Kaieteur News

GuyanasignsUS$89MloanpactwithCanada

- funds aimed at supporting victims of human trafficking; strengthening pensions system

Th e G u y a n a Government on Sunday entered into a sovereign loan agreement with Canada for CAD120 million or US$89 million to improve social servicesinGuyana.

The agreement was signed by Finance Minister, Dr AshniSinghonbehalfof Guyana at the official residence of the High Commission of Canada in B e l A i r G a r d e n s , Georgetown Canada’s visiting Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen received a warm welcome from the Finance Minister who said he is looking forward to further collaborations with thecountry,evenintheform ofasecondloan.

Minister Hussen in his remarks explained that the 10-year sovereign loan, to boost Guyana’s social services sector, will support the vulnerable population and help this nation achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(UNSGDs).

“Through this sovereign loan, our goal is to support Guyana in generating beneficial, social, economic and environmental outcomesforthegoodofall your citizens, particularly the most vulnerable,”

Hussensaid.

Tothisend,theCanadian politicianshared,“Thisloan istailoredtowardstheneeds of Guyana. It will focus on our mutual priorities and interests It’s about protecting the most vulnerable populations; it’s aboutmakingsurethataswe grow our economies, we p r o m o t e g e n d e r empowerment and we fight gender-based violence. It’s about empowering people with disabilities and enabling them to participate fully in the economy and in the society of Guyana. It is about supporting victims of humantrafficking;it’sabout strengthening the pensions system...it’s about making sure that as Guyana delivers its social services and strengthens its social safety net, we also improve the deliveryofthatsocialsafety net.”

He added that Guyana, likeotherCaribbeannations, is vulnerable to natural disasters. The loan however includes a climate resilient debt clause which would be triggered in the event of a climate incident, a natural disaster, pandemic or epidemic.

Minister Hussen was also keen to highlight in his remarks that Guyana is Canada’s largest trade

partnerintheCaribbean.He also lauded the country, sharing his belief that Guyanaiswellpositionedto become the success story of thedecade.

“Thiscountrystandsona threshold of a new era with the potential to really become the success story of this decade around the world,notjustinthisregion.

Your country sits as the fastest growing economy in the world, a significant player in the global energy

marketandaregionalplayer in food security and addressing climate change,” Hussenposited.

Meanwhile, Minister Singh described the loan as an outstanding example of collaboration and cooperation. He explained that the loan is being intermediated through the I n t e r - A m e r i c a n DevelopmentBank(IDB)of which Guyana and Canada arebothproudmembers.

Dr Singh highlighted

the first country in the western hemisphere that has concluded a sovereign loan programmewithCanada.

Dr Singh said that the governmentisevermindful, and has retained at the highestlevelofpriorities,the objectiveofensuringthatthe most vulnerable citizens experience a visible and tangible improvements in their circumstance, including in the delivery of socialservices,whichwillbe bolsteredwiththenewloan.

that Guyana has a longstanding relationship with Canada, given that the foundation for Guyana’s bauxite industry was laid by aCanadiancompanyabouta century ago. He also noted thatOmai,anotherCanadian companywasGuyana’sfirst large-scale gold mining c o m p a n y ; b u t t h e partnership with Canada extended beyond the extraction of minerals, with further business relations now possible through the CanadaGuyanaChamberof Commerce.

The Finance Minister said that the relationship between the two states has now entered a new phase, rooted in economic and commercialties.

Guyana is now the third country to have concluded a sovereign loan programme with Canada. The country stands behind Ukraine and Jordan, meaning, Guyana is

To this end, he told the Canadian Minister that he looks forward to a second loan with the country “Of course, we look forward to many other occasions, whether it be a second sovereign loan programme, nottoputyouonthespot,or put you under pressure, but we look forward to several other manifestations, howevertheymightcomeof this very, very special and highlytreasuredrelationship that exists between Canada and Guyana,” the Minister related.

This year, Guyana’s public debt is expected to grow by US$2.2 billion. In 2023, the country plunged 23% deeper in debt and ended the year owing some US$4.5billion.

The country’s national Budget for 20224 is set at $1 146 trillion with a whopping 40% being financedthroughloans.

Government has however consistently defended its ability to contract and repay loans, given the growth in Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) The administration argues that Guyana now boasts the lowest debt to GDP ratio in theregion.

EDITORIAL

This Guyana

LastFriday,thiscountrycelebratedits54thRepublican Anniversary It should have been a day of great national pride. The national holiday that is our own should have been a time of great joy, and with unfettered revelry to match. Unfettered, but still mature and responsible, as befittingacountryanditscitizensthatareamongthemost watched in the world. Indeed, Little Guyana, long disdained and dismissed Guyana, has come a long way, and now should rule the roost, with the happiness and contentmentofallofitspeoplesforemost.

The unsparing reality is that there are two worlds in today’s Guyana. Those who are on top, and with all the glittering opulence that confirms their elevated presence. Theyarethehaves,andtheyhavemultiplesofwhatarethe richestportionsofthenationalwealth.Thistinyfractionin Guyana’s population is filled with those who know joy because they live with it. Their cup overflows with the rewards of this land, they have received more than they should, and they are all lined up to get much more. For them,everydayisaholiday,anditisariotousone.

But there is another world in Guyana, as lived in and withbythehugemajorityofGuyanese.Itisonewherethe goldentouchofthenationalresourcepatrimonyhashardly trickled or seeped in their direction. Their circumstances havebarelychanged.

Their expectations have not been met, have been forced into a state of unhappy suspension. They are the have-nots, who must speak not, who air their grievances, andpublicizetheirpain. Theyspeakout,orwriteabout,or protest against, their cruel state, and they are subject to every manner of vilification that can be contemplated. On this Republic Anniversary there are too many Guyanese whoarehungry

They are unhappy that when they articulate their harsh reality, they are profiled and reviled for exercising their constitutional rights to the freest expressions of their situation, and calling attention to their punishing conditions.

When there ought to be clasping of hands for the reaching of some compromise, there is curling of fingers into fists to deal one savaging blow after the other The have-notsarenotlookingtoliveinthelapofluxury What they yearn for is to have a little more, what is fair and equitable,sothattheydonothavetodealasmuchwithnot having. In the world of the have-nots, they do not have enough for the basics, and it is now set to be a seemingly permanent condition. Unless there is some wise yielding by those with the power and the purse in their hands. As matters stand on this holiday, the prospects for any easing of the circumstances of those in the ranks of the have-nots appeartobegrim.

There is a greyness that characterises this country The working-class should not be forced to exist on the seat of theirpants.ThemassesintheGuyanesepopulationshould not be living from a paycheque that may only carry them halfway up the road (the week or month) to the next paycheque.

Guyanese should not be living in that anxiety-driven, agitation-underlined, state where a considerable piece of the next paycheque has already been swallowed up by this period’s needs and demands. This should not be in a country that has economic experts from all over, and international institutional authorities, pushing their calculators and spreadsheets to the maximum, and with narrativestomatch.

InthisGuyana,noGuyaneseshouldbelackinginspirit because they don’t have. Because they are being victimized and pulverized. We have too much, and too many non-Guyanese are benefitting too spectacularly fromwhatisours. ThefairshareoftheordinaryGuyanese manandwoman,andtheirchildrenhasnotbeendelivered, not received. This must change, must be battled for, must becomereality.

The writing is as clear as day on the wall, and the people of Guyana face imminent danger

DEAREDITOR, In Guyana, workers face pursuit to take Guyana down limit the country’s education

The workers of any the greatest challenge to apathwayofanti-democratic exposures and increase country are the pillars of labour from a regime that and authoritarian rule, when illiteracy numbers to satisfy government and of the once prided itself, under the will we see it? When will their twisted belief that such country’s development leadership of Dr Cheddi Guyanese workers and other would give them greater This human resource Jagan, having arisen from leaders in society come opportunity to control and element is the most vital theworkingclass,tobemore together and say, “No subjugate the masses. It is a resource but unfortunately sensitive to working-class More!” dark day when the sister instead of being protected needs. The caring services of federated body of FITUG, finds itself in constant riff ThePeople’sProgressive teachers transcend all our with the largest percentage with employers and Party (PPP), in its quest for nation’s children. We are all ofagriculturalworkers,most government as they seek to political power and total products of teachers. Our of whom have children capitalise on profits on the domination, has made it its children need teachers dependent on the public backsoftheiremployees. duty to orchestrate division There is no society that can teaching service to groom This vulnerable asset, inthetradeunionmovement, develop without teachers their children, remain silent, without the protection of the which the regime continues Yet we allow an uncaring ignoring the genuine cry of a often taken for granted to do in an effort to separate regime to disrespect the significant number of the labourunion,wouldnothave and create ethnic and racial rights of our teachers and nation’s working class are been able to gain improved imbalances. t r a m p l e o n t h e m being discriminated against condition of work and other Let us not be fooled that continuously because of and denied a living wage in compensatory benefits had it the PPP is merely anti-trade political misdirection this oil rich Guyana, touted not been for early guilds and union; the truth of the matter Parentsremainsilentevenas as the fastest growing labour unions formed during is the PPP is anti- theywitnessthelearningloss economyintheworld. the era of the industrial independent trade union, that their children must bear The adage of taking revolution. In Guyana, we working class and anti-poor because of the government “one’s pigs to fine market” had Hubert Nathaniel This opportunity is taken to being hard headed and comestomindasourpeople, Critchlow who challenged remind the nation watching stubborn. opposition and others in the merchant class in the on, largely silent, that the It is painful that the society with the ability to early1900s. teachers’ battle is against an parents of deprived children, help hold this regime to Having struggled over uncaring, discriminatory thatthepeopleofGuyanaare accountturnablindeyetoits the centuries, many workers government. It is a grave content to remain divided on atrocities. are today taking for granted injustice to our vulnerable an issue that impacts all. One day, there will be no the struggle of their teachers and the nation’s Divided, as the government one left to struggle when predecessors that brought children not joining the seeks to mislead the gullible they come for the last among them to a place, where some teachers struggle and amongus,theinattentiveand us. The writing is as clear as are having a false sense of demanding that the socially unaware, that the day on the wall, and the security Instead of engaging government respects the rule desperate stand of the people of Guyana face with government and of law and engage teachers teachers to force the imminent danger not only employers to protect across the bargaining table. government to respect their from the government but historical gains, there is If in 2024, after seeing the rights and the rule of law from ourselves. It is time we growing complacency that is worst in the Jagdeo/Ali governing collective wake up and unite against allowing employers to regime, their inconsistencies bargainingisunjust. ourgreatestthreattoall. exploit labour in an unfair and deceptions, their It is becoming evident Sincerely, andunjustmanner. discrimination and obvious the PPP has a sinister plot to Lincoln Lewis

Can Vishnu Bisram please point out where I ‘implored politicians not to appeal on an ideology of race

DEAREDITOR, peopletovotefortheirethnic masses that have resulted polarized exclusionary ‘Dr Henry Jeffrey (KN group. fromourhistory politics.’ KN:19/02/2024). Feb 19) implored politicians But the history of ‘Guyanese Society must Can Vishnu Bisram not to appeal on an ideology Guyana and elsewhere has go beyond the polarised please point out where I of race for political support taught that once the exclusionary politics by ‘implored politicians not to to win government and that contesting groups are which we operate presently’ appealonanideologyofrace they should seek ‘to sufficiently large the usual (‘GPSU says budget will not for political support to win democratize’ the electorate democratic manner of doing address poverty, cost of government and that they away from race’ (Vishnu business – free elections living unless priorities should seek ‘to democratize’ Bisram ‘Will voters move together with even-handed r e c o n s i d e r e d ’ S N : the electorate away from away from ethnic voting? governance – tends to be 15/02/2024). Broadly, this is race’? Since I doubt that his KN:23/02/2024) deficient. the sensible answer to r e s p o n s e w o u l d b e Iwrotethefollowing:“in In a competitive ClementandDr Bisram.But sufficiently substantial to his quarrel with Mr Clement democratic state, it would be it requires the removal of the warrant an intervention, can Rohee, Dr Vishnu Bisram amoralandimpracticaltotry winner-takes-all political he also proffer an opinion to pointed out that Indians ‘did and prevent politicians of a system by using the whole my more deserving notvotetobuildcommunism given ethnicity from range of consociational suggestion. ‘But what…Dr The(ir) choice was an attempting to protect the m e a s u r e s : v e t o e s , Bisram needs to consider, is African PNC or an Indian interest of that group. But supermajority, etc., to where how we are to liberal PPP It was inevitable people what Clement sought to necessary, restrict the range democratically organize the would line up behind the avoid, and Dr Bisram needs of governmental powers and racialized masses that have partyoftheirrace!’Ihaveno to consider, is how are we to protect and enhance the resultedfromourhistory.’ problem with Bisram’s liberal democratically interest of all Guyanese” Sincerely, position of the right of organise the racialised (Henry Jeffrey, ‘Avoid Henry Jeffrey

DEAREDITOR, thecoalitiontenure. handsome return on

Oil spill questions Our First People also say “Not a Blade of Grass” on Guyana’s 54th Republic Anniversary

The heavy oil (HFO) He made news and there investment Billions are spillage from barge destined was criminal investigation. earned annually going back for Guyana has polluted the He escaped punishment by two decades. The rich with coast of Tobago and the current regime and government connections get destroyed flora and fauna. awarded with a diplomatic away with all kinds of There are untold damages. position. financial crimes and become The barge that ran aground Others involved in fuel super wealthy The poor and and capsized spilling fuel smuggling rackets from pre- middle class suffer; they used for power generation coalition period and since have no privileges and pay wasillegallytransportingthe 2020 from Venezuela also heavy prices for electricity oil from Venezuela to escapedprosecution. andfuelfortheirvehicles. Guyana in violation of UN The company involved A natural habitat for fish andAmericansanctions.The in this month’s spilled fuel andbirdsisgone.Thenatural oil was reportedlypurchased off Tobago reportedly has habitat that has been by a Guyanese company to close ties to two dominant destroyed will take decades supplyGPL. politicians in government. for restoration and recovery

Only the privileged are The duo and their friend (a if ever Will there be any allowed to sell fuel to GPL. cousin) have dissociated penalty for the transgression Only privileged companies themselves from the illegal by the connected? Will there have licence to import oil. purchaseandshipment.Why be repercussions, sanctions, Honest brokers have not was a barge used to transport penalty? been able to make a fuel? Wasn’t the purchaser With its illegality now breakthrough in supplying awareofthedanger?Wasthe exposed, will GPL purchase fuel to GPL. Only a few same barge used during the legitimate fuel from credible companies with government coalition? Are the two sides suppliers who are not connections have cornered covering up the crime? Do connected with the the market. It is a murky they protect each other government? purchase with the heavy oil criminality?

I appeal to American floating in rough waters, no It was a corrupt Embassy to launch an punintended. transaction. Besides being in inquiry into this disaster and

This racket has been violation of American illegalpurchasesoffuelfrom going on for over two sanctions, the imported fuel Venezuela and to hold the decades A person who oil bypasses Guyana purchasersaccountable. recently became a diplomat customs. No duties are or Yours truly, used to run the racket during were ever paid, leading to a Edward Burrowes

DEAREDITOR, main hall of the Consulate, performance!

The day was briskly therewastheConsulGeneral Ambassador Brotherson coming to an end and Ambassador Michael deliveredashortbutbrilliant culminatingwiththeonsetof Brotherson who warmly speechandspokeofthegreat light but continuous showers greeted us as he did with leadership provided by on a cold and gloomy day. other guests, including President Dr Irfaan Ali. He Vehicular traffic was members of the CARICOM said “President Ali’s crawling as we patiently New York Diplomatic and energetic, visionary, navigated the Queensboro Consular Corps who also transformative, and peopleBridge from Long Island extended congratulations to centered approach to CityintoManhattan.Yes,we Guyana on its 54th governance is a compelling were on our way to an event Republicananniversary catalyst for Guyana’s to commemorate the 54th The brief official development for the benefit anniversary of Guyana’s programme commenced at of every Guyanese.” About Republican status at the 5:45pmanditwaschairedby Mashramani, he observed: Guyana Consulate on East an Amerindian-Guyanese “It is a glorious display of 45thStreet,NewYork. Isaiah Chappelle who national unity, oneness and

The dreary weather and welcomed everyone to this concepts which are in heavy traffic were not auspicious occasion and consonance with the ‘One enough to deter attendance proclaimed “not a blade of Guyana‘ philosophy ” nor dampen enthusiasm grass” to surrender to our AmbassadorBrothersonalso among the guests who western neighbour After urged Guyanese to visit (reflects the diversity of having invited Pastor James Guyana to witness the great Guyana) and were very Richmond to offer a prayer transformation taking place joyful throughout the of gratitude, he next asked there. He reiterated that the proceedings. Upon reaching Ms Jevanah LaRose a Guyana Consulate is there to our destination, we were Guyana Permanent Mission servetheGuyanadiaspora. greeted by two Consulate staff member, to render both There was a guest staff who gifted each of us a the American and the appearance of New York commemorative artificial Guyana national anthem City’sFirstDeputyPolice necklace. As we entered the And what an impressive (Continued on page 6)

Explaining an Opinion Poll to project election outcome

DEAREDITOR, USA in all elections accurate; 95% is standard in

There appears to be a including for 2024 to Sociology The analysis misunderstanding of the determine the Republican produces a sample error that purpose of a poll and its and Democratic Party is obtained based on a findings as one dentist expected candidate for s t a n d a r d f o r m u l a commentator suggests (KN President and the matchup statisticians use. The size of Feb 19) his personal view is b e t w e e n p r o j e c t e d the sample determines the better than a survey Apoll is contenders — namely Biden error The larger the sample, taken to determine a V Trump Support has the smaller the error The candidate’s (or a party’s) vacillated back and forth sample error tells how much political fortunes (support) between the duo.Trump was the actual findings could in elections or on some other ahead two weeks ago. Now, deviate—generallybetween issue. It is merely a guide or itisastaticaltie.Theelection 3 to 5 points in either estimateofsupportatagiven is just over eight months and direction. A larger sampling time. The support is not cangoeitherway errorisnotacceptedinsocial static. For example, Nikki Polls are more or less scienceresearch. Halley was trailing Trump accurate indicators of the The dentist disagrees fourtooneinSouthCarolina electoral portrait of a nation withrecentfindingsofpollsI primary On eve of Election at a particular time provided conductedonsupportforMr Day,pollsshowedshetrailed theyaredoneobjectivelyand Aubrey Norton and Irfaan by 20 percent Actual scientifically Accurate polls Ali. He writes Norton “will outcome,60-40. are based on scientific go up and up” based on his

Errors are possible in techniques which is a very personal view The polls I pollsandhappenallthetime. complex process. No need to conducted over last year The closer to an election, the explain it here! Objectively among thousands found more reflective is the results conducted polls, not Norton going downwards in of actual outcome. That is conditioned by biases of the support. why pollsters conduct pollster or his/her own party There has been growing tracking surveys to p r e f e r e n c e , s h o u l d a n d w i d e s p r e a d determine changes in accurately estimate the disgruntlement with the support. Support is dynamic. support of candidates and i n c u m b e n t P P P American pollsters conduct outcome of elections administrationbutthereisno polls for clients on a weekly Respondentsareinterviewed effective opposition to basis to track support. In randomly allowing every exploit the dissatisfaction. Guyana, polls are hardly voteranequalopportunityto Other contracted polls will conducted because of be interviewed to represent a reveal similar findings. The financing although a subcategoryofvoters—like poll found Amanda Desir political party has employed racial and religious and Roysdale Forde have the services of American composition, class, age, more support than Norton. pollsters.Iamnotcontracted gender,etc. Nigel Hughes also has or commissioned to conduct Polls conducted on radio significant traction in the pollsbyanypartyinGuyana. and television or on the APNUbaseandamongsome

Contrary to what the Internet are straw polls and Indians.Indianshavemadeit dentist commentator feels, a are not truly reflective of the clear they will not vote poll is not the opinion of one views of the population APNU under Norton’s person A poll collects because they are not based leadership. information through a on any scientific method to Some Africans voiced survey by asking many reflect the demographics of similar view, suggesting the people the same questions the population. As such, coalition will not get the and recording and tabulating these results should not be same percentage of support theirresponsestoeach. taken seriously. Similarly, as in 2020 unless it has a

The opinion is not theviewofthedentistshould likable leader. The coalition subject to verifiable proof not be accepted as that of the cannot win without Indian unless several polls are nation when he suggests support. conducted by different Norton will defeat Irfaan. Right now, the poll pollsters at the same. It is Opinion must be based on projection from a January impossibletoverifytheview evidence and of a large survey is Irfaan Ali will of each interviewee who is numberofpeople. return to office with less and supposed to be After opinions are Indian turnout than in 2020. anonymous. It is a value collected of a large sample, But the PPP is projected to judgment or preference for a say between 450 and 2500 gain seats because of the party and changes over time. people, pollsters usually disapproval of Norton who All polls taken around the analyse the results at a 95 alsofaceslowerturnout. same time should reflect percent significance level Yours truly, similar findings as has been whichmeansthatin19outof Vishnu Bisram (PhD thecaseinpollsconductedin 20 cases the results are Pol Sci)

Netanyahu says Rafah assault ‘will happen’

Palestinian rights protesters gather in Washington, DC, November 4, 2023 [File: Ali

(ALJAZEERA) - Israeli Gaza after the International cooperation with a data firm Prime Minister Benjamin Court of Justice’s order to that there are more than two Netanyahu says Israel will Israel to prevent genocide in million registered Muslim attack Rafah, where theterritory voters in the US – a hundreds of thousands of Here is a summary of significant increase from displaced Palestinians are what she said: The Israeli previousestimates. sheltering, but the assault waragainstthehealthsystem “As American Muslim “will be delayed somewhat” in Gaza is deliberate. voters surge in numbers, ifacaptivesdealisreached. Following the ruling of the united in staunch opposition

The UN agency for International Court of to the United States’ Palestinian refugees, Justice, there has been complicity in Israel’s UNRWA,saysthelasttimeit furtherescalation. ongoing genocide of was able to deliver food to We fear a disaster due to Palestinians in Gaza, our northern Gaza was on the spread of decomposing ballots wield the power not January 23, renewing calls bodies and the spread of only to shape policy but to for the international epidemics. We cannot do determine our leaders and community to allow more anything without an chart a better course for our aid to the Palestinian immediateceasefire. nation,” CAIR director territorytoavertfamine. Meanwhile advocacy Nihad Awad said in a Margaret Satterthwaite, group stresses Muslim statement.

UNspecialrapporteuronthe Americans’ political power Muslim American independence of judges and amidGazawar advocates have been lawyers, has spoken to our T h e C o u n c i l o n increasingly frustrated with colleagues at Al Jazeera American-Islamic Relations Bidenoverhisunconditional A r a b i c a b o u t t h e (CAIR) has said that it found support for Israel’s war on deteriorating situation in through a recent study in Gaza.

Our First People also say “Not a Blade...

From page 5 forestry, and healthcare The official programme Commissioner Ms Tanya sectors have, and continue to was closed by Mr Faisal Kinsella whose mother is expand, securing brighter Yussuff, the Investment and from New Amsterdam, future and a robust support Diaspora Officer who Guyana. She recently visited systemforeveryGuyanese.” acknowledged the key role Guyana and met with S h e a l s o n o t e d : beingplayedbyAmbassador PresidentAli.Ms.Tanyarose “Infrastructure continues to CarolynRodriguesBirkettat from the police ranks to expand rapidly connecting the United Nations and also become the First Deputy our people, enabling trade, expressed gratitude to Police Commissioner of and opening pathways to Ambassador Brotherson for NYC. development and success.” hisstrongleadership.

She also related how she Regarding Guyana’s Mr Yussuffalsoaskedall had to overcome hurdles to territorial integrity she Guyanese to keep in their reachwheresheistoday The emphasized: “Let me assure prayers the victims of the top police officer has youourresolvetoprotectour Mahdia fire and the soldiers promised to work for the b o r d e r s r e m a i n who perished in the welfare of all groups unshakeable we would helicopter crash. He was including Gu

ese stand firm against any very emphatic when he diasporans. adversity that threatens our declared: “Essequibo is

Guyana’s Permanent territorial integrity and ours.” Representative to the United economic prosperity.” The The staff of the Guyana N

Ambassador praised the Consulate and the Guyana Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett diaspora for its support and Permanent Mission is spoke about the challenges urged them to continue to commended for putting facingGuyanaandhowfood support their homeland. For together a wonderful security is a top priority She the month of February 2024 programme. stressed“oureducation,food GuyanaholdsthePresidency Yours truly, production, manufacturing, oftheUNSecurityCouncil. Dr. Tara Singh

CommonwealthSGjoinsC’beanleadersforsummitinGuyana

A team from the Commonwealth Secretariat, led by the Secretary-General,PatriciaScotlandisinGuyanaforthe46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government,whichopenedSundayevening.

This is part of a series of regional meetings that she is attending in preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this year According to a CommonwealthSecretariatpressrelease,amongtheissuesto bediscussedatthefour-dayCARICOMmeetingareclimate resilience, regional security, energy as well as nutrition and food security In Guyana, the Secretary-General will engage with Caribbean leaders directly and as a group. The CommonwealthSecretariatteamwillalsoupdatetheleaders on upcoming ministerial meetings, special Commonwealth eventsandpossibleareasofassistanceandcollaboration.

There are three significant Commonwealth milestones this year On 11 March 2024, Commonwealth Day will be celebrated, while in April, the Secretariat will start the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the London DeclarationthatgavebirthtothemodernCommonwealth.In October,theCommonwealthHeadsofGovernmentMeeting (CHOGM)willbeheldinSamoa.Itwillbethefirsttimethat CHOGM will be held in a Pacific small island developing state.

ReflectingonthecloserelationshipwithCARICOM,the Commonwealth Secretary-General said: “As a Caribbean person,everyoneofthesemeetingsarelikecominghometo family.Inparticular,IamhappytobebackinGuyanatoattend this important summit. I look forward to rich discussions, hearing about areas of concern, and learning about recent successes.ForusattheSecretariat,CARICOMisastrongand treasuredpartner.”

She also thanked HE Dr Mohamed IrfaanAli, Guyana’s President, and the CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, for the opportunity to attend the meeting. The Commonwealth Secretary-General added that it was an essential part of her role to be cognisant of the issues of the member states and to maintain close ties in order to fully supporttheworkdoneonbehalfofcountries.Commentingon theupcomingCommonwealthsummitinSamoa,shesaid: “InOctober,wegotoCHOGMasaunitedandcommitted collective. As we represent the views and carry out the directivesofourmemberstates,weareboundtolistentotheir concernsandvisionsforthefuture.”TheCARICOMmeeting

Continued on page 10

Acaseofforneutrality…evenifbyappearance

In any democratic partisan political event, the In a democrac

the blurs the line between public the importance of adhering society, the separation public reaction would likely government serves as a

to principles of neutrality between the machinery of be one of grave concern and stewardofthecollectivewill a c t i v i s m , c r e a t i n g and non-partisanship in the thestateandpartisanpolitics outcry The judiciary is of the people, tasked with perceptions of possible bias performance of their duties. stands is essential The expected to uphold the rule representing the interests of indecision-making. This, in turn, contributes to a impartialityandneutralityof of law and administer justice all citizens irrespective of The non-attendance of more efficient and effective person who serve in senior without bias or favoritism theirpoliticalaffiliations. s e n i o r g o v e r n m e n t government that is focused administrative posts in the towards any particular However, when senior operatives at partisan on serving the needs of all and safeguarding the government are essential to political ideology or party. officials align themselves political events is conducive citizens without prejudice or foundations of democratic ensure the appearance of Therefore, the sight of a too closely with a particular to fostering a culture of favouritism. governance. Upholding the fairnessingovernanceandto judge engaging in partisan political party, to the extent professionalism within the While individuals have neutrality of senior maintainpublictrust. political activities would of being present at partisan public sector Government the right to belong to a government officials is not Whileindividualcitizens raise serious questions about events, it raises concerns institutions must operate political party and to express only a matter of ethical possess the right to express theirabilitytoremainneutral regarding the fairness and with the highest standards of their political affiliations responsibility but also a vital their political affiliations and fair in their adjudication transparency of government integrity, professionalism, freely, senior operatives safeguard against the abuse freely, this privilege should ofcases. actions Therefore, and impartiality to earn and withinthepublicsectormust ofpowerorauthority be exercised judiciously, Similarly, when a senior maintaining a clear maintain the trust of the exercise caution and refrain (The views expressed in particularly by senior public servant, who is delineation between public. from attending partisan this article are those of the officials within the public e n t r u s t e d w i t h t h e government functions and By abstaining from politicalevents. a u t h o r a n d d o n o t sector This is so regardless responsibility of serving the partisan activities is crucial partisan activities, senior By doing so, they necessarily reflect the of whether the person is a public interest, attends to preserving the integrity of officials set a positive d e m o n s t r a t e t h e i r opinions and beliefs of this bona fide public servant or partisan political events, it the democratic system. The e x a m p l e f o r t h e i r commitment to serving the n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s contract employee Apart undermines the perception attendance of senior subordinates and reaffirm public interest above all else affiliates.) from members of the of their impartiality and operatives at partisan Cabinet, senior operatives of integrityincarryingouttheir political events may, in the the government should duties. Just as the judiciary future create conflicts of refrain from attending must remain independent to interest and accusations partisan political events uphold the integrity of the relating to the impartiality of whether it is a campaign legal system, senior public decision-making processes. meetingorfundraisinggala. servants and public sector Government officials are Senior public officials officials must maintain duty-bound to make should decline such neutrality to ensure the decisions in the best interest invitations.Theyshouldalso effective and equitable of the public, based on not have been invited in the functioning of government objective assessments of first place since the images institutions. evidence and policy of their attendance at Attending partisan considerations However, partisan political events to political events risks theirparticipationinpartisan ensure the preservation of c o m p r o m i s i n g t h i s activities can blur the lines the appearance of integrity neutrality, as it may create between personal political and impartiality of perceptions of partisanship, loyalties and professional governmental institutions thereby undermining public obligations, potentially Senior officials within the trust in the integrity of clouding their judgment and public sector wield governmental institutions leading to decisions considerable influence and By abstaining from such influenced by partisan authority, entrusted with the events, senior operatives motives rather than the responsibility to execute d e m o n s t r a t e t h e i r public good. To mitigate the state functions impartially commitment to upholding risk of such conflicts, it is and without bias Their the impartiality and integrity imperative for senior primary allegiance must be ofthestateapparatus. officials to maintain a strict to the constitution and the The separation of separation between their public interest rather than to government and partisan roles as senior public sector any political party politics is essential to employeesandtheirpolitical Neutrality, even if in safeguard the democratic affiliations When senior appearanceisimportant. process against abuse of officials attend such events Ifajudgeweretoattenda power and undue influence. in their official capacity, it

Dem Boys Seh...

An affair worthy of an Oscar Awards ceremony

In a stunning display of irony, de De value of the garments was enough to working-class party of Guyana recently feed a village fuh a whole week. But where hosted a gala that could rival even de most was de working class, long de bastion of extravagant event of de elite. Here they supportfuhdeparty? were, purported champions of the working De hypocrisy was as thick as caviar class,havingagrandaffair Itwasanevent spreadonbiscuit.Itwasanelegantaffairbut similartoanOscarAwardsceremony no one said what was de entrance fee.

Plenty of red was dere, reminiscent of Whatever it was, de ordinary rank and file Valentine’sDay could not have afforded dat. Perhaps by One could be forgiven for thinking they dressing the part, de once champions of de stumbled into a romantic rendezvous. But workerscouldconvinceitselfthatitwasstill cupid’s arrows were nowhere to be found. in de vanguard of the proletariat. Who nah Gone too are the days when red symbolized getticketloseout!

thefierypassionofrevolution;nowitseems But fear not in this circus of to signify nothing more than the burning contradictions,thereisstillhope.Foraslong desire for opulence. One would think that as there are those willing to call out the after bidding farewell to communism, the absurdityofitall,theworking-classpartyof party would also bid adieu to the Guyanamayonedayrememberitsrootsand ostentatious displays of wealth. But old returntoitstruepurpose:servingthepeople. habitsdiehard. Talk half. Leff half.

Genocide and holocaust

ItwastheSouthAfricans who took the initiative, demonstrated the boldness, to escalate what was and is happening in Gaza to the International Court of Justice. TheSouthAfricans unfurled their concerns

under the banner of “genocide” by the Israelis against the captive Palestinians. Ifthereareany people on the face of God’s green earth, who have earned the right to speak about genocide, it is Black

South Africans. They were forced to exist under what were the harrowing conditions that accompany economic genocide, plain andsimple.

Now the South Africans haveuppedthestakesagain:

“We as SouthAfricans sense, see, hear, and feel to our core, the inhumane discriminatory policies and practices of the Israeli regime as an even more extreme form of the a p a r t h e i d t h a t w a s institutionalized against Blackpeopleinmycountry,”

said South Africa’s ambassador to the Netherlands, as part of a statement made before the ICJ. If there is one people thatcanspeakwithauthority on apartheid and genocide (economic),asmetedoutby white people against Black people, then South Africans canclaimthatdistinction.

Those (apartheid and genocide) are not terms of art. They represent the ghastly reality inflicted on one race by another I assert that what is occurring in Gaza today has gone, in some respects, beyond the SouthAfricanexperience.

To this point, a judicial victory of some limited valuehasbeenachieved,but theone-sidedbattlerageson. It is gruesome, what is exemplary in the bloody, with Israelis bent on extracting maximum vengeanceinongoingorgies of destruction. Where is America,asknown?

It is at times like these that I have to take a deep breath at the America that meanssomuchtomecanbe so willfully blind, so unapologetically biased Where have all the ideals gone? Surely, campaign money, and media assaults, and agency pressures, cannot make men who lay claim to principle forget what is decent, what is honorable, what is human. The pounding that helpless men, women, and children are subjected to has to the epitomeofwhatisinhuman, ghastly,andbeastly

How many Palestinian deaths are needed to satiate the bloodlust of the

embarrassed and humiliated Israelis?

With defenses breached on October 7, and some 1200 Israelis dead, and over 30,000 Palestinians dead, doesitrequiretheroundtotal of 120,000 Gazans to be k i l l e d b e f o r e t h e bloodthirstiness of the rampagingIsraeliscools?

It seems that killing Palestinians at the rate of over 25 for every Israeli life lost is not enough, and that 100 of them for each Israeli victim may be the ultimate objective in the continuing human wreckage. Having been caught flatfooted and out of commission again some 50 years later, in their high, sacred season, vengeance has no limit, and conventions have met with nothing but scorn and dismissal.

Again, I ask where are the civilized worlds of Americans, Englishmen, and Europeans? How is it that they come out limply, barely circle around for a p a t h e t i c s h o w o f meaningless platitudes, before they all retreat into their shells. They dread to arouse the wrath of the people with reach and influence,andthelongestof memories.

The world of Jewry spares no change, leaves no stone unturned, and cultivates every opportunity toremindagainandagainof the unimaginable horrors of Auschwitz and Treblinka and Bergen-Belsen. In a word that could still make harrowing images stream into the consciousness: it that one that speaks in aprofanewhisper:holocaust.

Never again! But here we are today, with the descendantsofthosevictims inflicting their own holocaust on the people of the Gaza, the old Biblical placesofJudeaandSamaria. In a part of the Promised Land, a region of prophets

and many holy men and women, there is this a b o m i n a t i o n o f abominations, and from the now bloodstained hands of the ‘Chosen people ’ PresidentLulaofBrazilwas unsparingly blunt in calling out the Israelis for engaging in both the genocidal and holocaustic in Gaza, and turning that congested strip intoakillingfield. Thereis nochoicebuttoagree.

The difference between thisgenocideandholocaust, unlike the Rwandan and German ones, is that it is committed in the plain sight of the whole world. Thus, the world cannot plead ignorance. And the Israelis havenogroundsonwhichto mount any kind of denial, any defense, other than speciousandvacuousones.

If the shoe was on the other foot, with Arabs or Palestinians as the depraved and heinous aggressors, one has to wonder what would havebeenthereactioninthe West. Meanwhile, I stand flabbergasted at the crimes being committed at will by the Israelis against the Palestinianpeople.

There is unending astonishment at the selfserving impotence of the Americans, British, French, and all those other hypocrites and frauds, who have lost their voices, pretendatnostrength. Who isthereamongcivilizedmen inmodernsocietytostaythe lethalhandoftheIsraeliwar machine? One that is continually being replenished.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

CommonwealthSGjoinsC’beanleadersfor...

Frompage8 willbeginonSunday,25February2024and closeonthe28th.TwelveoftheCARICOM member states are part of the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth. Earlier in February, she also participated in the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Immediately following the CARICOM meeting, the Secretary-GeneralwilltraveltoZanzibarfor the biennial Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting(CLMM),from4to8March2024. Hosted by the Government of the United

RepublicofTanzania,themeetingwillfocus on the theme ‘Technology and Innovation: How digitalisation paves the way for the development of people-centred access to justice’.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General willalsobeintheCaribbeaninAprilforthe 35thCaribbeanAssociationofInsuranceand FinancialAdvisors’(CARAIFA)conference inherhomecountryofDominicaandthe4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and BarbudainMay.

CARICOMsummitopenswithpromisetoprioritiseHaiti

President Irfaan Ali, assuming the rotating Chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), on Sunday declaredHaiti’swelfareasa paramount concern for the regional body during his address at the opening of 46thRegularMeetingofthe 15-memberbloc.

The event took place at theNationalCulturalCentre in Georgetown President Ali’s address not only highlighted the urgent need to address the challenges facing the French-speaking nation, besieged by political and violence but also outlined a comprehensive agenda encompassing regional food security, trade facilitation, digital transformation, and climate resilience.

In his impassioned speech, President Ali underscored CARICOM’s unwavering commitment to advancingtheinterestsofthe Haitian people He commended the leadership of Former St. Lucian Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony, who chairs the group tasked with addressing Haiti’s multifaceted issues. “Today (Sunday), we spend most of this morning on the very issue of Haiti, we are committed as a region in ensuring that the people of Haiti can also realise their full potential in peace, security and with good governance,weoweittothe peopleofHaiti,”Aliadded.

“Anything that impedes the interest of the people of

Haiti is of immense concern for the leadership of this region,” President Ali affirmed. “Sometimes as a region, we are in tough positionsandwehavetotake tough measures ” the President stated. President Alirecognisedtheescalating food insecurity within the region, citing statistics indicating a rise in the proportion of the population affected by hunger and malnutrition since 2022. He announced plans to end hunger and malnutrition in the region by 2030 by mobilising international finance and support To combat this pressing challenge, he announced collaborative efforts with Canada to finance projects aimed at promoting innovative agriculture, particularly involving youth and women. Moreover, a sustainable agriculture project, with a proposed investmentofUS$25million from Saudi Arabia, aims to revitalise food production systemsintheregion,witha specific focus on empowering youth and women in agribusiness President Ali said

CARICOM will be working with,“EmprabaorBrazilfor the rebuilding of the citrus sectoroftheregionfocusing on having one million citrus seedlings available within the first year by the end of December 2024 to revitalise the citrus industry intheregion.”

Notably, President Ali made an assertive comment for the trade barriers within the region to be removed. Hesaid:“Wearetoosmallto be competing against each

A section of the gathering at the NCC yesterday

President Irfaan Ali

other…people of this region call upon your leaders to r e m o v e t h e s e barriers…thesebarriersneed togoandmustgourgently.”

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

In the realm of digital transformation, President A l i p r o p o s e d t h e development of a unified digital strategy and regulations governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the region. Ali said, “Because if we are goingtointegratethatdigital platform, we must be i n t e g r a t e d f r o m conceptualisation to implementation, we cannot all operate on a different platform, it will not help integration and we have to takethisveryseriously.”

He continued: “I believe the region must work immediately on developing regulations to govern theAI andtheuseofAIwithinthis region. We must have a common rule-based system regulationsandlegislationto dealwithAI,itisgoingtobe disastrous if we do not manage this now and have theinfrastructureestablished tomanageitnow.”

PresidentAlistressedthe need for a common framework to harness the potential of digital technologies while ensuring i n c l u s i v i t y a n d accountability Moreover, recognising the existential threat posed by climate change, President Ali reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to climate resilienceandadaptation.He announced significant contributions towards the regional adaptation fund,

with commitment, US$2 million and US$3 million from Guyana’s carbon sale credits and ExxonMobil respectively

President Ali also underscored the importance of regional energy security,

highlighting the potential of renewable energy resources in Suriname, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago to bolster the region’s energy infrastructure. “We need to sit down and articulate a regional energy plan that guarantees regional energy security, just like we are working on a plan that ensures regional food security Thisisanimportant agenda item that we must confront,” the new Caricom chairsaid.

In concluding his address, President Ali expressed optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead for CARICOM. He c o m m e n d e d t h e

achievements of the previous Chair, Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, and p l e d g e d t o w o r k collaborativelywithmember statestoaddresstheregion’s most pressing challenges and foster sustainable development.

ARGYLE AGREEMENT

Skerrit, in his address, hailed the peace agreement facilitated by CARICOM between Guyana and VenezuelainSt.Vincentlast December as a model for global emulation. Skerrit expressed profound satisfaction at Venezuela’s decisiontostepbackfromits

Continuedonpage18

‘Ceasefirenow,endthegenocideinGaza’

Led by the Palestine Solidarity Group, a number Guyanese on Sunday afternoon protested for an immediateceasefireinGaza at the opening ceremony of the 46th CARICOM heads

of Government meeting beingheldinGuyana.

The opening ceremony was held the National Cultural Center located on Homestretch and Mandela Avenues, Georgetown. As

the CARICOM heads of Governmentalongwiththeir delegationandotherforeign diplomatsarrived,protestors stood outside of the barricades placed in front of the Cultural Center at HadfieldStreetandMandela Avenuewithbannersstating ‘Ceasefire Now, End the Genocide,FreePalestine.’

Other protestors held placards saying that the

United States of America (USA) Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Security Council, Linda Thomas-Greenfield is not welcomed. Linda ThomasGreenfield is presently in Guyana for the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting.

According to the statement by the Palestine SolidarityGroupinGuyana,

the United States (US), a permanent UN Security Council member, has continuously vetoed all attemptstoattainaceasefire inGaza.

“Most recently, on February20th,2024,theUS Ambassador to the Security Council, Mrs. Linda Thomas-Greenfield,castthe only vote against a resolution demanding an

immediate ceasefire, saying that“proceedingwithavote today was wishful and irresponsible”. This is the third time that the US has vetoed a ceasefire resolution”, the Solidarity Groupsaid.

While the group and its supporters protested for an immediate cease fire, they madeitclearthatbecauseof

Continuedonpage15

Canada reiterates support for Guyana’s territorial integrity

- calls on Venezuela to respect int’l law

Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen has reiterated the country’s support for Guyana in the ongoing border controversy with neighbouring Venezuela

Hussen, who is currently on a twoday visit to Guyana, said yesterday during an event at the Canadian High Commissioner’s Official Residence in Bel Air Gardens, Georgetown that his country is concerned about the tensions brewing between the two South Americanstates. “WeinCanadaandthe Canadiangovernmentisconcernedwith the ongoing tensions between Guyana and Venezuela. We stand with the Guyanese people, we stand with the governmentandwecallfortherespectof internationallaw,”theMinisterasserted.

Horse and cartinpolicecustodyafter thievesflee,leavingitwithstolenloot

He assured Guyana’s Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh that Canada supports Guyana’s territorial integrity as he called for a peaceful, diplomaticsettlement.Dr.Singhinresponse thanked the Minister for Canada’s support and the country’s strong position on Guyana’sterritorialintegrity

He said, “You Minister Hussen also highlighted other important dimensions that we share, including our commitment to democracy and to the rule of law, both internationally and domestically and I want toplaceonrecord,Guyana’stremendousand immeasurable appreciation of Canada’s supportonsomanyissuesthatareofcritical importancetous.”

Dr Singh continued, “You mentioned, Minister Hussen and reiterated Canada’s supportforGuyana’sterritorialintegrityand Guyana’s sovereignty this morning and I want to thank you very much for Canada’s

Canada’s Minister of Int’l Development, Ahmed Hussen

strong position in this regard, strong and consistent position in this regard over the years, including most recently, and your reiteration of Canada’s position in this regard.”

He said Canada has consistently supported Guyana’s democracy and democratic institutions, over the longstanding relationship between the two countriesovertheyears.

Last December, Venezuela issued a map claimingownershipoftwothirdsofGuyana, the mineral-rich Essequibo region. The controversy is presently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) where both countries have presented arguments. In the meantime, both Guyana and Venezuela have agreed to refrain from the use of force againsteachotherandhavecommittedtothe pursuanceofgoodneighbourliness,peaceful coexistence, and the unity of LatinAmerica andtheCaribbean.Thesewereamongthe10 declarations signed in St. Vincent and the GrenadinesonDecember14,2023.

Construction worker on station bail for allegedly raping girl, 12

A28-year-oldmanaccusedofrapinga12year-old girl last Saturday was released from policecustodyonstationbail

Policecouldnotholdhimformorethan72 hourswithoutgettingacourtextensionsothey were forced to let him go as investigations continueintorapeofthechild. KaieteurNews reported on Thursday last that he allegedly raped the girl and left her bleeding after tricking her into following him to see an alligator.

Themanisoneofseveralmaleemployees constructing a road where the girl lives with hermotherandothersiblings Theyhavebeen workingthereawhilenowandthefamilyhas grown acquainted with them on a first name basissincetheyhavetowalkpassthemtoget intheirhome

The workers, Kaieteur News was told, would also lime around their house in a friendlymannerbutrelativesdidnotknowone of them had ulterior motives after setting his eyesonthe12-year-oldgirl

Sometime after 16:00hrs on Saturday February 17, 2024 bleeding and traumatised, the child walked into the living room of her home and informed her mother that she was raped Accordingthemother,thechildsaidthat shewasinherroomwhenthesuspectcameto herwindowandaskedherifshewantedtosee analligatorinthebushesbehindherhouse

Trusting his word, the girl reportedly

pickeduphertabletandwentwithhimtotake pictures of the reptile she wanted to see so badly Themantookherdownapathbutafter theywalkedafairdistancewherenoonewas around She reportedly became suspicious of him and turned around to ask him “way part thisalligatorreallydeh”.

It was at this point, the suspect allegedly grabbed the child and threw her on to the ground.Shereportedlytoldhermotherthathe placed his hands on her mouth, muffling her screamsand“hadhiswaywithher Whenhe wasfinished,hereportedlyallowedhertoget upandsheranallthewayhomecrying

Themotherrecalledto Kaieteur News that the moment when she walked in the living room “ShecomeinlookingraggedylikebutI seh mussy she (younger) brother got she lookingsuh,causeshebeenintheroomwith he”, the mother said before adding that her daughterplacedherhandsonherheadandsaid “mammyifatellyousomething,yougonvex withme”

The woman said that after she learnt that herdaughterwasraped,shedecidedtotakethe child to the hospital immediately Doctors notedthatshehadabitemarktoherneckand there were multiple bruises and scratches on her leg The mother believe that the suspect mighthaveinflictedthoseinjurieswhiletrying toforcefullytakeoffherdaughter’spantsand underwear

Up to press time on Sunday, a horse and its cart remained in police custody after thievesranawayandleftitbehindwiththeir stolenloot.

Thehorseandthecartarebeingheldatthe ProvidencePoliceStationontheEastBankof Demerara (EBD) Police there told Kaieteur Newsthatitisbeingheldinconnectionwith“a matterthatcameinonFriday”

Kaieteur News learnt that thieves were using the animal and the cart to transport some steel rods they were stealing from a

A cartload of stolen steel rods

buildinginHerstellingNewHousingScheme during the wee hours of the morning. Police werealertedandapatrolunitwassenttothe scene. The thieves were caught red-handed and reportedly fled leaving the horse behind withthestolenrods.

Ranks with the patrol unit pursued them buttheymanagedtoescape.Ranksthentook the horse and the cart loaded with the stolen items to the Providence Station. Efforts are beingmadetofindtheownertoassistpolice withtheinvestigation.

- GTU likens situation to indentureship ‘Teacherstoupanteforlivablesalary’

Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) President Mark Lyte has said that teachers across Guyana will remain resolute in their struggle for a livable wage as the nationwide strike enters its 15thdaytoday

Lytenotedthat“overthe lastthreeweeksourfaithhas been tested I want to commendthosepersonswho have stood solidly with the union…therearesome,who becameafraidbecauseofthe threats made by the government and returned to theclassroom.”

Speakingonalivestream via the GTU’s Facebook page on Sunday, the President noted nonetheless the union will continue its efforts to get the Government to engage with themontheissueofpayhike forteachers.

“You who stood with us and those who continue to stand us I commend you...” hesaidaddingthattherecent court ruling has given

teachers a glimmer of hope thattheireffortsarenotvain. “So this week, we will expect some more support because we must not allow this administration or any government to intimidate us,”hestated.

To this end, the GTU President drew a parallel between teachers struggle for adequate pay and the problems faced during the period of indentureship and slavery “As a social studies teacher when I look at what our foreparents went through, they were beaten intosubjectionwithrodsand whips and the minute, there wasanydissentingvoice,or showed resistance to the oppression,theywerebeaten intosubmission.”

“Our indentured servants,thePortuguese,the Indians,theChinesewereall brought here to work on the plantation initially for five years on contract but many of them could not use the money they gained to go back to India or China so

they decided to settle here These folks were tricked and robbed of their livelihoods, Today we are nottricked,wearenotbeaten and robbed with physical rods….we are not tricked

into contracts but we are made to feel fear by those who were given the mantle to lead this country, those that we, as a people have entrusted confidence in to leadGuyana,”Lytestated.

The GTU President noted too that despite their efforts, the Government has acted callously and continued to ignore the plightofteachers.“Teachers are now moving into day 15 of the industrial action… Teachersareoutthereinthe boilingsunandalltheywant is for the Government to engagetheirUnion.”

The Union head again debunked claims made by the Government that the strikeispolitical.Lytenoted that for too long the issues race and politics have been usedtodivideGuyanaandit should not be used to divide the efforts of teachers. “The government is looking teachers square their faces and saying this is about politics, we must show solidarity and show it’s not about politics… Put aside your parties’ positions and take the lead. Raise your voice to call for collective bargaining,”heurged.

Making a comparison between Guyanese teachers

and a majority of their counterparts in the Caribbean, the Union Head noted that Guyanese teachersareatthebottomof the list in terms of remuneration “When we look at the Jamaicans, the Bahamians, the Grenadians, the Barbadians, we receive theleastofasalaryjustabout USD $400 per month for a teacher who is now starting out. The average teacher in this country does not earn a USD $1000. The minimum amountforateacher’ssalary in these other countries is a littleaboveUSD$1000,”he lamented.

He continued “I travel a lot and I can tell the kind of resourcesthatGuyanahasas country, the gold, the bauxite, diamond, timber [and now oil]… We can always talk that we are hospitable people as Guyanese. Those countries survive on mostly tourism and pay better yet we have alltheresourcesandarestill poor.”

Guyana, Suriname fostering business relationships with launch of new Chamber of Commerce

Guyana and Suriname continue to foster a robust business relationship, as the Suriname\Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) was officially launched in Georgetown on Saturday evening. The chamber will see the two countries harnessing each other’s potential in the business realm, by promoting investment opportunities and ensuring seamless collaborations.

Speaking at the launch at the Pegasus Hotel and Corporate Suites, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, noted that the initiative is due to the solid foundation existing between the two countries.

“The business and economic relationship between Guyana and

Suriname is a truly longstanding relationship. And it is one that long predates our respective independence from the Netherlands in Suriname’s case and the United Kingdom in Guyana’s case…And so, we really are obviously, logically, and naturally economic partners,” the senior minister stated.

He added that the economic partnership between the two countries stretches far beyond the establishment of the chamber, but rather, through the exportation and importation of goods and services between the countries other over the past years.

President of Suriname, Chandrikapersaud Santokhi said for the initiative to be successful, both governments and their private sectors must be

willing to work together and have an extreme understanding of the business world.

“Now, we have to take this level of interest, investment, and trade to the next level. And the most fortunate situation in this process is that you have two presidents on both sides as brothers supporting this process. There are great opportunities for intensive and increased collaborations between the business communities of Suriname and Guyana,” President Santokhi posited.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud stressed that the government will continue to pursue programmes and policies that will enhance good neighbourliness.

“Guyana and Suriname share that overarching goal of

bettering the conditions of its people and ensuring that we implement initiatives that will bring about greater prosperity for both of our economies,” Persaud expressed.

He added that the chamber came at a time when other countries are also partnering with Guyana to build sustainable wealth for its citizens.

Additionally, SGCC’s Chairman, Vishnu Doerga noted that the chamber looks forward to serving the business community in both countries. Some of the areas of focus include enhancing the capability of the workforce, fostering educational partnerships, and connecting the talent pool in both countries. The SGCC will not only serve as a medium for business but information gathering and guidance seeking. (DPI)

IDB Group and Caribbean Governors Discuss Climate Resilience and Integration

The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) held its XII Annual Consultation with the Governors of IDB Caribbean member countries on February 23-24 in Georgetown, Guyana. The gathering was part of preparations for the IDB and IDB Invest Annual Meetings, which will take place on March 6-10 in the Dominican Republic.

This high-level dialogue included representatives from The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago and a representative from the Caribbean Development Bank, a longstanding partner of the IDB which facilitates support to Eastern Caribbean nation states.

During his first visit to Guyana as IDB President, Ilan Goldfajn acknowledged the bank’s collaboration with the Caribbean region over more than 55 years. “Despite its relatively small size, the Caribbean is a big player in

matters such as climate change, education and digital transformation. The region’s experience, expertise, resilience and leading role in climate preparedness is an example for the world,” he said. The meeting is a space for dialogue with the region’s ministers about which priorities should guide the development agenda in upcoming years and how the IDB can deepen its support to the countries through financing, knowledge and technical assistance. The IDB’s new institutional strategy and the “One Caribbean” program were also presented as crucial components of the development agenda and direct responses to the needs of the region.

One Caribbean

“One Caribbean,” a new regional flagship program that aims to promote the sustainable development of the Caribbean with a sharpened focus on highimpact initiatives was also

‘Ceasefire now, end the

From page 12

the US’ strong support for Israel, a nation accused of committing genocide in Palestineits ambassador is not welcomed here. “We picket today to un-welcome Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield to Guyana!” the protestors said in a press statement released after the protest.

They labeled the US as agents and allies of a Zionist killing machine. “We stand with President (Mohamed Irfaan) Ali and all peace and justice loving Guyanese and citizens of the world against genocide in Gaza,” they said while demanding an “immediate ceasefire to all Israeli hostilities against Palestinians in Gaza and the entire Occupied Territory”. President Ali during his speech

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discussed at the meeting. The program focuses on four pillars: climate adaptation, disaster risk management and resilience; citizen security; private sector engagement; and food security, as well as two cross-cutting areas, strengthening institutions and facilitating digital transformation. This program is a result of the dialogue between President Goldfajn and the Caribbean governors in 2023.

Signings

The annual consultation was also the occasion for new signings with the governments of Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname facilitating investments to support development needs in the areas of education, digital transformation, and transportation. Additionally, IDB Invest, the private sector arm of the Group, signed three operations with companies in Guyana for financing in the logistics sector, tertiary education and sustainable

genocide in Gaza’

at Guyana’s 54th Republic Day Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony called for the “atrocities’ in Gaza to end now.

He said that an immediate ceasefire and a two-state resolution is the only solution to conflict between Israel. Guyana since taking its seat at UN Security Council has been steadfast in its advocacy for ceasefire in GAZA.

Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, over 29,000 Palestinians-majority of them women and children have been killed by the Israeli army.

Guyana is one of more than 150 nations who stands in solidarity with Palestine. Protestors said that they plan to take their protest actions to the Marriot on Tuesday.

tourism.

Impact on the Caribbean region’s development

In 2023, the IDB’s support to the region has impacted more than 11,000 people with disabilities in Suriname, over 1,800 farmers in Guyana, led to the provision of telemonitoring services which will provide extended support for persons suffering from chronic illnesses in Jamaica, and nearly 1,400 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have already benefited from business advisory services in The Bahamas. Approximately 18,680 residential customers in Barbados have been able to benefit from the Barbados Power Plant Project designed to provide firm and clean electricity to the barbadian grid. To strengthen private sector capacity across the Caribbean, IDB Invest has been supporting port infrastructure for fostering regional integration, facilitating foreign trade, and contributing to food security. Additionally, IDB Lab has been accelerating digital transformation, supporting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, addressing climate change mitigation and resilience, procuring basic infrastructure services, and fostering innovation in the health sector.

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2000 young Guyanese to benefit from One Guyana Digital Initiative

President Dr Mohamed mechanisms were in place Irfaan Ali on Sunday for us to get it done. This is launched the One Guyana the fastest we have moved Digital Initiative that will from conceptualisation to benefit some 2000 young implementation of any Guyanese from across all 10 programme,” President Ali administrativeregions. stated.

The programme aims to Of the 2000 young empowerandenrichtheskill people, 60 percent are set of youths who have women and 20 percent are completed post-secondary from the Indigenous education in information community, the president technology and equips them disclosed. “If you were to with promising careers dothisprogrammeonyour withinthetechnologysector own at the Toronto The initiative falls under the Metropolitan University, it GuyanaOnlineAcademyfor wouldhavecosteachofyou L e a r n i n g ( G O A L ) 10,000 USD. What that programme, and once means is that for 2000 of completed, successful you, the partnership goes persons will be able to work beyond the matching remotely in Guyana for grant, because we were renowned tech companies able to negotiate a special acrosstheglobe. r a t e f o r t h i s

establishing a system-based don’t take the investment, Guyana Sunday afternoon. digital skills technology They will be able to earn programme…The costs administration and creating what would have been an Canadian Minister, Ahmed sector Canada is proud to between US $25,000 to would have been US $20 an efficient, reliable, highly investment of $4 billion in Hussen, highlighted the 50- joinforceswithyouGuyana, $ 7 5 , 0 0 0 a n n u a l l y. million or GY $4 billion. functional, and integrated your education for year relationship between with you President Ali on Delivering feature remarks That is the investment we government. “Young granted. Take this Canada and Guyana, this exciting new initiative,” at the launching, President are making in you,” people, you have an seriously,” the head of state emphasising Guyana’s he stated. Senior Minister in Ali commended Canadian President Ali asserted. He opportunity like never emphasised. significance as Canada’s the office of the President Minister of International said the government is before, it is yours to A d d i t i o n a l l y, h e primary trading partner in with responsibility for Development, Ahmed movingtowardsdigitisation, destroy, it is yours to disclosed that a similar the Caribbean. He also Finance and Public Service Hussen for his commitment transitioningtoagovernance cherish and it’s yours to initiativethatwillbenefitthe announced a contribution of Dr AshniSinghandMinister tobringingtheideatoreality system aimed at eliminating a c c o m p l i s h M a n y entire region will be $9.5milliontotheinitiative. of Local Government and “He said to me in Canada, bureaucracy and human countries would love to presented at CARICOM’s “It will help launch Regional Development we can do this and he biases. have this opportunity. heads of government young people into fulfilling SoniaParagalsospokeatthe ensured that all the T h e f o c u s i s o n Don’t take it for granted, conference which opened in careers in the emerging event. (DPI)

Another barge in danger of sinking in Tobago

Trinidad Express - under way to rescue another because it is too much

Theleakremainsatricky the vessels are also yet to be yesterday said it had also While oil spill clean-ups bargeindangerofsinking. equipment and too much issue,Jean-Baptistehassaid, located. Several people in beencalledonbytheODPM continue on Tobago’s The Sunday Express was going on,” said the owner of as it cannot be welded and Scarboroughsaidthey“want for assistance in mitigating southwesternshore,peoplein unable to learn the name of asmallbedandbreakfast. care has to be taken in different for Tobago”, as thespillandthatithas“taken the Hope Beach area have the barge, but understands “For the people who moving the leaking vessel. they hoped to see economic swift action to provide calledforthespeedyremoval that it was transporting walk to that beach from their The spill is being contained turnaround, including support in managing the of another barge that, over a g g r e g a t e w h e n i t h o m e s , i t i s a n by booms, with extraction throughincreasedtourism. Tobagooilspillcrisis”. two weeks ago, was listing encounteredaproblem. inconvenience. But it is also exercises around the clock. “We want better and “Three highly skilled badlyandisnowindangerof An attempt was made to a concern after what Lambeau continues to suffer different for Tobago,” said Disaster Management Unit sinkingoffthesoutherncoast tow the vessel, which was happened with the other from oil that went out to sea Signal Hill resident Ainsley (DMU) coordinators have

Caricom summit opens with...

From page 11 threatsofforcefulannexationoftheEssequiboregion,while Guyana,withoutresortingtoviolence,reciprocated.

“Clean up the waters” said to have resulted in spill.”Peoplesaidtheycould and was up to yesterday still Stanford: been selected to offer and “enforce the laws” were further damage, leading to not get answers on who the beingbroughtinbythetides. “I think we can do a assistance to the Tobago among comments in areas the listing barge currently aggregate or the vessel Jean-Baptiste was better job of securing the Emergency Management from Crown Point to being kept afloat off Hope belonged to, but that the speaking in Scarborough, coastlines.” Agency in overseeing Scarborough to Bacolet last Beach. The Sunday Express vessel was said to be owned w h e r e t h e To b a g o The Ministry of Rural operations at the Emergency week when the Sunday understands that further by a well-known Tobago- Emergency Management Development and Local Operations Centre,” the Express visited Tobago in attempts will be made to basedbusinessman. Agency (TEMA) has Government (RDLG) ministrystatedinarelease. the wake of a spill of bunker rescue the vessel, which was ‘We want better for established an all-command fuel three weeks ago that still carrying a portion of its Tobago’ centre since the spill. There, impacted its south-western gravel. No leakage of fuel In the meantime, focus multiple agencies have been coast. The spill came from has been reported. However, has remained on cleaning up coordinatingtheresponse. the Gulfstream, which was people in the area said they spill-impacted areas and The Gulfstream’s origin found overturned in Cove wanted to see the vessel seeking assistance to plug was a mystery for several Industrial and Business Park removedforseveralreasons. theleakintheGulfstream. days, until it was disclosed onFebruary7. “We don’t want any kind Ahydrocarbonsubstance by the Ministry of National

Up to yesterday, a large of spill here,” resident has continued to leak from Security that it was being swathe of Lambeau’s Katherine Caesar said last the Gulfstream, though at a towed at one time by the shoreline remained covered Friday “We understand that lesser rate and volume, tugboat the Solo Creed and in bunker fuel. Mop-up and these things happen and it officialssaidlastweek.

b e c a m e d e t a c h e d mitigation exercises by cannot be moved just so, but According to public Information given to multipleagenciescontinued, the longer it stays, the more relations officer with the national security by the with Scarborough now somethingcanhappen.” O ff i c e o f D i s a s t e r Trinidad and Tobago Coast visiblyclearedoftheimpact. Peoplealsonotedthatfor P r e p a r e d n e s s a n d Guard was that the vessels

However, concerns were thepasttwoweeks,aportion Management (ODPM) were at one time on the raised by residents and of the beach has been closed Lieutenant Commander maritime radar but contact business owners around off as more equipment is (retired) Kirk Jean-Baptiste, was then lost. The Solo Hope Beach, areas of which being brought to rescue the representatives of the Creed has not been found have been cordoned off to vessel. international company T&T andneverarrivedinGuyana, accommodate heavy “Youcan’treallyusethat Salvage have begun looking its last known intended equipment as attempts are part of the beach, right, intothesituation. destination. The owners of

Reflecting on his presence during the agreement’s culmination in St. Vincent, Skerrit expressed unwavering confidence in the unity and Caribbean spirit to continue guidingthemforward.“Wemadeinternationalnewsnotfor unrest or war or violence but for our hosting of mature proactive deliberations, that created a template, which othersintheworldwoulddowelliftheyfollow,”hesaid.

MAINTAINING PEACE

Meanwhile, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett in her address highlighted the region’s commitment to maintaining peace. Dr Barnett said, “We are committed toretaintheregionasazoneofpeacedespitevariousborder controversiesandthepassageofgunsfromoverseas…”

In her speech, she also underscored the leaders’to focus priorities on issues such as food security, climate change, free movement of people, financial assistance, and enhancedtradewithintheregion.

NBA: Bucks, Doc Rivers get best of 76ers

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. (USA TODAY Sports)

(Reuters) - Giannis from 3-point range, with The Sixers came up Milwaukee made 13 of Antetokounmpo had 30 Beasley finishing 6-for-7 empty on consecutive 22 shots from 3-point range points, 12 rebounds and nine from distance and Lillard possessions and the Bucks and led 69-48 at halftime. assists to lift the Milwaukee shooting4-for-8. c a p i t a l i z e d a s Lillard scored a game-high Bucks past the host Milwaukee outshot its Antetokounmpo converted a 17 points. Maxey scored 14 Philadelphia 76ers 119-98 opponent 54.4 percent to three-point play for a 100-85 to pace the Sixers, who shot onSunday 37.1percentfromthefieldin lead with 7:52 remaining. 6-for-21 from the arc in the Damian Lillard added 24 Bucks coach Doc Rivers’ Lopez then scored twice to half. Nicolas Batum hit two points and nine assists while first game in Philadelphia cap a 7-0 run for a 19-point 3-pointers in the first four Malik Beasley had 20 points againsthisformerteam. advantage. minutes of the third quarter, and Bobby Portis scored 17 Tyrese Maxey led the Maxey snapped the run buttheSixersstilltrailed79as the Bucks won their Sixers with 24 points, with a left-handed layup 61. Beasley’s 3-pointer with second in a row Brook De’Anthony Melton added with5:24togo. 6:03 to go propelled the Lopez contributed 11 points 16 and Paul Reed had 13 Lillard drained a 3- Bucks to an 84-63 lead. The andfiveblockedshots. points and eight rebounds. pointer from the logo with Bucks withstood a late push TheBucksmade18shots Kelly Oubre Jr chipped in 3:37 left for a commanding by Philadelphia and led 95with 12 points and nine 112-97lead. 82attheendofthethird. rebounds and Buddy Hield Portis’ third 3-pointer Advertisement · Scroll to scored11points. gave the Bucks a 51-40 lead continue

Monday February 26, 2024

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

A family member or other loved one may not be telling you the truth. In this person's defense,heorshelikelythinks they're protecting you by shieldingyoufromthetruth.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You have an active mind and an even more active imagination, Taurus. Today you risk short-circuiting your brain as you struggle to keep up with all the ideas and information swirling inside yourhead.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

If a family member is in a bad mood but not confessing why, it's up to you to step in and help.Heorsheiscarryingthat big black cloud around, casting shadows everywhere theygo.

CANCER(June21–July22)

If a friend or colleague seems to be in trouble, you may not want to interfere for fear of being too intimate. But this isn't a time to hold back. It's likely that this person really doesneedyourhelp.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Your career may be sidetracked by petty gossip, rumor, and office politics. It's likelythatsomeoneispushing forward his or her agenda without any thought or concern for its impact on others.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

Some bad news about your financial situation may not really be as bad as it first appears. Even so, it throws you for a loop. Double-check the information before spiralingintoapanic,Virgo.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Inanunpleasantsituation,your inclination is to protect your loved ones from the truth. This would be a mistake. Even thoughyou'reactingoutoflove, yourfamilymembersdeserveto knowthetruthevenifithurts.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

You may be feeling tired and a bit wrung out today, Scorpio. Although you're a workaholic by nature, even you are forced toadmitthatthisisadaytostay inbed.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

There could be a missing person very much on your mind these days. Is it possible thattherelationshipisoverand you're the last one to know? Don't let your insecurities get thebetterofyou,Sagittarius.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Misinformation is likely to spread like wildfire today, causing a lot of unnecessary upset either among your neighbors at home or your colleaguesatwork.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You'refinallysettinginmotion some longstanding goals of yours,Aquarius.Goodforyou! But even though everything is in place and you're ready to go, it's possible that you'll receive notice today of some delay in yourplans.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Beware lawyers, bankers, and stockbrokers today One of them is likely to try and mislead you with some inaccurate information. While it might be in his or her best interests for you to take this information at face value, it certainlyisn'tinyours!

Maxey drove to the with 5:21 left in the second Khris Middleton (ankle) basket and hit a difficult quarter They made it 57-44 remained out for the Bucks. layup to close the Sixers when Lopez dropped in a The Sixers continued to be within97-85with9:04leftin trey from the wing with 3:30 without Joel Embiid and thefourthquarter remaining. RobertCovington.

Cotton Tree crowned AJM...

From page 24 quality entertainment to the cricket-lovingpopulation.

The tournament was filled with a lot of side attractions, including cheerleaders, big screen view, live streaming and a lucky fan walked away with $G50,000 for a one-hand catch.

T h i s e v e n t w a s s p o n s o r e d b y A J M Enterprise and Jumbo Jet and is powered by Banks DIHLimited.

According to the sponsors, plans are already in place to make this tournament a country-wide event.

Brief scores ofAJM T20 final: Cotton Tree 222-5 from 20 overs Fawaz Gaffoor 79, Kevin Jawahir 52, Leon Swamy 31, Abdul S u b h a n 2 7 D e r i c k McCalmont2-40.

Achievers ‘A’109 all out from20overs.ShamalAngel 31. Waqar Hassan 5-14, Kevin Jawahir 4-18, Arif Khan 1-23. Cotton Tree won by113runs.

Liverpool win EFL Cup with Van Dijk extra-time header

(BBCSport)-Virgilvan ofopportunitieshere. Dijk’s header deep into extra Liverpoolwereindebted time gave an under-strength to goalkeeper Caoimhin Liverpool a remarkable Kelleher who produced Carabao Cup final win over another outstanding ChelseaatWembley Wembley performance after Van Dijk had seen a being the hero when header contentiously ruled Chelsea were beaten on out for offside on the hour penalties in the 2022 EFL but there was no reprieve for Cupfinal Chelsea when he glanced In a tight first half, he home another from Kostas blocked brilliantly from Tsimikas’cornerinthe118th C o l e P a l m e r w h i l e minute. Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo

Liverpool lifted the EFL Cup for a second time under Jurgen Klopp (Getty Images)

Liverpool’s10thtriumph sawaheaderbouncebackoff in the competition was the post. Chelsea’s Raheem achieved without a host of Sterling also saw a closeinjuredstarnames,including range effort ruled out for forward trio Mohamed offside against Nicolas Salah, Darwin Nunez and Jackson. looked poised to make the keptoutbythekeeper And yet, once more, summer Diogo Jota, also losing Ryan As the chances came breakthrough, Liverpool’s And then came that final Liverpool overcame this At the heart of it all was Gravenberch when he was thickandfastafterthebreak, keeper darting off his line to twist to give Liverpool handicap, Klopp trusting theimperiousVanDijkalong taken off on a stretcher after Van Dijk thought he had save while Chelsea another Wembley victory Liverpool’s emerging with keeper Kelleher, who Moises Caicedo’s first-half headed Liverpool in front on somehow failed to score in a over Chelsea and leave youngstersinamajorfinalas once again decorated challenge. the hour only for the goal to desperate goalmouth Pochettino still seeking his three rookies were sent into We m b l e y w i t h a n

It means Jurgen Klopp’s be contentiously ruled out scramble in the closing firsttrophyinEngland. the Wembley fray as o u t s t a n d i n g , c a l m side have achieved the first for offside against Wataru momentsofnormaltime. Reds rise substitutes in the shape of performance, coming to part of a potential four- Endo following a lengthy Kelleher’s Chelsea above adversity

19-year-old duo Bobby Liverpool’s rescue when trophy haul in the manager’s Video Assistant Referee counterpart Djordje Petrovic The odds on Liverpool ClarkandJamesMcConnell, required, as he was on farewell season, but it was a (VAR) intervention as the was called into action in securing another Wembley along with 18-year-old severaloccasions. bitter blow to Chelsea and Japan midfielder blocked off extra time, turning over a win lengthened when the Danns. It was a victory against m a n a g e r M a u r i c i o Chelsea defender Levi header from Liverpool’s teamsheet landed and the All three showed all odds and will inject even Pochettino. Colwill. teenage substitute Jayden names of Salah and Nunez remarkablecomposureinthe further confidence into a They have now lost six Conor Gallagher was Danns while Harvey Elliott were added to other high- heat of battle, offering Liverpool side seemingly on successive Wembley finals, also denied by the shot into the side-netting profile absentees Trent further evidence of a mission to give Klopp a including three against woodwork, then once more from a good position, also Alexander-Arnold, Jota and Liverpool’s bright future very special goodbye to Liverpool, and wasted a host by the defiant Kelleher as he seeingaheadermiraculously keeperAlisson. after Klopp departs in the Anfield.

Jurel, Ashwin and Kuldeep inspire Ranchi fightback

(BBCSport)-England’s minutes to bat before the hopes of forcing a series close and used them to great decider faded dramatically effect, scoring at five an in the face of a stirring India over Captain Rohit Sharma fightback on day three of the has 24 and Yashasvi Jaiswal fourthTestinRanchi. 16.

Withdoggedlower-order Somehow, England need resistance and spin bowling an instant rally on the fourth of the highest quality, India morning to keep the series turned the match on its head. alive.

From beginning Sunday 134 Series on the line after behind with only three first- super Sunday innings wickets in hand, the This was a compelling hosts ended 40-0 in pursuit day of Test cricket, in of192totakeanunassailable keeping with what would be 3-1lead. mostexpectedofthegamein

Ben Stokes was one of Kuldeep Yadav’s four victims (Getty Images)

They were dragged to this country: an attritional 307byDhruvJurel’s90.The first innings followed by a wicketkeeper, crucially rush to the conclusion as the dropped on 59 by Ollie spinners wreak havoc in the untrustworthybounce. Crawley fought back 75 balls for his 17, then England did well to Robinson, added 76 with second. England opened with the with style, peppering the chipped his 76th delivery contain the scoring, Kuldeep Yadav and another For as well as England’s spinofJoeRootandHartley, extra-cover boundary. He back to Ashwin, whose first conceding only two 40 with number 10 Akash BashirandTomHartleyhave the latter struggling with his added 46 with Root, who five-wickethauloftheseries boundaries in the first hour, Deep. bowled, India’s slow trio lineandfourtimesclippedto was aggrieved to be lbw was sealed by Jurel’s but the life given to Jurel Off-spinner Shoaib were able to extract so much theboundarybyRohit. playing across Ashwin, and reaction catch from a James could prove to be matchBashir ended with 5-119, at fromthesurface. India will start Monday another45withBairstow. Andersonreverse-sweep. defining.Aclipoffthetoesat 20 years and 135 days the To the delight of the as favourites to wrap up the ButCrawleywasbowled Jurel digs in Bashir should have been second-youngest England biggestandnoisiestcrowdof series,butEnglandwillhope trying to force Kuldeep If India do complete the held at head-height by bowler to claim a five- theTestsofar,everyballwas they can use the pitch to turn against the spin, sparking a turnaround they owe so Robinson at mid-wicketwickethaulinTestcricket. anevent. the fifth Test in Dharamsala collapse of five wickets for much to Jurel, the 23-year- India were still 87 behind at England’s lead was a For once, there is an intoadecider 23runs.Stokesplayedonvia old playing only his second thetime. precious 46, every run of argument to make that England spun out his pad, Hartley swiped to Test and possibly only With Deep for company, which seemed vital as Englandwerenotaggressive Any sort of flying start mid-on and Robinson’s poor holding a place behind the Jurel farmed the strike and India’s spinners conjured enough. Ben Duckett, Ben from England could have day continued when he was stumps until Rishabh Pant played big shots when given tricks from the surface on a StokesandBairstowwereall been enough to seal the leg-before for a duck, all to returnstofitness. the chance - twice Bashir riveting, tension-filled victims of tame dismissals. match. Instead Ashwin and Kuldeep. At 177-7 on Saturday, was hit for six. Deep also afternoon. In mitigation, these were the Ravindra Jadeja shared the In between, Bairstow India could have conceded a swung a six of his own, Zak Crawley’s attractive most difficult batting new ball to indicate the softly patted Jadeja to short hugelead.JurelandKuldeep before Bashir skipped one 60 and Jonny Bairstow’s conditionsofthetour ordealthatlayahead. cover from the first ball after battled to 219-7 overnight, into the pads to complete his counter-punching 30 were England’s run-rate of Duckett proddedAshwin tea, meaning England lost withJurelresumingon30on first five-wicket haul in invaluable No-one else 2.69 was comfortably their to short leg and Ollie Pope their last proper weapon Sunday professionalcricket. passed 17 in England’s 145, slowestsinceStokesbecame was completely befuddled capable of pressurising the The early conditions Jurel continued towards Ravichandran Ashwin captain. All except three of by a carrom ball to be leg relentlessIndiabowling. were benign, Robinson a century, heaving Hartley magnificent for 5-51 and the53.5oversintheirsecond before for a golden duck. Ben Foakes and Bashir again struggled for bite and over the leg-side rope, only Kuldeep unerring in his 4- innings were bowled by Popehasbaggedapairinthis resisted for more than 12 the eighth-wicket pair added to play all around the same 22. India’s spinners, who match, facing only three overs,addingonly12runsin 34 runs beforeAnderson got man and be bowled 10 runs India were given 25 revelledinthesharpturnand deliveriesintheprocess. the process. Foakes survived Kuldeeptochoponfor28. shortofthreefigures.

PreparationscontinueforKMTC PhagwahHorseRacemeet

Wand Trophy Stall Horses classified L and arealreadyonboard. lowerwillbecompetingover ith less than a A total of six races are 6 furlongs for stakes and a month to go carded for the day with a trophy compliments of Mrs.

before race whopping $5M in cash, Chan Kennard. The winning day, preparations have trophies and other incentives animal will race away with picked up for the much up for grabs in what is $200,000andatrophy anticipated Kennard expected to be a keenly There is also a race for L Memorial Turf Club contesteddayofracing. non-winners animals over 5 (KMTC) one-day Phagwah Metro will once again furlongswiththewinneralso HorseRaceMeet. take charge of the feature set to collect $200,000 and a

The day of racing which event for C1 and Lower trophy is one of the biggest events horses. That event will see Businessman Ramesh on the horse racing calendar the horses racing over one Sunich of the Trophy Stall for the year will be held on mile for a winning purse of Guyana will be sponsoring Sunday, March 17, at The $1M. The other events listed trophies for the outstanding Kennard Memorial Turf are the H1 and Lower six jockeys,trainersandstable. Club, Bush Lot Farm, furlongs race for a winning The day’s event will be CorentyneBerbice. take of $500,000 and a conducted using the rules of

With preparations on the trophy the Guyana Horse Racing way, a number of sponsors The animals classified J Authority (GHRA) Race and entries have already and K and lower will be timeis12:30hrs. signed up to be a part of the compete over six furlongs Interested persons can day’sproceedings. for a winner’s take of make contact with Basil

Already two major $300,000andatrophy Bactowar 661-7815, Fazal sponsors of horse racing in There is an event for the Habibulla 657-7010, T Guyana have inked their ThreeyearsoldGuyanaBred Jagdeo 618-7278 or Isaac names on the programme. animals over 7 furlongs for Dalloo 689-0629 for more Metro Stationery and Office $350,000andtrophy information.

Guyana holds

El Salvador to a draw ConcacafU20Men’sChampionship…

…to face Suriname on Tuesday

Cotton Tree crowned AJM Mash It Up T20 champions

A packed Bush Lot wicket. Swamy and Fawaz ‘A’defeatedBushLotSports Sports Complex Ground Gaffoor capitalized on the Club by six wickets. Bush witnessed the Cotton Tree poor fielding and made Lotwererestrictedto100all Die Hard team stormed to a merry, scoring 64-1 in the out in 19.4 overs. Brian championship win in the powerplay Nurse was the pick of the AJM Mash It Up T20 Swamy held out to deep bowlers with 3-18 from 3.4 tournament. point for 31 to give Shamal overs. He was supported by

Cotton Tree defeated Angel his first wicket, at 76- KwesiMicklewhohad3-32. Achievers ‘A’in the final by 2. The runs kept flowing off In reply, Achievers 113 runs Waqar Hassan thebatofGaffoorashewent reachedtheirtargetof101in claimed 5-14 from four past50. 18.4 overs. Opener Leon overs while Kevon The right-hander, Andrewsledthechargewith Jawahir’s all-round heroics Gaffoor ended his superb his 38, while Quacey of 52 and 4-18 and Fawaz innings on 79, an innings McPherson made 24 to send Gaffoor’sblazing79setupa laced with seven fours and BushLotpacking. crushing victory for Cotton sixsixes.Gaffoorfeaturedin In match two Cotton Tree. a 71-run second wicket Tree defeated D’ Edwards

In the tall chase of 223 standwithJawahir by ten runs in a thriller runs, Achievers never got Jawahir was innovative Swamy stole the show with goingdespiteLeonAndrews in his strokeplay as he his powerful unbeaten 87. pulling Leon Swamy out of smashed 52, a crafty innings He struck six four and six the ground, first ball of the decorated with six fours and sixes to propel Cotton Tree chase. threesixes. to 176-5 from 20 overs.

Wickets fell at regular Cotton Tree went past CottonTreeinningsfeatured intervals as Achievers 200andthepackedBushLot threerunouts. folded for 109 all out from Ground was rocking away In response, D’Edwards 20 overs Shamal Angel The defending champions, managed 166-9 from their made 31 but he lacked Cotton Tree ended on 222-5 alloted 20 overs Javed support throughout The from 20 overs Abdul Karim top-scored for D’ left-arm spin of Hassan and S u b h a n m a d e a n Edwards with 42 in a losing the leg-spin of Jawahir entertaining 27 Pacer cause. Nashed Gaffur was combined to take nine DerickMcCalmonthad2-40 the most successful of the wicketsforCottonTree. forAchievers. Cotton Tree bowlers with 3-

Earlier,inthegrandfinal The West Berbice-based 37 from four overs in match which was played under side, Cotton Tree walked two. lights, Cotton Tree won the away with trophies, a cash AJM Enterprise aims to toss and opted to bat first. prize of one million dollars develop cricket in the West Nick Ramsaroop was fortheone-dayevent. Berbiceareaandprovide dismissedearlycaughtatthe In match one, Achievers (Continued on page 19)

Inaugural One Guyana InterRegion 10/10 Softball Cricket Cup earmarked for March 3

Meanwhile, Guyana

Guyana’s Men Under-20 minute to put the opposition the half and for the Football team has now under some early pressure, remainder of the encounter completed their second buttheyrespondedwellwith and El Salvador still one showdown in the Concacaf an equaliser in the 22nd player down, they erred and U n d e r - 2 0 M e n ’ s minute, compliments of Guyana was gifted with a Championship,withadrawn Kiano Casamalhuapa. That penalty in the 83rd minute result on Sunday against El goal kept the scoreboard penaltythatwassuccessfully Salvador in Antigua and leveled until the half time convertedbyPydana. Barbuda. whistlesounded.

Playing at the ABFA Three minutes into the suffered a 0 – 4 defeat by the Technical Center, Guyana second 45-minutes, El home team, Antigua and was able to claim their first Salvador was struck with a Barbuda, on Friday last to point in the Group B lust blow as Daniel Espana commencetheircampaign. encounterwitha2–2result. received a red card Guyana will spring into Nathaniel Pydana was However, the 10-man team action again on Tuesday, Guyana’s player-of-the- persevered and was able to February 27, at the same match for his brace which take the lead when Wilber venueastheygoupagainsta brought them back into the Diaz found the back of the familiar rival, Suriname, nail-bitingcontest. netinthe62ndminute. from 10:30 hrs. The other

Pydana drew first blood H o w e v e r , w i t h team in Group B is the Turk for his team in the 10th substitutions by both sides at andCaicos.

The Inaugural One It will be a 10 overs a side (WCD) 690-7782, Mr Guyana Inter Region 10/10 knock out competition and Surijpaul (Wakenaan) 673Softball Cricket Tournament will use the round arm 7748, Mr Frank Satnarine is slated to commence on bowlingformat. (WBD) 615-5343, Region 4 March 3rd and conclude on Theorganisersstatedthat – Mr Fazal Khan 670-8114 March17. they are hoping to use the and Mr Darmin 668-2783,

The tournament will be tournament to help bringing Region 5- Mr Mahase on coordinated by Roraima back softball cricket to the 626-1869 and Mr Chris on Community Developers villagesandtothegrassroots 706-7073, Region 6 - Mr (RCD). level. Ryan Ramdass on 627-0704,

According to the RCD’s According to the RCD, Mr.Teka 667-4121 or Mr Sandra Edwards, the the top teams in each region Omesh Sirikishun on 677tournament is expected to be w i l l b e r e w a r d e d 2826.

one with a difference. She handsomely with cash, The RCD can also be said that coordinators have t r o p h i e s a n d o t h e r contacted on telephone or already been identified for incentives. whatsappon657-5612orvia the different regions. She The winner of the e m a i l ; statedthatanumberofteams regional competitions will developersroraima@gmail.c have already indicated their themmoveontothenational om. willingness to participate in playoff which will see the The officials are hoping thecompetition. top teams being rewarded to get full cooperation and

The coordinators are with cash, trophies and other use the tournament to bring presently fine tuning incentives. people together using unity preparations in terms of For registration teams throughsports. rules, venues and other can contact the regional A number of companies logistics. coordinators, Region 1- have already pledged their

Therearenoagelimitsas Sherlon668-3657,Region2- support towards the the tournament will be Basil Persaud 610-0842, tournament ( S a m u e l played in an open category Region 3 – Mr Kishan Whyte)

NAMILCO sponsors venue equipment for KFC Elite League Season 6

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has garnered support from The National Milling Company ofGuyanaInc(NAMILCO), securing sponsorship for the purchase of equipment to be used at venues for the seamless operation of KFC EliteLeagueSeasonSix.

On Thursday, February 22, NAMILCO presented a cheque to the GFF Season Sixstartedlasteveningatthe National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara, under newly installed FIFA-approved lightsandanupgradedpitch.

The opening match featured a clash between the n e w l y p r o m o t e d Monedderlust FC and Slingerz FC followed by the main event between Santos FC and the reigning champions Guyana Defence Force FC. GFF President Wayne Forde thanked NAMILCO for their consistent corporate support “aswecontinuetofortifythe Participating

Representatives of GFF and Namilco share a light moment with nd Managing Director of NAMILCO, Bert Sukhai (2 right).

all locally with foundation of local

and the national Leagueatthecore. and Guyana Defence Force Amstel FC, Buxton United leading sports broadcaster, documenting the progress in teamprogramme.

Berlanga targets Alvarez after win over McCrory

(BBC Sport) - Super- right there. He’s going to establish some ring control, again, this time for a low middleweight contender makeithappen.” landinglefthooks. blow EdgarBerlangaistargetinga The talk before the That seemingly sparked The American did find fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ super-middleweight fight in life into both men as they his way again at the start of Alvarez after a sixth-round Florida had been about a showed each other their the sixth with some neat knockout win over Padraig potential meeting with the power in an exciting third combination work that had McCrory Mexican superstar in May round, in which Berlanga McCroryrockingandpinned

The American, 26, sent after promoter Hearn was warned for use of the ontheropes. Belfast man McCrory to the suggested the winner would elbow and McCrory The Belfast man offered canvaswitharightoverhand securethatbout. responded to some right some resistance in an punchwith25secondsleftof Given Alvarez’s status hooks with his own work. attempttokeephisopponent thesixthroundinOrlando. as one of the stars of world But Berlanga took control in at bay until two devastating McCrory, who was boxing, it was a lucrative the following round with a right hands landed cleanly unbeaten going into the prize on offer, and left hook that left McCrory on McCrory, sending him to contest, started brightly McCrory, 35, made his with no doubt of the thefloor beforeBerlangapressedon. intentions clear in a solid American’spunchpower Although he looked to “I want him now,” openinground Berlangadidnotbuildon beat the count, the referee Berlanga said of Alvarez Berlangafoundhisrange that work in the fifth round stopped the fight just as afterthefight. and rhythm in the second but did find himself in McCrory’s corner threw in “Look at Eddie (Hearn) round, and started to trouble with the referee thetowel.

GFF and KFC sign new Elite League Title deal

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and KFC Guyana have renewed their partnership which sees the fast food company as the title sponsor for season Six of the Elite League.

Thesponsordealisvaluedat$10milliondollars.Season Six started yesterday at the National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara under newly installed FIFA-approvedlightsandonanupgradepitch.

The kickoff match was a face-off between the recently promoted Monedderlust FC and Slingerz FC with the main event being a fierce battle between Santos FC and the defendingchampionsGuyanaDefenceForceFC.

GFF President Wayne Forde thanked KFC for their continued confidence in the Federation’s vision for the advancement of club football, with the Elite League at the core.

“The Federation thanks KFC for consistently believing in our mission to enhance local football, placing the Elite League at the forefront. Our collaboration started in 2019, andovertheyears,wehavewitnessedtheundeniableimpact of the League on our national team programme, notably the advancement of our Senior Men’s NationalTeam to League AintheCONCACAFregion.”

Other teams competing in Season Six are Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force, Fruta Conquerors, Den Amstel,BuxtonUnitedandAnn’sGrove Additionally,the Caribbean’s foremost sports broadcaster SportsMax filmed the opening night and documented the developments in football here, with the KFC Elite League asthefocalpoint