Guyana Times - Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Guyana-Venezuela border case

GPHC commemorates World Neurosurgery Day 2024 with awareness session

ICJ can now make informed, binding judgements

…as Guyana welcomes Venezuela’s last-minute submission …Caricom, OAS condemn Venezuela’s recent provocative actions

$111M in drugs purchased under APNU/AFC for Reg 2 cannot be accounted for – PAC hears

...fmr REO appeared virtually with PNCR paraphernalia See story on page 9

Husband kills self after stabbing wife to death over claims of infidelity

US deportee executed in front of Middle Road home

Page 2

Guyanese construction worker falls to death in Barbados

Company to cover DHB repair costs following barge collision – Min Edghill

Buxton man busted with AK47 ammo gets 2 years

Govt to roll out “Because We Care” cash grant this term Wildfires at Santa/Aratak force more evacuations – residents pleading for medical assistance

Govt approaches CCJ to correct violation of natural justice – AG Nandlall

...says State has an established interest in case, should be added as party See story on page 7

US deportee executed in front of Middle Road home

AGuyanese who was deported from the United States some 10 years ago was on Sunday evening executed in front of his Middle Road, East La Penitence, Georgetown home.

The dead man has been identified as 70-year-old Clinton Chase of Lot 148 Middle Road. Based on reports received, the nowdead man returned home from the Kingston Seawall about 22:30h and was greeted by the gunman who was reportedly in his home.

One of his sons, “Shacka” told Guyana Times that his

father lived alone at the house for the past eight years. He explained that he was informed about the shooting just after 22:00h and rushed to his father’s house.

“When I reach, I see meh old man lying in front of the gate… like he de just reach

time of the shooting, the area had a power failure so all the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the area were off. The grieving son related that from all indications, the person was in his father’s home waiting on him.

“We ain’t know is how

home and was about to open the gate when the person opened fire…the neighbours say that they hear bullets ringing out and after it stopped, they looked out and saw the old man on the ground…,” he said.

He added that at the

much ah dem’ but it look like they jump the back fence to get into the yard… there is an alleyway at the back so that is where they come from… my father get shoot on he chest, arm’ leg and head.”

He could not say what

could be a possible motive for the shooting, but he was sure that the person (s) who killed his father would be found. He ruled out robbery as a possible motive as all the contents of the house were intact.

Police stated that one of the dead man’s granddaughters related that she was at her home when she received a phone call from an unknown number, with the person on the other end of the line informing her that Chase had fallen off his motorcycle in front of his house.

But the son noted, ‘is shoot them shoot he… was no accident… whoever it was wanted him dead, because he was shot in the head as well”.

The granddaughter related that upon arriving at the scene, she saw her grandfather lying motionless on his back. The Police were already at the scene and based on reports, wounds were seen on Chase’s jaw, arm, and chest.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Police stated that an investigation was launched into the incident.

Guyanese construction worker falls to death in Barbados

The Barbados Today media entity on Monday reported that a 51-year-old Guyanese national fell to his death at his place of employment at Apes Hill, St James, Barbados.

The dead man has since been identified as Andell McGarrell. The report stated that two men fell from scaffolding while doing construction work on a building at Lot C4 Apes Hill around 08:20h.

“One man died on the spot and the other worker was transported to the hospital via ambulance. The injured man complained of back pains and pain in his lower limbs,” the report added. The in -

jured man is 50 years old.

The scaffolding was said to be approximately 30-40 feet high. McGarrell was a resident of Barbados for years.

Guyana-Venezuela border case

ICJ can now make informed, binding judgements –

Pres

Ali …as Guyana welcomes Venezuela’s last-minute submission …Caricom, OAS condemn Venezuela’s recent provocative actions

The Government of Guyana welcomed Venezuela’s decision to submit its counter-memorial on the border controversy case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday –the very last day the World Court had given the country to do so.

In a video message, President Dr Irfaan Ali welcomed the decision and further expressed hope that Venezuela would continue to cooperate in the border case – which it has been reluctant to do, despite the court ruling since 2020 that it has the jurisdiction to hear and decide the case.

“This is what Guyana has been calling for and I hope that Venezuela continues to engage fully in the process before the International Court of Justice, which has determined that it has the jurisdiction in the case before it, to determine the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which Venezuela questions.

“Venezuela continues to make unfounded statements regarding the oil exploration concessions held by Exxon and other international partners. Let me be pellucid. The Government of Guyana under my leadership will continue to govern and monitor all licence holders in a transparent manner,” the Head of State said.

President Ali further reiterated that Guyana was a sovereign country “be-

ties to comply with the court’s order on provisional measures of December 1, 2023, which prohibits

fits of Venezuela’s submission, one of which is that it allowed the court to make an informed, binding deci-

Repeated calls were made not only by Guyana but also by the international and regional community for the reluctant Venezuela to participate in the proceedings. This fact was recalled by the Government.

“Guyana has repeatedly called on Venezuela to participate fully in the judicial proceedings and comply with the Court’s rulings, and, therefore, welcomes Venezuela’s submissions on the substantive issues that the Court will ultimately decide.”

“Guyana notes that Caricom and the

Venezuela from interfering with Guyana’s administration and control of the Essequibo.

“I, therefore, reiterate Guyana’s position that we support and will work towards a stable and peaceful regional environment, one in which the people of Venezuela and Guyana can

holden to no State or private entity” when it came to how it conducted its domestic affairs. And he noted that Guyana would be bound by whatever decision the court made, in much the same way as Venezuela was bound.

“Guyana underscores the obligation of both par-

live and enjoy peace, stability, and the friendship of each other,” President Ali said.

Ministry

In addition, the Foreign Affairs Ministry also released a statement in which the Government of Guyana noted the bene-

sion on the case. According to Guyana, the ICJ now has submissions from both States and can take all arguments and evidence into account, before it issues its final judgement.

“Guyana considers that it is beneficial to the Court to have before it the submissions of both parties on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the settlement of the international boundary. Guyana made its submissions in April 2023.

“With the submissions of both States before it, the Court will be able to take all arguments and evidence into account and issue a more informed judgement, which will be final and binding on the parties,” the Government said.

Commonwealth and other members of the international community have also been urging Venezuela to participate in the proceedings before the ICJ,” the Government added.

Unjust law

Meanwhile, both the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Organisation of American States (OAS) issued statements condemning Venezuela’s most recent provocative actions.

Specifically, Venezuela’s promulgation of a “Law for the defence of Essequibo” in its National Assembly was condemned as infringing on Guyana’s sovereignty.

Energy, no matter what form it is in, plays a vital role in every nation of this world; and its importance can be seen in every facet of life. In countries like Guyana where gas is not connected via an advanced distribution line to homes, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) used as fuel for cooking and other domestic purposes is sold via very hazardous means by retailers and small businesses. What is perplexing is that this has been done for years, unnoticed or not by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). This particular emergency service has had a very reactive nature for years, and now that it has been in the spotlight as a result of the large number of fires, its shortcomings are glaring. However, that’s the subject for another discussion. Of note is that this ‘unnoticed’ hazardous transport of liquefied petroleum gas by retailers has now caught the attention of authorities after an incident involving a truck which caught fire with small LPG containers onboard.

According to the GFS, firefighters from the Eccles Fire Station rushed to Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on April 4, after a truck transporting LPG was reported to be on fire.

Reports were that the canter truck was proceeding to Land of Canaan, EBD, when a fire started in the cabin. The canter was completely destroyed along with a quantity of LPG cylinders.

This incident has highlighted the need for enforcement of regulatory frameworks in relation to the trucking of such products in Guyana. Even with regulations there is also need for periodic inspections of these cylinders and where there is violation, law enforcement agencies can deal with these matters through our legal avenues.

In a reactive nature, the GFS shared the following precaution after the incident at Garden of Eden and in the interest of public safety and the need for better safety measures, we reshare the following:

Practices of improper transportation of petroleum products in Guyana, with some individuals resorting to transporting these substances on the tops of vans, minibuses, and trucks, pose significant risks to public safety and the environment.

Guyana Fire Service urges members of the general public and businesses involved in the transportation of such products to adhere strictly to the following guidelines:

• Petroleum products should only be transported in containers that have been approved for such use by regulatory authorities. These containers should be designed to prevent leakage and spillage during transit.

• Petroleum products should be securely stored within the vehicle, preferably in the designated cargo area. Under no circumstances should these products be transported on the top of vehicles.

• There must be enough ventilation within the vehicle to minimise the risk of buildup of flammable vapours. Vehicles should be equipped with proper ventilation systems to prevent the accumulation of hazardous gases.

• Do not overload vehicles with petroleum products beyond their capacity. Overloading can increase the risk of spills, leaks, and accidents.

• Familiarise yourself with and adhere to all relevant regulations and guidelines set by the Guyana Energy Agency and other regulatory bodies regarding the transportation and storage of petroleum products.

• Maintain appropriate emergency response measures, including the presence of fire extinguishers and spill containment materials, in case of accidents or incidents during transportation.

• Vehicles must display warning signs (red writing against white background) indicating the presence of highly flammable or hazardous materials. These signs should be prominently displayed and easily readable from a distance.

We, therefore, call for members of the public to adhere to the proper guidelines to avoid any further accidents. We must, however, state that part of ensuring safety also includes having training and education. This is an area the GFS and the Guyana Energy Agency should explore with the aim of ensuring that all businesses – large or small – engage in proper safety mechanisms when transporting petroleum products.

The plan was never changed

There is an old saying which goes like this, “Success has a million fathers, failure is a bastard.” That proverb comes to mind whenever I read the articles that have been written about the sugar industry recently. The latest was one penned by Mr Vickram Ouditt, a former Chairman of GuySuCo.

Mr Ouditt’s letter gave the impression that the real problem of the Skeldon project had to do with his removal from GuySuCo’s Board. He stated that the plan was changed after he left. In saying so, he took Booker Tate off the hook and implicitly blamed the Board.

This is really far from the truth. The plan was never changed. The project always envisaged a refinery co-generation plant and a distillery.

The plan was very sound. The idea was to turn the sugar industry into a complex, beginning with Skeldon, with additional revenue streams. However, as is universally known, after completion of the factory, the corpora -

tion faced many problems and as a result, the refinery and distillery had to be deferred.

So, the problem was never due to a change in the plan.

I agree with Mr Ouditt that the harvesters that were bought to work in the fields of Skeldon were more suited for dry conditions. However, what was omitted was the fact that the type of harvester was recommended by Booker Tate. Part of the problem was also the poor work Booker Tate did in the preparation of the field, which contributed to trash and mud going into the factory, which was mentioned by Mr Ouditt.

Another issue that affected the project was the punt dumper which was designed and procured by Booker Tate. In previous letters, some writers dealt with the problem. In a nutshell, it could not feed the factory with sufficient canes. This was a huge problem. Let me add here that the company contracted to build the dumper was a US company, Honiron Corporation, who subcon -

tracted to a local company, ICI.

The Corporation had other problems that were caused by poor project management, all of which were touched on by previous writers.

Most of the letter writers on the subject blamed the Chinese company that built the factory. The main accusation was that the company used inferior materials. This line was not accidental, it was to shift the blame from Booker Tate to the Chinese. The fact is that most of the main components of the factory did not come from China but from other countries that serve the sugar industry the world over. Therefore, the argument of poor materials really cannot stand. The blame was definitely on Booker Tate. That is why the Corporation challenged them in court.

Unfortunately, the case came up when the APNU/ AFC took power and the Corporation, represented by Chairman of the AFC, Mr Nigel Hughes, withdrew the case and paid Booker Tate!

However, by 2015, most of the problems were resolved by GuySuCo’s workers and management. From the second crop of 2014 and in 2015, Skeldon surpassed its targets and began to lead the industry. Indeed, because of its performance the APNU-AFC coalition Government took credit for the turnaround in 2015, immediately after coming to power.

Therefore, the question that should be asked is why then was Skeldon closed in 2016 just when it began to realise its potential?

It is clear to me that the APNU/AFC took a political decision to punish sugar workers for their militancy in fighting for industrial and national democracy throughout the post independent period.

Mr Vic Ouditt, unfortunately, has objectively sided with Booker Tate and the coalition in trying to obscure the reality.

The large volume of speed humps contributes significantly to the high cost of living

Dear Editor,

Last year, I raised serious concerns about the Government flooding our streets and roads with speed humps. There is a difference between speed humps and speed bumps. The humps are more aggressive while the bumps are milder. At the time of publishing those letters, it was estimated that our roads had about 55,000 speed humps.

Despite pointing out that speed humps have 90 per cent harmful side effects and will do more harm to this country, our Government

and, by extension, the Ministry of Public Works continued to flood our roads with even greater numbers and closer proximity. Even short streets of about 150 feet may have three speed humps. This situation can be best described as vehicles muzzling. The estimated speed humps across our country now have reached approximately 100,000. This figure may be greater, because I haven’t managed to get figures from some areas. Editor, this course of action I understood was a direct response to the high volume

of recklessness happening on our roads. After deploying approximately 100,000 speed humps, the carnage on the roads is still out of control and even worse. I explained in my last two letters that it will not work and the reality has proven exactly as predicted. I specifically warned that speed humps have severe economic implications. I have never seen or heard Guyanese complaining about the high cost of living and economic hardship experienced for a long while.

It is well documented and explained on sev-

eral mechanical forums on Google and YouTube how speed humps cause vehicles to burn three and four times more fuel. When a vehicle has to manoeuvre in first and second gear repetitively over a long period, it will consume excessive fuel. With 100,000 speed humps across this country, that translates a normal journey which would consume one gallon of fuel into one that eventually consume about three gallons. This repetitive hopping every 30 seconds is responsible for the high fuel consumption and

Diseases and disasters loom

Dear Editor, Around the globe, the right to health of millions is increasingly coming under threat. Diseases and disasters loom large as causes of death and disability.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Council on the Economics of Health for All revealed that at least 140 countries recognise health as a human right in their constitution. Yet, many citizens are left to fend for themselves regarding access to health services. This underpins the fact that at least 4.5 billion people, more than half of the world’s population were not fully covered by essential health services in 2021. World Health Day (WHD) is celebrated on April 7 yearly to mark the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948.

The observance of World Health Day is seen as an opportunity by the Organisation to drive worldwide attention to a subject of major importance for global health each year. This year’s theme for World Health Day is “My health, my right”. This year’s theme was chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education, and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination.

The observance of World Health Day cannot be done in isolation from highlighting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal #3 which addresses good health and well-being. According to the United Nations, the COVID-19 pandemic and other ongoing crises are hindering progress in achieving SDG3, exacerbating existing health inequalities and threatening progress to-

wards universal health coverage. As a result, 68 million children are known to be unor under-vaccinated as of 2022 from TB and malaria.

The UN adds that the pandemic has also highlighted the need for stronger global health security systems to prevent and respond to future pandemics.

A recent report has revealed that the Caribbean needs to re-calibrate its healthcare priorities by securing more funding and learning how to spend resources better.

The report is published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank and is titled Health at a Glance: Latin America and the Caribbean 2020.

It says that total health expenditure across the Caribbean countries is on average 6.6% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is lower compared to the 8.8% of other OECD countries. Spending varied from 1.1% in Venezuela to up to 11.7% in Cuba and 9.2% in Uruguay in 2017.

The report also shows that health systems in the region heavily rely on outof-pocket expenditures or supplemental private insurance from households, with an average of 54.3% of total health spending for Government spending and compulsory health insurance. Countries that have the highest private spending are Honduras, Haiti and Guatemala. Cuba and Costa Rica have the lowest.

Additionally, the InterAmerican Development Bank states that Latin American and Caribbean countries will face significant increases in future health expenditures. A variety of factors are responsible – population growth and aging, the epidemiological transition to non-communicable diseases (NCDs),

and economic growth and technology, among others. Increasing health expenditures are particularly concerning to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) given growing levels of debt, insufficient fiscal revenues, and high outof-pocket payments. The projected average annual per capita CHE growth rate from 2018-2050 is slightly higher in Latin American countries (3.2%) than in the Caribbean (2.4%). The share of health expenditure in GDP is projected to increase by 2030 in all LAC countries except for Guyana.

The way forward Healthcare systems globally are reservoirs of inequality. In most societies, the economically disadvantaged and vulnerable languish daily trying to access healthcare. Hours of productivity are lost on any given day due to the lengthy wait period necessary to access health care. Sadly, in many instances, unless you are connected to a high-ranking official, it is very likely that you will suffer in pain while waiting for an appointment day. Do you think we can do better for our people?

Governments need to invest more in healthcare systems. The training and retention of healthcare workers especially in the Global South will always be problematic as the Global North will have the advantage of attracting these workers by offering better salaries and conditions of work. Successive Governments, over the years, have spoken about universal health insurance; sadly, nothing has been done to bring this into reality.

With longevity comes the possibility of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, asthma and cancers. Globally, obesity is a growing problem as more of our population is overweight. The time to revisit Physical Education is now. There is a school of thought that favours physical education for all grades. Without a doubt being overweight is a root cause for illhealth. Governments are charged to examine innovative ways to ensure that universal health care becomes a reality.

Sincerely,

this forms the basis of the high cost of transportation. Every living economic activity in this country depends on transportation.

The high cost of transportation has multiplying effects. Depending on how many layers of production are involved, we have seen prices for goods and services double and triple. Since last year, taxis, delivery trucks and general transportation providers have been conscious of the excessive rising cost of operation. This was not only due to high fuel prices but also excessive fuel consumption due to speed humps and the frequent spending on expensive replacement parts. Parts that were supposed to last three years are now changed in as little as eight months. Every cost mentioned above

is eventually passed down to end-consumers. This is how flooding our country with speed humps plays a significant role in the high cost of living.

Editor, I have said it before, speed humps are not the solution to the recklessness and madness on our roads. The Government has hundreds of options to bring this madness to a screeching halt. While the high cost of living is squeezing the life out of Guyanese, finding the right solutions to this problem is imperative. The Government needs to reverse this bad decision of muzzling vehicles and implement laws and systems to hold drivers and vehicle owners accountable.

Yours sincerely,

Identify each angle as obtuse, acute or right.

Page Foundation

Unit test

Identify each pair of angles as supplementary or complementary and explain why.

4)

6) 5)

Identify each triangle as scalene, isosceles or equilateral.

Identify each triangle as obtuse, right-angled or acute.

In this fun and easy water science experiment, we’re going to make a rainbow.

Materials:

Baking pan

Water

Mirror

White piece of paper

Instructions:

Identify the following quadrilaterals.

16)

Look at the circle carefully and answer Questions 17-20

17) Name the centre point

18) Which segments are chords?

19) Which segment is the diameter?

20) Which segments are radii?

Identify the numbers of bases, faces, edges and vertices for each of the named solids.

21) Sphere

22) Square

23) Square pyramid

24) Cone

25) Prism

CONTINUED

And the singer so shy to the rest receiv’d me, The gray-brown bird I know receiv’d us comrades three, And he sang the carol of death, and a verse for him I love.

From deep secluded recesses, From the fragrant cedars and the ghostly pines so still, Came the carol of the bird.

And the charm of the carol rapt me, As I held as if by their hands my comrades in the night, And the voice of my spirit tallied the song of the bird.

Come lovely and soothing death, Undulate round the world, serenely arriving, arriving, In the day, in the night, to all, to each, Sooner or later delicate death.

Fill the baking pan three quarters of the way full with water. Find a sunny spot. Place the mirror in the water and lean it against the edge of the baking dish. Now direct the mirror’s reflection onto the white piece of paper. You will see a rainbow of colours.

How it works: When the white sunlight

shines into the water it bends. White light is a combination of all the visible colours. So when white light bends, all of its parts also bend. These parts or colours (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) all bend at a different angle because each of the colours travel at different speeds in the water. When the mirror reflects the light back out of the water it has been broken

up from refraction into the full rainbow of colours that you can see on the piece of white paper.

Make this a science project: Try this experiment using a flashlight. Try this experiment with coloured light. Try using crumpled aluminium foil instead of a mirror. Try colouring the water. (sciencefun. org)

Prais’d be the fathomless universe, For life and joy, and for objects and knowledge curious, And for love, sweet love—but praise! praise! praise! For the sure-enwinding arms of cool-enfolding death.

Dark mother always gliding near with soft feet, Have none chanted for thee a chant of fullest welcome?

Then I chant it for thee, I glorify thee above all, I bring thee a song that when thou must indeed come, come unfalteringly.

WORD SEARCH

Exxon oil spill insurance case

Govt approaches CCJ to correct violation of natural justice – AG Nandlall

…says State has an established interest in case, should be added as party

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, has defended the Government’s decision to approach the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) after the Court of Appeal rejected its efforts to join the ExxonMobil oil spill insurance case.

It was recently revealed that the Government of Guyana had approached the CCJ in February of this year. Further, it was revealed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ExxonMobil Guyana and citizens Godfrey Whyte and Frederick Collins were named as respondents.

According to the Attorney General during a recent TV programme, not making the State a party to a case that deals with a contract it is already a party to, as well as a case that would have a huge impact on the State, is a violation of natural justice.

“All the physical expansions taking place in the country, all the infrastructure work taking place in the country, all the highways, all the bridges that are being built, all the hospitals, all the housing drives.

“This oil and gas contract and the revenues are connected to all of that. This sector is critical to the public good and develop-

mental agenda of our country. So not only are we a party to the contract itself, but Guyana and its people stand to benefit significantly from this contract,” Nandlall said.

He further pointed out that Guyana’s legislation allows for any citizen to institute legal proceedings or to be joined in those proceedings. This, he noted, is without exception. Then there is the Petroleum Activities Act, which mandates that the State should be a party in any case that could see the petroleum industry being put at risk.

“Under the new Petroleum Activities Act, we have inserted a provision that these cases, when they are filed, the State must be made a party. Because one of these

sectors can be shut down. And the Government is not heard. Now this case was filed, in relation to the financial assurance that was not lodged by the oil company. The State was not made a party. The Government of Guyana was not named as a party. Now, the Environmental Protection Agency alone was named.

“The government is a party to the contract, as I said. How can you take a case to the court, in relation to this contract, in relation to operations under this contract, in relation to the licence issued under the contract and you are not naming the Government as a party? They filed these proceedings. Look at the unfairness,” Nandlall further said.

The Attorney General

noted that it was the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government that passed laws allowing persons to file lawsuits against the Government, State actors and other State players, including the EPA.

The AG recalled that the PPP/C had to fight to get the former Government to give effect to this law. And he noted that now, the Government is not being afforded equal protection under the law when it comes to a case that has serious implications for the State.

“So, the law gives them an interest and allows

them the ability and capacity to file. But the very Government now, who has an interest greater than all of them combined… and you don’t want the Government to be heard? We have the most liberal judicial review legislation in this part of the world, that allows the citizens of this country to challenge any action or any decision made by the Government and those who are in authority in the State apparatus.

“The PPP gave the people of Guyana that right. Why? Because we believe that our actions must be subject to scrutiny. Judicial

scrutiny and public scrutiny. And if the citizens feel aggrieved by these actions, they have a right to approach the court. And we have made that right very accessible. So, I want to underscore that point. Now that is the legislation being used, to launch all these proceedings,” Nandlall also said.

Last year, the High Court had ruled that ExxonMobil must provide unlimited insurance for its offshore oil operations in the Stabroek Block. Both the EPA and Exxon have since appealed this decision and it is now before the Court of Appeal. (G3)

Buxton man busted with AK-47 ammo gets 2 years

Thirty-six-year-old Orin Younge, also known as Orin Matthews, who was busted with several rounds of AK47 ammunition at his Middle Walk, Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home was

on Monday sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

The security officer was arrested on Friday last after

he reportedly assaulted and threatened to kill his child’s mother.

It was reported that on the day in question about 23:45h, Police ranks in Regional Division 4C (East Coast Demerara) responded to the report of domestic violence and upon arrival at the Middle Walk, Buxton home, the complainant informed the ranks that her child’s father assaulted her and pointed a gun at her when he heard her making the report to the Police on the phone.

The suspect was contacted, told of the offence and arrested, Police said on Saturday. A subsequent search of his premises was conducted, during which ranks found a magazine with 15 live (7.62 × 39) AK-47 rounds of ammunition. Checks were made for the firearm, but it was not found, Police said.

The suspect was taken to the Vigilance Police Station where charges were instituted.

On Monday, he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate's Court where he pleaded guilty to the charge and as such, was sentenced to spend two years in prison.

Rewriting… …history

Your Eyewitness had wondered (idly!) as to what became of Nagamootoo after the APNU/AFC coalition demitted office in 2020 – kicking and screaming – five months after the elections were held. As is usual in our dear Mudland, rumours abounded: he was too embarrassed to show his face; he was in the States being treated for some illness; he was having withdrawal symptoms from having his outriders withdrawn when he moved around… and so on!!

Well, we’ve finally been taken off our tenterhooks by the Naga-man himself. Seems he’d scurried off to the land of the Great Satan where he plunged into such a veritable orgy of writing, even his wife had to make appointments to see him!! Wasn’t this tantamount to “spousal abuse”, wondered your Eyewitness while he digested this titbit? So what was it he was writing that caused him to neglect his marital obligations? Seems it was a book which he gave the fantastically original title – “Dear Land of Guyana”!! Someone should expand on this theme and make it our National Anthem!!

But he expanded on the book’s title that it was about his “Quest for national unity”!! Ahhh…what a guy!! Nary a thought about his ambitions – which everyone in his 50-year political career describes as “overweening!! Remember his insistence that Cheddi promised to make him his “successor” while campaigning in the Rupununi? No one else on the stage heard this, but Naga threw quite some tantrums when he was overlooked after the old man passed away.

But all of that is history… Guyanese wanted to find out more about why he allowed Granger to walk all over him like a doormat when the PM-on-steroids he was promised in a WRITTEN agreement – the Cummingsburg Accord – was never delivered!! As his old comrade from his PPP days – and PPP’s presidential candidate Ramotar predicted – all he got was “Larwah”!! He meekly accepted Granger’s excuse that the Constitution “didn’t permit making him chair Cabinet meetings”!! But not a murmur!! But what folks most wanted to know about was why he went along with the blatant PNC elections-rigging with the Mingo spreadsheets and soiled bedsheet – a practice he’d condemned for decades while in the PPP!! Sadly, not a murmur!!

What he did reveal was his hurt feelings when on the same day when Pres Ali was finally sworn in, all his state vehicles – presumably with their outriders! – were removed!! Not a word about the FIVE MONTHS it took for him and Granger to try every trick in the book – and then some!! – to cling on to power!! Maybe he could’ve explained why he went along with questioning whether 33 was the majority of 65??

Anyhow, your Eyewitness is happy Naga Man is alive and writing.

…the Rwandan genocide

Rwanda should be an object lesson for Guyana on the dangers of ethnic and political conflict. Declared a colony of Belgium after Germany was defeated in WWI – illustrating the arbitrariness of colonial rule – it was separated from Burundi which had the same Tutsi and Hutu peoples. They were all of the same race but different tribally and ethnically. The tensions between the two tribes exploded after independence in 1962 and in the following decades violence broke out.

In the eighties, the ruling Hutus preemptively launched attacks on the Tutsis and in 1994 eventually massacred over a MILLION of them – even as the West looked on without intervening.

Tutsi rebels under President Kagame attacked from neighbouring Congo and took over the Government –which they’ve retained to date. Kagame has banned ethnic mobilisation for political office and using ethnic symbols. He’s been accused of being “authoritarian” and antidemocratic – but has not only maintained stability but brought prosperity to Rwanda!!

Possibly a lesson for us?

…teachers bargaining?

The GTU President’s predicting another teachers’ strike. Forced by the court into face-to-face meetings with the Min of Ed, they can’t prove that 2019-2023 wage increases were on the table – but want it addressed!!

Overreach or overkill??

in drugs purchased under APNU/AFC for Reg 2 cannot be accounted for – PAC hears

During a sitting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, confusion regarding what happened to $111.5 million that was supposed to go towards procuring drugs in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), prompted calls from the Committee for a special investigation into drug procurement in other regions as well.

In his 2019 report, Auditor General Deodat Sharma found that an Inter-Departmental Warrant for $210.1 million was issued to the Health Ministry to procure drugs on behalf of Region Two.

A subsequent financial return had indicated that all the money was spent. When reconciliation was done in August 2020 by the Material Management Unit (MMU), however, only $98.5 million in drugs had been delivered.

who he noted has to account for the drugs. He was also questioned as to what efforts were made to account for the missing $111.5 million, during his time as REO.

question from Madame Teixeira, what efforts were made when I was there?

bers Juan Edghill, who also serves as the Minister of Public Works, and Dr Vishwa Mahadeo both urged the Audit Office to do a further investigation and to try to make contact with the Regional Health Officer (RHO) at the time.

“I think we need to get clarity. So, we need to work both with the MMU, that is Ministry of Health MMU and the region. And I think we need to get the RHO. Because Dr Ranji Singh started in 2020. We need to get the RHO who was in 2019 and the former REO, to see if we can clarify all of this,” Dr Mahadeo said.

When he appeared virtually before the PAC, former Regional Executive Officer (REO) Denis Jaikaran blamed the then Public Health Ministry,

Jaikaran, who caused consternation among some members of the PAC due to the presence of People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) paraphernalia on his person and in the video background, claimed that he fully cooperated with the MMU. “I’m answering the

So, I’m saying clearly the efforts that were made, (was) that we continued when we would have made those available sums of money to the Ministry of Finance, the RHO would have been in regular contact with the MMU, to allow for her to be able to do the reconciliation. And whatever items would have been received, to make the necessary recording.”

Meanwhile, PAC mem -

ICJ can now make informed...

According to the OAS, “regional peace and security depend on stopping the Venezuelan regime from advancing these threatening objectives”. Further, they noted that the actions of current Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro “are directly an attack on the Chavista legacy of having relations in peace and harmony with the countries of the Caricom, as well as that Guyana’s exploitation of its natural wealth left to be carried out in peace.

“Like any self-respecting fascist “law”, it not only contains the external threat but also fulfils its tasks of internal repression. The combined use of internal repression with the regime’s aggressive stance towards the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is a new milestone in the Venezuelan regime’s infinite spiral of moral and political poverty. This law puts at risk the security not only of Guyana but also the peace and security of the hemisphere,” OAS further said.

For its part, Caricom urged Venezuela to refrain from further actions that threaten peace in the region and to adhere to dialogue and international law. The regional bloc

noted that Venezuela has acted unilaterally, precipitously and, potentially, dangerously.

“In the process, it has: (i) offended “the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela” of 14 December 2023; (ii) subverted international law; and (iii) signalled a possible embrace of an unworthy aggression to achieve its own articulated goals or purposes,”

Caricom further said.

The controversial law was promulgated at the instigation of President Maduro last week, in his bid to establish Guyana’s sovereign Essequibo region as a state within his country. In addition to the OAS and Caricom, the Commonwealth Secretariat has also expressed concern over the recent actions of the Venezuelan regime. (G3)

“We don’t want speculation and casting blame. But the layman listening to this will say if the Ministry of Health is standing by their documentation and they sent a full $210 million worth of drugs to the region and the region could only account for $98.5 million, then there are drugs circulating somewhere else in the region,” Edghill added.

“The same problem occurred in 2020 for Region Two and in fact, there was no reconciliation done at all. That is why I’m recommending the Auditor General have a full investigation to look into this,” Teixeira said. (G3) $111M

“I would like to suggest to the PAC that maybe we agree that there be a special meeting of the Auditor General, FS, Ministry of Health and the others, as well as the re -

Meanwhile, PAC member Gail Teixeira went even further, calling for a special investigation into other regions and their drug procurement. She noted that discrepancies between drugs received and the warrants issued by regions were not limited to Region Two, or the year 2019.

gions that have this problem, to have a full investigation. My own view is that the Auditor General may need to do a special investigation into the regions where this occurred, not just Region Two.

Husband kills self after stabbing wife to death over claims of infidelity

ARecht-DoorZee, West Bank Demerara (WBD) woman was brutally stabbed to death after she was accused of being unfaithful by her husband, who subsequently took his own life.

Dead are 56-year-old

Sarah Bacchus Arjoon, a saleswoman, and 69-yearold Khemraj Arjoon, both of Lot 755 Recht-Door-Zee.

Based on reports received, the woman's motionless body was found by her 13-year-old daughter

about 15:30h lying in a pool of blood inside the bedroom. The teen also found her father gasping for breath on the bed suspected to have consumed a poisonous substance.

A note written on a piece of cardboard implicating the now-dead woman in an alleged affair was found nearby. Following the discovery, an alarm was raised and the Police were contacted.

At the scene, Police questioned the murder suspect who admitted to ingesting a poisonous substance and directed ranks to the area where he disposed of the bottle.

As such, Police took possession of a blood-stained knife suspected to be the murder weapon and the note as evidence.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Police added that the murder suspect was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he later succumbed. When the media visited the home of the dead couple on Monday, the house was locked.

Neighbours, however, stated that as the man ‘got down in age’, he started to

get sickly thus forcing the woman to seek employment at the same store with her teenage daughter. They described her as a very quiet and helpful person who lived ‘good’ with everyone. The neighbours stated that the woman was not having an extra-marital relationship, adding that she was a good wife.

bail for

Forty-three-year-old

Fitzroy Roberts of Belmont, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Friday placed on $75,000 bail after he was charged with narcotics possession. Roberts, a labourer, was reportedly arrested on Friday, April 5, 2024, and later charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

He appeared at the Mahaica Magistrate's Court before Magistrate A Wilson, who read the charge to him and he pleaded not guilty. As such, he was granted bail and the matter was adjourned to May 9, 2024.

Govt to roll out “Because We Care” cash grant this term

The Education Ministry is set to roll out its “Because We Care” cash grant this term which will see each child from both public and private schools receiving $45,000.

This was announced by subject Minister Priya Manickchand via a social media post on Monday when schools reopened for the August term.

This year, the “Because We Care” cash grant has been increased to $40,000, coupled with the $5000 uniform allowance and will benefit 205,000 children countrywide.

In 2021, the Government reintroduced the cash grant for school-aged children, as per its manifesto promise. The distributions at that time saw each child benefitting from $19,000 –$15,000 from the “Because We Care” grant and $4000 from their uniform vouchers.

In 2022, the Government increased the “Because We Care” cash grant from $15,000 to $25,000, and the uniform voucher from $4000 to $5000. This meant that each child went from receiving $19,000, to $30,000. The grant was also opened to all private school students as well.

In 2023, children registered in nursery, primary, and secondary public and private schools received a $35,000 grant, together with $5000 for school uniforms and other supplies.

Already, the schools would have received their grants to purchase supplies and materials to make teachers more efficient and ease the burden on parents who in the past had to provide.

In addition, the Minister stated that some

26,000 Grades Five and Six pupils will receive breakfast. Initially, only the Grade Six pupils benefited from the programme, but as the new school term commenced, the Grade Five pupils were added.

Further, the Minister stated that this term, the Government will be rolling out other major programmes.

Meanwhile, as the new school term commences, the Grove and Timehri Primary Schools are expected to be reopened today and Wednesday, respectively.

A pest control treatment is being spearhead -

ed at the Grove Primary School while the Timehri Primary School is being used as a shelter for residents of Santa/Aratak Missions who were recently evacuated due to raging wildfires.

Company to cover DHB repair costs following barge collision – Min Edghill

Spans 12 and 13 of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) sustained minor damage after a tug and a barge drifted and crashed into the structure on Sunday evening.

The incident which occurred around 19:30h affected the bridge’s operations, sparking immediate response efforts from all stakeholders.

Various entities, including the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), were mobilised to address the situation. The barge was subsequently removed and the situation was brought under control.

This recent mishap has led to an investigation undertaken by MARAD to determine the cause of the incident and whether the tug pushing the barge had sufficient control, given its heavy load of steel plates.

In a social media post, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill disclosed that technical experts would also inspect the bridge and ensure it remained in good working condition, while the new bridge is being constructed.

“As it relates to trucks, we are releasing them at intervals to ensure that the weight on the damaged section is minimal and we don’t compromise anything further until we can do a full inspection…we are sending down divers to see exactly if the anchors have been dislodged and what needs to be done,” Edghill said.

The Minister also stated that the company responsible for the incident will have to pay for the repairs. The barge and tug are reportedly attached to the company that is constructing the new Demerara River bridge.

However, the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, Wayne Watson on Monday reassured the public it was safe to travel on the bridge.

“At this time, we can safely say that it is safe for

transiting and all of our programmes. At this initial stage, we can conclude that there will be a minimal obstruction to traffic, either river or vehicle traffic along the bridge,” he said. No injuries were reported.

Previous damage

ing some 45 degrees out of alignment.

The allision sent several DHB workers, who were on the bridge at the time, literally running for their lives.

In October 2022, a portion of the Harbour Bridge was damaged when the MV Tradewind Passion, a ship consigned by GuyOil to transport fuel crashed into the bridge.

The ship, which was supposed to drive in a southern direction to pass through the opening of the bridge, instead drove in a south-easterly direction and hit Spans Nine and 10 with its front and rear. This resulted in the two spans of the bridge shift-

Following assiduous work by the DHB staff and support from the Private Sector, the bridge was then reopened to vehicles weighing up to 12 tonnes a few days after, and it was later announced that vehicles weighting up to 18 tonnes would be able to cross the bridge under special conditions.

In 2023, the spans were replaced following an investment of $1.2 billion made by the Guyana Government.

The replacement of span nine was a massive undertaking that could not be done while traffic was flowing.

GPHC commemorates World Neurosurgery Day 2024 with awareness session

The Neurosurgery Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) hosted a special awareness session in observance of World Neurosurgery Day 2024 on Monday.

This event marks a significant milestone in the journey of neurosurgical care at GPHC and underscores the remarkable progress made since the establishment of the department in 2015.

Before 2015, access to specialised neurosurgical interventions were limited, often resulting in dire consequences for patients with severe head injuries or neurological conditions. However, with the return of Dr Dukhi and the establishment of the department, GPHC has emerged as a beacon of hope for those in need of neurosurgical care.

Since its inception, the department has witnessed

Led by neurosurgeon Dr Amarnauth Dukhi, the Neurosurgery Department has transformed the landscape of neurosurgical care in Guyana.

exponential growth, offering a wide range of intricate and dynamic surgical procedures, including but not limited to brain tumours, cerebral haemorrhages, spinal cord tumours, and fractured skulls.

This expansion of services has been accompanied by a commitment to education and capacity building, exemplified by the launch of the third recognised residency program in the Caribbean via the Institute of Health Science Education (IHSE). Dr Dukhi, the Program Coordinator, em-

phasised the importance of propagating neurosurgical care and building human capacity not only in Guyana but throughout the Caribbean.

Moreover, recognising the urgent need for decentralisation of neurosurgical care, Dr Dukhi outlined plans to extend services to regional hospitals such as Suddie, New Amsterdam, and Linden. This strategic initiative aims to reduce mortality rates associated with traumatic neurosurgery by ensuring timely access to specialised care.

He also articulated the hospital's ambitious goal of developing a neurosurgical suite at GPHC that meets international standards, thus positioning GPHC as a leader in neurosurgical excellence within the region.

On World Neurosurgery Day, the medical institution celebrates the remarkable growth of the Neurosurgery Department, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a provider of advanced and life-saving procedures.

The hospital extends its heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated staff of the department, including Dr Dukhi, Dr Saban, Dr Sanchez, Dr Conway, resident doctors Dr Singh and Dr Allicock, as well as GMOs Dr Azeez and Dr Fredericks.

Currently, the Neurosurgery Clinic at GPHC serves an average

of 40-60 patients weekly, with hundreds more admitted and treated monthly for both surgical and non-surgical interventions. Access to the clinic is referral-based, ensuring equitable access to neurosurgical care for all residents of Guyana.

Dr Dukhi, who also serves as the Chief

surge in demand for paediatric neurosurgical care, particularly from babies in the interior regions of the country. Cases such as neural tube defects, which require specialised surgical intervention, have been successfully treated at GPHC since the establishment of the department.

Neurosurgeon, highlighted the department's impressive track record, with an average of 150-200 surgical interventions annually and a survival rate exceeding 90 per cent.

Furthermore, the department has witnessed a

As GPHC continues to advance its mission of providing world-class neurosurgical care, the hospital remains committed to serving the healthcare needs of the Guyanese population with compassion, expertise, and dedication.

Wildfires at Santa/Aratak force more evacuations

– residents pleading for medical assistance

As wildfires continue to devastate the backlands of Santa/ Aratak Missions, Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Colonel (Retired) Nazrul Hussain related that the Commission was setting up alternative shelters for the residents so that the Timehri Primary School could be reopened on Wednesday.

The ongoing wildfires continue to creep closer to inhabited areas thus forcing residents to evacuate, but more importantly, some are working hand in hand with the firefighters to put out the blazes which continue to spread rapidly.

Of the 38 children, women and senior citizens who were evacuated, some had left the shelter to stay with residents. Presently, 21 persons are staying at the Timehri Primary School where they are receiving essential services, including health care.

In ongoing efforts to prioritise residents' well-being at the shelter, the CDC has swiftly mobilised the medical division to supply various medications and fuel to the evacuees.

While these 21 individuals are currently safe, reports indicate that other

residents are independently fleeing the area, with some seeking assistance from families along the West Bank of Demerara.

Officials from the CDC acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the situation and emphasised that while the outcome of the

two strategies as key to eradicating the blazes.

Meanwhile, residents who remain in the village are calling for more medical assistance in the form of inhalers. “We are now facing lots of difficulties in breathing… some inhalers can help and we are asking stakeholders to assist.

Guyana has experienced over 1300 wildfires since January, and this is a direct result of the El Niño phenomenon, which is responsible for the prolonged dry season.

raging fires remains uncertain, the village council during a meeting requested an excavator to dig a trench to channel water towards the flames.

Additionally, the residents are hoping for heavy rainfall to help extinguish the fires, highlighting these

About 1000 of those fires occurred in communities located in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); whereas the regions with the lowest incidence of wildfires are Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), which both had fewer than 200 fires.

Joint Service teams are utilising satellite imag-

ery surveillance to monitor fires countrywide, while land and air techniques are being used to prevent fires from escalating. Resources are stretched thin, but efforts are ongoing to procure advanced firefighting equipment specifically tailored to combat wildfires.

The Guyana Fire Service is urging citizens to avoid deliberately setting fires to either burn garbage or for land clearing, noting that such acts are punishable by law.

The Fire Service, in a statement, said it is working to combat several wildfires reported at Coverden and along the Heroes Highway on the East Bank of Demerara; as well as at Port Mourant, East Berbice-Corentyne; Lovely Lass Village, West Coast Berbice; and in Linden.

Any fire or emission of excessive smoke should be reported to the Fire Service via 912.

1000 men to benefit as WIIN programme expands

Approximately 1000 men are slated to benefit from the highly-anticipated expansion of the Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) training programme.

The initiative is set to be unveiled during a sexual assault awareness campaign to be held this month.

“It will be the time when we launch our special WIIN component targeting men. Opening the programme of WIIN fully to 1000 men,” Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Friday.

“I have been in discus-

sion with people and they said let’s give it a little different name because men might not come to WIIN… But what they are having access to is every opportunity that women would have had access to through the WIIN programme,” Dr Persaud underscored.

This intervention aligns with the Government’s vi-

Plans afoot to eliminate cervical cancer

(GPHC), and the Mount Sinai Health System, seeks to devise effective strategies as well as ensure optimal care for women at every stage of the disease.

sion of promoting gender equality.

Since the WIIN application portal opened, over 6000 citizens have applied within a week and a half, reflecting significant interest and demand.

Responding to this surge in interest, the ministry has expanded WIIN’s course offerings and skills training.

Courses available through the Coursera platform have increased from eight to 20, providing participants with a broader range of options.

The expansion also allows for more online slots, enabling self-paced study and access to certificates from global universities.

Additionally, the Ministry remains committed to maintaining its hybrid model offering access

to traditional courses including child care, care for the elderly, garment construction, Microsoft Office suite, and home management.

In addition, new courses have been introduced, covering a wide range of skills including design decor

and events management, plumbing, cell phone repairs, carpentry, masonry, and electrical installation.

It is important to note that the WIIN programme is open to all citizens, free of charge and has no educational or academic requirements.

The Health Ministry is currently developing a comprehensive plan to eradicate cervical cancer among females, recognising it as one of the most prevalent diseases affecting over half of the female population and causing significant harm to the reproductive system.

To advance this initiative, the Ministry hosted a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session on Sunday, at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Kingston, Georgetown.

The session, held in collaboration with the Ministry’s Chronic Disease Unit, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

In his keynote address, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony expressed confidence that with the integration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and the implementation of the Ministry’s new strategy, the incidence of cervical cancer will significantly decrease.

tool that is available for preventing cervical cancer, but unfortunately, we don’t use it very well…I want the physicians here to start talking to their patients more about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vac-

cine,” Minister Anthony implored.

He urged physicians to engage their patients in discussions about the vaccine, highlighting its effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer.

“We have an effective

Furthermore, Minister Anthony reiterated that the Ministry will offer free HPV testing within the public health system starting in 2025 to make screening more accessible and affordable for citizens.

About $2.8 billion is set aside to subsidise cervical cancer testing, to benefit approximately 350,000 persons this year.

Reg 7 residents benefit from hernia, gallstone surgeries

At least eight Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) residents underwent hernia and gallstone surgeries at the Upper Mazaruni District Hospital located in Kamarang.

Consultant Surgeon from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Sheik Amir led the surgical team and support staff from GPHC, Lethem and the St Joseph Mercy Hospitals to the region.

Thompson, a resident of Paruima, now residing in Waramadong, expressed relief that surgeries are now being done within the district and closer to home.

“Many times I have suffered, I even went Georgetown, I couldn’t find no fault in me and only yesterday I had to find a fault that I was ill and suffering from hernia [and] I had to end up undergoing surgery…I am glad everything

Many of the patients expressed gratitude to the team, one such person is Romel Johnny, whose daughter underwent a successful operation. According to him, the surgical outreach has alleviated all expenses he would have paid for his daughter to travel to Georgetown.

“We have been crying for this institution, it’s really helping a lot of people in this district”.

“When I heard about the services coming to our district, I was very much happy to know that they were already here and she was the first patient from the district,” Johnny added.

Similarly, Colson

is safe right now”.

Tamika Beharry, a resident of Kamarang, commended the transformation in the Upper Mazaruni district, including the operationalising of the surgical theatre that will bring im-

mense relief to hundreds of indigenous peoples.

“I am very proud because as we know, this area is traditionally Amerindian and persons being here in their home, actually able to access surgeries, it’s more comfortable for them because they can have that support of their family, instead of going to Georgetown and being there with just one family member,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Director General at the Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, explained that the initiative is part of the numerous commitments made by President Dr Irfaan Ali, in bridging the gap between the hinterland and the coastland.

On this point, he disclosed that medical teams comprising surgeons will conduct outreaches at the Upper Mazaruni District Hospital every three months in a bid to improve health care in the region.

“This is a case of bringing healthcare to the people, because this region has also been doing specialist outreaches…this is how we know what to put in the budget, we come out, we meet the people, we hear what are their concerns, what are their requests, sometimes what are their demands and then we try to meet it. We try to ensure that the facilities have the staff that we have to meet the requests, the demands and more importantly the needs of the community,”

he said.

The Government and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) invested approximately $50 million in the construction and furnishing of the operational

theatre, which has now become an essential addition to the hospital’s medical facilities.

Surgical capacities have also been introduced in several hinterland villages for

the first time, including Moruca, Region One and Aishalton, Region Nine. The Government is aiming to build additional surgical theatres in several other villages.

Regional Cops probe online T&T porn ring

Trinidadian men and women are selling and trading child rape videos on the social media app Telegram for as much as US$200.

At least one person involved in the porn ring says 207 videos are available for that price. He’s on a Telegram group called Trini’s School leaks/twerks Videos, which had 945 members as of Sunday.

That chat is a market for buying and selling child pornographic content.

Nicaragua brings genocide case against Germany

“I spending my money for this? Alyuh rel f*@&%$ stink in here,” one person posted in one group chat, which has 8525 members.

Meanwhile, in other Telegram groups, some people are taking women’s photos from their social media pages, altering it via Artificial Intelligence (AI) software so that they

Pornographic content featuring local females— which range from young girls to older women—are also available for purchase on Telegram. In addition, some men are even selling intimate pictures their ex-partners would have sent to the porn groups for money. If interested persons can’t pay for content, some men are trading nude photos of women for other nude images.

appear nude, and selling them. Up for sale in the various group chats are digitally altered photos that women initially posted with themselves fully clothed in their social media which are now nude images.

People are taking pictures of girls off their social media pages and posting them on the chats seeking nude images of them.

Guardian Media, with support from IT consultant Shivam Teelucksingh, has identified 22 groups on Telegram selling and trading local pornographic content. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Hero that stopped 1990 coup attempt laid to rest

Anglican Bishop Claude Berkley has called for vigilance in order for Trinidad to distance itself from evil.

Berkley said this is needed to keep T&T sane, maintain equilibrium and fight against dysfunction and chaos.

Delivering the homily at the funeral of retired Major General and former Chief of Defence Staff, Ralph Brown at the All Saints’ Anglican Church, Port of Spain, on April 8, he said those qualities were needed and stressed they should be taught at home.

“We learned from Brown about honour, dignity, decorum, discipline and good purpose.”

Brown joined the regiment just before independence and saw the raising of the T&T flag as an off-duty soldier in 1962. In his role as commanding officer of the regiment during the attempted coup on July 27, 1990, he was instrumental in negotiations with insurgents of the Jamaat al-Muslimeen, which led to their surrender on August 1.

Berkley shared a memory of Brown when he scolded him, saying Berkley was “too indulgent of people's nonsense." Jokingly, he said Brown would give him lectures after his lectures.

National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds spoke with the media after the funeral. Hinds said he briefly met Brown in the 90s, and said Brown had earned the respect of former Prime Minister Patrick Manning, the defence force and the national community. Hinds said Brown's funeral confirmed to him T&T has produced men and women of "extremely high quality". (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Former Ecuadorean Vice President hospitalised but stable, prisons agency says

Ecuador's detained former Vice President Jorge Glas was taken to hospital on Monday after he fell ill at a prison in Guayaquil, prison authorities said, just hours after his lawyers complained they had been unable to contact him.

Glas, already twice convicted of corruption and now facing fresh charges, was arrested on Friday after a raid by Police on Mexico's Quito embassy, where he had been living since December.

In a statement published on X, the SNAI prison agency said Glas had been taken to the naval hospital in Guayaquil around noon local time.

Glas fell ill "after refusing to eat food provided (in the jail) during the last 24 hours", the statement said. He was in stable condition, the statement added.

The unusual raid that led to his arrest took a simmering spat between the two countries to a boiling point, causing Mexico to suspend diplomatic relations with Ecuador and drawing criticism from countries around the region and elsewhere.

Ecuador has defended its violation of sovereign Mexican territory at the Embassy, arguing the North American country cannot grant Glas asylum if he is facing charges, and that

Ecuador had information about an imminent escape plan.

Glas was hospitalised after one of his lawyers, Sonia Vera, published an open letter dated on Sunday to express her "deep worry and alarm" that Glas had not been able to speak to his legal team, adding it amounted to "a severe infraction to the fundamental rights of Jorge Glas".

Vera called for unlimited in-person contact for Glas with his lawyers.

Glas was thrown to the floor and hit in several places during the raid, Vera said at a press conference on Monday.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Nicaragua has asked the United Nations' highest court to halt German weapons sales to Israel at the start of a landmark case.

Germany is accused of breaching the UN genocide convention by sending military hardware to Israel and ceasing funding of the UN's aid agency.

Berlin rejects the claims and will present a defence to the ICJ today.

In 2023, some 30 per cent of Israel's military equipment purchases came from Germany, totalling €300 million (US$326 million).

The allegations build on a separate case taken by South Africa in January, where Judges in the Hague ordered Israel to take "every possible measure" to avoid genocidal acts. The court also ordered Hamas to release all hostages taken from Israel during its October 7 attacks immediately.

Israel rejects accusations that it is engaging in genocidal acts in its campaign in Gaza, and has insisted it has the right to defend itself.

More than 33,000 have been killed in Israel's offensive in Gaza, the Hamas-run Health Ministry there says,

the majority of them civilians. Gaza is on the brink of famine, with Oxfam reporting that 300,000 persons trapped in the north have lived since January on an average of 245 calories a day.

Nicaragua says Germany's arms sales to Israel, which totalled US$326.5 million last year – a tenfold increase on 2022 – make it complicit in Israel's alleged war crimes. Components for air defence systems and communications equipment accounted for most of the sales, according to the DPA news agency.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Colombian capital Bogota to ration water as reservoirs dry

Colombia's capital

Bogota will start rationing water this week to alleviate droughts wrought by the El Niño weather pattern, which has exacerbated the Andean country's dry season and caused reservoir levels to fall, Mayor Carlos Galan said on Monday.

The restrictions will also apply to 11 municipalities close to the capital, affecting at least nine million people. The El Niño phenomenon arrived in Colombia at the end of 2023, causing high temperatures and droughts that

led to forest fires throughout the Andean country and pushed reservoirs to their lowest levels in decades.

Three reservoirs that make up the Chingaza water system, which supplies Bogota with 70 per cent of its water needs, are at just 16.9 per cent capacity, Galan said, their lowest level in 40 years.

"Let's not waste a drop of water in Bogota at this time," Galan said in a press conference, adding, "that will help us so that these restrictions can be lifted more quickly or reduced".

Bogota joins Mexico's capital Mexico City and its surrounding areas – home to some 21 million – which has faced water shortages for years due to low rainfall that has been attributed to climate change, as well as a growing population and antiquated infrastructure.

Under the rationing plan, Bogota will be divided into zones where cuts to water services will last 24 hours in nine areas throughout the city, Galan said, adding the first suspensions will begin on Thursday, April 11. (Reuters)

2024 hurricane season likely to be extremely active – CSU

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be extremely active, according to a forecast published by the Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project team.

During their annual pre-season predictions, forecasters said it was likely that there would be a more than 50 per cent increase in storms of all categories, most of which are expected to make landfall within the Caribbean and mainland

United States.

Twenty-three named storms are forecasted, including 11 expected to become hurricanes and five that could reach major hurricane status.

According to the first major forecast for the 2024 season, the warmer-than-normal tropical Atlantic is more conducive for hurricane formation and intensification.

“Sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central Atlantic are current-

ly at record warm levels and are anticipated to remain well above average for the upcoming hurricane season. We anticipate that the 2024 Atlantic basin hurricane season will be extremely active,” said the CSU.

The CSU will again update its forecast in June.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center is to make its initial 2024 hurricane forecast in May. (Jamaica Observer)

Around the World OIL NEWS

Oil falls on renewed push for Middle East ceasefire

Oil prices fell on Monday, ending a multi-session rally after Israel reduced its troops in southern Gaza and began a fresh round of ceasefire talks with Hamas.

Brent crude futures fell 79 cents, or 0.9 per cent, to settle at US$90.38 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude closed down 48 cents, or 0.6 per cent, at US$86.43. It was the first decline in five sessions for Brent and the first in seven for WTI.

Israel and Hamas opened a fresh round of Gaza ceasefire talks on Sunday, but a Hamas official said the talks remained deadlocked. Both benchmarks slumped by more than US$2 during the session, with investors focusing on Israel's decision to withdraw more soldiers from southern Gaza.

Israel's decision "has reduced somewhat the geopolitical risk premium", UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

Also weighing on oil prices were expectations that US crude oil stocks likely rose last week, Staunovo said.

Crude oil benchmarks bounced off session lows after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a date was set for an invasion of Rafah, indicating the conflict is far from resolved, said Andrew Lipow, President of Lipow Oil Associates.

The decline in oil prices is also capped by uncertainty around how Iran will respond to the bombing of its consulate in Syria last week, he added.

Tehran has said it will take revenge, feeding concern that the Middle East conflict could broaden. Crude benchmarks jumped four per cent last week, with Brent futures rising for the fourth consecutive week – the longest rally since August last year.

Among factors affecting oil's demand outlook, a US employment report on Friday suggested the economy ended the first quarter on solid ground, which could prompt the Federal Reserve to delay interest rate cuts.

Investors will scour consumer price index data from the US and China this week for further clues on economic health of the world's top two oil consumers. (Reuters)

Russia floods: Record water levels threaten Orenburg city

The Russian city of Orenburg is braced for widespread flooding as rivers swell across regions bordering Kazakhstan.

The worse-than-usual seasonal floods have been caused by melting snow from the Ural Mountains, triggering evacuations throughout the area.

The Ural river, Europe's third-longest, burst through a dam embankment in the city of Orsk at the weekend.

In Orenburg, a city of 500,000 about 300km (180 miles) downstream, waters are expected to reach record levels.

Gaza truce talks still deadlocked, Netanyahu sets date for offensive

Hamas rejected an Israeli ceasefire proposal made at talks in Cairo, a senior Hamas official said on Monday, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a date was set for an invasion of Rafah, Gaza's last refuge for displaced Palestinians.

Israel and Hamas sent teams to Egypt on Sunday for talks that included Qatari and Egyptian mediators as well as CIA Director William Burns.

Burn's presence underlined rising pressure from Israel's main ally the United States for a deal that would free Israeli hostages held in Gaza and get aid to Palestinian civilians left destitute by six months of conflict.

But senior Hamas of -

ficial Ali Baraka told Reuters: "We reject the latest Israeli proposals that the Egyptian side informed us of. The politburo met today and decided this."

Another Hamas official had earlier told Reuters that no progress had been made in the negotiations.

"There is no change in the position of the occupation (Israel) and therefore, there is nothing new in the Cairo talks," the Hamas official, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters. "There is no progress yet."

Details of the proposal were not immediately known.

In Jerusalem on Monday, a day after Israeli forces pulled back from some areas of southern Gaza, Netanyahu said he

had received a detailed report on the talks in Cairo.

"We are constantly working to achieve our goals, first and foremost

UN Security Council refers Palestinian application to become full UN member to committee

The United Nations Security Council President on Monday referred the Palestinian Authority's application to become a full member of the world body to the committee on the admission of new members.

Malta's UN Ambassador Vanessa Frazier had proposed that the committee meet on Monday afternoon to consider the application, adding that deliberation has to take place this month. Malta is President of the Security Council for April.

"We sincerely hope after 12 years since we change our status to an observer state, that the Security Council will elevate itself to implementing the global consensus on the two-State solution by admitting the State of Palestine for full membership," Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour told reporters after the meeting.

The Palestinian Authority last week formally asked for renewed consideration by the United Nations Security Council of its 2011 application to become a full member of the world body.

Biden plans to cancel student loan debt, 23 million Americans may be impacted

PThe Palestinians are a non-member observer State at the United Nations, the same status as the Holy See.

The committee of the 15 members first assesses an application to see if it satisfies requirements for UN membership. The application can then either be shelved or put forward for a formal vote in the Security Council. Approval requires at least nine votes in favour

and no vetoes by the US, Russia, China, France, or Britain.

"The committee has to deliberate within the month of April," Frazier told reporters ahead of the meeting. The Security Council earlier on Monday met behind closed doors to discuss the letter from the observer state requesting renewed consideration of their application. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Total solar eclipse: North Americans celebrate with cheers, music, and matrimony

Throngs of skywatchers across North America

Administration has taken a string of actions despite the US Supreme Court blocking his initial plan last year.

"An increase in air temperatures, active snow melt and river openings are predicted," the ministry said in a statement.

In Orenburg, about 1500km (930 miles) southeast of Moscow, the Ural river is expected to reach unprecedented levels, peaking on Wednesday.

"Absolutely everyone who is in the flood zone needs to leave their homes," Mayor Sergei Salmin said on Monday.

About 6000 persons have already been evacuated in Orenburg region. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Parts of the Urals, western Siberia and the Volga basin have been hit by floods. More than 10,000 homes are under water, according to the emergency ministry.

resident Joe Biden announced on Monday plans to ease student debt that would benefit at least 23 million Americans, addressing a key issue for young voters whose support he needs as he seeks re-election in November.

The plans, which the Democratic President detailed in Madison, Wisconsin, include cancelling up to US$20,000 of accrued and capitalised interest for borrowers, regardless of income, which Biden's Administration estimates would eliminate the entirety of that interest for 23 million borrowers.

Progressive voters, whom Biden hopes will support him against Republican challenger Donald Trump, have long urged the White House to address student loan debt. Biden's

The issue remains high on the agenda of younger voters, many of whom have concerns about Biden's foreign policy on the war in Gaza and fault him for not achieving greater debt forgiveness. Republicans have called Biden's student loan forgiveness approach an overreach of his authority and an unfair benefit to college-educated borrowers while other borrowers received no such relief.

Biden's new plans include automatically cancelling debt for borrowers who are eligible for certain forgiveness programs, who entered repayment decades ago, who enrolled in low financial value programs, or who are experiencing hardship. (Excerpt from Reuters)

gazed upward at a blackened sun in the midday dusk on Monday, celebrating with cheers, music, and matrimony the first total solar eclipse to darken the continent in seven years.

From a Mexican beach resort close to where the eclipse made landfall to the banks of the Ohio River and farther north beyond the roaring cascades of Niagara Falls at the US-Canadian border, spellbound crowds reacted to the sight of "totality" with jaw-dropping expressions of awe and joy.

In Russellville, Arkansas, a town of roughly 30,000 residents near the state's only nuclear power plant, almost 400 couples tied the knot by the shadow of the moon in a mass wedding event dubbed "Elope and the Eclipse."

The dreary weather subdued the experience until clouds momentarily parted to reveal the last 30 seconds of totality, and the crowd went wild, cheering and shouting, "It's so beautiful."

As the skies began to brighten again, a band played out the retreating lunar shadow with a rendition of the R.E.M.'s 1992 hit song "Man on the Moon.

Where clear skies prevailed, observers along the direct path of the eclipse were treated to the rare spectacle of the moon appearing as a dark orb creeping in front of the sun, briefly blocking out all but a brilliant halo of light, or corona, around, the sun's outer edge.

It was first total eclipse to sweep across a large swathe of North America since 2017, and will be the last one visible from the contiguous United States until 2044. (Excerpt from Reuters)

At least two weddings and one marriage proposal were known to have taken place among roughly 2000 people who assembled at Niagara Falls State Park despite overcast skies.

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Learn how to better manage your money. Don’t buy into a gimmick that promises the impossible. Look for a way to raise your income, secure your position and boost your confidence.

Embrace change and explore new possibilities. An opportunity to use your skills differently will offer insight. Consider expanding your skills to meet current demands.

Backing the wrong person will put you in a vulnerable position. Refrain from giving anyone control or influence over what you do next. Think for yourself and stand up for what’s right.

Get moving. Try something new and expand your mind. Don’t buy into someone else’s dream. A change regarding a partnership will turn out better than anticipated. Do things your way.

Do things that please you. Surround yourself with people who enlighten you, but don’t listen to someone pressuring you for a financial contribution. Too much of anything will drag you down.

Say little but do a lot. Bring about positive change and participate in events and activities that stretch your imagination. What you learn will encourage new beginnings.

Choose your battles wisely. Enter the ring only if your facts are straight and your intentions are honorable. Don’t expect to keep the peace or please everyone. Prepare to move swiftly.

Pick up the pace and make things happen. A change will offer a unique perspective regarding possibilities. Surround yourself with hardworking individuals who share your values.

Confiding in others will result in disappointment. Refuse to let your ego lead the way. Let your actions and the results you get be your calling card.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Bring about changes that make life easier and your home comfortable. Don’t share secrets, gossip or get involved in events or activities that might jeopardize your situation.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Pay attention to the details and keep tabs on what everyone around you is doing. Don’t take on too much or put yourself in a negative position due to someone else’s stubbornness.

Pay attention to your finances. Keeping your affairs in order will relieve stress and give you more options when an opportunity presents itself. Connect with supportive people.

Jadeja & co pin KKR before Gaikwad finishes the job

After two back-to-back defeats on the road, Chennai Super Kings returned to the comforts of home and to winning ways, consigning Kolkata Knight Riders to their first loss of IPL 2024.

On a surface that was typical of the one we have been used to at Chepauk in seasons past, CSK bowled first and restricted KKR to 137 for 9. This after KKR had raced to 56 for 1 in the powerplay. But as the ball got older, the CSK bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja who picked 3 for 18, came into their own.

In the chase, Ruturaj Gaikwad got back into form, shepherding the innings with an unbeaten 58-ball 67 to take CSK over the line with seven wickets and 14 balls to spare. He added 70 off 55 balls with Daryl Mitchell (25 off 19) before Shivam Dube came in and tonked 28 off 18 to take CSK closer.

With three to win, in walked MS Dhoni, causing bedlam in the Chepauk stands. But it was Gaikwad who fittingly finished off the chase by crashing Anukul Roy through covers.

Gaikwad's welcome return to form

It hasn't been the strongest of starts for Gaikwad in IPL 2024. Coming into the game, he had only managed

88 runs in four innings, averaging 22 in the tournament. But with a modest target in front of him, he bedded in for the long haul. After a watchful first over, he got going with a ramp off Vaibhav Arora and moved from 4 off 9 to 32 off 23 by the end of the powerplay.

The early impetus was provided by Rachin Ravindra who went after Mitchell Starc, but once he fell, Gaikwad made sure to keep the things moving forward. With Ajinkya Rahane struggling with a calf strain, he had additional responsibility and took up the role well. Gaikwad took on the leftarm spin of Anukul Roy, backing away first ball of the fifth over and creaming him through covers. He repeated those shots twice over before smashing Vaibhav Arora for

BOWLING O-M-R-W Tushar Deshpande 4-0-33-3 Mustafizur Rahman 4-0-22-2 Shardul Thakur 3-0-27-0

Maheesh Theekshana 4-0-28-1

Ravindra Jadeja 4-0-18-3

Rachin Ravindra 1-0-4-0

two back-to-back fours. CSK had raced to 52 for 1 at the end of the powerplay.

CSK make it 3/3 at home Gaikwad got excellent support from Mitchell and Dube in helping CSK get over the line. Mitchell, promot-

ed up the order to No. 3, hit his straps by thumping Sunil Narine for a six and four immediately after the powerplay. The duo did not always keep the boundaries flowing but they kept the scoreboard ticking. In the 36 balls between overs six to 12, they scored 44 runs - 17 singles, five doubles, two fours and one six - and that was all CSK needed as the asking run rate crept below the six an over mark.

wicket off the first ball of the game, KKR were propped up

leg, one over mid-off and then a six over deep square - Narine was up and away. Not even a shoulder injury seemed to stop him.

During his innings, Narine also went past Virat Kohli to now have the most runs in the powerplay this season - 127 at a strike rate of 201.58. He found an ally in Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who continued on from his debut innings as the duo added 56 runs off 36 balls for the second wicket.

The slowdown courtesy Ravindra Jadeja The CSK spinners had not picked up a single wicket at Chepauk in the first two matches there in IPL 2024.

Russell, 18.2 ov), 8-135 (Shreyas Iyer, 19.1 ov), 9-135 (Mitchell Starc, 19.4 ov) • DRS

Once Mitchell fell, it was the Dube show as he continued his merry run in IPL 2024. He hammered Varun Chakravarthy for back-toback sixes and then muscled Arora for another one over deep midwicket. Dube is the current leading run-scorer for CSK this season and has a strike rate of 193.93 against all spinners. On Monday, he only enhanced his credentials. It didn't take long for CSK to finish off the chase after Dube fell, wrapping up the game in 17.4 overs. After losing the toss and a

After scoring 56 in the first six overs, KKR only managed 43 in the next nine, losing four wickets in the process.

The quicks go slow

Once 15 overs were done, Gaikwad got the fast bowlers into play, and they relied more on the cutters. Deshpande had Rinku Singh chopping one back onto his stumps before Mustafizur Rahman took over. He might have been coming off a long run-up but got slower cutters in, which would have made any slow left-arm orthodox spinner proud.

He delivered a stellar final over picking up two wickets and conceding just two runs. While Deshpande finished with 3 for 33 off his four overs, Mustafizur picked 2 for 22, and became the highest wicket-taker in the competition. Sixteen of the 24 balls delivered by the duo in the last four overs were cutters, and KKR had no clue. (ESPNcricinfo)

And Jadeja seemed to take it personally. He picked up three wickets in his first eight balls of the match, putting a big dent in the KKR middle order. He first sent back Raghuvanshi, who shaped up for a reverse sweep, missed and was caught right in front. Then he got rid of Narine for the fourth time in five T20 innings, the batter slicing a length ball straight to long-off. Venkatesh Iyer was Jadeja's third victim holing out to deep midwicket with Mitchell taking a good catch diving forward. Normally Jadeja's plan in these conditions is to be as accurate as possible. Here he knew he had to do one other thing as well. Not bowl full. Let the natural variation that this pitch was offering do its thing.

Round of 16 teams decided

ACharlestown Secondary versus Santa Rosa Secondary clash was likely the highlight of the weekend, as the Milo Schools’ Under-18 football tournament concluded its group stage at the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Queen’s College Grounds at Carifesta Avenue and Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

While Charlestown ousted the defending champions from the competition in a nail- biter, Chase’s Academic Foundation, West Ruimveldt

Secondary, Waramuri

Primary Top and South Ruimveldt Secondary enjoyed big wins over the weekend.

Chase’s Academy, on the back of a Bryan Wharton hat-trick in the 28th, 29th, and 32nd minutes, started the weekend’s action with an 11-0 victory over Bush Lot

Secondary. Bevon Jones (8th, 24th) and Omar Sam (31st, 38th) netted braces, while the likes of Tyrell Walcott, Shaquan David, Duquain Samuels, and Isaiah Hill netted one goal each to back up Wharton.

Then, West Ruimveldt drubbed Yarrowkabra

Secondary 5-0. Jerimiah Griffith led the charge for West Ruimveldt with a double in the 9th and 63rd minutes, while Danovan Welcome, Elijah Sattaur and Jamal Fraser added to the tally with strikes in the 7th, 21st and 59th minutes for West.

Gerry Burnett and Jamal Williams netted one goal each in the 50th and 65th minutes respectively and, alongside a Carmel Secondary own goal in the 10th, led Dolphin Secondary to a 3-0 win over Carmel.

One goal each from Rodcliff Adamson, Ezekiel Baldeo and Reizer Reid in the 4th, 5th and 20th minutes respectively handed Bartica a similar 3-0 victory over Marian Academy. Louis DaSilva netted Marian’s consolation goal in the 54th.

Then the duo of D’Lessandro Valenzuela and Keon Grant powered Leonora Secondary to a 2-1 win against New Amsterdam. Valenzuela and Grant struck in the 22nd and 28th minutes, while Feaad Hussein pulled one back for New Amsterdam in the 48th.

East Ruimveldt closed the day with a defeat of Ann’s Grove Secondary by a similar margin, thanks to goals from Ezekiel Gibson (23rd) and Jaden Abrams (26th). Nyron Jerrick attempted to spur a comeback for Ann’s Grove with a goal in the 55th.

Then on Sunday, a solitary strike from Micaiah Defreitas in the 67th minute handed the Bishops’ High School a narrow 1-0 victory over Hope Secondary.

But the real show-stopping goal of the weekend came from Dilshawn Alleyne, whose 66th-minute strike propelled Charlestown Secondary to a hard- fought 1-0 victory over 2023 champions Santa Rosa Secondary.

Speaking in the aftermath of the win, Charlestown Captain Malcolm Hendricks discussed the faith he had in his team to pull off the win.

“This win is very, very big for Charlestown,” a confident Hendricks shared.

“It was pressure on the defence, the defenders worked extra hard. Earlier at half time, a coach come and ask me why I don’t go up and strike, I told him no, that how I had faith in my team and they will score and couple minutes after we came on, was pressuring them, they lost their composure and then we scrape a goal and then we defended and wait until the final whistle was blown,” the young player shared.

“As you’ve just seen, we just beat last year’s champions, so we’re going to put in more hard work, more train-

Appadu leads Guyana jockey points standing after race 4

Jockey Ronaldo Appadu sits at the top of the jockey points standing with 59 points after race four in Guyana this year.

Appadu, who piloted Stolen

Money to some exciting races, recorded six wins, seven second-place, three thirdplace and one fourth-place spot in his 21 starts this year thus far, while seasoned jockey Colin Ross sits in second with 41 points.

Ross, who was the Jockey of the Year in 2023, has piloted Spankhurst to major wins. He has also recorded six first-place, two second-place, two third-place and one fourth-place spot in his 19 starts this season.

Appadu has a total earning of $674,375, while Ross has a total earning of $623,750.

Yovin Kissonchand had 18 starts and recorded four wins. He sits in third place on the jockey points standing with 31 points, earning $236,250. Trinidadian jockey

Kiran Razack had 12 starts

and has 28 points. These top jockeys and others will be aiming to extend their lead and go beyond when the Race of Champions meet runs off on April 28. That race will be at the Rising Sun Turf Club and will be hosted by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee.

Quinton Kellman (fifth); Kevin Paul (sixth); Nicholas Patrick (seventh); Vishal Ramnarine (eighth); 18-yearold Kishawn Pereira (ninth)

and Dillion Khelawan (tenth) round out the top 10 jockeys after four races thus far for the 2024 season.

According to Guyana Horse Racing, a first place is equal to five points, while a second place is equal to three points. Third place is two points while fourth place is one point. Five horses must start before third place is given and seven horses must start before fourth place is given.

ing, get the guys to come out and hope that we make it through and win this year,” Hendricks said, when questioned about what to expect from his team for the remainder of the tournament.

In other action, a close encounter saw Abram Zuil getting the better of North Ruimveldt Secondary 3-2.

Jeraldo Culpepper, Omar Kendall, and Eron Benjamin were the marksmen for Abram Zuil in the 23rd, 35th and 55th minutes, while Jeremiah Moore had opened the scoring for North Ruimveldt in the 1st minute, after which Darnel Sealey added his name to the scoresheet in the 52nd.

An early brace off the

boots of Mark Phillips in the 2nd and 5th minutes, backed by one each from Seon Grant, Devanta Giam and Jadia Shortt in the 10th, 65th and 69th minutes helped South Ruimveldt Secondary to a 5-1 pummelling of L’Aventure Secondary. Shakiel Sealey secured what would become the consolation for L’ Aventure in the 16th minute.

New Central High got the better of Queen’s College in a 2-1 affair. A Trevor Gordon strike in the 65th and an own goal accounted for Central’s 2, while Owen Hopper found the back of the net for QC in the 19th minute.

Later, one goal each from Rondell Peters (46th) and Odell Holmes (53rd) spurred a 2-0 win for Waramuri Primary Top over President’s College. The Milo tournament will resume this weekend at the MoE Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

CWI appoints 3 women to Board of Directors in ground-breaking move

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has proudly announced the appointment of three women to the CWI Board as Independent Directors, marking a historic milestone for gender diversity and inclusion within the organisation.

Diann Campbell and Louise Victor-Frederick join as new appointees, while Debra Coryat-Patton returns to the board.

Campbell, a distinguished Jamaican cricket administrator with nearly three decades of experience, holds a master’s degree in human resource management and a bachelor’s degree in history, with a minor in politics. Her expertise in cricket administration, corporate governance, and organisational development will greatly benefit CWI's strategic initiatives.

Victor-Frederick, a seasoned branding and communications strategist from Saint Lucia, brings a wealth of experience to the Board. With a master’s degree in international public relations and global communications management, along with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, VictorFrederick has made signif-

icant contributions to the corporate landscape of Saint Lucia. She also serves as a Director of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.

Returning to the Board of Directors is Coryat-Patton, an accomplished Attorneyat-Law from Trinidad & Tobago. Coryat-Patton specialises in employment law, intellectual property law, and diplomatic protocol, bringing invaluable legal expertise to the CWI Board. She is also a Chartered Director and Chartered Corporate Secretary, reflecting her commitment to governance excellence.

In addition to these appointments, Hallam Nichols has been reappointed as an Independent Director, further enhancing the Board's collective expertise and vision. Nichols is a prominent Barbadian entrepreneur. He serves on the CWI Stakeholders Relations Committee.

CWI President, Dr Kishore Shallow, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Ms Campbell and Mrs VictorFrederick as new appointees, and we warmly welcome

back Mrs Coryat-Patton and Mr Nichols to the CWI Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to excellence will undoubtedly strengthen our organisation and contribute to the advancement of cricket in the West Indies."

Regarding diversity on the Board, Dr Shallow emphasised, "Since the beginning, I've advocated for diversity and inclusion within CWI to ensure fairness both on and off the field. This appointment is a natural progression of our ongoing commitment."

In conclusion, President Shallow thanked the outgoing Independent Directors, saying “I wish to express gratitude to Manniram Prashad and Gail Mathurin for their contributions and service to West Indies cricket. We anticipate their continued involvement and impact in other capacities.”

With the new appointments, CWI reaffirms its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, setting a new standard for cricket governance in the region. All four appointments are for a one-year period ending in March 2025.

“Substance over hype”

Sammy discusses Joseph’s possible inclusion in World Cup team

est Indies white ball

WHead Coach Daren Sammy is setting Guyanese fast-bowling sensation Shamar Joseph’s Australia heroics aside and is looking to see what the breakout bowler can do in the shorter format, before making a pronouncement on whether he can secure a spot on the West Indian T20 team for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA.

Sammy has openly admitted that he praised Joseph’s efforts Down Under that propelled him to international stardom. However, while responding to an inquiry on utilising Joseph’s particular skill- sets during a Cricket West Indies (CWI) press briefing on Monday morning, Sammy shared that he was not too eager to buy into the

hype just yet without seeing the Guyanese compete in the T20 format.

The former West Indian World Cup-winning Captain shared, “In spite of his exploits in the Test series, again we speak of processes and the exposure and the guys that we’ve given those opportunities over the last year, especially from a bowling standpoint, in which to perform and you know, book their names for that World Cup squad; Shamar brings the pace element, what we watched in Australia, he was very con-

West Indies A set for historic tour to Nepal

Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on Monday morning eagerly announced a T20 A team tour as part of their respective ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 preparations.

This historic series will be the first time a West Indies team has toured Nepal and will consist of five T20 matches, all of which will be played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Miles Bascombe, CWI Director of Cricket, commented, "This A-team tour is another indication of the importance we are placing on A-team cricket and a significant phase in our preparations for the T20 World Cup. It gives us a final opportunity to see many of the contenders for a place in the squad who are not participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Even for those players who do not make the final World Cup squad, they will be a part of the reserve pool. A hallmark of the 2016 T20 World Cup campaign was the ability of reserve players to come in and have an immediate impact, so we must be ready for

all eventualities. We also relish the opportunity to take the West Indies brand to Nepal for the first time, as cricket continues to grow in popularity there.”

CAN Secretary Paras Khadka stated, “We are humbled and excited with the prospect of the West Indies A team touring Nepal. This marks a significant moment in our cricketing history as we embrace this wonderful opportunity bestowed upon us, which will help us prepare significantly for the T20 World Cup and beyond. This historic tour to Nepal, a young cricketing nation slowly finding its pathway in the world of cricket, will excite our passionate fans. Our heartfelt gratitude towards CWI for their support and belief in Nepal cricket and for continuing to help grow the game all over the world. We hope this will ignite more future tours and bilateral cricketing tie-ups between us and other top cricketing nations, as we march forward with great enthusiasm and appreciation”.

The only time West Indies have played Nepal in international cricket was a One-Day

International at the Harare Sports Club, during the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in 2023, with the West Indies winning by 101 runs.

Co-hosts West Indies are in Group C in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and will face Papua New Guinea, Uganda, New Zealand, and Afghanistan, while Nepal is in Group D and will face the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Bangladesh.

West Indies A Tour to Nepal Schedule

All matches to be played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground (TU) in Kirtipur, Nepal. All matches start at 1:00 pm (local time)

Saturday, April 27 – 1st

A Team T20, Nepal v West Indies A at TU at 1:00 pm

Sunday, April 28 – 2nd

A Team T20, Nepal v West Indies A at TU at 1:00 pm

Wednesday, May 1 – 3rd

A Team T20, Nepal v West Indies A at TU at 1:00 pm

Thursday, May 2 – 4th

A Team T20, Nepal v West Indies A at TU at 1:00 pm

Saturday, May 4 – 5th

A Team T20, Nepal v West Indies A at TU at 1:00 pm

sistent in his line and length which resulted in wickets and is something, in 24 balls, in the different stages of the game, that we are looking for.

“Ideally, Test cricket and T20 cricket, it brings two different dimensions and understanding, I’m not really one who look at the hype. Hype without the substance is still over-rated. We’ve had measures and processes that lead us to the World Cup, the main event that will be on the 2nd. Shamar Joseph is part of that, who fast-tracked his way by his performances and again, hopefully he gets to play T20s and we get to see what he’s capable of doing, under pressure, every single ball in T20 cricket, ‘cause that’s what it is. And we select from there,” Sammy went on to add.

The white-ball Head

Coach also took the time to discuss West Indies’ T20 bowling as of recent, which he admitted that a talent like Joseph can bolster; revealing that bowling within the powerplay is a major concern for the team.

“One of the concerns throughout with our bowling, has been the powerplay bowling and because we were conceding, averaging about 10 runs an over in the powerplay, before 2023 and even during that period and the lack of taking wickets in the powerplay has affected the different stages of the game. again, that’s when I speak about the last two picks is to see which is going to be the final straw, you mentioned guys like Shamar Joseph, who I really hope he gets to play in the IPL,” the Head Coach divulged.

we’ve controlled the power play with the ball, that’s the beauty and excitement that it brings to me as a coach and the guys do understand, ‘cause it’s something we do discuss all the time. You control the powerplay both sides – bat and ball, you give yourself 70 per cent chance of winning matches. Our bowlers have been put under the pump, but so has every bowling team this year, in the world, in T20 cricket.”

This year’s Men’s T20 World Cup will run from June 1 to 29, bowling off in the USA and concluding at the Kensington Oval, Barbados. Currently, Baracara native Joseph is with the Lucknow Super Giants outfit for the Indian Premier League, but is yet to make his debut in the prestigious tournament.

Local athletes hunting Olympic berths in French Guiana

he Athletics

TAssociation of Guyana (AAG) has sent the male 4x100m team to French Guiana in a bid to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The team departed Monday and comprise Emanuel Archibald, Shemar Horatio, Akeem Stewart, Noelex Holder, Jaheel Cornette, and Keiron DeSouza.

According to AAG's General Secretary, James Cole, former national athlete Junior Cornette will coach the team.

The aim is to run the qualification mark of 38.80 seconds at the International Athletics meeting, the Games of Guyana, at the Dr Edmar Lama Stadium on Saturday, April 13.

At the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham,

Stewart, Archibald, Arinze Chance, and Holder were fourth in the final with a time of 40.05s.

James Wren-Gilkes, Dennis Collison Clifton Schultz, and Aubrey Wilson set the country's national 4x100m record (39.59s) at the 1975 Pan Am Games.

Notably, Guyana’s 4x400m mixed relay team has qualified for the World Relays, which will be held in The Bahamas from May 4-5.

Meanwhile, Holder and Archibald will aim to make the 10.00 seconds qualifying time for the 100m, while Archibald hopes for 20.16 seconds or better in the 200m.

Holder’s personal best is 10.23 seconds, while Archibald’s is 10.13s and 20.69s in the respective events.

More so, Simeon Adams will hope to improve his best

of 46.96 seconds in the 400m to make the entry mark of 45.00 seconds. His season-best has been 48.24 seconds.

2023 Pan American Games bronze medallist Leslian Baird also heads to French Guiana, hoping to meet the entry standard of 85.50m. This means he must surpass his current national record of 78.65m.

His bronze medal throw in November was 78.23m.

No Guyanese has qualified for the Games as yet through entry standards.

As with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, half of the athletes will progress through entry standards and the other half via world rankings.

The qualification period for the 10,000 meters, combined events, race walks, and relays runs from December 31, 2022, to June 30, 2024.

“Substance