Guyana Times - Monday, October 24, 2022

May the spirit of Diwali help bring our people closer together – Pres

AG hopeful that recommendations on appointing Chancellor, CJ find bipartisan support

after Constitutional Reform Commission completes work

Health Minister urges citizens to utilise services offered at health centres countrywide

vendors arrested for selling firecrackers

Duo busted with ganja during Police operations

Guyana to soon implement biometric systems at airports

“Team Trevor Benn” boycotting today’s Public Service Credit Union elections

flagrant

of court order by

3 vendors arrested for selling firecrackers

Three vendors were arrested on Saturday in the vicinity of Stabroek Market Square for selling firecrackers during an exercise by the Guyana Police Force.

The ranks reportedly raided several stands for firecrackers and other ille gal explosive devices.

As such, Alisha Adams, 31, of Meadowbrook Garden, Georgetown; Kishawna David, 30,

of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown; and Shondell Alexander, 26, of Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, were arrest ed.

The vendors were tak en to the Brickdam Police Station along with a quan tity of firecrackers.

In 2020, the Guyana Police Force began clamp ing down on the sale of fire crackers and other explo sives during the holiday season, in order to safe guard animals and keep people safe.

Prior to the Diwali cel ebrations, persons are usu ally warned by various au thorities, including the Guyana Police Force, about the use of firecrackers.

During the festival, loud crackling sounds could be heard throughout the vil lages.

Apart from making re ports to the Police, sever al residents shared their views on social media over the said issues, while ex pressing how elders and children are predominantly affected.

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, Oct 24 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Tuesday, Oct 25 – No closure.

May the spirit of Diwali help bring our people closer together – President Ali

Monday, Oct 24 – 15:40h – 17:10h and Tuesday, Oct 25 – 16:15h – 17:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily

WEATHER TODAY

There will be light rain showers and light cloud during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: West South-Westerly to Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 15:53h reaching a maximum height of 2.73 metre.

Low Tide: 09:29h and 21:48h reaching minimum heights of 0.53 metre and 0.41 metre.

As Guyana joins the rest of the world in celebrating the aus picious occasion of Diwali – the Festival of Lights, President Dr Irfaan Ali is urging Guyanese to set aside all differences and let the spirit of Diwali help fuse them together.

This message was con veyed in the Head of State’s 2022 Diwali message to the nation.

“The joyous festival of Diwali is upon us once again. The First Lady and I and our family extend greetings to all Guyanese, but especially to our Hindu community, on this happy occasion,” he stated.

Diwali recalls the wel come return of Rama, Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya. The festival also reminds of the blessings of fortune be stowed by Lakshmi.

As one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, Diwali also sym bolises the spiritual “victo ry of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowl edge over ignorance”.

President Ali noted that Diwali is a time for fam ilies, friends and foes to come together and cele brate the shared bonds of humanity.

“The noble ideals asso ciated with this dazzling and illuminative festival remind us that the great est gifts, which life and di vine providence have be stowed upon us, are meant to be shared with our fel low brothers and sisters,” he said.

According to the Head of State, the sacred texts of Hinduism direct that all creation is infused with oneness – a divine spark, that he said, exists in ev eryone.

The President under scored that the unity of the nation is essential to his Government’s objective of shared prosperity.

“Under the One Guyana banner, our people are coming together, rejecting the forces of division and hatred, and uniting in the

pursuit of peace, progress and prosperity.

May the spirit of Diwali, celebrated with such fer vour in our country, help to fuse our people closer to gether, respecting our eth nic diversity, setting aside division and uniting all in pursuit of the common good! A happy and joyous Diwali to all of Guyana!”

In Guyana, Diwali is ob served through worship, the sharing of sweets and gifts and outpourings of affection, kindness and friendliness towards oth ers. The cleaning, decorat ing, and illumination of homes reflect the pride and reverence attached to the observance of this festival.

This sacred festival erupts in spectacular, bright, colourful and live

ly expressions, symbolic of the drowning out of nega tivity and despondency and the banishing of ill-will, malice and division.

Diwali foretells of the inevitable triumph of good over evil, the supersession of knowledge and truth over ignorance and dishon esty, and the primacy of unity over disunity.

Only last Thursday, President Ali joined in the national Diwali celebra tions by hosting a grand cultural programme in the Avenue – just outside State House – on Main Street, which has been lined with mesmerising lights. State House is also illuminat ed to reflect the Festival of Lights.

Packed with melodi ous renditions of bha

jans and beautifully cho reographed dances, the event was attended by Cabinet Members, senior Government officials, mem bers of the diplomatic corps and other special invitees including members of the public.

In brief remarks at the event, the Guyanese lead er reminded of the impor tance of coming together as a community to bring light and improvement to the lives of people, to communi ties and to eradicate many of the ills of the world such as hunger, poverty, wars, and all other social ills.

He also used the oppor tunity to charge Guyanese to commit to doing their bit in improving the cir cumstances of their fellow brothers and sisters.

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Diwali 2022

We are not as far away from the equator as Northern India to fully appreciate the fear precipitated by the inexorable increase in darkness over the last few weeks in autumn. This led the settlers to light fires to encourage Mother to reverse the seemingly apocalyptic end state with no sunshine. But in Guyana we still get the idea. Tomorrow night will be the darkest and longest night of the year and Hindus and well-wishers will light their diyas and other illumination. No matter what our religious persuasion, we can appreciate how the early Indians could have moved from the experience of this physical phenomenon of light overcoming darkness to the symbolic representation of the removal of evil as darkness by the light of goodness. This is the origin of the Hindu festival of Divali or Deepavali –meaning “a row of lights”.

By now most Guyanese should be aware of the symbolic aspects of all Hindu festivals that seek to transmit lessons on living in society so that the greater good for all is increasingly approached. Because of changing circumstances, notions of the “good” will also change so that a “better society” is always a work in progress. Our country of Guyana is at an important crossroads on our long journey towards achieving the good life. We began in chattel slavery which was one of the darkest periods of human life: enslaved Africans were property that could be used at the whims, fancies, and pathologies of the “master”. That darkness was removed by 1838 through the resistance of the enslaved. Darkness in human life will only be removed by the light of human struggle.

This was followed by eight decades of indentureship rather than the “free labour” that was promised by the “humanitarians” who attempted to take the credit for the abolition of slavery. During indentureship the forces of “law and order” ironically kept the indentured “bound” in darkness to labour for a pittance. But that too passed through the light of struggle even as the colonials used “the leaden argument” – bullets. It was during this period that Hindu Indian indentured introduced their festival of Divali.

Since they were forced to labour from dawn to dusk, while they were unable to properly observe all the Indian practices they lit solitary diyas in their 14x10 room, which they cleaned as scrupulously as they could... Divali was important to them for two reasons. The first was they had specifically come to Guyana for economic reasons and by their Hindu beliefs, Divali honoured Mother Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth.

Divali also commemorated the return of Sri Ram, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, who sustains the universe, and who had been banished to the forests to endure privations for 14 years. Because the story of Rama was familiar to the North Indians who were the majority of indentured, they identified with his trials and tribulations and eventual victory. During that time, his wife Sita had been kidnapped by the evil King Ravan and he had gathered an army and defeated his nemesis. The Indentured saw him demonstrating that they also should confront their oppressors directly to remove the darkness of plantation exploitation. By the end of indentureship by 1920, Divali was publicly celebrated by the Hindus varying widely both in their homes and their temples (“Mandirs”) that had sprouted in their villages.

Fast forward past the 28 years of darkness and “independence” when the PNC denied their human right to vote for a government of their choice they had struggled for. It must be confessed that many chose to flee the darkness rather than fight it because of the enormity of the forces arrayed against them. But free and fair elections were returned in 1992 so that when at last oil was struck the country has the wherewithal to remove both economic and political darkness. Divali 2022 should remind Hindus and all Guyanese that they have to be the light to ensure we do not return to darkness.

Diwali’s divine deliberations

Dear Editor, Happy Diwali, oh Guyana. Head of HSS Guyana, Ravi Dev, a promi nent and powerful proclaim er and protector of Dharma universally, proclaimed, “one of the most important lessons that Dharma, which is the religious and mor al law governing individual conduct in Hinduism, teach es that, not just one group but a collective effort from all Guyanese is needed to bring “goodness” in society so that Guyana can reach its full po tential.” Today, Guyana and the rest of the world welcome the third of the five days’ fes tive season of lights, Diwali or Deepavali.

There is only one way to remove darkness whether physical, psychological, or platonic, and that is, by pro viding light. President Dr Irfaan Ali ably reminded us, “When we speak about life overcoming darkness, it is light creating a way through the darkness that is differ ent from what darkness of fers. It is not just physical life; it is removing what light offers against what darkness offers.”

Beyond the lights, laugh ter, leisure, food, fun, frol ic, fashion, features, gifts, grace, gratitude, rituals, re ligious rights, reverence, cer emonies, cleaning, and cul tural consequences, Diwali is also a time to reflect on life and make changes for the upcoming year. With that, there are a number of customs that followers of Dharma hold dear each year.

There are philosophical concepts and principles that can be placed into perspec tive for consideration and implementation. It is a ripe time for preaching, teaching, learning, implementing, and reminding:

1) Give and forgive. It is a common practice that people forget and forgive the wrongs done by others during Diwali. There is an air of freedom, festivity, and friendliness everywhere. This is a momentous occa sion to hug and embrace af ter any lapse due to differ ences and indifferences. Do take the time to reach out to the needs of the less for tunate.

2) Rise and shine. Waking up during the Brahmamuhurta (at 4am or 1.5 hours before sunrise), is a great blessing from the standpoint of health, ethical discipline, efficiency in work, and spiritual advancement. The sages who instituted this Deepawali custom may have hoped that their de scendants would realise its benefits and make it a regu lar habit in their lives. Yoga, pranayama, meditation, or regular exercise are the te nets of good aptitudes and attitudes to cultivate.

3) Unite and unify. Diwali is a unifying event, and it can soften even the hardest of hearts. It is a time when people mingle in joy and embrace one anoth er. Those with keen inner spiritual ears will clearly hear the voice of the sages, "O children of God unite, and love all." The vibrations produced by the greetings of love, which fill the atmo sphere, are powerful. When the heart has considerably hardened, only a continuous celebration of Deepawali can rekindle the urgent need of turning away from the ruin ous path of hatred.

4) Prosper and progress. On this day, Hindu mer chants in North India open their new account books and pray for success and pros perity during the coming

year. People buy new clothes for their family. Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees. Homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with earthen oil lamps. The best and finest illuminations can be seen from Berbice to Demerara and through out Essequibo. The famous Golden Temple at Amritsar in India is lit in the evening with thousands of lamps. This festival instils charity in the hearts of people, who perform good deeds.

This includes Goverdhan Pooja, a celebration by Vaishnavites on the fourth day of Diwali. On this day, they feed the poor on an in credible scale.

5) Illuminate your in ner self. The lights of Diwali also signify a time of inner illumination. Hindus believe that the light of lights is the one that steadily shines in the chamber of the heart. Sitting quietly and fixing the mind on this supreme light illuminates the soul. It is an opportunity to cultivate and enjoy eternal bliss.

6) From Darkness unto Light. In each legend, myth, and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victo ry of good conquering evil, truth prevailing over un truth, and nescience being replaced by enlightenment. It is with each Deepawali and the lights that illumi nate our homes and hearts that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From Darkness unto Light—the light empowers us to com mit ourselves to good deeds and brings us closer to divin ity. During Diwali, lights il luminate every corner of the world, and the scent of in cense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of firecrackers, joy, together

ness, and hope.

Diwali is celebrated in Guyana and around the world. Outside of India, it is more than a Hindu festival; it's a celebration of SouthAsian identities, Hindus, fol lowers, observers, and other participants. If you are away from the sights and sounds of Diwali, light a Diya, sit quietly, shut your eyes, with draw the senses, concentrate on this supreme light, and illuminate the soul. This Diwali season is truncated with so many deaths due to COVId-19, other illnesses, traffic accidents and crime in Guyana. Let us light a spe cial Diya for all the departed souls we have lost and say a special prayer in their mem ory. Let us pray also for the well-being of all the leaders of this country and the rest of the world to always do what is best and right for the people, by exercising wis dom, care and good judge ment.

May all negativities be extinguished from every one, especially the sick, op pressed and depressed, with the brightness of Diwali. President Ali wished the na tion a happy Diwali by in cluding, “…Today, as we will turn the light on, let’s also turn our hearts into mo ments of reflection and ex amine what small or big change may be necessary in achieving this part (hav ing hope over fear; having knowledge over ignorance; having freedom over bond age; having unity over divi sion), that we also want for our beautiful country and for our families.”

Shubh Diwali to you, your family, friends and neighbours of all of Guyana.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

Repetitive stress from walking, running, or jump ing on hard surfaces is a com mon cause of heel spurs. They may also develop from wear ing shoes that don’t support the foot.

Heel spurs may also be caused by:

• Arthritis

• Bruising of the heel

Excess body weight

Poorly fitted shoes

• Walking gait issues

• Wearing flip-flops too often

Worn-out shoes

HEALTH TIPS

HEEL SPURS

heel spur without medical as sistance. This is because the symptoms are similar to oth er forms of heel pain and foot problems.

A specialist, such as an or thopedic surgeon or a podi atrist, is needed for a proper diagnosis. They can then de tect a heel spur through an X-ray.

Bony protrusions aren’t usually visible to the naked eye. That’s why diagnostic imaging tools are essential if persons experience any un known causes of foot pain and inflammation.

Over-the-counter pain medications

Acute, or short-term, pain may be reduced with the help of over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications.

• Physical therapy ex ercises and stretching exer cises

The podiatrist may recom mend physical therapy as a way to learn and practice ex ercises to prevent long-term pain, especially since an ti-inflammatory medications can only be safely taken for a short amount of time.

pain. Heel pads can also pre vent further wear and tear. They should be used in addi tion to proper footwear for allaround foot protection.

• Surgery for heel spurs

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HEEL SPURS

Certain essential oils may act as natural anti-inflam matories to reduce both pain and swelling. They may also be massaged into the heels for further relief. Some of the most notable anti-inflamma tory essential oils include: Bergamot oil • Eucalyptus oil

• Fennel oil Lavender oil Orange oil

Aheel

spur is a foot con dition that’s created by a bony-like growth, called a calcium deposit, that extends between the heel bone and arch. Heel spurs of ten start in the front of, and underneath, the heel. They eventually affect other parts of the foot. They can get up to half-an-inch in length. They may not necessarily be visible to the naked eye.

Detecting heel spurs can be challenging. Heel spurs don’t always cause pain, and not all heel pain is relat ed to spurs. Keep reading to learn more about these bony growths and what causes them.

CAUSES

Heel spurs are direct ly caused by long-term mus cle and ligament strain. Eventually, this excessive strain stresses the heel bone (calcaneus) causing spurs.

Heel spurs develop over time. They don’t suddenly appear after a workout or a sports event. Heel spurs tend to occur when ignoring early symptoms like heel pain.

People who have heel spurs also have plantar fas ciitis. This painful condition deals with the tough, fibrous tissue that runs between the heel and toes. Having plan tar fasciitis increases the risk of eventually developing heel spurs.

HEEL SPUR SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of heel spurs may include: Pain Inflammation Swelling at the front of the heel

The affected area may also feel warm to the touch. These symptoms may spread to the arch of the foot. Eventually, a small bony protrusion may be visible.

Some heel spurs may cause no symptoms at all. Patients may also not see any changes in soft tissues or bones surrounding the heel. Heel spurs are often discov ered only through X-rays and other tests done for another foot issue.

HEEL SPUR DIAGNOSIS

It’s difficult to diagnose a

Before ordering imaging tests, the doctor will conduct a physical examination of the foot to look for any signs of redness or inflammation. The doctor will also check for any noticeable tenderness on the foot. Tenderness is another indication of a heel spur.

HEEL SPUR TREATMENT

Heel spur treatment pri marily consists of rest and lifestyle changes. Talk to the doctor about the following treatment options for heel spurs.

Cold compresses

Using ice packs or cold compresses for up to 15 min utes at a time may help re lieve heel spur pain by tem porarily numbing the area. This method also helps re duce swelling. Cold compress es are preferable over heat packs for heel spurs because heat works better for joint and muscle aches.

Injections of anti-in flammatory medications

For severe pain, the podia trist may recommend cortico steroid shots. These anti-in flammatory injections

Heel spur exercises con sist of stretching the heel and plantar fascia muscles. The physical therapist can show how to do some of the exercis es at home. These can be per formed at any time of the day, but stretches can be especial ly helpful at night before bed time.

Rest

Rest is one of the most rec ommended treatment mea sures for both plantar fasci itis and heel spurs. Not only does rest help alleviate acute pain, but getting off the feet can also prevent the condition from worsening. It’s especial ly important to rest the feet after long periods of standing and other activities.

In the case of acute pain from a heel spur, the podia trist may ask a person to rest the foot until the symptoms subside. Putting weight on the heel while it’s in pain will likely worsen the condition. It could also lengthen the recov ery time.

Orthotic shoe inserts

Orthotic shoe inserts, such as heel pads, can help give you the arch and heel support needed to reduce

The doctor may recom mend surgery when heel spur pain becomes severe and on going. This type of surgery involves removing the heel spur. Sometimes it also in volves releasing the plantar fascia. Heel spur surgery not only reduces pain, but it’s also aimed at boosting mobility in the overall foot. Most people who have this type of surgery also have plantar fasciitis. Due to other forms of treat ments and therapies avail able, surgery is not common for heel spurs alone.

Before recommending heel spur surgery, the doc tor will determine if the pa tients are a proper candidate by conducting final imaging tests via X-rays and EKGs, as well as blood flow tests to the foot.

EXERCISES FOR HEEL SPURS

Stretching exercises are good methods of overall body conditioning because they help to work out sore muscles and tight ligaments while also preventing injuries. The same concept applies to heel spur pain management and recov ery. Certain types of stretch es can help improve pain and inflammation in the heel and calf areas. These include:

Calf stretches against the wall

Calf stretches on steps

• Golf/tennis ball foot rolls

Seated foot flexes

Towel grabs with the toes

• Rosemary oil Sesame oil Thyme oil

While studies are still be ing done to evaluate their anti-inflammatory effects, there’s no concrete evidence yet available that proves es sential oils work to cure heel spurs.

It’s also important to keep in mind that these oils have medicinal properties. When used incorrectly, they can cause side effects. Always combine a few drops of es sential oil with at least three times the amount of carrier oil and conduct a patch test prior to application.

PREVENTING HEEL SPURS

Preventing heel spurs re quires increased attention to overall foot health. Be mind ful of the everyday stresses placed on the feet. Be sure to give them a rest at the end of the day. As a rule of thumb, never push through any heel pain that develops.

Continuing to walk, exer cise, or wear shoes that cause heel pain can lead to long-term issues such as heel spurs. If experiencing heel pain after any activity, ice the area and give the foot a rest until it gets better.

Dear Editor,

In an earlier article, I dealt with the illegal plan by the PNC and its allies in the legal fraternity. Theirs was the plan to gain an il legal victory for their par ty through the back door. It was a subtle and wellthought-out plan, but like I said, it met its final end in that landmark ruling of the CCJ.

Now that the CCJ has ruled, we must navigate our way forward into the future. It is not an uncertain future once we put certain legal procedures in place. In this regard, we must pay careful attention to two pressing is sues before us as well as find ways to fix them.

In the first place, we must make a determined ef fort at increasing the num ber of judges in our local appellate court. As the say

ing goes "In the multitude of counsel there is wisdom."

In my view, and I am pretty sure this is the view of oth ers, the composition of the three judges is too small, thus the glaring flaws in their judgements.

A composition of 5 judg es fits that court, as it would bring into being a broader and more consultative ap proach when dealing with appeals.

It would erode, if not wipe out, decisions based on emotion and political lean ings. Having a broader, wid er court will see rulings of a genuine and lasting nature.

In its present state, the de cisions are too narrow and myopic, with decisions that come from a political stand point rather than those based on the solid founda tion of the law.

My second point deals

with the aspect of hav ing a reformed voting sys tem, here we scrutinise the machinery of GECOM it self. We cannot go forward into another election with a system that was so flawed by the illegal tampering of rigging stalwarts such as Lowenfield and Mingo. These notorious personali ties by their machinations have set up a voting process that is compromised and as such much work has to be done to rid ourselves of it.

Please note, that certain vestiges of the rigging ap paratus are still in place, such as deliberately plac ing polling stations in PNC strongholds, knowing ful ly well that voters who are perceived to be supporters of the PPP/C party would be intimidated by their thugs there. This causes PPP/C voters to stay away from

such polling places all for their safety and well-being.

I am talking about the PNC deliberately concoct ing stories of missing ballot boxes or ballot boxes being stored at PPP/C residences for the purposes of rigging. In these attempts the PNC and their operatives were sowing the seeds of discord and strife, spreading fear and insecurity amongst vot ers. These are just a few of the many occurrences done by that party so that they can get an unfair advantage when voting takes place.

As we move into the fu ture, every aspect of a clean, free and fair system must be set up so that the pure re flection of the people's will can be seen and felt when we go to the polls.

The CCJ has ruled, what are the implications for Guyana as this nation moves forward?

VENN DIAGRAMS

A Venn Diagram is

Example: The left circle shows distinctive characteristics of whales. The right circle shows distinctive characteristics of fishes. The overlap shows characteristics both whales and fishes have. Using the data shown in this diagram, identify the skinrelated difference. In this case, the skin-related difference is whales have hair and fishes have scales. Some animals that live in the ocean

Exercises: Interpret

Salt dough diva lamps

NB: Adult supervi sion is required

You will need: 1 cup of salt 2 cups of plain flour 1 cup of water

Paint Glitter and sequins

Method

Add the first three ingredi ents to a bowl and mix well. Knead the mixture into a

dough.

Form dough into little tear drop shapes as shown.

Bake, with the assistance of an adult, the lamps in the

oven on 100 degrees for around an hour and a half.

Leave to cool.

Paint and decorate as you desire when cooled.

The Valiant Little Tailor

TO BE

Electoral reform bill will be brought to Parliament in 1-2 months – Jagdeo ...will fix loopholes that allowed 2020 election rigging attempts

month or two.

This was revealed by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, during a recent in terview that was broadcast on his social media page. According to Jagdeo, these amendments will address a number of loopholes, that allowed elements with in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to attempt to rig the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

be brought, such as ran dom placement of polling officials, publishing of elec tion manuals and real-time uploading of Statements of Poll (SoPs), he also pointed out that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) do not want these reforms to the electoral laws.

any changes in RoPA. So, this making election more transparent and holding public officials more ac countable and closing all loopholes for capricious ac tion.”

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government will be bring ing amendments to the Representation of the People Act (RoPA) Bill, which will provide critical amendments to Guyana’s electoral laws, to the National Assembly in a

“In the new law that is going to Parliament, to be passed within the matter of a month or two, the polling places have to be identified long before and notified to the political parties. For every number of individu als, let’s say 500 individu als, there must be a polling place and it must be close to where they live,” the Vice President explained.

While listing some of the other reforms that will

“Before you start tabu lating votes at the region al level, all the Statements of Poll have to be uploaded by GECOM. So, if you have a good calculator, by 7:00 in the morning if every thing is uploaded the same night, every citizen should be able to know who won the elections,” Jagdeo said.

“A number of oth er things (will be) fixed. And serious penalties for breaches. So, the law is now before us. APNU doesn’t want that passed. They issued a statement that they’re opposed to

It was announced a few days ago that the Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Ministry will be convening a national stakeholders’ consultation on the draft amendments to Guyana’s electoral laws on October 25, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

This consultation is an integral element of the Government of Guyana’s commitment to implement a consultative, inclusive, and participatory process regarding electoral reform. The Ministry said in its statement that the stake holder consultation formed part of a continuous consul

Constitutional reform

tative process, which began on November 6, 2021, when the Ministry published the draft Representation of the People (Amendment) (RoPA) Bill and the draft regulations made under the Representation of the People Act on its social me dia pages.

As such, the public was invited to peruse the draft documents and submit feedback to the Ministry within six weeks; howev er, after requests for ex tensions, the Ministry ac commodated submissions of feedback well into 2022.

Recommendations were received from a variety of stakeholders including civil society actors, the Guyana Elections Commission, some political parties, and interested individuals and organisations. These rec ommendations were con solidated and provided to the Attorney General, who

in May 2022, facilitated in-person meetings with the respondents.

Updated versions of the RoPA Bill and Regulations have been made available once again. and the new draft amendments to the National Registration Act have also been made ac cessible for public perusal via a link published on the Ministry’s Facebook pages. To this end, 157 organisa tions have been invited to the upcoming consultation on October 25.

These organisations represent a broad cross-sec tion of society including political parties; constitu tional bodies; civil society organisations in the labour movement; private sector, faith-based, youth, women, LGBTQ, ethnic/cultural, health and rehabilitation organisations; and other civil society actors.

AG hopeful that recommendations on appointing Chancellor, CJ find bipartisan support – after Constitutional Reform Commission completes work

With national stake holder consulta tions on constitu tional reform expected to start after the Constitutional Reform Commission is in place, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, is hopeful that the method for appointing the Chancellor and Chief Justice is one of the many things ex amined and pronounced on.

He made these observa tions while participating in a virtual town hall meeting set up by the University of the

West Indies Cave Hill cam pus which dealt with consti tutional reform and the judi cial selection process.

Noting that a two-thirds majority is needed in the National Assembly to make changes to the Constitution, the Attorney General was hopeful that the recommen dations that do come out of the constitutional reform con sultations, find bipartisan support.

“Guyana is poised to go on a wide-ranging constitutional

reform process. Which is go ing to involve the establish ment of a broad-based consti tutional commission, that will do widespread consultations across the country,” he said.

“And hopefully, one of the provisions which will be mi croscopically examined in this process is the very article that speaks to the appoint ment of a Chancellor and Chief Justice. And hopefully, we will get recommendations out of that process that will find political consensus.”

According to the Attorney General, Guyana is possi bly the only country in the Commonwealth where the Head of State and the Leader of the Opposition have to agree on a common can didate before that person can be confirmed. He noted that with this constitutional change, confirmations to the two most senior positions in the Judiciary have been grid locked.

“We are perhaps the only country in the Commonwealth, where the Chief Justice and the Chancellor are to be appoint ed by the President, the head of the Executive, only upon agreement from the Leader of the Opposition. And that’s a constitutional formula em bedded in our Constitution, entrenched in the most pro found way.”

“And since that change occurred, the reality unfor tunately is that we have never been able to appoint a Chancellor, nor a Chief Justice substantially to those offices. Because we have never been able to secure an agreement between the President and the Leader of the Opposition,” Nandlall said.

Nandlall pointed out that since 2005, retired Justice Desiree Bernard was the last confirmed Chancellor before she was appointed to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Meanwhile, retired Justice Carl Singh was Guyana’s last confirmed Chief Justice, in addition to being acting Chancellor, be fore he retired from that role in 2017.

“Acting appointments can be made in the face of a

deadlock or failure to achieve an agreement by meaning ful consultation between the President and the Leader of the Opposition. The other Judges in the Judiciary are appointed in the convention al method that obtains in the rest of the Caribbean. That is to say, the recommendation comes from a Judicial Service Commission, and the ap pointments are made by the President.”

He expressed the belief that while amendments were brought into the Constitution in 1999 that protected the Judiciary, it is also important for the conversation to con tinue on how to improve on these amendments.

"I believe there is a strong connection between an inde pendent Judiciary, which in cludes the process by which the Judiciary is appointed, and the democratic equation. As the conversation goes on, we can continue to deal with what obtains now in Guyana, having regard to the non-ap pointment of these two posi tions and the way decisions are unfolding, in particular in political type cases,” Nandlall

said.

Back in August of this year, the Government pre sented the Constitution Reform Commission Bill 2022 in the National Assembly, which seeks the establish ment of a Constitution Reform Commission to re view the country’s supreme laws.

According to the explana tory memorandum of the Bill, the proposed Constitution Reform Commission will con sist of 20 members who will be drawn from the governing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), the opposition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) and one mem ber from political party A New and United Guyana (ANUG).

One member each will also be drawn from the Guyana Bar Association, the Labour Movement, the National Toshaos Council, the private sector, representatives of women organisations, youth organisations, Christian, Hindu, and Muslim organi sations, as well as nominees representing farmers.

Adult Drug Treatment Court turns 3

plication for phase move ment form must be submit ted by the participant to the case manager.

Guyana’s only Adult Drug Treatment Court (DTC) is cel ebrating its third anni versary. Commissioned on October 21, 2019, the Adult DTC is housed in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It was established to aid in the rehabilitation and reintegration of per sons with substance mis use disorders who commit non-violent offences.

The court was imple mented with a non-tradi tional approach to the ad ministration of justice. It combines and integrates two aspects of society; pub lic health and criminal jus tice, to administer justice whilst fighting a societal phenomenon affecting men, women, and young adults.

It gives offenders an al ternative to prison life and provides access to resourc es and professionals to lead persons who misuse sub

stances to the road of re covery.

The programme tailored by the Drug Treatment Court essentially consists of four phases that sub jects participants to vari ous rules and requirements that were established to help reform and reinte grate them into society af ter graduation from the programme.

The programme lasts for a minimum of 13 months and the four phases are spread across this period. Each phase fundamentally builds on the previous phase and all participants must fulfil all of the requirements of all of the phases before they can graduate from the pro gramme.

To move from one phase to another, participants must satisfy the require ments of their current phase and a completed ap

The first stage (choice) and the second stage (chal lenge) are for approximate ly 90 days. The third stage (change) lasts for approx imately 120 days, while the fourth stage (continu ing care) lasts for approxi mately 90 days. After com pletion of all of the stages, graduation from the pro gramme is based on a pos itive recommendation by the approved treat ment providers. The Drug Treatment Court takes a team approach and com prises professionals that collaborate to work with each participant to provide feasible solutions in the in terest of the participant.

The team includes

Magistrate, State Counsel, Defence Counsel, Police Officer, Probation Officer, Substance Misuse Treatment Provider, Case Manager, Mental Health Specialist, and any other person selected by the DTC team.

Currently, there is only one Adult Drug Treatment Court. There are, howev er, several Juvenile Drug Treatment Courts encom passing the 10 Magisterial Districts.

The Adult DTC can only be accessed by offend ers within the Georgetown Magisterial District. Cognisant of this, the Supreme Court is work ing to establish other Adult Drug Treatment Courts for the benefit of of fenders within the other Magisterial Districts.

DPP Chambers hands over several Acts to Moraikobai Toshao

Light up...

…by political types

Remember one of the PNC’s slogans in the 1997 elections when Desmond Hoyte headed their list was “Light up the light with Desmond Hoyte”?? Your Eyewitness was amused at the time since it meant the prim and proper Hoyte was willing to acknowledge the Guyanese pronunciation of his name as “Hyte” for it to rhyme!! But yes…lights have always been a big part of Guyanese politics in the modern era Didn’t the PNC, UF and their urban Labour supporters light up Georgetown on Feb 16, 1962 when they burnt the commercial Water Street District to the ground?? All to kick out the PPP Government at the behest of the US CIA!!

The national poet Martin Carter said it was a moment when a “city of clerks became men” Imagine that!! Clerks scribble numbers on lined pages while “men” torch buildings in an orgy of destruction?? Must be an atavistic allusion to the good old Cave Man days when hirsute men huddled around fires and fought off sabre-tooth tigers with flaming sticks!! Anyhow, there was another “manly” light up on May 25, 1964, when 220 Indian Guyanese homes were burnt to the ground by PNC supporters at Wismar The arsonists might’ve been neighbours of the 3000 men, women, and children occupants who had to flee for their lives – never to return!!

The next big political light-up was in 1979 when the PNC Headquarters on Camp Street – which had been merged with the Ministry of National Mobilisation – was burned down Most people think that particular lightup was set by the PNC itself to frame Walter Rodney and Rupert Roopnaraine of the WPA who’d been shaking up their dictatorship! Further political light-ups were “outed” as political opponents of the PNC became shaken up by the assassination of Rodney in 1980 It wasn’t till Desmond Hoyte lost the 1997 elections that he brought out the triedand-true PNC tactic in launching the explicitly-named “slow fyaah…mo’ fyaah”!! By then, he’d given up on his middleclass niceties to adopt the lower-class street lingo – maybe to ensure the orders were carried out!!

It was to be a decade of light-ups – in and out of Georgetown and the East Coast – accompanied this time by shoot-ups that left over four hundred dead in the streets But the PPP withstood the trial by fire and the PNC returned (unsuccessfully) to their old trick of rigging elections Of recent – as pointed out by the Min of Home Affairs – fires have started popping up all over the place – but specifically in government buildings We had the Brickdam Police Station, the Eve Leary Office of Professional Responsibility building, several schools, etc

Are our political pyromaniacs gearing for one big lightup??

…World Cup Cricket

Well, any light-up in the ongoing Cricket World Cup T-20 Cricket ain’t gonna come from the West Indies!! They were ignominiously ejected by cricket minnow Scotland and then Zimbabwe – in games that were just meant to give those teams a feel for the big time!! We know Zimbabwe once had a good team – but Scotland?? Imagine being beaten by cricketers in skirts – that’s what those “kilts” are – no matter how you cut it!! Oh how has the (once) mighty fallen!!

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) over the weekend conclud ed its outreach programme in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) with a meeting with residents of Moraikobai.

It was noted, based on the numbers of Police files received by the DPP’s Chambers from Region Five for the year thus far, crim inal matters such as break and enter and larceny, sexu al offences and domestic vio lence are prevalent.

On behalf of Madam DPP,

Communications Officer Liz Rahaman presented copies of the Sexual Offences Act, the Domestic Violence Act and the Amerindian Act to the village’s Toshao, Derrick John, with a view that during his Village Council meetings, the villagers will be educated.

Earlier in this year, the DPP’s Chambers held meetings with several sec ondary schools including Bygeval, Mahaicony, Novar, Belladrum, Bush Lot, Fort Wellington, No 8 Secondary and Rosignol.

Even after our Test Cricket glory days had faded, we were still able to hold our own in T-20 –- which is more in line with our Caribbean Cricketing traditions!! But our players seem to forget that while they like their cricket hot – it’s still cricket and as such demands skill, temperament and character It’s not just slam, bam, thank you ma’am!!

Case in point is the just-concluded India vs Pakistan match which India won on the last ball!!

These teams appreciate they’re playing for their country!!

…for good over evil

Well, today is Divali and even your (jaded) Eyewitness will light a light for “good side” in our country – the one that’s willing to look at the big picture and work for our betterment

Health Minister urges citizens to utilise services offered at health centres countrywide

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony en couraged citizens to pay more attention to pri mary healthcare and to vis it their health centres on a regular basis. This practice, he noted, will result in the prevention of ailments or at least a delay.

In addition, he urged cit izens to use preventative medicine and stick to a prop er diet as part of a healthy lifestyle.

He was at the time speak ing during a Health Centre Day activity at the Number 64 Village Health Centre.

The facility, which has been in existence for more than 50 years, saw less than 11 per cent of residents vis iting to seek medical assis tance. He added that with the new services being pro vided such as women well

ness and dentistry, he re mains optimistic that there will be an increase in the numbers.

The Health Minister, during his address to resi dents, stated that apart from regular visits to community health centres, persons also need to be health conscious.

“Even if we walk a lit tle bit, that is helpful. In America there is an organ isation that monitors these things, it is called the Center for Disease Control and they have advised that every per son must at lease exercise for thirty minutes every day. So as an extension of what we are doing here we should

have like village sports where everybody comes out and play; don’t matter your age. We need to have ac tivities so that we can stay healthy.”

He posited that what is being done at health centres must be supported by what individual efforts.

He encouraged social in

teraction as an important method of reducing stress and also warned that sub stance abuse is one of the habits which contributes to bad health.

“The only way we can change that is if we have a responsible community that can identify the people who are in need and we can fix it. Then in our communities we have the older people who like to drink, this is a ma jor factor that contributed to bad health,” he revealed.

Meanwhile, Advisor to the Health Minister and

Dr Ramsammy explained that Health Centre Days al low the community to get in formation on the facility and also to get involved.

In addition, Director General of Regional Health Services, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo recounted that Health Centre Day was held at each centre in the region annually when the current Administration was previ ously in Government.

“First of all, we have to get back to where we were and whilst we are getting back there, we are also im proving all the services. We never had a dental chair here. Now we have an agree ment that there will be a doctor here every morning and the same doctor is going to work every afternoon at another health centre.”

He urged the adminis tration of such facilities in the region to implement programmes and to rein troduce those that were scraped when the People’s Progressive Party was oust ed from office in 2015.

former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ransammy while out lining the new services be ing offered at the Number 64 Health Centre explained that four new health centres will be constructed in the re gion which will be equipped with additional dental equip ment.

Further, he added that doctors will also be placed at all health centres in the re gion on a daily basis. He too encouraged persons to uti lise the facilities being of fered at the health centres rather than going to the out patient department at public hospitals and overcrowding them.

Guyana to soon implement biometric systems at airports

gerprint scans.

The biometric initiative will focus on developing standards for the digital processing of passengers at Guyana's airports.

This, he added, should be able to reduce conges tion during passengers’ screening, and will help the airport to gather trav el information in advance for better resource plan ning and real-time data on passengers within the air ports.

While he did not say how soon this system will be im plemented, the Minister re lated that Guyana will soon be among other countries using the modern system.

“We will get to that point just now where even

the iris will be scanned be yond fingerprints…”

Currently, Guyana only uses biometrics for voter registration. That finger print cross-matching sys

tem helps to determine whether duplicate registra tions take place.

In 2020, Former President of Guyana David Granger proposed that Guyana's national identi fication cards include bio metric and security fea tures.

This, he said, will pro tect the rights of citizen ship and will ensure that every Guyanese citizen will be accounted for from birth to death, as far as techno logically possible.

He said proof of nation ality including a nation al identification card and passport will then allow citizens to access education and to receive social assis tance and public pension.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson

Benn on Friday during a televised pro gramme announced that Guyana will soon reach the stage where a biomet ric digital processing poli cy will become mandatory

for passengers at airports across the country.

The biometric system provides true identifica tion, offering absolute ac curacy and zero ambiguity.

Its data comprises unique measurements and calculations, resulting from

specific technical process ing of the physical, phys iological, or behavioural characteristics of a person.

Some commonly-used biometric identifiers used in access control are iris recognition, voice recogni tion, eye-tracking, and fin

Duo busted with ganja during Police operations

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Saturday discov ered a quantity of mari juana during a cordon and search exercise on Broad and Lombard Streets, Georgetown, as well as Meadow Bank Georgetown.

Ranks first visited Broad and Lombard Streets, where a black bulky plastic bag containing a quantity of ganja was found, which, when weighed, amounted to 30 grams.

During their operation at Broad and Lombard Streets, a 23-year-old male ran from the yard but was pursued and arrested.

A search was carried out on his person and im mediate surroundings which led to the discovery of one transparent Ziplock bag with cannabis.

He was taken to Brickdam Police Station where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 3.6 grams.

Meanwhile, acting on information received,

Police went to Cane Street, Meadow Bank, where con tact was made with a 27-year-old female vendor, and a search was conduct ed on the premises during which a black plastic bag containing a quantity of

cannabis was found.

She was arrested and taken to Ruimveldt Police Station where the ganja was weighed and amount ed to 205 grams. The duo remains in custody pend ing investigations.

Ann’s Grove woman chopped, burnt by husband succumbs days after son laid to rest

Fifty-three-yearold Sharon Bobb of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, who was attacked and brutal ly burnt about her body by her abusive husband, succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical at tention on Sunday.

The woman’s son, 21-year-old Seon Bobb, was also hacked to death in his sleep during the attack. After committing the act, the suspect, Leon Bobb, took his own life. The wom an’s death was confirmed by a family member who told Guyana Times that it was only about a week ago, the couple’s son was laid to rest.

The family, she add ed, is still trying to recov er from the tragedy and

they were hoping that the woman would pull through. “This is so sad, is only a couple days ago, we bury Seon and now this.”

Just about a month ago, Leon Bobb went ber serk and chopped his son to death in his sleep after which he turned the blade on his wife, chopping her to the neck and setting her on fire.

Police stated that Leon and his wife, Sharon, had an ongoing domestic dis pute after he’d accused her of having an extra-mari tal relationship. It was re ported that he physically abused the woman on sev eral occasions but his son would often intervene in a bid to save his mother.

However, on the day of the incident, it is suspected

that the man attacked and killed his son first to pre vent him from going to the rescue of his mother.

It was reported that the young man, who was a se curity officer, was found ly ing motionlessly on a mat tress with a wound on the left side of his neck.

In addition, the suspect was then found lying on a blood-soaked bed in a room, with a large wound to his abdomen and his intestines protruding, and one to his neck. He was taken to the hospital but later died.

The woman, on the oth er hand, was found lying in a pool of blood and her body was burnt. She was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital in a critical state where she remained until her demise.

Boaz Roberts pursues his musical dreams

In June this year, young Boaz Roberts celebrat ed his 25th birthday by releasing his first single, a musical move that has been in the making all his life.

Boaz, known by his fans as “Prince B”, has been in volved in music since he was a child and the young school teacher decided that this is the year, he want ed to up the ante and re cord his music. On June 2, he released his first album, a reggae compilation titled “Fulfilling My Purpose”.

Roberts told Guyana Times that he decided to release the recordings after some degree of doubt.

“I feel this is what I was called to do. I tried to ig nore it many times before but wherever I go and per form I'll always be encour aged to do it professional ly. Before now I use to have lots of doubt about my voice and my lyrics,” he said.

Roberts said that he

dedicated the album to his family, especially his fa ther, who is well-known in the Pomeroon, at Moruca, and on the Essequibo Coast as Pastor Steve.

“Is one that means a lot to me. I can recall I had lots of emotion writing, even re cording my songs,” he said about the album.

He said that he was ex periencing a period of tur bulence at the time and he noted that this was prob ably related to him be ing the son of a pastor. “I think society expects us to be right all the time. I've made many mistakes in my life but making mistakes defines who you really are and how you learn from them,” Roberts said. “I was told I won't make it and things like that but I took those same criticisms and made them lyrics that give me not only a song but an album,” Roberts said.

He said that while the album has many songs that he holds dear to his heart, one of his songs, entitled “Overcomer” is his favour ite. “I trust that people be inspired by it,” he said. His songs are also on YouTube, he added.

Various genres of music Roberts said that he aims to produce inspira tional songs and he noted that they will span a variety of genres including, R&B, soul, reggae, and some pa triotic songs. “Probably one and two Soca-style songs now and then,” he said.

He said he wishes to be involved in various genres of music to ensure that his audience is diverse. “I don't

just want to put my sound out there for only a group of people but for all those who are willing to listen to it,” he said. “So not because I came from a Christian background, I'll only do mu sic for the Christian group. That is why I said I'll do in spirational songs so any re ligion of people can listen to my music,” he added.

In terms of the re sponse to his music thus far, Roberts said that his friends and family have been very supportive and responsive to his songs and he noted that they are proud of his move to record professionally. He said too that he has built a fan base within the Christian com munity and his album has expanded the numbers. “I got lots of fans now which I'm grateful for,” he said.

Roberts hails from the Pomeroon. He attended the Friendship Nursery School at Friendship Canal and later, the Marlborough Primary, both located in the Lower Pomeroon.

He said he moved to the city with his family and attended the Clonbrook Primary School where he wrote the National Grade Six Examinations af ter which he relocated to Charity on the Essequibo Coast.

Roberts enrolled in the Cyril Potter College of Education this year and he is currently completing the trained teachers’ certificate programme at the college’s Turkeyen campus.

He said that he has been a member of the Heavenly Light Assembly of God Church in the Pomeroon

where his father is the pas tor. Now that he is living in Georgetown temporarily, Roberts said he is still con templating which church to attend, noting that he has been approached by mul tiple friends to visit their church so that he can share his musical talent with the congregation.

Future plans

Roberts said that he in tends to continue pursuing his musical aspirations and according to him, “hopeful ly someone hears me and extend my borders not only in Guyana but other coun tries. I also hope that one day I land a record deal.” Roberts said that he plans to write patriotic songs to promote Guyana’s rich cultural heritage and he expressed optimism that he would perform across the country. “One of my dreams is to sing at a na tional event for a national audience,” he added.

As for his teaching ca reer, Roberts said that he will continue studying hard and serve the nation’s education sector academ ically and also musically whenever the time arises.

“Music is what I love so I'll do everything I can to push myself to the top,” Roberts said.

“I would like to say to all the young people out there who have the desire to do music or who have a dream to follow your dreams not only to dream it but to make it a reality and to surround yourself amongst the right people who will push you to get there,” Roberts said.

Barber, mother among 5 arrested for WBD robbery

from

Amother and son are among five persons in Police custody fol lowing Thursday’s daring daylight robbery at Coghlan Dam, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Their arrests have led to the discovery of over $7 mil lion in cash and several piec es of gold jewellery which were taken during the rob bery.

In fact, Police stated that the bandits escaped with

$10.2 million in cash and a quantity of gold jewellery valued at $680,000 belonging to a businessman along with another $2.8 million and a quantity of gold jewellery val ued at $980,000 belonging to his wife.

Police stated that the rob bery took place sometime be tween 08:00 and 09:00h on Thursday last.

Reports are that the vic tims are living in a one-flat concrete and wooden building

and on the date and time in question, the businessman’s wife secured the home and went to the doctor’s office at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD), to take her son, who was unwell.

At about 09:00h, the woman returned home and discovered the top half of the back access door to the house wrenched off.

Upon seeing this, she im mediately made checks in the house during which she saw

handed over

her bedroom ransacked. The cash that was kept in a bag in the wardrobe along with several pieces of jewellery that were on the vanity were missing.

The matter was reported to the Police and the scene was processed and sever al persons in the area were questioned.

As investigations inten sified, two main suspects, a 20-year-old barber and a 45-year-old farmer, both of Coldingen, East Coast Demerara, were arrested on Friday.

During interrogation, the suspects took detectives to their residences where one of them pointed out two areas in his yard where he had bur ied the loot.

The area was dug up and

a total of $1,160,000 was found in one hole and anoth er $1,495,000 was found in another along with a quanti ty of jewellery.

The suspect’s mother, a cleaner who also resides at Coldingen, ECD, handed over another $1,225,000.

The farmer, on the other hand, took the investigators to an area on his farm but noth ing was found. Nevertheless, his wife – a 47-year-old ven dor – handed over $1,495,000 and a quantity of gold jew ellery to the Police. In addi tion, her 38-year-old adopted brother of Non-Pareil, ECD, also handed over $1,660,000 which they both claimed was given to them by the farmer.

The five persons were all arrested and are assisting with the investigations.

“Team Trevor Benn” boycotting today’s Public Service Credit Union elections

…cites flagrant breaches of court order by CoM

Ateam

of candidates headed by Trevor Benn will be boy cotting today’s Special General Meeting (SGM) of the Guyana Public Service Credit Co-operative Credit Union (GPSCCU) which could see the election of a new executive. Their reason for this is because plans for the meeting, as they are, vi olate a September 30 High Court order, Attorney-atLaw Christopher Thompson, a member of “Team Trevor Benn” told a press confer ence Sunday.

In his ruling on an appli cation filed by three mem bers of the GPSCCU— Mehalai Mc Almont, Keith Marks, and Natasha Durant-Clements—Justice Navindra Singh, among oth er things, declared that the notice informing of the de mand for the SGM, which had been previously set for June, had been lawfully is sued. The High Court Judge consequently ordered that the SGM has to be held no later than today, October 24.

A notice for the holding of the SGM was recently is sued in a daily newspaper by the Chairperson of the credit union’s Committee of Management (CoM), Karen Vansluytman-Corbin. It reads: “Pursuant to the Cooperatives Societies Act, Cap 88:01, Regulation 16, Notice is hereby given that a Special General Meeting of Members of the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union Ltd… will be held on Monday, October 24, 2022, in the audito rium of the new Central High School, Princes Street, Georgetown, Guyana at 8:00h.”

Even though it is con fident of a victory, “Team Trevor Benn” has refused to partake in the meeting and has urged its supporters to do the same as systems are not in place to guarantee a free, fair, and transpar ent election. Thompson ex plained that one-fourth of the GPSCCU’s membership must be present at the SGM for there to be a quorum.

He said Justice Singh or dered that preparation for this year’s SGM mirror that of last year’s. According to him, the following measures were in place for 2021’s meeting: a notice of the SGM was published in five newspapers of national cir

culation and contained the objective and agenda of the meeting, nomination day for potential holders was ad vertised and members were allowed to nominate candi dates of their choice, polling stations were established in each administrative re gion, systems for online vot ing and live streaming of the meeting was done by a company from Trinidad and Tobago and voters’ educa tion materials were also cir culated. None of these are in place for today’s meeting, he added.

How is the CoM flout ing the court order?

Thompson pointed out:

“The notice of the SGM was published in a single news paper. The object and the agenda of that meeting were not included in the notice. No nomination day for the potential office bearers was advertised or held and there fore members are going into a Special General Meeting without having a clue about who is vying for office.

“We have not heard of and there has not been es tablished any polling sta tions for voting outside of Region Four. Members in the other regions who are in terested in voting will have to make the trek all the way down to Georgetown in order to cast their vote

in person. More important ly, 20,000-plus members of the credit union are being given a maximum of two hours to register to vote on line virtually…from 07:00h to 09:00h… the credible IT service provider will not be conducting the online voting and live streaming…”

In light of this, the law yer said, “there is total dis obeying of the court order”.

Since none of these sys tems are in place, the team believes that the SGM can not be held tomorrow and not until all the Judge’s or ders are followed.

Contempt of court

During a press confer

ence last week, Thomspon said he “rather suspects” this is the first time the court has sanctioned an SGM, adding, “I would want to believe that the current Committee of Management may be unaware of their li ability for contempt of court proceedings if this court or der is not followed to the let ter…”

According to him, this is not a regular members’ sanc tioned meeting but rather a direct order of the court that has to be complied with. Non-compliance with the order of a court, he pointed out, will result in contempt of court proceedings against the CoM.

For his part, Trevor Benn, who is running for Chairman, told Sunday’s press conference, “I want to encourage all the mem bers and supporters of Team Benn to be patient, to avoid any confrontation, and stay away from the meeting. We have been advised by our lawyers that it is in our best interest not to partici pate in this process. We will be making contact with you about the way forward. We will want the Judge’s in structions to be followed…”

It is understood that the current CoM has applied for a variation of the court or der.

That matter comes up for a hearing on November 7.

Checks made on the GPSCCU’s Facebook page on Sunday indicated that the SGM will be held today. Several notices have been posted on the social media page for online registration, participation, and voting in the SGM, as well as the Zoom link for the meeting.

Breeze Pass now in effect for smooth, easy travel on DHB – commuters urged to take advantage

The Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) has in troduced its Breeze Pass service for motorists traversing the bridge during peak periods, with effect from October 21, 2022.

Peak periods are from 16:00h (4 pm) to 20:00h (8 pm), when there is traffic congestion.

Commuters with the Breeze Pass will traverse through Lane One and will not be required to stop and pay the toll. This will elim inate the waiting time mo torists have to endure when they want to travel across the bridge.

Supervisor of the service at the DHB, Stacy Grant said, “They can just transit smoothly. They don’t have to stop and wait a little time.

Within seconds, they can be transiting the bridge.”

Persons can visit dhbc portal.ssi.gy or the Demerara Harbour Bridge’s Facebook page to sign up for this ser vice. “When you sign up, you have to put in your name, and email address, and you create a password. After you sign up, you have to go to your email to confirm your email and then you finish the registration process and you sign into your account,” the supervisor explained.

There are three payment options for persons to utilise, including topping up your account via MMG, or pay ing cash or cheque at the ac counts department at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

“After working hours, you can top up at the super

visor’s office, any day, week ends, holidays, so if you run out of credit, that won’t be a problem... as commuters come on board, we can ex tend more lanes, so we en couraging all commuters to get on board with our Breeze Pass.”

This is one of the many initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Public Works to improve commuters’ trav elling experience on the riv er bridge and to also reduce traffic congestion during peak hours.

Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill had said that with the new bridge to come onstream soon, com muters must familiarise themselves with technologi cal payment systems.

Use Diwali to display uniqueness of our cultural, religious diversity – PPP

Diwali is universally recognised as the festival of light; the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and the substitution of all that is negative with that which is positive.

As we celebrate this most auspicious oc casion of the Hindu calendar, we call on all Guyanese, in particular our Hindu broth ers and sisters, to reflect upon the signifi cance of this great festival and to inculcate its message into our daily lives.

Occasions like Diwali continue to pres ent the opportunity for all of our people

to display to the world, as one nation, the beauty and uniqueness of our cultural, eth nic, and religious diversity and tolerance.

Let us all remain open to be inspired by its pertinent messages and to work for the best interest of our country so that the light of prosperity will manifest itself in our lives, building stronger bonds of together ness.

The PPP wishes to extend warm Diwali greetings to every Guyanese, especially our Hindu brothers and sisters.

APNU/AFC commits to ensuring unity in diversity

TheAPNU+AFC joins with all Hindus and Guyanese in celebrating Diwali, the festival of light. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali sym bolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".

In one of the main stories in Hindu my thology, Diwali is the day Lord Rama, his wife Sita Devi, and brother Lakshmana re turned to their homeland after 14 years in exile. The villagers lit a path for Rama, who had defeated the demon king Ravana. It's a five-day celebration that includes good food, fireworks, coloured sand, and special candles and lamps. Hindus interpret the Diwali sto ry based upon where they live. But there's one common theme no matter where people celebrate: the victory of good over evil.

As we light our diyas and cook our sweet-

meat which is shared among our people, let us also light the diya of love within us for all of God’s creation. The light of our country must shine, touching all corners of our beau tiful country.

This year’s observances are occurring at a critical moment in the history of the na tion when there is a dire need for mutual re spect, social cohesion, and good governance. Let us together defeat the demons of mal ice, immorality, bitterness, and lust. Let us strive to fight for the just and equitable dis tribution of our nation’s rich bounty. Let us strive to restore hope and the smiles on the faces of all Guyanese.

As Guyanese celebrate Diwali, APNU+AFC remains committed to ensuring unity in diversity so that our beloved coun try can realize its fullest potential.

Shubh Diwali to all Guyanese!

Let’s embrace positives portrayed by Festival of Lights – ERC

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends warmest greetings to the Hindu community and all Guyanese in observing Diwali 2022, signifying the tri umph of good over evil.

The recurring story of the annual festi val provides inspiration and guidance to citi zens from all ethnic groups; light will replace darkness; positives will bloom over negatives and good will ultimately overcome evil.

The Commission is tasked with the multi-faceted objective to promote harmo ny and good relations through positive mea sures; actions to promote tolerance, un derstanding, education and acceptance to achieve national harmony, eventually remov ing the destructive undercurrents of division and disharmony.

The resurgence this year of the tradi tional well-lit Diwali motorcades traversing

the roadways, along with the walk-about by citizens to view the flickering diyas coun try-wide epitomise the illuminating message of Diwali. For Hindus, Diwali symbolises the lighted path prepared to herald the home coming of Lord Rama after 14 years of exile and defeating King Ravana’s tyranny thou sands of years ago.

The significance of this national obser vance is replete with messages of victory and emergence from darkness and despair. The Commission, therefore, urges Guyanese to endeavour and commit to building upon the enduring festival of lights to sustain peace and brotherhood.

Let’s embrace the positives portrayed by Diwali for the advancement of the multi-eth nic Guyanese nation celebrating many cul tures in one country. Shubh Diwali to all from the Ethnic Relations Commission!

Deepavali is unifying in its message of triumph of righteousness over unrighteousness – GHDS

The sacred festival of Deepavali re volves around the concept of light. Maha Lakshmi, who is worshipped throughout the 5-day period, epitomis es this inner divine light that devotees seek to kindle. The symbolic but import ant lighting of diyas represents the bat tle against negativity and as each one is lit, prayers are recited to Maha Lakshmi for her blessings so that every iota of darkness could be dispelled internally and externally.

This Diwali, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha encourages all to divest themselves of negative thoughts and en ergy and emerge renewed and invigorat ed to contribute in all spheres of their life positively while maintaining a state of happiness, hope and resilience.

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Vasini Persaud encouraged all Guyanese to continue to participate in this unify ing festival that has been a part of the national Guyanese calendar for de cades. She emphasised that we can all benefit from the internal trans formation that this festival es pouses which urges the dispelling of negative energies, tenden cies and qualities from within. By lighting the diyas, we are kindling our divine light which we can share with all whom we come into contact with and also eradicate every trace of darkness from

every nook and cranny of our country.

Dr Persaud said she loves the sacred festival for its deep spiritual meaning which encourages faith and devotion in God and emphasises that as a people we must reject anything that spews discord, disharmony, animosity and chaos and also, that Guyana is unique in the sense that people from all walks of life em brace the beautiful and majestic motor cade making it synonymous with Diwali celebrations in Guyana.

Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha ex tends Deepavali greetings to all Guyanese and pray that the infinite blessings of Maha Lakshmi be showered on all families and the entire country so that we all may live in peace, unity, har mony and love all our lives and that the country may enjoy continuous prosperity and success.

The Festival of Lights, Deepavali is an opportune time for reflection and self-assessment and for families to be closer knitted and adhere to good val ues and principles that will flow into the wider communities auguring well for our future.

Diwali is observed on the dark est night or amawasya of the Hindu Month of Kartik and we encourage all to light thousands of diyas to challenge and remove darkness where it exists, ushering Lakshmi Ma and the light she represents.

Shubh Deepavali from GHDS.

The lessons of Diwali remain relevant in our times – GAWU

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is delight ed to extend best wishes and greet ings to all Guyanese, and particularly the Hindu community, on the occasion of the Festival of Lights – Diwali. The GAWU rec ognises that the observances of Diwali have now grown into a national observance as all our peoples, in one way or another, take part in the observances. Our Union is heart ened by such developments as festivals like Diwali undoubtedly help to bring our people closer together in the spirit of attain ing One Guyana.

The enduring message of Diwali speaks to the illumination of light in darkness. The story underscores the very often tested de feat of evil by the forces of good. We believe the lessons of Diwali remain very much rel

evant in our times. Today, we cannot fail to ignore those who seek to perpetuate divi siveness amongst our peoples. It is, for the GAWU, a disturbing and worrying feature of our times. Advocates of such messages should be rounded rejected and condemned. We are, however, convinced that like the in trigues that punctuate the story of Diwali, those who seek to divide us will not succeed and the forces of good will once again tri umph.

As Guyanese prepare to observe Diwali in their own way, we urge that they do so in a respectful and peaceful manner. We are en couraged by the observances thus far and we are certain that the lights of the diyas will not only serve to illuminate our physical surroundings but our minds as well.

Regional

Brazilian politician surrenders after injuring Policemen while resisting arrest

2 dead as Hurricane Roslyn batters Mexico

Two people died on Sunday from de struction caused by Tropical Storm Roslyn af ter it made landfall along Mexico’s Pacific coast as a powerful hurricane before weakening farther inland, authorities said.

A 74-year-old man was killed in the town of Mexcaltitan de Santiago Ixcuintla when a beam fell on his head, Nayarit state’s Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection told Reuters. A 39-year-old woman died when a fence collapsed in the state’s Rosamorada district.

Brazilian politician Roberto Jefferson surrendered ear ly Sunday evening after wounding two Policemen while resisting arrest or dered by the country’s Supreme Court.

President Jair Bolsonaro tried to distance himself from his ally posting a vid eo on social media after his arrest, saying someone that fires at Policemen should be treated as a criminal.

Two officers were in jured by shrapnel of a gre nade thrown by the former Congressman. Both went to the hospital and were lat er released, the statement

said.

In a video posted on so cial media on Sunday morn ing, the Congressman showed an image of feder al Police Officers arriving at his house, and later admit ted in another video that he had aimed at the Police car but not at the officers.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ordered Jefferson to be tak en to jail after the former Congressman and President of PTB political party re leased a tape offending Justice Carmen Lucia, due to decisions she made relat ed to the presidential elec tions.

Jefferson was already under investigation for the alleged involvement in pro ducing fake news, and on Friday released statements offending Justice Carmen Lucia, who had decided to transfer part of Bolsonaro’s air time to presidential can didate and former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva af ter the leftist complained about offences in the adver sary’s political ads.

Two Opposition Senators, Randolfe Rodrigues and Eliziane Gama had asked the Supreme Court to pun ish Jefferson for offend ing Lucia. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Child among 4 killed in T&T shooting

A toddler was among four killed in a car in Diego Martin, Trinidad on Sunday morn ing. The car was sprayed with bullets by gunmen.

Around 01:20h, Four Roads CID and Western Division Task Force re sponded to reports of a car being riddled with bul lets at Winnie Mohammed Road, Diego Martin. Police said four occupants of the vehicle were killed and two others taken to hospital for injuries.

The deceased were iden

tified as three-year-old Nazim Owen of La Puerta, Diego Martin; Chelsea Julien, 27, of Bagatelle, Diego Martin; Akil Keron of La Puerta Diego Martin and Marcus “Markie” Noel also of La Puerta.

The murders prompted acting Police Commissioner McDonald Jacob to issue a statement on the matter.

Jacobs offered his deepest condolences to the victims’ family and friends.

He said he intends to of fer timely justice.

“Yes, the crime scene in vestigators, forensics per sonnel, homicide detectives, investigators are all out there, working assiduously to find and bring in the per petrators. If there is CCTV footage we will use it, wit nesses will be interviewed, thorough investigations are under way, and, once again, I am appealing to anyone who has information that can lead to the capture and arrest of these murderers, we need you to come for ward,” he said. (Trinidad Guardian)

Bolivian strike over census delay paralyses agriculture export hub

Thousands of people in Bolivia launched an indefinite strike on Saturday in the lowland city of Santa Cruz, a major agri culture export hub, to protest the postponement of a pop ulation and housing census which delays access to more economic resources.

One death was reported by Police in clashes between people who accepted the strike and those who wanted to reject it. Television news images showed several high ways blocked, empty streets,

and markets and businesses closed.

The results of the census are important for the distri bution of economic resources and defining the seats in the Bolivian Parliament.

A worker sweeps soybeans in a packing plant in Santa Cruz The head of Bolivia’s committee to promote the census, Vicente Cuellar, said 2024 and 2025 would not be “opportune” to carry out the census due to the scheduled election in 2025.

Lawmakers have called

for calm and agreed to contin ue talks until an agreement is reached that can stop the in definite strike.

According to official es timates, Bolivia has about 12 million inhabitants, with about 3.3 million people in Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz is considered the bastion of the Bolivian economy and is the main live stock and agricultural pro ducer, known for production of soybeans, sunflowers, sug ar cane, corn, rice, and wheat. (Reuters)

According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), Roslyn hit land as a Category Three hurricane at 05:20h local time (1120 GMT) near Santa Cruz in northern Nayarit, a Pacific coastal state home to pop ular tourist beaches like Sayulita and Punta Mita.

By the afternoon, Roslyn was downgraded to a trop ical storm with maximum sustained winds decreasing to near 75 kilometres per hour (45 miles per hour), the NHC said.

Roslyn was forecast to become a tropical depres

sion by Sunday evening and dissipate overnight or early Monday.

Images from Nayarit af ter Roslyn made landfall showed cars submerged in water and homes with ma jor damage to roofs and out door coverings. Emergency officials were dispatched to the most affected areas, the state’s civil security agency said on Twitter.

Only minor damage was reported in neighbour ing Jalisco, according to the state’s governor. The busy international Puerto Vallarta airport resumed all operations.

Some people who evacu ated had returned to their homes. Officials were work ing to restore power in ar eas that experienced outag es.

Beaches along the coast remained closed. The NHC warned of swells that were “likely to cause life-threat ening surf and rip current conditions”.

Heavy rainfall was ex pected to continue in some areas of the storm’s path, the NHC said. Rain could lead to flash flooding and landslides in areas of rug ged terrain, it warned. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Barbadian MP facing rape charge

Member of Parliament for St Michael North West, Barbados, Neil Rowe is expected to appear in the Oistins Magistrate’s Court today on the charge of rape.

The 43-year-old has been in Police custody for the past day being investigated on sexual assault allegations.

Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Rodney Inniss (ag), confirmed that Rowe of #658 Kingsland Terrace, Christ Church has been charged.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley disclosed on Saturday at the Barbados Labour Party Annual

General Conference that Member of Parliament for St Thomas Cynthia Forde will be nominated for the po

sition of Deputy Speaker in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, a position formerly held by Rowe. (Nation News)

Haiti unrest: Japan temporarily closes embassy as security worsens

Japan has temporari ly closed its embassy in Haiti due to the worsening security and humanitarian situation, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said today.

Haiti is facing acute fuel shortages due to a

blockade by a coalition of gangs that are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, with economic activi ty coming to a halt and many hospitals forced to close or curtail their oper ations.

It is unclear how soon the embassy will reopen, a Ministry official said.

Japan has been urging its citizens not to travel to Haiti for any reason and for nationals who already there to leave the country immediately. (Reuters)

NEWS

US wields crude stockpile as weapon in global oil price battle

The US Government has signalled a “new era” of activist intervention in international oil markets, experts said, with the White House increasingly willing to use its strategic stockpiles of crude to manage global prices.

President Joe Biden this week authorised the final instalment of a record 180mn barrel drawdown from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve and told his officials to prepare for further releases as the White House looks to keep a lid on prices ahead of midterm elections next month.

Market participants said further drawdowns were likely this winter to counter a rise in prices driven by a clampdown on Russian exports.

Washington’s willingness to intervene so directly in oil markets means that price risks once primarily associated with volatile producer Governments or the OPEC+ cartel now also emanate from the Oval Office.

Biden has relied on the SPR more than any of his predecessors since the facility was created in the wake of the 1973 oil shock as a tool to manage major market disruptions.

Deploying the reserves — held in huge salt caverns along the US Gulf Coast — has allowed the President to smooth some of the market turmoil caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. His announcement of a record drawdown in March was a preemptive move amid predictions that sanctions on Russia could remove as much as 3mn barrels of the country’s oil from the market.

But he has come under fire from Republicans, who have accused him of recklessness in reducing volumes to their lowest levels since the early 1980s — hampering the country’s ability to react to future oil shocks.

Biden’s initial drawdown from the reserves last November was blasted for being a brazenly political move aimed at bringing down petrol prices to placate voters at a time of no significant disruption. Many drew comparisons to President Bill Clinton’s use of the SPR to douse prices at the pump ahead of the 2000 presidential election between his Vice President Al Gore and the Republican challenger George W Bush.

Also significant, said analysts, was Wednesday’s White House pledge to start buying back oil to replenish the reserve at a price of US$67-US$72 a barrel — another form of intervention designed to affect oil prices many months in the future. The move, Biden said, would “help create certainty around future demand for crude oil”.

His direction to officials to prepare for more drawdowns comes after Saudi Arabia and other OPEC+ producers last month announced plans to slash output, enraging the White House.

Bob McNally, head of consultancy Rapidan Energy and a former adviser to the George W Bush Administration, noted that, ironically, the motivation behind the White House’s repurchase price — an effort to put a floor in the market to give producers more confidence to invest — was akin to the cartel’s supply cut.

Goldwyn said the Administration was “trying to change the calculus so that we can maximise US supply and maybe put a little bit the fear of God into OPEC+ about a return of the market share battles of a few years ago”.

Having shown its willingness to use the stockpile to influence oil prices, the White House is likely to draw down more barrels later this year if a looming European embargo on Russian exports — and potential retaliatory moves by the Kremlin — trigger market shortages. Analysts said restrictions of petroleum product exports, such as petrol and diesel, also remained on the table.

In the meantime, recent drawdowns are also starting to alarm some market analysts. Robert Yawger, a director at Mizuho Securities, said the record 180mn barrel release “runs out at a really bad time” as Europe’s embargo, set to come into force in December, threatens to cut supply.

If a US plan to keep Russian barrels flowing through the embargo — by capping the price at which importers buy its oil — fails, deep supply shortages could ensue, analysts say.

And even as it begins refilling the stockpile in future, the Federal Government will be selling more barrels again anyway, under Congressional plans to shrink the reserve during the next two fiscal years. But market forces could leave the Administration with little choice.

(The Financial Times)

Around the World

Russia hits Ukraine homes, evacuates Kherson, warns of escalation

Under pressure in the south of Ukraine, Russia fired missiles and drones into Ukrainianheld Mykolaiv on Sunday, de stroying an apartment block in the ship-building city near the front and said the war was trending towards “uncon trolled escalation”.

Mykolaiv lies roughly 35 km (22 miles) northwest of the front line to occupied Kherson, the southern region where Russia has ordered 60,000 peo ple to flee a Ukrainian count er offensive “to save your lives”

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, who some Russian nationalists have blamed for Moscow’s setbacks since the Feb 24 in vasion, discussed the “rapidly deterio rating situation” in calls with French, British and Turkish counterparts, the Ministry said.

He also spoke by phone with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin for the second time in three days. Neither the Russian Defence Ministry nor the Pentagon immediately provided read outs.

Without providing evidence, Shoigu

said Ukraine could escalate by using a “dirty bomb” - conven tional explosives laced with ra dioactive material. Ukraine does not possess nuclear weap ons, while Russia has said it could protect Russian territory with its nuclear arsenal.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba rejected the al legation. “Russian lies about Ukraine allegedly planning to use a ‘dirty bomb’ are as ab surd as they are dangerous,” he said, adding: “Russians of ten accuse others of what they plan themselves.”

Ukraine’s advances in recent weeks around Kherson and in the country’s northeast have been met with intensifying Russian missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastruc ture, which have destroyed about 40 per cent of Ukraine’s power system ahead of winter. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Kilimanjaro: Firefighters containing blaze on Tanzania mountain

Emergency workers bat tling to extinguish a fire on the slopes of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, have managed to contain parts of it, an offi cial says.

“We have seen great suc cess in controlling the fire,” said Prof Eliamani Sedoyeka from Tanzania’s Natural Resources and Tourism Ministry.

The fire started on Friday night near one of the moun tain’s most popular climbing

routes.

Hundreds of emergen cy workers and volunteers flocked to the site to help with efforts to contain the fire.

Around 500 people, in cluding firefighters, national park staff, tour guides and ci vilians were said to be at the scene on Sunday, Tanzanian newspaper Mwananchi re ported.

It added that the army had been asked to come and assist with efforts to contain the fire.

But speaking to report ers on Sunday, Prof Sedoyeka said that thanks to the efforts of emergency workers and volunteers, large parts of the fire have now been contained.

He added that he hoped the fire would be completely under control by Sunday eve ning.

No casualties have so far been reported.

Speaking to the BBC, a member of a local tour op erator helping with the ef forts to extinguish the fire,

Abraham Moshi, said the fire had not spread to footpaths or campsites on the mountain, decreasing the risk of casual ties.

The fire comes two years after a week-long inferno de stroyed thousands of hect ares of woodland on Mount Kilimanjaro’s slopes.

Mount Kilimanjaro, which is 5895m (19,341ft) high is a popular tourist destina tion and tens of thousands of people climb it every year.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

China’s Xi secures 3rd term, stacks leadership team with allies

China’s

President Xi Jinping has secured a historic third term as the Communist Party’s lead er, cementing his place as the nation’s most influential ruler since Mao Zedong.

The Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) elected Xi as its general secretary for a prece dent-breaking five-year term on Sunday, tilting the coun try decisively back towards one-man rule after decades of power-sharing among its elites.

Xi is now all but certain to sail through to a third term as China’s President, due to be formally announced during the Government’s annual legislative sessions in March next year.

The CCP also named a seven-member Politburo Standing Committee (PSC)

led by Xi, its inner circle of power dominated by the par ty leader’s allies.

Xi introduced the new line-up, walking at the head of the group as he led them onto the stage at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People to meet reporters.

Shanghai Communist Party chief Li Qiang followed Xi, meaning that he is likely to succeed Li Keqiang as pre mier when the latter retires in March. The other mem bers of China’s top governing body are Zhao Leji and Wang Huning, who return from the previous committee and new comers Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi.

All of the PSC’s new mem bers are perceived to have close allegiance to the 69-yearold Xi, who was also named the chairman of the Central Military Commission.

Boris Johnson pulls out of UK Conservative leadership race

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson pulled out of the contest to become Britain’s next lead er on Sunday, saying he had the support of enough law makers to progress to the next stage but far fewer than front-runner former Finance Minister Rishi Sunak.

“There is a very good chance that I would be suc cessful in the election with Conservative Party mem bers - and that I could indeed

be back in Downing Street on Friday,” Johnson said in a statement.

“But in the course of the last days I have sadly come to the conclusion that this would simply not be the right thing to do. You can’t govern effectively unless you have a united party in Parliament.”

Johnson, who never for mally announced his bid to return to Downing Street, has spent the weekend try ing to persuade Conservative

lawmakers to back him and said on Sunday that he had the support of 102 of them.

He needed the backing of 100 by Monday to proceed to the next stage, which would have seen him going head-tohead against Sunak in a vote by the Conservative Party’s 170,000 members.

Sunak, whose resignation as Finance Minister in July helped precipitate Johnson’s fall, had cleared the thresh old of 100 lawmakers needed

to progress to the next stage, securing 142 declared sup porters on Sunday, according to Sky News.

He will be named lead er of the Conservative Party and become Prime Minister on Monday unless candidate Penny Mordaunt reaches the threshold of 100 backers to force a run-off vote by par ty members. She had 24 de clared supporters on Sunday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

India rocket puts 36 internet satellites into orbit

India’s space agency says its rocket has successfully put 36 internet satellites into orbit for UK-based satellite com pany OneWeb after months of delay due to the war in Ukraine.

The mission – part of a commercial arrangement between New Space India Limited, a Government-run firm, and OneWeb – was announced successful by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) early on Sunday.

“This is the first-ever commercial launch of the new rocket LVM3 [Launch Vehicle Mark 3],” ISRO Chairman Sreedhara Panicker Somanath said as liftoff took place at 12:07am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh.

This 14th launch of OneWeb satellites relied on India’s heaviest rocket, normally reserved for Government space craft. OneWeb launched its first satellite in 2019.

It was the first launch for OneWeb since breaking with the Russian Space Agency in March because of Moscow’s in vasion of Ukraine.

Despite this year’s disruption, the British company said it remains on track to activate global coverage next year with a planned constellation of 648 satellites. It is already providing service in the northernmost latitudes.

The satellites will be arranged in 12 rings with 49 sat ellites in each plane at 1200km (745 miles) circular orbit, ISRO said on its website. Each satellite will complete a full trip around the heart every 109 minutes, it added.

Each OneWeb satellite weighs about 150 kilogrammes (330 pounds).

The launch is important for India and reflects the gradual opening of its space agency to private customers, Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, a director specialising in space and secu rity at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, told the Associated Press. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

DAILY

HOROSCOPES

Confusion will set in if someone keeps making changes. Speak up, ask questions and refuse to make a move without having all the facts and figures you need. Anger will slow things down.

(March 21-April 19)

Consider what it is you want. Envision how you see things turning out, then take a big step forward. Confidence will help you get others to see things your way. Do things by the book.

(April 20-May 20)

Speak up and be ready to debate your position. Intelligence and facts will help you make your case and win whatev er battle you fight. Recognition for a job well done will come your way.

(May 21-June 20)

Choose your friends and activities with care. When something or someone confuses you, distance yourself until you figure out how to handle the situation. Get promises in writing.

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

SUDOKU

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Take better care of your health and home. Leave nothing to chance and over see anything that others are doing for you. Change only what’s necessary, and make a point to recycle whenever possi ble.

You have more options than you real ize. Believe in who you are and what you stand for, and share what you have to offer. Take charge. A change will bring better results than anticipated.

Take nothing for granted and don’t leave important issues in someone else’s hands. Use your intelligence and experi ence to impress others. A disciplined at titude will keep you one step ahead.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Take care of paperwork, finances, health issues or legal matters. Work dil igently to ensure you leave nothing un done or open for criticism. Stick close to home.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Honest communication will keep you on the right path. Be passionate about your beliefs and concerns. Protect your self from those trying to lead you astray or scam you. Take the safe route.

You’ll gain more if you listen instead of talk. Expect someone to use misinfor mation to push you in a direction that isn’t right for you. Pay attention to how you look and feel.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Put a plan in place that eliminates debt. Investing more money and time in something that will further your inter ests is favored. Update documents and tidy up loose ends.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Pay more attention to how you pres ent yourself. Update your look and strut your stuff. Compliments you receive will boost your confidence and help you get what you want. Speak up.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

T20

takes India to incredible victory over Pakistan

AVirat Kohli-inspired India beat rivals Pakistan in an ex traordinary finish to a Men's T20 World Cup classic at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

In a finale fitting the oc casion, India took 16 from a barely believable last over to successfully chase 160 with four wickets remaining in front of a raucous crowd of 90,293 - Kohli ending 82 not out.

They were struggling at various stages, none more so than when needing 13 from the final three balls before Pakistan wilted.

Kohli, a master of nights such as these, clubbed a full toss from spinner Mohammad Nawaz for six, a delivery that was then deemed a no-ball.

Nawaz followed that with a wide and from the next Kohli was bowled but, with the delivery still a free hit, India were able to scam per three via a deflection off the stumps.

The game swung again when Dinesh Karthik was then stumped only for Nawaz to bowl another wide to new batter Ravichandran Ashwin, this time down the leg side. That left Ashwin needing to take one from the final delivery and he lift ed the ball over mid-off to spark wild celebrations in the stands.

Kohli dropped to his knees in the middle while Ashwin sprinted towards his onrushing team-mates.

Both sides have until Thursday to recover, when India face the Netherlands at 08:00 BST before Pakistan play Zimbabwe at 12:00/ India fans outnumbered Pakistan supporters at the MCG and the winning mo ment sparked wild celebra tions

As the final delivery cleared the Pakistan field ers off Ashwin's bat, a deaf ening roar engulfed the icon ic MCG. This match, one of the great sporting occasions between two rivals, was sold out within five min utes. Those lucky enough

to in the stands witnessed a contest that will go down as one of the greatest T20s ever. India were flounder ing at 45-4 after 10 overs, the top order swept aside by Pakistan's searing pace at tack, but Kohli was nerve less when all else suggested he should be anything but.

A stand of 113 from 78 balls with Hardik Pandya, who made 40 from 37, brought India back into the game. Even before the final over the momentum swung back and forth. India were charging before the 15th over from Haris Rauf and the 16th from Naseem Shah went for six runs apiece. Yet Kohli then elegantly took 17 from the 18th bowled by Shaheen Afridi.

Hardik fell to the first ball of the last over at which point the decision to bowl Nawaz looked a master stroke from Pakistan's cap tain Babar Azam. But ul timately he faltered badly, allowing India home in the most unlikely style.

After KL Rahul was bowled by Naseem Shah, captain Rohit Sharma was caught at slip and Suryakumar Yadav was caught behind, both off Rauf's pace, former skipper Kohli, who some suggest ed 12 months ago was not worth his place in the team, held firm.

He made a slow start, scoring only 11 from his first 20 balls, but was seemingly unfazed as the required runrate climbed.

The 12th over, also bowled by Nawaz, ignited the chase, Kohli hitting one

six and Hardik two as 20 runs were scored. His best magic came at the end of the penultimate over with the game slipping away again.

India needed 28 from eight balls but Kohli hit an incredible back-foot punch

Mohammad Rizwan caught at fine leg for four. Pakistan did not lay bat on any of the first 10 balls, so devilish was the opening burst from Arshdeep and Bhuvneshwar Kumar on a pitch tinged with green.

They recovered impres sively to a competitive score, at least meaning they are able to take positives from this crushing defeat.

Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed took their time to rebuild before the latter countered, hitting four straight sixes off spin ners Ashwin and Axar Patel.

After he fell lbw to Mohammed Shami, Masood continued in relatively mea sured fashion amid a col lapse of 5-29, the excellent

India all-rounder Hardik taking three wickets by at tacking the body of Shadab Khan, Haider Ali and Nawaz.

At 120-7 Pakistan's in nings could have fallen in a heap but instead there was a surprise contribution from Shaheen who struck 16 from eight balls, including a flat six over mid-wicket off Arshdeep.

It was a batting perfor mance that showed Pakistan can win games against the best sides when Babar and Rizwan fail, something many doubted before the tournament. (BBC Sport)

Late goals help Real Madrid extend La Liga lead

Real Madrid showed again why they are the dominant side in La Liga as two late goals end ed the resistance of visitors Sevilla.

The reigning champions were set to drop points for only the second time this sea son before substitute Lucas Vazquez and Fede Valverde secured victory.

Luka Modric tapped in an early opener for the hosts be fore Sevilla’s Erik Lamela slid in a second-half equaliser.

Real’s class eventually told to move them six points clear of Barcelona.

Second-placed Barca, who lost at the Bernabeu last week end, can narrow the gap when they play Athletic Bilbao at the Nou Camp on Sunday.

The Catalan club might have thought they could get even closer to their rivals with 10 minutes left at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

But a triple substitution from Carlo Ancelotti proved inspired and enabled Los Blancos to earn their 10th win in 11 La Liga games this sea son.

Moments after coming on, Marco Asensio started the move which fellow new comer Vazquez slotted in for the second.

That lifted the Madrid players and the home crowd, with the renewed confidence il lustrated by Uruguay mid fielder Valverde slamming an angled drive past Sevilla keeper Bono.

The visitors have en dured a disappointing sea son so far, but this was the first defeat for newly-in stalled boss Jorge Sampaoli in his fifth game since replacing Julen Lopetegui. (BBC Sport)

West Indies players returning home for CG United Super50

MATCH SCHEDULE

Zone A

Matches at BLCA start at 2pm local time (1pm Jamaica); matches at QPO start at 9am local time (8am Jamaica)

31 October: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v CCC at BLCA

31 October: Windward Islands Volcanoes v Guyana Harpy Eagles at QPO

2 November: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v Guyana Harpy Eagles at BLCA

2 November: CCC v Windward Islands Volcanoes at QPO

5 November: Guyana Harpy Eagles v CCC at BLCA

3 November: Barbados Pride v Jamaica Scorpions at the SVRS - Live on ESPN Caribbean

5 November: Jamaica Scorpions v West Indies Academy at the SVRS (start 9am) - Live on ESPN Caribbean

6 November: Leeward Islands Hurricanes v Barbados Pride at the SVRS - Live on ESPN Caribbean

8 November: Barbados Pride v Jamaica Scorpions at the SVRS - Live on ESPN Caribbean

9 November: Leeward Islands Hurricanes v West Indies Academy at the SVRS - Live on ESPN Caribbean

The West Indies Men’s T20 team have departed Australia to head back to the region, following the team’s exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. The return of the international players will coincide with the start of the CG United Super50 Cup, the annual regional List A tournament, with their inclusions to be confirmed this week in their respective regional squads for the upcoming event.

The players will now be available for the tournament upon their return to the Caribbean on 25 October, whilst some of the Test Players will remain in Melbourne to prepare for the upcoming Test Series against Australia. This year’s CG United Super 50 Cup will feature eight teams – the traditional six franchises who will be joined by the West Indies Academy and Combined Campuses & Colleges

(CCC) teams.

The event will bowl off in Antigua on Saturday 29 October with a match between the Leeward Islands and the West Indies Academy at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (SVRS).

Defending champions Trinidad & Tobago Red Force open their campaign on 31 October against CCC at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA). The final will be played on Saturday 19 November at the SVRS.

The other two venues for the tournament are the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua; along with the Queen’s Park Oval (QPO) in Trinidad.

The CG United Super50 tournament will showcase the traditional rivalries with players throughout the region eager to prove themselves in the List A format, with spots in the West Indies ODI set-up for next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup up

for grabs.

Overseas broadcast partners for the CG United Super50 Cup are ESPN+ (USA), BT Sport (UK & Ireland), FanCode (India), SuperSport (Sub-Saharan Africa) and Sky NZ (New Zealand). Additionally, LIVE ball-by-ball scoring for all twenty-seven (27) CG United Super50 Cup matches will be available on the www.windiescricket.com Match Centre.

Due to the returning T20 World Cup contingent, CWI will allow larger squads from the originally stipulated 14 players. However, this will only be applicable for the period prior to the departure of the West Indies Test team on 8 November when the franchises must revert to 14 players only.

The West Indies next international assignment is a two-match Test Series in Australia, with the squad set to

5 November: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v Windward Islands Volcanoes at QPO

7 November: Windward Islands Volcanoes v Guyana Harpy Eagles at BLCA

7 November: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v CCC at QPO

9 November: CCC v Windward Islands Volcanoes at BLCA

9 November: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v Guyana Harpy Eagles at QPO

12 November: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v Windward Islands Volcanoes at BLCA

12 November: Guyana Harpy Eagles v CCC at QPO Zone B

Matches at the SVRS start at 2pm local time (1pm Jamaica) unless otherwise stated. CCG matches start 9am local time (8am Jamaica)

29 October: Leeward Islands Hurricanes v West Indies Academy at the SVRS (start 1pm) – Live on ESPN Caribbean

1 November: Leeward Islands Hurricanes v Jamaica Scorpions at the SVRS (start 1pm) – Live on ESPN Caribbean

1 November: West Indies Academy v Barbados Pride at CCG

11 November: West Indies Academy v Barbados Pride at the SVRS - Live on ESPN Caribbean

11 November: Leeward Islands Hurricanes v Jamaica Scorpions at CCG

13 November: Leeward Islands Hurricanes v Barbados Pride at the SVRS- Live on ESPN Caribbean

14 November: Jamaica Scorpions v West Indies Academy at the SVRS - Live on ESPN Caribbean

16 November: Semi-final 1 – Winner of Zone A v Second of Zone B at the SVRS - Live on ESPN Caribbean

17 November: Semi-final 2 – Winner of Zone B v Second of Zone A at the SVRS - Live on ESPN Caribbean

19 November: FINAL at the SVRS - Live on ESPN Caribbean

West Indies Test Tour of Australia

23-26 November: v Prime Minister’s XI at Manuka Oval, Canberra (day/night)

30 November to 4 December: 1st Test at Perth Stadium, Perth

8-12 December: 2nd Test at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (day/night)

be announced this week. The first Test will be at the Perth Stadium (30 November to 4 December) and the second, a pink ball day-night contest at the Adelaide Oval (8-12 December), for the Frank Worrell Trophy.

Sri Lanka cruised to a nine-wicket victory over Ireland in their Super 12s opener at the T20 World Cup in Hobart, Australia.

Kusal Mendis smashed an unbeaten 68 from 43 balls as Sri Lanka secured victory with five overs to spare.

Ireland earlier limped to 128-8, with top scorer Harry Tector, who hit 45 off 42, one of only three players to reach double figures.

Sri Lanka’s spinners were particular ly impressive, with Maheesh Theekshana taking 2-19 and Wanindu Hasaranga 2-25.

The result means Sri Lanka sit second in the early Group 1 table as one of three teams on two points, with New Zealand top and England third on net run rate.

“I’m really happy about the way we played the game – we wanted to play as a team and everyone contributed,” said Sri Lanka Captain Dasun Shanaka.

“We knew coming into this game spin ners will play a major part. We used that tactic in this game and are looking for ward to keep using this tactic.

“Mendis has been consistent and plays according to the situation most of the time. That’s high-class batting and the con sistency that Sri Lanka needed and now we’ve got that.”

The 2014 champions now trav el to Perth for a match against holders Australia on Tuesday (12:00 BST). Ireland take on England at Melbourne the follow ing day (05:00).

Ireland slump to disappointing defeat Ireland went into this game full of confidence after thrashing two-time win ners West Indies by nine wickets in their final group match to reach this stage, but this was a sobering reality check on a chilly afternoon in Hobart.

Following successful chases in their previous two matches, Captain Andy Balbirnie surprisingly chose to bat first af ter winning the toss, but their innings nev

er got going.

They were reduced to 26-2 inside five overs, with Balbirnie bowled by Lahiru Kumara for one and Lorcan Tucker bowled around his legs by Theekshana for 10.

The dangerous Paul Stirling, dropped by Kumara on 28, added just six more runs before be ing caught at long-off by Bhanuka Rajapaksa off the bowling of Dhananjaya de Silva. And when Curtis Campher went for two in the following over, Ireland were in deep trouble at 604.

Tector’s patient innings steadied the ship, but disciplined bowling in the middle overs meant Ireland struggled for bound aries.

They only hit two sixes in the entire in nings and scored just 28 runs off the final five overs for the loss of four wickets.

“We were looking at 160 plus and we were short of that,” said Ireland Captain Balbirnie.

“We knew they had a threat of spin, but as a batting group we back ourselves to bat well first or second and in the next game we will look to put up a better fight.”

When Mendis and De Silva raced to 50-0 after the powerplay in reply, the re sult was never in doubt.

De Silva’s dismissal for 31 thanks to a sharp take by wicketkeeper Tucker failed to halt their momentum, with Charith Asalanka adding 31 from 22 deliveries be fore Mendis sealed the win with a huge six over mid-wicket.

Ireland will now have to lift themselves for Wednesday’s meeting with England, the first time the teams have met at a global tournament since Ireland’s shock victory in the 2011 50-over World Cup. (BBC Sport)

This series will form part of the ICC World Test Championship with important points up for grabs. The West Indies are sixth in the current standings, while Australia top the table. West Indies have won both their Test series so far this year – a 1-0 series win against England at home in March to capture the Richards-Botham trophy, followed by a 2-0 series sweep against Bangladesh on home soil in June.

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Mishka Beharry dominates GBA junior tournament with 4 gold medals

a home for badminton at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue.

The GBA said it was extremely and beyond grateful for this very timely and longawaited initiative and thanked the Government. This facility will be shared with table tennis.

Michael Spooner and Haresh Persaud topped the boys’ Under-17 doubles category.

The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA)

National Junior Tournament culminated at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall after three days of intense competition between the players.

Mishka Beharry dominated the tournament with four gold medals in the Under-15 girls’ singles, Under-17 girls’ singles, Under-19 girls’ singles and Under-19 girls’ doubles.

All players brought their A game, as the winners will be chosen to represent Guyana at the upcoming Inter-Guiana Games to be held November 25-27, 2022.

In the Under-11 girls’ singles, Guianna Ramnarine triumphed while Rio Alexander

was second. The Under-11 boys’ singles champion John Thomas. The Under-13 girls’ doubles was won by Himanshi Kumar/Gabrielle Felix while John Thomas and Ruel Rambiriche won the Under-13 boys’ doubles.

In the Under-13 girls’ singles, Gianna Ramnarine was the winner while Ruel Rambiriche was the Under- 13 boys’ singles winner. In the Under-15 girls’ doubles, Naveah Eastman and Malia Haley were the winners.

Gabriel Felix and Nikola Pollard were the top Under-15 boys’ doubles players.

Meanwhile, in the girls’ singles at the Under-15 level, Mishka Beharry was the winner. Xavio Alexender was the top player in the boys’ Under-15 singles.

Beharry again dominated the girls’ Under-17 singles while Jonathan Debidin was the best Under-17 boy in the singles.

Beharry and Alyssa Dick won the girls’ Under-19 doubles, while Alexander and Viraj Singh won in the male category. Beharry topped the Under-19 singles.

According to a media release, the GBA expressed thanks to the National Sports Commission and the Director of Sports for making this tournament possible.

On Friday afternoon, the majority of the badminton fraternity met with Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson and the Director of Sports just before the start of the Junior Tournament. The Minister highlighted the Government’s plans to build

Jamual John wins Duckie’s Memorial Cycle Race

stages. Curtis Dey rode in third followed by Robin Persaud, Walter Grant Stuart and Paul De Nobrega in that order, in the senior category. Jamual and Briton, in their show of dominance, claimed four sprint prizes each.

Persaud was the top rider in the veteran Under-50 while Segun Hubbard and Jaikarran Sookhai rounded out the top three. Berbician Mario Washington was the top junior while Aaron Newton (second) and Alexander Leung (third) were the other top junior finishers.

Talim Shaw reigned supreme in the veteran Over-50 while Adjani Cutting was the top juvenile rider. Clevica Spencer was the lone female finisher wile David Mangru was the top BMX rider.

The race, which was organised by Flying Stars Cycling Club, was in honour of its former President, Randolph “Duckie” Singh.

Top Guyanese cyclist Jamual John clinched the first annual Duckie’s Memorial circuit on Sunday morning at the Vlissengen Road Circuit. He stopped the clock in 31 minutes and 17 seconds.

John won the sprint home ahead of Briton John, and the duo led the race from the early

Top seniors, juniors, veteran U-50s, veteran O-50s, pre-juniors, ladies, and BMX riders were awarded.

Singh passed away last November at age 69 following prolonged illness. Known for his generosity to athletes from various disciplines, Singh was the proprietor of Duckie’s General Store located at Russell and Sussex Streets, Charlestown.

Enterprise

Primary steal the show as

Pee-Wee tourney continues

Haynes of Enterprise Primary ruled the day on Saturday, as the youngster racked up 12 goals in one game during the ongoing Courts’ Pee-Wee Under-11 football tournament.

Jashan

However, Enterprise’s scoring did not stop there as Haynes’ teammates added four more strikes for a whopping 16-0 victory against Graham’s Hall Primary.

Haynes opened the scoring for his team in only the second minute and added to their tally in the 3rd, 4th, 7th, 8th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 29th, 31st, 32nd and 37th. Nashon Wharton scored a brace in the 39th and 40th minutes while Isandro Vincent and Dontay Kowlessar added one each in the 11th and 35th.

North Georgetown Primary picked up their first victory in fine style against FE Pollard in the following game. A hat-trick from Shawn Douglas in the 8th, 17th and 30th minutes led the way, while Nathaniel Pieters (3rd) and Nandell Edinboro (34th) contributed one apiece for the 5-0 win.

Craig Primary also found themselves in the winners’ row after their contest with Ann’s Grove Primary, on the back of a Maurice Fields brace. Fields found the back of the net in the 12th and 22nd minutes, while Kevin Deyoung registered their other goal in the 18th. Isiah Pellew netted Ann’s Grove’s consolation goal in the 26th.

Redeemer Primary toppled Soesdyke Primary in the next game. David DeCosta’s hat-trick (5th, 10th, 33rd), coupled with Adiel Hamilton’s brace (39th, 40th) did the trick for Redeemer. Nathan Roberts added his name to the score sheet in the 12th, to account for Soesdyke’s lone goal in the 5-1 result.

email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063

Meanwhile, a lone goal was Mocha Primary’s and Tucville Primary’s ticket to three points.

For Mocha, in their game against Den Amstel Primary, Hubert Gardens found the back of the net for the game winning goal in the 35th minute. For Tucville, it was Ezekiel Dick’s golden boot that produced the game winner in the 33rd minute of their meeting with Victoria Primary.

St Margaret’s and Timehri Primary found themselves locked in a thrilling game, but at the end it was Timehri who prevailed 3-2. Nyron Barrow was the lone goal scorer for Timehri, netting in the 4th, 11th and 36th, while Nash Moe was the shining star for St Margaret’s, with two goals in the 34th and 46th minute respectively.

St Stephen’s Primary and Colaaco Primary were made to share points, following a nil-all draw between the two.

Winfer Gardens’ excellent run was brought to a halt by West Ruimveldt Primary, which eased to a comfortable 3-0 win in the last game on Saturday.

Aaron Archer (3rd); Dane Vancooten (15th) and Troy Lindsey (24th) scored one goal each in West Ruimveldt’s victory.

In other results from Saturday’s Under-11 boys’ action, St Pius Primary and Marian Academy were awarded walkovers, instead of facing St Agnes Primary and Smith’s Memorial Primary respectively.

Action in the Courts’ Pee-Wee tournament will continue next Saturday, at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue. The tournament is also supported by Sterling Products and MVP Sports.

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