenoegen residents at Office of the President on Thursday morning

Housing Minister Collin Croal engaging residents at Vergenoegen, EBE

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, June 17 – 03:30h – 05:00h and Sunday, June 18 – 04:30h – 06:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, June 17 – 16:20h – 17:50h and Sunday, June 18 – 17:00h – 18:30h.

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 thundery showers and partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 16:01h reaching a maximum height of 2.42 metres.

Low Tide: 09:34h and 21:43h reaching minimum heights of 0.63 metre and 0.8 metre.

Enmore Martyrs' Day

Govt to set up nursery to boost sugarcane cultivation – Pres Ali …to

tap into expertise of India, Guatemala & Dominican Republic

Republic President Luis Abinader led a massive delegation, of both state and private sector officials, to Guyana for a one day.

During engagements with the visiting team, President Ali pointed out that Guyana has a number of sugar estates for which the Government is looking for partners to invest and bring them up to viability.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

As the Guyana Government seeks to modernise the sugar industry and restore it to a state of profitability, President Dr Irfaan Ali said efforts are underway to establish a nursery with the aim of enhancing the cultivation of sugarcanes.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is pegged to produce some 60,000 tonnes of sugar by the end of 2023 with the aim of increasing this to 100,000 tonnes in the new year.

But according to the Head of State, one of the greatest challenges within the sector is the cultivation of the sugarcane plants. To this end, he noted that

that there has been increased international interest in helping Guyana

Nevertheless, the Head of State is hopeful that the expanded cultivation will be ready by the end of this year when the Rose Hall Estate is slated to be reopened and the packaging plant at the Albion Estate will be completed – both in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Modernise and mechanise GuySuCo

With the ongoing efforts to modernise and mechanise GuySuCo, President Ali posited that Government will soon be in a better position to analyse the next three to five years of the sugar industry in order to make the right decisions that are critical and key in advancing the prospects of this important economic sector.

President Ali made these remarks in response to General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Aslim Singh, who lauded workers, GuySuCo management and other stakeholders for supporting the industry to, for the first time in years, surpass its

the country will be tapping into the expertise of bilateral partners to help with expanding its cultivation.

“You can’t have sugar if you don’t have cane and we’re now having a massive replanting exercise. As a matter of fact, we have been discussing with India, Guatemala and the DR (Dominican Republic) on having scientific [assistance] in helping us to have the right variety and to create a nursery that would allow us to expedite the process of having more of the seedlings available to have the cultivation expanded rapidly,” President Ali stated.

Earlier this year, the Guyanese leader disclosed

to improve the operations of GuySuCo. This includes India, which has long offered technical expertise to enhance the local sugar industry, including the use of tissue culture to get better cane yields.

More recently, Guatemala also expressed interest in lending support for sugar and GuySuCo. Guatemala is the second largest exporter of sugar in Latin America, and the fifth largest exporter in the world.

Another Latin American nation, the Dominican Republic, has also indicated its willingness to provide assistance to Guyana’s sugar industry. In fact, just last month, Dominican

target. However, Singh used the opportunity to call on the Head of State to facilitate greater dialogue between the sugar workers along with their unions and the management of GuySuCo to address certain issues.

The Guyanese leader said his Government welcomes such an engagement between these stakeholders in order to foster further collaborations and reposition priorities to strengthen the sector.

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering at Enmore, East Coast Demerara on Friday

The Enmore Martyrs’ Monument was decorated with wreaths on Friday afternoon

A section of the gathering at the 75th anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs Day

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Development and energy

It might seem strange to most of us, but the idea of “progress” as humans moving to some teleologically determined end-state is actually quite a modern idea, arising as it did during the “European Enlightenment”. But aside from its philosophical foundations, what is quite observable (and measurable) from our present position is the correlation between “progress” and “energy consumption”. This, of course, is due to the Industrial Revolution, which started in the late 18th century and has transformed human productivity. Initially, everyone used wood to fuel that Revolution, but coal took over in the 19th century, to be soon overtaken by petroleum. But whatever is the source, one can get a very good idea of living standards in any country by the amount of energy it consumes. The US still maintains its almost century-old rank as the “most developed” nation; with 4.25% of the world’s population, it used, as of 2021, almost 17% of the world’s energy.

This demand for energy in the thrust for development and progress is not going to change soon. While Gandhi’s encouragement to settle mankind’s differences peacefully might have retained traction in the modern world, his position on villages’ non-industrial development has fallen on barren soil. So, as we in Guyana have, at long last, obtained the wherewithal to notch up our developmental trajectory towards takeoff in our own Industrial Revolution –ironically, through the serendipitous presence of petroleum and natural gas off our shores – we have to accept that the threshold issue will be the supply of adequate energy. While our constant “blackouts” since the 1970s might seem more of an annoyance than anything else, they symbolise our position on the developmental sweepstakes: we have been unable to supply electricity, the most fungible method of supplying energy, not only to our houses to power the devices that make our lives comfortable, but to our factories to manufacture goods for our own use and export.

Against this background, the citizens of Guyana must appreciate the PPP Government’s decision to place energy supply right up there with roads and bridges in the utilisation of the funds from our Natural Resource Fund – at this time holding all of our oil revenues since the beginning of its production in 2019. Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project (AFHEP), which had to be abandoned in 2013 by the Contractor Sithe Global because the then Opposition APNU/ AFC announced they would not support it if they were to obtain political office, is now back on stream. The logistics of providing its projected 165MW of electricity to GPL via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is being finalised. Power will be supplied to homes and businesses at US7.7cents/ kwh, one-quarter of its present rate. The Prime Minister, in charge of this sector, has also announced that there is a second hydroelectric project of the same scale on the cards.

A PPA was also negotiated with GPL for a wind farm at Hope Beach, which will finally supply power from this source to the national grid. Solar energy farms have already been launched at Mabaruma and Bartica, and these will be multiplied exponentially across the hinterland communities. All of this “green energy” will complement the 250MW generating power plant at the Wales Development Authority (WDA), which will be fuelled by natural gas supplied by the Exxon consortium from the Stabroek Block via its “gas-toshore” project. Among the various fossil fuels, coal is the dirtiest, followed by heavy oil. We do not use coal, and heavy oil will be phased out for natural gas, which is the least polluting.

The WDA is very critical, in that it will also be the catalyst for our transformation into a manufacturing powerhouse through the use of the natural gas as a feeder stock for the production of urea (critical for our agricultural expansion), methanol, and even synthetic proteins. The cheaper electricity should also encourage the expansion and establishment of other manufacturing concerns. Those naysayers in the Opposition, who push instant gratification, are anti-national.

LGE 2023 marks a new political horizon in Guyana

Dear Editor, LGE 2023 results are out: the PPP won big, the PNC-led APNU took an old-fashioned thrashing. While there has been a sprinkling of requests for recounts from the PPP and the PNC-led APNU, there have not been any significant complaints about the conduct of these elections.

The PPP came out of LGE 2023 as the big winner, since they won 66 of the 80 local government areas (LAAs), including seven of 10 municipalities and 906 of the 1206 local government seats. The PPP won 83% of the LAAs, 75% of all seats available, and more than 70% of all votes cast. The PPP not only strengthened their hold on their traditional strongholds, but have made massive inroads in areas where the PNC usually celebrated almost 100% votes in the past. By any measure, this is a wipeout of the Opposition.

On the other hand, the PNC have wounds to lick. In 2018, the PNC controlled five of the 10 municipalities. For LGE 2023, the PNC lost their municipal strongholds of Bartica and Mahdia, where local government elections have never been competitive. They nearly lost the municipality of New Amsterdam, where they have held office continuously since the formation of the PNC.

The PPP, which had won only one of the seven constituencies in 2018, were able to win three constituencies, increase their seats from three to six in LGE 2023, and came within a few votes of winning another, which would have made it a tie in New Amsterdam. In Georgetown, the PPP increased from seven to 11, and with a recount in one constituency, could very well end up with 12 seats. In Linden, the PPP increased from one to two.

The PNC have put up a bold face and celebrated victory in these three towns. But the PNC celebrated only because they must have anticipated losing in some of these strongholds. Their celebration is relief that they held on, “clutching at straws”.

The PNC’s wounds are deep. In NDCs where they usually win easily, they lost some, and barely held on to others. In LGE 2023, they won in only 14 LAAs (three municipalities and 11 NDCs), compared to 24 in 2018. In addition to the Bartica and Mahdia municipalities, the PNC lost important NDCs such as Fyrish and Macedonia/Joppa in Region 6; Plaisance/Industry in Region 4, and Matthew’s Ridge in Region 1.

In fact, the PNC control no municipality or NDC in six of the 10 regions, with none in Regions

1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9. Who could have imagined that the PPP would have meaningful votes -- even if not enough to win -- in Mocha, North Ruimveldt, Victoria, Golden Grove, Manchester, Lancaster, Den Amstel, across Linden, etc? The PPP nearly walked away with Kwakwani. These results would have been political heresy just months ago.

It is, in short, a wipeout, a blowout, a knockdown, a thrashing. No matter which adjective is used, the PNC are badly wounded and are in the political ICU. This is already Aubrey Norton’s legacy.

Once the dust settles, LGE 2023 would be seen as the most consequential local government election in Guyana and in CARICOM. Many analyses are about to emerge, and many have already been published in Guyana’s local newspapers and in social media Op-Eds. Some of the commentators, who are rabid anti-PPP analysts, have buried their heads in the sand, insisting that the PPP lost because that Party failed to win the municipalities of Georgetown, Linden and New Amsterdam, in spite of the fact that the PPP made massive gains. No matter how the pundits and the many real and fake analysts SPIN LGE 2023, it would be difficult to find another local government election in

Guyana’s and CARICOM’s history that could match the consequential results from Guyana’s LGE 2023.

In 1999, President Bharrat Jagdeo posited that Guyana needed a political dispensation that is built on trust. At the time, uppermost in his mind was trust among political opponents that provided an environment of open discourse on what is best for Guyana and the Guyanese people. He knew that if the political groups or parties could engage in a milieu of trust, our diverse population would be able to move forward as ONE PEOPLE, with the quality of our ideas and our proposals for development being the determining factors at elections, and not the colour of our skin, not our ethnicity, or race, or religion.

President Jagdeo, at the time, knew that trust among political parties must be built on a structured foundation created by the Constitution. The amended Constitution that followed created the space for engagement that would have built the TRUST that President Jagdeo promoted.

Almost 25 years later, utilisation of the structural foundation to institutionalise trust has not materialised. The PNC, at every turn, have frustrated the process.

Grades Five and Six teachers of Mabaruma Primary, Region One (Barima-Waini), participating in a mathematics workshop which focused on geometry. The areas addressed during the workshop were lines, rays and line segment; types of angles; angles formed by intersecting lines and transversal; polygons (types, sum of the interior angles and diagonals); prisms and pyramids and symmetry (NCERD photos)

Grant for tourism product development announced

…as Region 9 resident wins ‘Snap N Share’ competition

The Tourism Industry and Commerce Ministry will soon launch a tourism product development grant which will enable persons who have ideas for new tourism experiences, to implement them through funding from the Ministry.

This was revealed by Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond, during the

ing to be giving grants for the development of this product. The most innovative and beneficial experience, we will be grading it and you will be able to win a grant, depending on your proposal and how successful it is and how easily it can be implemented,” the Minister explained.

She further added that this is the Ministry’s way

tion was part of the observances for Guyana's 57th Independence anniversary. The competition featured persons submitting photos taken from around various parts of the country, showcasing Guyana’s most popular, and unknown tourism destinations.

Prizes included a cellular phone, dinner for two,

awards ceremony of the ‘Snap N Share’ photography competition on Friday.

“We are going to launch our tourism product development grant programme. What that is, is that just out of this you can get ideas, and the public…or anyone can get ideas of an experience and we are go -

of incentivising innovation within the tourism industry.

“It’s incentivising innovation in the tourism industry. That is what we want to see, more of us engaging in our tourism product,” Walrond shared.

The ‘Snap N Share’ photography competi -

vacation to various locations as well as cash prizes of $100,000.

The first-place winner was Luke McKenna, who was awarded a cash prize totalling $100,000 a trip for two to Kaieteur Falls, courtesy of Evergreen Adventures, and dinner for two at Marriott Hotel.

Placing second was Lynmarie Demetro, who was awarded a brand-new cell phone, compliments of GTT, $75,000 cash as well as a day tour along the Essequibo River for two.

Coming in at third place was Candecy Peterson, who was awarded a cash prize of $50,000 as well as a dinner for two at the Marriott Hotel and a twonight stay at Karanambu Lodge.

In an interview with this publication, Demetro, who is a teacher with the Education Ministry, shared that in an effort to foster better cooperation with her students, she promised them a trip if they were successful in their assignments. While there she snapped a pho -

LGE 2023 marks a new political...

The Rights Commissions, the constitutional redefinition of consultation in governance, the creation of parliamentary sector committees, and the National Procurement Commission, etc., were part of the TRUST initiative.

In 2020, President Irfaan Ali began to build on President Jagdeo’s legacy. He focused his attention on the second tentacle of President Jagdeo’s trust-building initiative. This second prong was taking the Government to the people. President Jagdeo had taken cabinet meetings into the region, and had begun an unprecedented engagement with communities. President Ali elevated the engagement with the communities, becoming the consummate people’s president: inspiring people, engaging them in community development, providing on-the-spot rem -

edies to community problems; and addressing personal welfare matters, like education, health, housing and water.

He also celebrates faith, plays, cleans up, cooks, sings and dances with people in their communities, even if he is out of tune and out of step. He promotes a one-family approach. He talks openly and unabashedly about love and unity, about all of us being one family, about ONE GUYANA.

The people of Guyana have responded to Bharrat Jagdeo’s leadership of the PPP, where he has made Freedom House the home of people of all ethnicities, races, religions and other groups. Bharrat Jagdeo has dispelled the lies, myths and rumours that the PNC and PPP-haters have made their life’s mission to spread – that the PPP has dungeons and trap doors at Freedom House for Afro-

Guyanese. Bharrat Jagdeo has proven to people across Guyana that the PPP is a big house that is accommodating to people of all races, religions, and from all ideological backgrounds.

President Irfaan Ali has made Government accessible to all. He not only sends ministers and Government officials to the communities, but he also goes himself. President Ali is seen by people, no matter whom they voted for, as the people’s President. His ONE GUYANA message resonates across ethnic, religious, ideological and political borders. The majority of Guyanese trust the president.

LGE 2023 establishes clearly that people are inspired by President Ali’s ONE GUYANA platform. While it would be impossible to have 100% consensus, LGE 2023 shows that, in just three years, Guyana is inspired by a

FROM PAGE 4

common mission, a common goal: ONE GUYANA.

Huge dents and holes have been poked into the ethnic, racial and ideological barriers. More and more, people have moved to ideas and policies, track records of performances, and the quality of promises made.

Blind political loyalty is out of the window. Earning people’s loyalty is now the obligation and imperative of political leaders and political parties. LGE 2023 shows the PNC have missed the boat; the PPP are on the right trajectory. Cheddi Jagan’s 1953 movement has been recreated, revitalized and re-engineered by PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo and President Irfaan Ali. Far from being an alba

tross, our diversity is be

coming our most valuable asset.

Sincerely, Dr

Leslie Ramsammy

to, capturing the moment with her students.

“As…they were not doing so well with their work I decided to give them a boost. So, I said if you submit all your assignments and do every work that you’re assigned to, I will take you on a picnic. And me living in Nappi now, I never went there…so there and then we decided that at the end of the term we will go,” Demetro told <<<Guyana Times>>>.

She noted too that she had no expectations going into the competition and she just entered for the fun of it.

Meanwhile, Peterson shared that she took her photo while on her way to a fishing trip with family.

“I took this photo last

year August when I went up to the Annual District Games they usually keep [which] was held in Kako. After the games and everything was over my aunt and some other relatives were going on a fishing trip… and I went along. And going upstream up the river it was raining and then beautiful sunshine came out, and after the clouds and everything cleared up there you see these views,” Peterson shared.

Additionally, the Director of Karanambu Lodge, Melanie McTurk, shared that the organisation is proud to be a sponsor of the event and she is very excited to be welcoming a local Guyanese to the lodge, as their way of giving back.

Officials of the Tourism Ministry with the winners of the ‘Snap N Share’ photography competition

The winning entry, which was taken by Luke McKenna at the Wichabai Ranch, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo)

Page Foundation

Power Up Maths

Subtracting decimals

Subtracting decimals

Subtracting decimals is just like subtracting whole numbers. However, you must correctly line up the decimals . Write placeholder zeros if you need to.

Subtracting decimals is just like subtracting whole numbers. However, you must correctly line up the decimals . Write placeholder zeros if you need to.

Example: Subtract 82.72 - 9.3

Step 1: Line up the numbers. Make sure that the decimal points line up. Write placeholder zeros if you need to. Place a decimal point in the answer line under the other decimal points.

BY Frank E DalzEll

An idle field of rice on coastal land, Caressed eternally by passing Trades, Green stretches neat embroidered by the hand

On min’ral rich brown earth in mobile shades.

A vast expanse of softly waving grain, Nurtured and ripened ‘neath a Tropic sun, Invoking bursts of intermittent rain To flood its water bed for Ixion. A staple stretch of food that needs no distance

See if you can figure out how to provide an answer for this exercise. Perform this subtraction: 34 - 10.65 For example:

If you added a decimal point and placeholder zeros to the whole number, you were correct! and add placeholder zeros after:

To lend enchantment to its treasured view, Seen far or glimpsed like winged visitants, Remains enshrined deep the long years through. What more could make a poet’s thoughts soar higher? What more could artist’s brush or pen desire?

The value of a number does not change if you add a decimal and placeholder zeros. Add as many placeholder zeros as you need in order to solve the problem.

Exercises: Subtract

WORD SEARCH

Police unearth over $18M worth of drugs in barrels

Police in Regional Division 4 (B) unearthed a large quantity of drugs during an intelligence-led operation at Republic Park, East Bank Demerara.

Reports are that the drugs were found stashed away in four 45-gallon barrels.

According Police on Wednesday, at about 17:30h, the operation was led by a senior superintendent to the house where a search was conducted in a storage room of the property.

Police said that in the presence of two men, who were at the property, four 45-gallon barrels which contained several bulky plastic bags wrapped with transparent scotch tape were found. The parcels were examined and found to contain a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems. The men, however, remained silent and were both arrested. In a statement on Friday evening, Police said that they observed motor car PVV 810, which was parked on the bridge in front of the property, and it was also subjected to a search and a bulky plastic bag containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis was found.

Both men were escorted to the Diamond Police Station where the

narcotics found in the motor car were weighted and amounted to 2900 grams while the narcotics found in the storage room were weighed and amounted to 48,750 grams.

Birthday party ends in stabbing, 3 hospitalised

According to Police, the total street value of the narcotics is $18.7M.

Both men remain in custody pending charges.

Three persons are now hospitalised after a stabbing incident at Waruni Village, Berbice River, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The incident reportedly took place at about 17:00h on Thursday.

Reports are that the incident, which involved four male family members, resulted in one of them injuring the others.

Those injured are

Govt to set up nursery to boost sugar...

Enmore Martyrs

The two officials made these remarks at the 75th anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs on Friday.

Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Surajballi and Harry lost their lives while fighting for improved working conditions for sugar workers at Enmore, East Coast Demerara on June 16, 1948.

According to President Ali, the Enmore Five made the ultimate sacrifice in the

struggle for freedom and human dignity but these sacrifices were not in vain.

“Our nation today pays tribute to their courage, commitment and belief in a brighter future. Their sacrifices were not in vain. Their blood was a catalysis for change, giving new momentum to the struggle for independence,” he noted.

The Head of State added that the struggle that was fired by the martyrdom was pivotal to the intensified ef-

forts that led to Guyana gaining independence from colonial rule in May 1966.

“In 1948, the sacrifice at Enmore galvanized and propel the nationalist struggle… Their struggle created not a partisan struggle, not a political struggle, not a party struggle but a national struggle… for national liberation and a sustained struggle for betterment.”

“Today, as we honour the Enmore Martyrs, let us not only remember their

sacrifice but also recognise its place within the broader narrative of our nation’s journey. Their sacrifice represents a spirit of resilience, unity and determination that continues to inspire

us in our pursuit of a just and inclusive society – this is what my Administration has set out to do,” President Ali stated.

In memory of the five martyrs, two wreath-lay-

Roland Lambert, who is the father, along with his two sons Roy and Renny.

Following the stabbing incident, the father and his two sons were taken to the Kwakwani Hospital where two were subsequently transferred to the Linden Hospital.

Police in Region 10 on Friday afternoon arrested Rodney Lambert. The investigation continues. (G4)

FROM PAGE 3

ing ceremonies were held – one at their grave site at the Le Repentir Cemetery in Georgetown and at the Enmore Martyrs’ monument on the East Coast of Demerara. (G8)

Unlawful arrest, detention Court awards Berbice woman $2.2M in damages

An East Canje, Berbice woman who sued the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for unlawful arrest and imprisonment has been awarded $2,250,000 in damages, her lawyers said on Thursday.

The judgement from Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, SC, was delivered on Wednesday and was vindication for Rehanna Reginald, who had deposed that she was unlawfully arrested and detained in an inhumane cell with human faeces and urine.

Through the law firm, Dexter Todd and Associates, Reginald sued the State seeking a declaration that her fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 139 (1) and 141 of the Constitution were violated by the State and its agents by imposing cruel and inhumane treatment, and false imprisonment and wrongful deprivation of liberty from November 7 to 11, 2020.

She also sought compensation from the State for those breaches of her rights.

According to her lawyers, she was unlawfully arrest-

ed by members of the GPF’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on November 7, 2020, and kept in custody until November 11, 2020, and was detained in both the New Amsterdam and Sisters Police Stations.

While there, they said she was subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment and was also deprived of her rights to speak with her family or even her attorneys-at-law.

At trial, the court heard

from Reginald how she was deprived of her right to an attorney and she was not told the reason for her arrest. She explained that she was forced to stay in a cell with human faeces and urine on the floor since the toilet in the cell was not operational.

She explained, too, how she was forced to sleep on the concrete floor filled with filth, insects, human faeces and urine accompanied by a strong stench while on her

menstrual cycle.

As a consequence of the Police’s unlawful actions, Reginald had contended that she suffered humiliation, distress, and embarrassment and was left emotionally and mentally traumatised.

In January 2022, the Chief Justice had ruled that the woman was indeed unlawfully arrested and detained by the Police Force and the matter had proceeded to trial for a ruling on compensation.

In her ruling on damages (compensation), the Chief Justice awarded $1.6M for the breaches of her fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 139 (1) and 141 of the Constitution by the imposition of cruel and inhuman treatment, false imprisonment and wrongful deprivation of liberty, $50,000 for the breach of her rights under Article 149 of the Constitution which guarantees protection from discrimination and an additional $350,000 as vindicatory damages since the Police had no reason to arrest her. Reginald was awarded $250,000 in costs.

Whatever happened...

…to Enmore?

Your Eyewitness knows we just came out of a very important LGE. But still…not a word about the Enmore Martyrs on the day before?? Jeez!! How quickly we forget!! The killing by the Police of Rambarran: who sustained two bullets to his leg; Lall, called ‘Pooran’: shot in his leg and hip; Lallabagie: shot in the back; Surujballi: also shot in the back; and Harry: shot in the spine, doesn’t mean anything to us Guyanese anymore?? Their murders on June 13th, 1948 only changed the political history of Guyana!!! But, ah well…they made up on the actual day!

The issue had been very stark. The sugar industry represented the distilled essence of the exploitation of our people – all our people – by the colonials into the modern era after slavery and indentureship. And the workers were ordered to double their work – to cut AND load the cane into the punts – for the same wages as when all they had to do was cut and drop the cane into a heap for others to fetch. All the sugar workers were doing was to protest this ‘eyepass’, but they were mowed down in the fusillade of bullets shot by the planters. The “leaden argument” for natives – as one official had gloated after an earlier massacre of sugar workers.

At the funeral for the men at Le Repentir Cemetery in Georgetown - after the long march from Enmore - the 30-year-old Dr Cheddi Jagan wrote later: “At the graveside, the emotional outburst of the widows and relatives of the deceased were intensely distressing and I could not restrain my tears. There was to be no turning back. There and then I made a silent pledge. I would dedicate my entire life to the cause of the struggle of the Guianese people against bondage and oppression.”

So said, so done, because his work led to the launching of the political movement the PPP – that’s still fighting to ensure that we, the Guyanese people – all of us – can become really independent. Even the PNC should always remember that day. After all, their founder-leader Burnham certainly did, since his PNC constructed the Monument at Enmore - to which so many traipsed yesterday. Even though he split the PPP within five years of his formation, some of the leaders of the PNC he formed - like Latchmansingh and Jainarine Singh - were also in that funeral march.

Your Eyewitness understands that sugar’s going the way of the horse and buggy – but it’s not sugar per se that’s the point. It’s a struggle for our people to be united once again, so that we can enjoy all that our country offers.

Enmore reminds us of a golden moment of unity!!

…to civic responsibility??

Your Eyewitness noted that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) announced they were disappointed at the low turnout of voters at the LGE.They said they were encouraging “every citizen to register and exercise their democratic right to participate in Local Government Elections and, importantly, at the next General and Regional Elections.” Now, that’s a very solid observation – but it’s nothing new that LGEs have very low turnouts. That’s always been the case – generally because most folks don’t think it’s the “real thing” – which are general elections to elect the Central Government.

Your Eyewitness really believes we should encourage folks to take Local Government more seriously; cause, in reality, that’s the only way we’re gonna start accepting responsibility for improving our circumstances.

Let the Central Govt deal with the big picture, while we fill in the details of that picture based on our lived experience.

But to encourage residents to vote in LGEs, your Eyewitness suggests that the business community can give workers the day off to vote!!

…the Ukraine counteroffensive??

It’s a truism that the first casualty of war is the truth. So, your Eyewitness takes the news on the Ukraine War with a handful of salt. But, for sure, he knows Russia has secured its “strategic depth”.

Chief Justice Roxane George, SC

Guyana postpones offshore oil blocks’ auction to mid-August

Guyana will postpone by about one month its first offshore oil blocks’ auction as the country finalises new terms for its oil and gas regulatory framework, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told Reuters on Friday.

The South American nation has three times before delayed the offer of 14 offshore blocks intended to recruit new explorers and lessen the grip over its oil output by a group led by ExxonMobil Corp. (XOM.N)

The oil auction postponement was due to local elections held this week, Jagdeo said. A new date for the auction has not been set, he said.

The delay comes as the country is finishing up terms of a model Production and Sharing Agreement (PSA) that would govern future contracts.

Pensioner remanded for murder at Dharm Shala

Dharamdeo Singh.

The PSA is “practically finalised,” Jagdeo said, and a draft of the country’s new Petroleum Act will be posted on Monday on the Energy Resources Ministry’s website for two weeks of public consultation. The Government would evaluate comments and suggestions, and seek parliamentary approval of the Petroleum Act before the auction, Jagdeo has said.

The Exxon-led consortium, which includes Hess Corp (HES.N) and China’s CNOOC Ltd (0883.HK), has discovered more than 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas, and is producing some 380,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude in Guyana.

Exxon has previously said it is awaiting the new contract terms to evaluate its participation. (Reuters)

Apensioner was on Friday remanded to prison for the murder of a fellow resident of the Dharm Shala in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Mohamed Khan, a resident of the Dharm Shala Home of the Benevolent in Fort Canje, Berbice, has been remanded to prison for the murder of 62-year-old

The incident occurred between Sunday, June 11 and Monday June 12.

On Friday, the 70-year-old pensioner appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court where he was not required to plead to the charge.

He told the court that he was charged previously and served a six-month sentence on a domestic violence matter.

Khan said he was separated and has a 46-year-old daughter. None of his family members were present in court.

Police Prosecutor Lance Corporal Shinel Matterson told the court that the Police needed to get further directions from the DPP and asked for a six-week adjournment. This was granted and the unrepresented

Remanded:

man was then remanded to prison. The case will continue on July 28.

It was reported that at around 21:00h on Sunday night, the accused armed himself with a piece of wood when he went into the male ward and confronted the victim.

The duo was then embroiled in an argument during which the accused used the wood to lash the victim several times about

his body, causing him to receive injuries. The man was reportedly left bleeding out until he was discovered by staff of the facility the following day when they reported to work.

The victim was taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The facility, which houses over 30 persons; both male and female, has no security system. G4)

Dead: Dharamdeo Singh

70-year-old Mohamed Khan

Draft Petroleum Bill to be released on Monday for consultations – VP

…PSA to undergo final policy review

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo announced that the draft for an updated Petroleum Bill will be released by Monday.

This is another step closer in refashioning the 1986 Petroleum Act to ensure that the oil sector is governed by a modern regulatory framework.

“We’re hoping that by Monday, the draft Petroleum Act will be put out for consultation by Monday. [On Wednesday], I met with the Minister and the staff and we had a discussion for it to be made public for views, consultation, etc,” Jagdeo informed during a press conference on Thursday.

Previously, the Vice President had explained that while Government wants Guyana to have a

world-class regulatory environment, it also wants the creation of an environment that is attractive for people to come and invest. He made it clear that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) would continue to be a stable and not capricious regulator of the extractive industry.

The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) (Amendment)

Bill 2021 was first brought to the National Assembly to amend Section 52 of the principal Act. This section dealt with land use.

It specifically targeted work done by a petroleum licensee in furtherance of its operations on State land, Government land, or land that is otherwise controlled or under the management of

the Government of Guyana.

PSA review

Meanwhile, another round of policy review will be undertaken for the model Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs). As of now, there are two models of the agreement – one for deepwater and another for shallow water.

The process of finalising the new PSA will guide the terms and conditions of future oil contracts.

“The PSA, we have two models incorporating all the comments already, both for deepwater and shallow water. It is now for another policy review and that will finalise it because we have already gotten comments from everyone. We were hoping that even at the

late stage, the Opposition could have still sent in their views. They have not sent in anything,” Jagdeo divulged.

The former APNU/ AFC coalition inked the controversial PSA with United States oil major, ExxonMobil, in 2016 to develop the country’s petroleum resources offshore but features such as low royalty – a meagre two per cent, lack of ring-fencing provisions, sweeping cost recovery clauses, tax exemptions, among others, have attracted heavy criticisms over the years. With the new model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that

Government is implementing for all new oil exploration projects, Government has expressed optimism that the State’s take will rise to over 60 per cent of the current revenue share.

Under new conditions, Guyana stands to benefit from as high as a US$20 million signature bonus for the deep-water blocks and US$10 million for the shallow-water blocks. Additionally, all future PSAs will also include the retention of the 50-50 profit-sharing after cost recovery; the increase of the royalty from a mere two per cent to now a 10 per cent fixed rate; the imposition of

a 10 per cent corporate tax, and the lowering of the cost recovery ceiling to 65 per cent from 75 per cent.

At least 14 oil blocks are currently up for tender including 11 in the shallow area and three in the deepsea area. These blocks will range from 1000 square kilometres (sq km) to 2000 sq km but with most of the blocks being approximately 2000 sq. km.

Based on industry feedback, the Guyana Government has extended the deadline for the competitive bidding process from April to July 15, 2023. This was also done to facilitate the advanced pace of modernising the oil and gas regulatory framework.

As the world’s fastest-growing super basin in recent years, Guyana is estimated to have potential resources in excess of 25 billion barrels offshore. In the oil-rich Stabroek Block alone, which is operated by ExxonMobil and its co-venturers, there are nearly 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

To date, there have been some 35 discoveries in the Stabroek Block, where production activities have been ongoing since 2015, and a total of 40 oil finds for all blocks being explored offshore Guyana.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

ECD woman jailed for 4 years, fined $16.7M for drug trafficking

Rehab Week

day we are changing lives” – physiotherapist

As Guyana wrapped up its celebration of Rehab Week on Friday, emphasis was placed on the life-changing experiences such services have brought to patients across the country.

In this week’s edition of Health Matters, Rehab Week was identified as the focal point, observed under the theme: “Diversifying, Expanding Coverage and Optimizing Care for all Through Rehabilitation.”

rehab professionals would directly work with patients to nurse them back to normal. Seckle has encouraged persons, should they be hospitalised, to lobby for assistance from such personnel.

“All the services are available at the Georgetown Public Hospital so we work in the acute care, where if persons are admitted to the wards, we go to all the wards to get rehab done.”

Meanwhile, outpatient care is also available.

A60-year-old woman from Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was on Friday sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and fined $16,782,000 for trafficking a quantity of cocaine.

Unique Sunshine London was convicted after a months-long trial before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts.

She trafficked 11.188 kilograms of cocaine on September 14, 2022, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

It was reported that on September 14, 2022, London was an outgoing passenger destined for the John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York when she was intercepted with a large quantity of cocaine in her carry-on luggage by CANU officers.

As such, she was escorted to the Customs Anti-

Narcotics Unit (CANU) Headquarters where the illegal substance was weighed and amounted to 11.188kg with a street value of $12.3 million locally. Had the drug landed in the US, it would have been worth US$336,000 ($73 million).

“CANU wishes to remind the public that the trafficking of narcotics is illegal and care should be taken in examining packages when asked by others to transport them,” CANU had advised following London’s arrest.

(G1)

Family want closure on death of elderly man

slam GPF for slothfulness in investigating matter

Family members of 75-year-old Oudit Narine, whose decomposed body was discovered in his home at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) in May, are growing increasingly frustrated with the pace of the Police investigation of his demise.

The man’s sister on Friday told this publication in a telephone interview that ever since her brother’s body had been discovered, family members have been trying to get information on the case, but the Police continue to drag their feet.

Family members suspect that foul play was involved in Narine’s death, and they are calling for swift progress in uncovering the truth.

“We called and try to find out about the case with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the officer said she doesn’t know… We keep calling and getting no answer”, Narine’s sister has said.

After the distressing incident had unfolded, investigators had diligently worked to piece together the puzzle surrounding Narine’s untimely demise. The case file was handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), signalling a critical stage in the investigation.

However, Police Commander Mahendra Siwnarine, when contacted, explained that the Police are

yet to receive any response from the DPP on the way forward.

He reassured that once there is feedback from the DPP Chambers, the family would be the first to know what has been recommended.

An autopsy performed on the body of the elderly man had indicated that he died as a result of blunt trauma to the head. In a previous interview with Narine’s relative, it was related that he had resided in the upper flat of a two-storey home, while his son and brotherin-law lived in the lower flat.

Concerned neighbours had reported a foul odour emanating from Narine’s house, and that had prompted the family to conduct their own investigation.

As they visited the house, they found Narine’s partial-

ly decomposed body in the bathroom showing signs of violence, and bloodstains were evident. Narine was found in a kneeling position, and the advanced state of decomposition suggested a considerable period had elapsed since his passing. The family grew suspicious because neither Narine’s son nor brother-in-law had checked on him, despite the strong stench emanating from the upper flat of the house.

Adding to their concerns, conflicting information had emerged from Narine’s son regarding the events leading up to his father’s death. Initially, he claimed they had cooked and eaten dinner together two days prior to his discovery, but the family found that account inconsistent, considering the strong odour suggested that Narine had been dead for some time. And the son’s statements continued to vary, deepening the family’s doubts.

Following discovery of the body, Narine’s son and brother-in-law had both been taken into custody, but were subsequently released.

In light of these circumstances, the family are demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Narine’s death. They seek answers and justice, and are hoping the authorities would expedite the process to bring clarity and closure to this disturbing case. (G-9)

Physiotherapist Simone Seckle shared that persons being able to hear or walk again has been life-changing, not just for them, but their families.

“Every day, we are changing lives. It might not be documented but there are many achievements in how we care for our patients, from people returning to work after injuries, people going back to school and helping parents to deal with children that might have a permanent disability,” Seckle outlined.

She highlighted that after an injury or traumatic event, most persons think it is the end of the road. However, rehabilitative professionals work to ensure they rebound to their utmost potential.

“Sometimes we get cer-

tain health diagnosis and we think that is the end of life and we’re in a state of depression. With rehab services, we try to help those individuals and let them know that life still goes on and they can still be so productive.”

In the hospital setting, persons can access speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and audiological services. At the specialised centres, there are orthosis and orthotic services and remedial education for adults with disability.

In the case of the Georgetown Public Hospital,

“Use the services. It is available. It’s free and I can guarantee you won’t regret it. You will receive optimal care,” she urged.

Seckle shared that the number of professionals in the field has grown significantly within the past year.

From eight physiotherapists initially, there are now 51 across the country. However, there is still need for more specialisation.

“When we look at expanding our services, we are expanding on our personnel also. We’ve been exposed to so many training and internationally-recognised training programmes… We still need specialisation in all the disciplines. There’s still a need for orthotic technicians. Right now, our centre is in dire need of that specialty,” she disclosed.

“Every

Physiotherapist at GPHC, Simone Seckle

Dead: Oudit Narine

The biscuit packets containing cocaine that were found in London’s carry-on luggage

Jailed: Unique Sunshine London

Herdmanston Lodge’s GM new THAG president

Treasurer for this term.

The committee members elected are General Manager of Bimichi Eco Resort, Abigail Ally; General Manager of Wilderness Explorers, Carla Vantull; Sales Executive of Caribbean Airlines: Guyana and Suriname, Dion Inniss; and Business Development Manager of Ansa Motors Guyana Incorporated, Lorenzo Persaud.

Father gets station bail as Police continue probe into son’s murder

The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) on Friday elected new leadership to serve for the period 20232024, during its 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

At the Guyana Marriott Hotel, General Manager of Herdmanston Lodge, Omadele George was elected as the new President.

She replaces Harrinand Persaud, the Chief Financial Marketing Officer of King’s Hotel and Residences.

Under the leadership of George, THAG shared in a press statement that the newly elected executive committee will work

towards advancing the tourism and hospitality industry in Guyana. The executive committee comprises experienced professionals from various sectors of the industry, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their roles.

The incoming President expressed her commitment to continuing the excellent work of the previous executive committee. She emphasised the importance of leveraging THAG’s existing partnerships while actively seeking new collaborations to enhance the association’s brand and drive further growth in the industry.

“Our main objective will be to work tirelessly for the

betterment of our association’s members. By collaborating with our partners and fostering new alliances, we aim to elevate the tourism and hospitality sector in Guyana, promoting its unique offerings to a global audience,” said George.

General Manager of the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Eduardo Reple has been appointed as the Vice President, and will be responsible for supporting the President and assisting in driving the association’s initiatives forward.

Manager of Tourism and Hospitality for Evergreen Adventures and Baganara Island Resort, Salvador de Caires will serve as the

“THAG, as the leading association representing the tourism and hospitality industry in Guyana, remains dedicated to providing valuable support and advocating for the interests of its members. Through fostering partnerships, promoting sustainable practices, and facilitating the development of tourism-related initiatives, THAG continues to contribute to the growth and success of the sector,” the statement said.

The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) is a non-profit organisation representing the interests of the tourism and hospitality sector in Guyana. THAG works to promote the development of tourism, drive industry growth, and ensure the sustainability of the sector while supporting its members’ businesses.

As investigations continue into the alleged murder of 39-year-old Nakema Dimitri Deonauth, his father, who was taken into custody for questioning, was on Thursday released on station bail.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, when contacted, reported that the suspect was granted bail in a substantial amount and was required to visit the detectives on Friday. He nevertheless stated that investigations are continuing.

The lifeless body of Deonauth was found in his Regent and Cummings Streets, Georgetown apartment with several wounds on his body on Monday.

It was reported that the body was discovered by his

father, who immediately raised an alarm. The Police were contacted and an investigation was launched. A post-mortem performed by Dr Nehaul Singh showed that he suffered from a brain hemorrhage, which was caused by blunt trauma to the head.

At the time of the discovery, there was also a mark around his neck which suggested that he might have been strangled.

Deonauth reportedly lived on the top floor of the three-storey building, which also has an electronics store on the ground floor and a storage facility on the second. He was last seen leaving his uncle’s business in the company of his father.

The newly elected executives of THAG

Dead: Nakema Dimitri Deonauth

First Lady hands over new house to Tuschen family

Afamily of four

(EBE) on Friday received the keys to their brand-new home in keeping with a com-

mitment made by First Lady Arya Ali. Six weeks ago, the First

Lady visited the Ward family at their home which was in a deplorable condition,

posing risks to their health and safety.

Seventy-five-year-old Vibert Ward was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago and has been bedridden ever since. His wife, Dolly Ward, provides roundthe-clock care to him, in addition to having to care for their two teenage daughters.

Due to the circumstanc-

to fulfil this commitment to you, and provide you with your new home in just six weeks. I hope that this will provide the kind of support that your family needs and that it will be of tremendous value to your girls,” the First Lady told the wife during the handing over ceremony.

The First Lady also highlighted that it was made

es, the wife has been unable to work, and this has resulted in the family having to rely on the elderly man’s pension to provide for their needs.

When First Lady Arya Ali visited the family in April, she committed to building a new home for them, setting up a chicken coop for the family to earn a living, and providing the teenage girls with scholarships upon the completion of their schooling.

The Regional Chairman of Region Three, Ishan Ayube, also committed to providing part-time employment for Mrs Ward, whose responsibility would be to care for her husband. In addition, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) pledged to provide medical supplies for the elderly man.

The family received the keys to their new two-bedroom house which was semi-furnished with a sofa, television, stove, fridge, and beds.

“I am happy to be able

possible through sponsorships and donations from kind-hearted residents within the region.

The woman, who was unable to contain her excitement, shared how grateful the family is to the First Lady and by extension the Government of Guyana for intervening at such a critical time for them.

She explained that one of her daughters dreamt that their old house had collapsed, leaving them with severe injuries thus leaving them in a state of worry and fear.

“So, I must say how thankful we are today [Friday] to the First Lady and the President and the Government and everyone who helped to make this possible for us. I can’t express how happy I feel. I still can’t believe this is real,” an emotional woman said, just before entering her new home.

This is the second family to receive a new house through the Office of the First Lady.

from Tuschen on the East Bank of Essequibo

First Lady Arya Ali conversing with the two teenage girls

First Son Zayd Ali being assisted to cut the ceremonial ribbon at the handing over ceremony

The interior of the semi-furnished house

100 men to receive free screening for prostate cancer

ly go and look for a checkup. They are always very inquisitive about what is wrong. We now have to encourage our men in society to do the same. In the public health system, one of the things that would encourage persons to come to a health facility is a promotion of issues that would require urgent attention, where you screen for these issues and try to prevent them. The more knowledge you give to the public, you find that they are more likely to come and seek help,” Dr Jagnarain added.

The MoM initiative is the brainchild of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and is aimed at tackling toxic masculinity while shaping a positive environment and safe space for men and promot-

Alleged chain snatcher released on bail

Aman accused of snatching a woman’s gold chain from her neck has been charged with the offence of larceny from the person; he was granted $80,000 bail.

Before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, Odingo Smith pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on June 14, he stole a gold chain worth $65,000 from Allana Kissoon.

The incident occurred at King Street, Georgetown.

The case will continue on July 21.

The prosecutor told the court that Kissoon was walking along King Street when she observed Smith running towards her and as approached her, he pulled the chain from her neck and continued running. After Kissoon raised an alarm, public-spirited citizens ran behind Smith and appre-

The Men on Mission (MoM) in collaboration with Surgical Associates Guyana (SAG) is offering free prostate cancer screening to 100 men at its office in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown.

The activity will run for two days, June 16 and 17, and 100 appointments have already been scheduled.

The screening includes a free consultation and evaluation as well as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. It is targeting men between the ages of 40 and 69 years, who have never been screened for prostate cancer.

Beneficiary, Ram (only name given), told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the exercise was a convenient and thoughtful one.

“I randomly turned on the radio this morning (Friday) and I heard an advertisement about this promotion for Father’s Day, and it spoke about prostate health, and I decided to come in and try it out. The staff were very friendly. It is a good initiative. It’s very helpful,” he said.

MoM national health committee member, Dr Sawan Jagnarain, who is also a family and public health practitioner, said the exercise is part of a holistic approach to creating an ideal Guyanese man.

“Globally, you would find that men’s health isn’t being looked at very in-depth because men tend to have this macho outlook, and are hesitant to visit health facilities. We want to let men know that silently they may be developing some health issue that they are not aware of, and we are encouraging them, from the MoM perspective, to go to a health facility, and seek help.

“This is not just something we do because we want to do it, but we see the value that men’s health is import-

ant and that niche is going to be awakened in our society,” Dr Jagnarain pointed out.

As MoM continues to implement programmes to tackle toxic masculinity, the stigma surrounding men’s health is specifically targeted through this outreach.

Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Caribbean men. Screening is crucial in detecting cancer that may be at high risk of spreading and may help to lower the chance of death from prostate cancer in some men.

“Women would normal-

ing productivity, integrity and character-building.

Part of the agenda, Dr Jagnarain noted, is encouraging the health and well-being of men, mentally and physically. Thus, outreaches of this nature are well aligned with the aim of the initiative.

MoM has seen men countrywide answering the call for them to become part of the solution, and several innovative programmes have been implemented to advance its mandate of guiding men into avenues of productivity.

hended him. He was promptly escorted to the Brickdam Police Station. (G1)

Alleged chain thief Odingo Smith

Family and Public Health Practitioner Dr Sawan Jagnarain

Sale of carbon credits

135 Amerindian villages submit plans to access funds – NTC Chair

Some 135 Amerindian communities have submitted the outlines of their Village Sustainability Plans (VSPs) to the National Toshaos Council (NTC), as part of the process of accessing their respective allocation from the $4.6 billion (US$22 million) earned from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credits.

Communities including Kamarang, Orealla, Karau, Moraikobai, and Bethany, among others are on the submission list, after which the document will be endorsed by the Council and then forwarded to the

Government for approval.

NTC Chairman Derrick John made the disclosure during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Friday.

Amerindian leaders are required to consult with their communities to arrive at a consensus concerning their village development plan before they can access the monies, allowing for accountability and transparency regarding how the funds will be expended.

Each community has already created separate bank accounts, where the

funds will be deposited. “We play two roles, we help them [and] we guide them because at the end of the day, it’s a community that has to develop their own plans, so we give them that technical support but the ideas have to come from the villages themselves,” the Chairman pointed out.

The villages have outlined several priority areas and, “It varies from village to village because some communities focus on eco-tourism, smart agriculture, some focus on infrastructure, so it varies from village to village,” John told DPI.

He explained that once the Council receives a request for assistance from village leaders, technical support is provided in developing the plans.

Over 240 Amerindian communities across Guyana will be receiving up to $35 million and no less than $10 million depending on its population size.

This follows the historic agreement signed with Hess Corporation for Guyana’s carbon credits in 2022 that will see the country earning US$750 million for its forest, of which 15 per cent will go towards Amerindian development.

It must be noted that this dedicated 15 per cent is not all that the Amerindian communities will benefit from.

In fact, these parties will be direct beneficiaries of all aspects of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, from renewable energy and climate adaptation and miti-

gation projects. From consultations with residents, the Government will deliver support through a new phase of the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF); support for participation in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) and ART-TREES; as well as the completion of the land titling programme. Amerindian communities are also benefitting from presidential grants totalling up to $1.2 million to pursue sustainable community projects.

In 2023, the Government through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs in its national budget earmarked $4.7 billion towards advancing development and improving the livelihoods of Indigenous people.

Parika hit-and-run

Navindra Persaud, a 31-year-old hire car driver, has been fined for a series of offences committed against Otisha London in Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

The decision was handed down by Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Leonora Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

Persaud pleaded guilty to all charges instituted against him, which included driving under the influence (DUI), dangerous driving, and failing to ren -

der assistance to an injured person.

After considering the severity of the offences, the court imposed a fine of $100,000 with an alternative of three-months’ imprisonment on the DUI charge; $50,000 fine or three-months’ imprisonment for the dangerous driving charge, and a fine of $20,000 or 14 days’ imprisonment for the failure to render assistance charge. Failure to pay the fine will result in him serving prison time. The charges against Persaud arose from an incident in Parika, where he struck Otisha London and drove away from the scene. A video capturing Persaud's dangerous driving along the East Bank Essequibo Public Road went viral on social media.

Charged: Navindra Persaud

The video, widely shared online, exposed Persaud's near miss in causing a severe accident and revealed the moment of impact with London. The footage provoked public outrage and led to the swift arrest of Persaud after reports were made of his reckless behaviour.

In the video, Persaud momentarily stopped his vehicle and exchanged a few words with London before failing to provide any assistance to the injured victim and leaving the scene. This disregard for a person in need further intensified public condemnation and resulted in the legal actions taken against Persaud. (G9)

Driver fined for DUI, dangerous driving, failing to render assistance

Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Derrick John

Soldier charged for killing colleague

04:51h on Monday, a fight erupted between the duo whilst they were on duty at Base Camp Stephenson in Timehri.

The soldiers were performing security duties when they were embroiled in an argument over the opening of a gate.

Ukrainian President asks African leaders to push Russia on prisoner release

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged a group of African leaders to ask his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to free political prisoners from Crimea and beyond, saying it would be an “important step” during their trip to Russia on Saturday.

tions, to varying degrees, rely on food and fertiliser deliveries from Russia and Ukraine, whose war has jeopardised and impeded exports from one of the world’s most important breadbaskets.

when Comoros President Azali Assoumani floated the idea of a “road map” to peace, prompting questions from Zelenskyy who sought a clarification and insisted he did not want “any surprises” from their visit with Putin.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank who shot and killed his colleague during a fight at the army base in Timehri, was on Friday charged and remanded to prison.

The 25-year-old soldier, Lance Corporal Brian Morrison of Lot 841 Carine Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, was arrested following the incident on Monday and charged on Friday with the capital offence of murder contrary to common law committed on Tevon Daymon.

He appeared at the

Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court #1 before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce on Friday. Morrison was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was remanded to prison.

The matter was adjourned to July 31, 2023, for disclosure of statements.

Daymon, a 24-yearold Private in the GDF, who was attached to 21 Artillery Company and resided at Block X Cornelia Ida, WCD, was allegedly shot several times about his body by the accused.

Reports are that around

It was during this argument that Daymon reportedly struck the suspect to his head with the magazine from his rifle, thus causing him to sustain injuries. Daymon then began to run away but the suspect, who was armed with an AK rifle loaded with 30 rounds, discharged 27 bullets in the victim’s direction, causing him to collapse; two of the rounds reportedly struck the young soldier.

Both men sought medical attention but Daymon later succumbed to his injuries whilst at the Diamond Hospital at around 07:45h.

The GDF had issued a statement following the incident, announcing that a Board of Inquiry will be convened to investigate the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting of Private Daymon.

Seven African leaders –the presidents of Comoros, Senegal, South Africa and Zambia, as well as Egypt’s prime minister and top envoys from the Republic of Congo and Uganda – visited Ukraine on Friday as part of a self-styled “peace mission” to both Ukraine and Russia to try to help end their nearly 16-month-old war. On Saturday, the African leaders will travel to meet Putin in the Russian city of St Petersburg.

The mission to Ukraine, the first of its kind by African leaders, comes in the wake of other peace initiatives such as one by China.

“This conflict is affecting Africa negatively,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said at a news conference alongside Zelenskyy and the four other African heads of state or government, after the leaders met for closed-door talks on Friday afternoon.

The trip is seen as a crucial one as many African na-

“I do believe that Ukrainians feel that they must fight and not give up. The road to peace is very hard,” Ramaphosa added.

“Today, we even told President Zelenskyy that we not only recognise their [Ukrainians’] viewpoint, but we also respect how they feel about the war that’s going on. But we also said there is a need to bring this conflict to an end sooner rather than later.”

Zelenskyy told reporters after the meeting with the delegation of African leaders, “I clearly said several times at our meeting that to allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering.”

He also said that peace talks with Russia would be possible only after Moscow withdraws its forces from occupied Ukrainian territory. “We need real peace, and therefore, a real withdrawal of Russian troops from our entire independent land.”

The mood of the news conference became tense

Zelenskyy then urged them to help free political prisoners from Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014. “Would you please ask Russia to liberate the political prisoners?” Zelenskyy said. “Maybe this will be an important result of your mission, of your ‘road map’. Earlier, explosions rocked Kyiv as air raid sirens blared in the Ukrainian capital as the visit began.

“Putin ‘builds confidence’ by launching the largest missile attack on Kyiv in weeks, exactly amid the visit of African leaders to our capital,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on Twitter afterwards. “Russian missiles are a message to Africa: Russia wants more war, not peace.”

Before their meeting with Zelenskyy, the African leaders visited Bucha, a Kyiv suburb where bodies of civilians lay scattered in the streets last year after Russian troops abandoned a campaign to seize the capital and withdrew from the area. (Al Jazeera)

Dead: Private Tevon Daymon

Murder accused Brian Morrison

Regional

Dengue fever crisis forces Peru Minister to resign

Peru's Health Minister, Rosa Gutiérrez, has resigned as the country struggles to control a dengue fever outbreak.

Dengue fever is an infection spread by mosquitoes, most common in tropical and subtropical climates.

The outbreak has caused record-breaking deaths and infections, with at least 248 dead and reported cases surpassing 146,000.

Under pressure over her handling of the crisis, Gutiérrez announced her decision to stand down on Thursday.

Lawmakers had summoned Gutiérrez to face a motion to remove her from her post, but she resigned beforehand.

She had previously claimed that the virus would be contained within 15 days, Peruvian media reported.

In a post on Twitter, President Dina Boluarte accepted her minister's departure, vowing to "redouble" efforts to improve public health.

Cyclone Yaku bought torrential rain to the country's north in April and May, leading to a huge upsurge in numbers of mosquitoes, which carry the disease.

Officials fear the situation will worsen when the El Niño

BVI hit by teacher shortage

Education Minister Sharie de Castro says the Ministry is getting ready to recruit interested students, who are at the end of their high school journey, to teach at various schools across the territory.

De Castro said the teacher trainee programme is not new to the territory and added that there are some teachers in the local school system who started out their careers as trainees.

had an interest in teaching had the opportunity to come into the profession as a teacher-trainee for a year to two years and then go off to study."

She said the Ministry will soon be meeting with high school seniors to discuss the programme with them as it is a gateway they could use to enter the teaching profession.

will be partnering with the H Lavity Stoutt College to develop a programme in which new graduates can get initial onboarding training. Later on, interested persons may opt to go to the college to continue their teacher-training education, the minister said.

climate phenomenon brings further heavy precipitation later in the year.

Last week, President Boluarte declared a state of emergency to cover most regions across the country, although most of the fatalities have occurred in the north.

Symptoms of dengue include a high fever, severe headaches, swollen glands and rashes. (BBC News)

Iran’s Raisi secures array of agreements on Latin American tour

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has returned from a tour of Latin America, where he signed dozens of agreements with three allies who share Tehran’s defiance of Western powers.

The Iranian President, who was Accompanied By His Ministers Of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Petroleum and Health, arrived in Tehran on Friday after a five-day trip that took him to Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba.

Throughout the trip, Raisi criticised the United States and the economic sanctions imposed on Iran and its allies in Latin America.

“Relations between Iran and Venezuela are not normal diplomatic ties.

They are strategic,” Raisi said in Caracas, where he was warmly received by President Nicolas Maduro.

“The nations of Iran and Venezuela have shared enemies, who do not wish us to live independently,” he said in reference to Washington.

The two countries signed more than two dozen agreements.

Several related to energy, including deals on developing an oil platform and a petrochemical products plant, while agreements were also signed on maritime transport, agriculture, medicine, information technology, insurance and cultural ties.

Iran and Venezuela signed a 20-year cooperation plan last year during a Maduro visit to

Tehran. The two presidents said this week that their new agreements are in line with better implementing the plan.

Raisi said in Caracas that the volume of annual bilateral trade currently stands at more than US$3bn and the two countries can boost it to US$10bn in the medium term on their way to a target of US$20bn.

The themes of praising Soleimani and bashing Washington continued in Raisi’s next destination, Managua.

On the last leg of his tour, the Iranian president travelled to Havana. He was welcomed by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who promised to bolster political engagement with Tehran.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Mexico swelters as 'atypical' heat wave grips nation

Mexican authorities urged people across the country to take safety precautions on Thursday as an unusual late Spring heat wave sent temperatures soaring, with cooler days possibly weeks away.

Health Ministry data through June 9 shows that at least six people have died this year as a result of the higher-than-normal temperatures.

"The heat is intense!" said Abigail Lopez, a nurse in normally sunny but temperate Mexico City who said she was drinking more water and wearing light-

er clothes to try to beat the heat.

"Compared to previous years, it feels a lot worse."

Mexico's national meteorological service forecast temperatures over 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) on Thursday in all of the country's 32 states, with highs at least 10 degrees hotter in 23 of them.

The current heat wave will continue for 10-15 more days, according to a forecast from scientists with the Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate Change at Mexico's National Autonomous University, during a webcast press con-

"We used to have a teacher-trainee programme way back where persons who were graduating and

She also said the Ministry will be targeting recent college graduates, especially those who have not yet found jobs in the disciplines or areas they studied.

She said the Ministry

She explained that these measures will, hopefully, fill some of the shortages the territory is experiencing as teachers continue to migrate to jurisdictions with more attractive salaries than the British Virgin Islands. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Brazil Police find plans for military coup on Bolsonaro aide's phone, Veja reports

Brazil's Federal Police have found a detailed planning document for a military intervention to block the handover of power in last year's election on the phone of an aide to former President Jair Bolsonaro, news magazine Veja reported.

It was unclear who wrote the document and whether it reached Bolsonaro, a far-righter and a former army captain who narrowly lost the October presidential election to leftist rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

A similar, less detailed document was found in January at the home of former Justice Minister Anderson Torres, part of a growing body of evidence that members of Bolsonaro's inner circle were looking at ways to block Lula from taking office and strip the powers of Brazil's top federal courts.

Citing a Federal Police report, Veja reported that the plan was found on the phone of Lieutenant Colonel Mauro Cid, one of Bolsonaro's personal assistants who stayed on as

an aide after he stepped down. Cid is currently under arrest for the alleged falsification of Bolsonaro's COVID-19 vaccination card.

According to Veja, the three-page document provided a road map for how to block Lula's inauguration, using the military as a "moderating force." To justify such an institutional rupture, the document alleged unconstitutional actions by the Judiciary and media to favour Lula in the election.

The document calls for

the nomination of an "intervener" with power over the armed forces and all of Brazil's federal public security agencies. Offending justices in the Supreme Court and the federal electoral court would be investigated, removed and replaced.

The revamped electoral court would oversee fresh elections that would only take place once the military had decided the constitutional order had been reestablished. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T&T: Residents, wildlife suffer in oil slicked Katwaroo Trace

ference.

They added that another could begin in early July.

In Mexico City, children splashed around in public fountains and commuters shielded themselves from the sun with umbrellas. Past heat waves in the capital, where very few people have air conditioning, have tended to occur in April and May.

In the industrial hub Monterrey, capital of Nuevo Leon state, emergency services workers gave out cups of cold water to pedestrians as the temperature climbed above 40C. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Oil-slicked snakes have been slithering into people’s properties at Katwaroo Trace, as cleanup crews removed thick oil slicked vegetation from the contaminated lagoons, following Monday’s oil spill.

When Guardian Media arrived at the scene, wildlife handlers from Serpentarium, based in El Socorro, as well as game wardens Sheetal Ramsaran and Stephon Ramoutar from the Forestry Division were on site to assist with animal rescues.

By then, dozens of snakes had already been killed by residents, many of them brown-banded water mapepires.

Speaking to Guardian Media Sheriza Manoo said while the strong hydrocarbon scent had dissipated, the snakes are now posing a problem.

“Last night one snake dropped from the roof. It was black and my dad had to kill it,” she recalled. She said between Thursday night to Friday morning, they killed 15 snakes as they posed hazards to the family, including the children.

Manoo said the snakes were coming from the oil-infested lagoons.

“This morning I had to run down a squirrel which was also covered in oil. It is sad,” she added. T&T has 47 species of snakes, making

the snake population of this country one of the most diverse in the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, Aziz Khan said he was disheartened to see so many birds also covered in oil.

The oil came from a ruptured line belonging to Heritage Petroleum. There have been three major oil spills this year caused by ruptures from Heritage’s old pipelines. The first occurred in February in Guayaguayare, followed by a rupture in May at Massahood Junction, Fyzabad, followed by the spill at Katwaroo Trace and Ramkarry Trace, Clarke Road, Penal. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

A worker spraying fumigation vapour to stem the spread of dengue virus at Esperanza cemetery in Lima, Peru

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro talks with army Major Mauro Cid after a meeting at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil June 18, 2019

Around The World OIL NEWS

Ukraine war: Putin confirms 1st nuclear weapons moved to Belarus

Oil gains for the week as supply cuts balance demand concerns

Oil rose on Friday and posted a weekly gain, as higher Chinese demand and OPEC+ supply cuts lifted prices, despite expected weakness in the global economy and the prospect for further interest rate hikes.

Brent crude gained 94 cents to settle at US$76.61 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose US$1.16 to US$71.78.

Brent posted a weekly gain of 2.4% and WTI rose 2.3%.

Oil has gained this week on hopes of growing Chinese demand. China's refinery throughput rose in May to its secondhighest total on record and Kuwait Petroleum Corp's CEO expects Chinese demand to keep climbing during the second half.

Also supporting crude are the voluntary output cuts implemented in May by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, plus an additional cut by Saudi Arabia in July.

Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov said it was "realistic" to reach oil prices of around US$80 per barrel, Russian state news agencies reported.

Shulginov also said Russian oil and gas condensate production is expected to fall by around 20 million tonnes (400,000 barrels per day) this year, reiterating Russia's expectations.

In Iran, crude exports and oil output have hit new highs in 2023 despite US sanctions, according to consultants, shipping data and a source familiar with the matter, adding to global supply when other producers are limiting output.

US oil rigs fell by four to 552 this week, their lowest since April 2022, while gas rigs fell by five to 130, their lowest since March 2022, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said.

Capping oil price gains was the prospect of rising interest rates, which could slow economic growth.

The Bank of England is set to raise interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point next week. The European Central Bank lifted rates to a 22-year high on Thursday and the US Federal Reserve signalled at least a half of a percentage point increase by year-end.

Investors have been closely watching interest rates and commentary from Fed members.

"We're going to be going from Fed speaker to Fed speaker, and data point to data point," Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group, said of oil prices.

Money managers cut their net long US crude futures and options positions by 13,191 contracts to 73,273 in the week to June 13, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) said. (Reuters)

Russia has already stationed a first batch of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Vladimir Putin says.

Speaking at an economic forum, he said they would only be used if Russia's territory or state was threatened.

The US Government says there is no indication the Kremlin plans to use nuclear weapons to attack Ukraine.

"We don't see any indications that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after Putin's comments.

Belarus is a key Russian ally and served as a launchpad for Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in

Vladimir Putin said moving nuclear weapons was about "containment"

February last year.

The tactical nuclear warheads are less powerful than much of the rest of Russia's nuclear arsenal. Putin said the transfer would be finished by the end of the summer.

Answering questions

At least 15 killed in Canada highway crash after truck hits bus in Manitoba

At least 15 people were killed in the Canadian prairie province of Manitoba on Thursday after a semi-trailer truck hit a small bus that was carrying a group of mainly elderly people, Police said.

The crash is one of the most lethal road accidents in recent Canadian history.

The crash occurred at the junction of two major roads near the town of Carberry in southwestern Manitoba, 170 km (105 miles) west of Winnipeg. The bus passengers had been on their way to a casino in Carberry, CBC News reported, citing a casino spokesperson.

"We've been able to establish that at least 15 people have been confirmed deceased as a result of this collision," said Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill, who commands the Manitoba Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Hill told a televised news conference that "sadly, this is a day in Manitoba and across Canada that will be remembered as one of tragedy and incredible sadness."

The bus had been carrying about 25 people, most of them elderly, he said.

Ten other people were being treated in hospital. Police said the drivers of both vehicles were alive, and declined to say who might have been responsible for the crash.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation showed a still photo of a white minivan-sized vehicle that had been burned out. It also showed a picture of a blue truck with a smashedin front.

Wheelchairs and crumpled walkers remained near tarpaulins covering bodies at the site, the Winnipeg Free Press said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

after a speech at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russia's President said the move was about "containment" and to remind anyone "thinking of inflicting a strategic defeat on us".

When asked by the fo-

rum's moderator about the possibility of using those weapons, he replied: "Why should we threaten the whole world? I have already said that the use of extreme measures is possible in case there is a danger to Russian statehood."

The Russian leader is due to meet African leaders in St Petersburg after they visited Kyiv on Friday as part of a peace initiative they are presenting to both countries.

However, while they were in the city it came under Russian missile attack.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for de-escalation on both sides and negotiations for peace.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Mali asks United Nations to withdraw peacekeeping force

There is an ongoing global threat posed by toxic cough syrups, the World Health Organisation (WHO) told Reuters, saying it was now working with six more countries than previously revealed to track the potentially deadly children's medicines.

The UN agency has already named nine countries where tainted syrups may have been on sale, after the deaths of more than 300 infants on three continents last year were linked to the drugs.

Rutendo Kuwana, the WHO team lead for incidents with substandard and falsified medicines, declined to name the six new countries the agency is working with, while investigations are still

underway.

He warned that contaminated medicines could still be found for several years, because adulterated barrels of an essential ingredient may remain in warehouses. Cough syrups and the ingredient, propylene glycol, both have shelf-lives of around

two years.

"This is an ongoing risk," said Kuwana.

Unscrupulous actors sometimes substitute propylene glycol with toxic alternatives, ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, because they are cheaper, several pharmaceutical manufacturing ex-

perts told Reuters.

The alternatives are more commonly used in brake fluid and other products not meant for human consumption.

The WHO's working theory is that in 2021, when prices of propylene glycol spiked, one or more suppliers mixed the cheaper toxic liquids with the legitimate chemical, Kuwana said. He did not say where the suppliers were based, and added that obscure supply chains have made proving this difficult.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers, including those alleged to have produced the tainted syrups that have been found so far, typically source ingredients from external suppliers. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mali's interim military authorities on Friday asked for a United Nations peacekeeping force to leave "without delay", citing a "crisis of confidence" between Malian authorities and the decade-long UN mission known as MINUSMA.

It marks a major turning point for the West African country, which has struggled to stem an Islamist insurgency that took root following an uprising in 2012. MINUSMA was deployed by the UN Security Council in 2013 to support foreign and local efforts to restore stability.

Frustrations over the growing insecurity spurred two coups in 2020 and 2021 and the ruling junta has been increasingly at loggerheads with MINUSMA and other international allies including France.

"Unfortunately, MINUSMA seems to have become a part of the problem in fuelling inter-community tensions," Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop told the 15-member council.

"This situation is beget-

ting mistrust among the Malian population and also causing a crisis of confidence between Malian authorities and MINUSMA," he said. "The Malian Government asks for the withdrawal, without delay, of MINUSMA."

Security Council members must adopt a resolution to extend MINUSMA's mandate by June 30. A resolution requires at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes by Russia, China, the United States, Britain or France to pass.

The junta has burnt bridges with traditional Western allies and turned to Russia for help boosting its military capabilities. Western governments are worried about the presence of Russian private military contractor Wagner.

Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the council on Friday that the peacekeeping mission could only be successful if there was "very close coordination with the host country and respect for sovereignty of Mali." (Excerpt from Reuters)

Exclusive: WHO says toxic syrup risk 'ongoing', more countries hit

Mali's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdoulaye Diop attends a news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (not pictured), in Moscow, Russia May 20, 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) logo is seen near its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, February 2, 2023

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Stay focused on what's important to you. Budget wisely, and you'll have enough cash left over for entertainment. Social events will help you launch new friendships or find a new pastime.

(March 21-April 19)

Too much too fast will lead to trouble. Take your time, gather facts and consider all the pros and cons before acting. A change may excite you, but your reason for making it must be aboveboard.

(April 20-May 20)

Take nothing for granted and avoid disappointment. Adapt your space to meet your needs. Host an event involving people who can help you bring about positive change in your community. Romance is favored.

(May 21-June 20)

A change of scenery will give you a new perspective on life. Go through the process of elimination, and you'll find the simplest way to reach your goal. Work to make a difference.

(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)

Push for what you want. Make sure you are qualified to pursue an opportunity before you get started. Listen to someone who can offer insight into how you can liven up a ho-hum idea.

Take a moment to adjust to the changes around you before starting something new. An emotional incident will develop if you get into a disagreement. Live within your means.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You'll learn from the experiences you have today. Share ideas and team up with someone trying to reach a similar goal. A chance to make a difference will help you gain respect. Romance is favored.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Approach others with caution. Listen without offering too much in return. Use your time to explore new possibilities, and confirm your position and intentions before sharing plans with others.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

You'll gravitate toward entertaining people. Refrain from committing to something prematurely. Talk to someone you trust, and you'll get a better idea of the possibilities.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Fix up your space. A change you make will motivate you to live a healthier lifestyle. Don't buy into someone's plans when you have things you want to do yourself. Follow your dreams.

Think about what makes you happy, and designate more time for personal enjoyment. Attending a social event, doing things with your favorite people will be enlightening.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Look at the past; it will be easier to figure out how you want to move forward. Success is within reach, but you must trust yourself to reach your goal. Get ready; you are overdue for a change.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

The Ashes Series 2023…

England stand firm after Root's 30th century

England stunned Edgbaston by declaring against Australia on the first day of an Ashes series that more than lived up to the hype. Joe Root’s masterful unbeaten 118 had pulled England from 176-5 to 393-8 when captain Ben Stokes executed the earliest first-innings declaration in Ashes history.

Root added 121 with Jonny Bairstow, who crunched 78 in as many balls, and coaxed valuable lower-order contributions from Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson. All this after Zak Crawley, who had batted beautifully for 61, got the series off to an explosive start by hammering Pat Cummins’s first ball of the day through the covers for four.

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon

took 4-149 for an Australia side that looked to counter England’s swashbuckling style by posting fielders to the boundary for the entire day.

If that tactic was surprising, it was nothing compared to Stokes’s bold play, which gave his bowlers four overs at the Australians late on a baking day.

SCOREBOARD

Warner defied his old nemesis Stuart Broad, taking Australia to 14-0 along side opening partner Usman Khawaja. But at the end of a breathless, memorable day, the Ashes holders found themselves 379 runs behind.

This was more than enough to justify the expectation surrounding the most eagerly anticipated Ashes series in a generation.

There were fireworks when former England captain Alastair Cook paraded the urn before play, but that was nothing compared to the pyrotechnics of Crawley’s crunching drive off Cummins’s first ball of the match – a shot that will

Golf’s Open Championship at Royal Liverpool…

Tiger Woods still recovering from ankle surgery

Former world number one golfer Tiger Woods will not compete in next month’s Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.

Injury forced the 47-yearold, who claimed the third of his three Open wins at Hoylake in 2006, to withdraw from the Masters third round in April. That was when the 15-time major winner had fusion surgery on a bone in his ankle, done to address post-traumat- ic arthritis from a previous fracture

in the joint. That has ruled the American out of the PGA Championship and this week’s US Open.

Woods had hoped to be fit enough to compete at Hoylake, where 17 years ago he had won his first tournament since the death of his father Earl two months earlier. However, an R&A spokesman told the PA news agency: “We have been advised that Tiger won’t be playing at Royal Liverpool. We wish him all the best with his recovery.”

Woods had feared his leg would have had to be amputated because of the serious injuries he suffered in a car accident in Los Angeles in February

2021. He managed to return to action 14 months later, and finished 47th in the 2022 Masters, but then missed the cut in the 150th Open at St Andrews, and has since kept a limited competition schedule.

The Open Championship will be played from 20-23 July at Royal Liverpool for the 13th time - and first since Rory McIlroy enjoyed a third major success in 2014. (BBC Sport)

go down as an iconic moment in Ashes history if England go on to win the series.

What followed was riveting, made all the more compelling by the Australian plan to have fielders on the boundary for the entire day. It created a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse, with England only finding their top gear for a period after tea. Were the Australians too passive? England still scored in excess of five runs an over.

ists had the chance to run through the home side’s lower order, but guided by Root, England were able to reach a total that is at least par on a pitch currently ideal for run-scoring.

Then came the ultimate power move from Stokes, who had earlier won the toss. Noone in Birmingham was expecting the declaration, but it exposed Warner and Khawaja to an evening examination.

Broad even took the first over against his old bunny Warner, but Australia came through, and England face some hard work with the ball on Saturday. (BBC Sport)

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant suspended for 25 games

-for second gun-related incident

The NBA has suspended Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant for 25 games without pay, for appearing in a second video on social media while brandishing a gun.

The NBA announced the punishment on Friday in a statement which also revealed that Morant’s reinstatement would be contingent on his completion of a programme to address his repeated “destructive” behaviour off the court.

“The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate, and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behaviour with guns will not be erated.

Ja, basball needs backseat at this time. Prior to his return to play, he will be required to formulate and fulfill a programme with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behaviour.”

Morant posed with a firearm for a social media live stream on May 13, less than

two months after serving an eight-game suspension for posing with a gun for a video in a Denver nightclub on March 4.

After the first incident, Morant attended a counselling programme in Florida, and vowed to the public and to the league not to repeat his behaviour.

Silver had hinted publicly that the league had decided Morant’s punishment two weeks ago, but chose to delay the announcement until after the NBA Finals.

After serving his eight-game ban in March, Morant was not voted to an AllNBA team, despite an impressive season on the court.

An All-NBA selection would have triggered an escalation to his designated rookie contract extension for an additional $38.9 million.

With the league’s newly implemented games-played minimum for awards, Morant will be ineligible for an All-NBA team in 202324. (Sportsmax)

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant

The last major win for Tiger Woods came at the Masters in 2019

Upper Mazaruni U18 Males Football tournament 2023…

Paruima are champions of inaugural tourney

Paruima have been crowned champions of the inaugural Upper Mazaruni Under-18 Males Football tournament, coordinated by the D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary School (Waramadong Secondary) with support from the Petra Organization, MVP Sports and Trophy Stall.

Kamarang started the day by securing a 4-1 win over Waramadong via kicks from the spot to secure their place in the finals. Regulation time had not been sufficient to separate the sides, Waramadong having netted the first goal in the 13th minute and Alfie Anderson securing the equalizer for Kamarang.

The Paruima vs Jawalla match had very tense and anxious spectators on their feet as fortunes changed between teams. Paruima, however, managed to secure a 6-5 victory via kicks from the spot. Jawalla’s Bevon Jones started the action by netting a goal in the 11th minute, and a goal from his teammate Deon Williams followed. Paruima held their composure, and pierced the

Jawalla net to score a goal from Harmoney Percy, and the equalizer goal followed.

The tournament concluded with the third-place match and the much-anticipated final between Paruima and Karamang, which was witnessed by many jubilant supporters.

After missing out on their spot in the finals, Jawalla

secured the third-place win by thumping Waramadong 4-2.

Jawalla’s Bevon Hunter netted the first goal in the 6’, but Waramdong were not going out without a fight. Their equalizer came in the 12’ from Leon Larson. Jawalla replied with goals from Didian Hunter in the 34’ and Bevon Hunter in the

Powerlifting’s fifth Stage of Champions set for July 9 at Ramada Princess Hotel

Powerlifting action returns on July 9, 2023 with the fifth Stage of Champions being hosted by Western Science, NEW GPC, and IPA Health Centre and staged at the Ramada Princess Hotel at Providence, EBD.

This competition, which will see powerlifters from eight countries engaging in body-building, physique and bikini contests, will commence at 16:00h, and admission cost is $3000.

The organizers are urging spectators to come to the

Ramanda Princess Hotel on July 9, 2023 for an unforgettable evening.

This event is sponsored by Prem’s Electrical, Master Piece Rentals, Fitness Express, Camille’s Academy, Master Inc. Clear Waters and Unity Cabs.

Exhilarating ExxonMobil U14...

“At this juncture, referring to what happened in 2020 in the absence of football, I think we’ve seen with the inclusion of especially the Hinterland teams, I think we’ve seen an improvement in terms of the level of competition. I think I want to single out the Bush Lot Secondary School for their display, having been a team out the Georgetown area, first time being invited,” Mendonca explained.

The Petra Co-Director added, “What I can say, there’s a need for a little bit of coaches’ education, but then I think those teams that are in the final, they’re worth being there; and for Under-14 teams, we anticipate a very good game.”

with a double from Raydon Krammer.

Arlindo Williams, with his goal-scoring ability, netted the equalizer in the 65’, and Kimron Thomas netted the winning goal for Paruima in the 93’ Raydon Krammer was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, while Kemron Thomas of Paruima was adjudged Most Goal Scorer and Dominic Elliman was adjudged Best Goalkeeper.

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58’.

Waramadong instigated a goal from Leon Larson seconds after, but Leon Hunter secured the winning goal for Jawalla in the 60’.

The match spectators had come out to watch was the final, involving Paruima taking on Powerhouse Kamarang. That action began at 17:00h, and Paruima

amazed supporters with a 3-2 win over Kamarang to become champions of this inaugural competition.

Paruima’s Kimron Thomas was first on the scoresheet with a goal in the 15’, giving his team a major advantage.

Kamarang kept their composure and penetrated the Paruima defense

Munisar to lead strong team in CWI Regional U19 Girls tourney

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has named a strong 14-member team to compete in the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI) Girls Under-19 Regional Tournament that bowls off in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago from July 2-July 16, and will feature a number of strong teams from across the Caribbean.

Led by all-rounder Ashmini Munisar, the Guyana team features Vice-Captain Realeanna Grimmond, Tia Issac, Tilleya Madramootoo, Ciana Retemiah and Melanie Dover, who were all members of the recent Guyana Senior Women’s team.

Grimmond and Munisar will both bring tons of experience to the young team, having come off good showings at the CWI Blaze T20 and Women’s Super50 tour-

naments which ended last month.

The team will be coached by Tremayne Smartt, and managed by Heema Singh.

The Guyana U19 Women team comprises:

Ashimini Munisar (Captain), Realeanna Grimmond (V/C) Cyanna Relemiah, Nya Latchman, Tilleya Madramootoo, Naomi Barkoye, Melanie Dover, Sarah Amin, Jamie Campbell, Lavina Ragobeer, Emlissa Whyte, Tia Issac, Laurene Williams and Denellie Lindie.

Standbys are: Aliah De Silver, Tamica Simon, Chelsea Latiff, Cristal Durant, Tamara George and Qzel Sampson.

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Western Tigers, GDF net 4...

The script was almost identical in the following game, between GDF FC and Buxton United. After several rallies, GDF’s Stephen McDonald was first to find the back of the net, and Kennard Simon netted for GDF to give them a 2-0 score at the half.

A goal drought lasted until the 68th, when Olvis Mitchell found the back of the net, then Chris Macey

The organisers of this tournament hereby tender their profound gratitude to all sponsors and supporters, chief among whom were Roxana Rodriguez Da Silva, Quinissa Edmund, James Bond, and the Village Councils of Paruima, Waramadong, Kaikan, Kamarang and Jawalla, who made this event a success.

“We understand that there is room for improvement and we know that we can do it the next round.

Special thanks to the staff of D.C. CAESAR-FOX SECONDARY SCHOOL for coordinating this grand event as well”.

brought up the Army’s fourth strike in the 71st. Buxton were able to patch the leak thereafter, but were unable to find any goals of their own.

The KFC Elite League continues this evening with a clash between Ann’s Grove United and Milerock FC at 18:00hrs. That game will be followed by a clash between Victoria Kings and Den Amstel FC at 20:00hrs.

Captain Ashmini Munisar

The Winners’ row

The Girls’ final is set for 15:00hrs on Saturday, while the boys will clash at

16:00hrs. Both third-place playoffs will precede those games.

Silverware galore! Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca displaying the trophies that are up for grabs today

– says Carl Hooper

Kevin Sinclair has a bright future in Windies cricket Pres Ali supports Guyanese boxers for CAC Games

can't leave because you have senior players sitting and talking about the day's play, and they would go back and talk about something that happened five years ago, and come back to the present game”, Hooper explained.

"That is where you learn the most cricket. But I cannot fault his enthusiasm. He is always…,” Hooper explained. “We had very hot weather in Dubai, and every day he was batting in the nets. I think he has a bright future

Former West Indies

Cricket captain Carl Hooper is impressed with Guyanese all-rounder Kevin Sinclair. Now Assistant Coach of the West Indies white-ball team, Hooper has praised the enthusiasm of Sinclair, and credited him with being hungry to learn.

The classy Hooper disclosed that he spent a lot of time with Sinclair in Dubai, where Sinclair played one match and picked up his career best figures of 4-24.

"I have a lot of time for Kevin Sinclair. I watched him from a distance, but it was the first time I really engaged with him in Dubai. What I love about him is his enthusiasm for the game. I can't tell you how much days we sat in the dugout

and just talked cricket. He would be asking probing questions, one is to how to get better, and what do you think about this and that," Hooper said.

"It is so reminiscent of the days (when) I first got in the team. I could remember sitting in the dressing rooms for hours after a game was finished. You

in West Indies cricket. The sooner he gets (more) involved with the senior setup, the better," Hooper explained.

Sinclair is not a member of the West Indies World Cup Qualifiers squad, but certainly he is in the plans of the West Indies in the near future. (Brandon Corlette)

Western Tigers, GDF net 4 to stay perfect in KFC Elite League 2023

President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has pledged his support to the boxers who would be representing Guyana at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games

in El Salvador later this month.

Dr. Ali met the athletes at the Office of the President today, and wished the team well for the Games. The group of boxers who met with the President included Kevin

Allicock, Emmanuel Pompey and Joel Williamson. Desmond Amsterdam, who will also be participating in the Games, was not present at this meeting. The Games will be held from June 23 to July 8.

Exhilarating ExxonMobil U14 Finals expected today

4-0 was the trending thing on Thursday night when the KFC Elite League continued with another double-header at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Center (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Western Tigers and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC were both victorious by a 4-0 margin when

they took on respective opponents Den Amstel and Buxton United FC.

In the first game, between Western Tigers and Den Amstel FC, the latter managed to hold off their opponents for much of the first half, but Malachi Grannum found the back of the net in the 44th to end the half on a high note for Western.

In the second half,

Randolph Wagner added to the Tigers’ tally in the 58th, and an own goal off the boots of Den Amstel’s Kobi Alexander accounted for the Tigers’ third goal.

The Tigers embraced a penalty opportunity in the latter minutes of the game, and Wagner (89th) converted to secure his double and his team’s 4-0 victory.

Following weeks of avid competition, rivalries will come to a boil today, Saturday, when the ExxonMobil U14 Boys’ and Girls’ Schools’ football tournaments come to a close with two grand finales at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

New champions are set to be crowned in both divisions, and Region One’s Waramuri Top Primary are poised to repeat Charlestown Secondary’s 2022 heroics of clinching the championship in both divisions.

In the girls’ tournament, Waramuri Top Primary

and President’s College will go head-to-head. Captains Aaliyah Henry and Kimora Edwards are both confident in their team’s ability to capture the title.

“For my team, we did well, and we know we can do it and be the winners,” Waramuri’s Aaliyah Henry has said.

Kimora Edwards of President’s College has said, “I’m very confident! But, you know, they’re a little tough, so we have to work a lot harder.”

The Waramuri Top’s boys will challenge Bartica Secondary for the Boys’

Championship. Captains Makayah Holmes and Rondel Washington both think their team has what it takes to secure victory.

“We are very confident; and, you know, we can win the finals,” Waramuri’s Holmes has said. But Washington of Bartica Secondary has said, “Yeah! We got this! We could carry the trophy back, plus with a lot of goals too, you know.”

Meanwhile, coordinator Troy Mendonca of the Petra Organization is pleased with the level of competition witnessed thus far.

Carl Hooper

Kevin Sinclair

A glimpse of the encounter between Western Tigers (yellow) and Den Amstel FC

President Dr Irfaan Ali meeting with the boxers

Captains of Waramuri Top Primary and President’s College, Aaliyah Henry (burgundy) and Kimora Edwards, face off with the ExxonMobil Championship Trophy