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VENEZUELA’S AGGRESSION AND THREATS ON GUYANA NECESSITATE CONSTANT VIGILANCE Jul 14, 2024 Consumer Concerns, Features / Columnists, News, Waterfalls Magazine PAT DIAL Kaieteur News – The Venezuelan media and politicians have been keeping their aggressive claim to over two-thirds of Guyana’s territory alive. From time to time, they deploy soldiers and armaments on the border with the threat of invasion.  Less than two years ago, their maps showed the Essequibo region separate from Guyana as “a zone of reclamation”;  now it is shown as a state of Venezuela and the Maduro government has actually appointed a Governor for the state!  This kind of demented gaucherie would have been regarded as comic in the 21st century but Guyana has to take it very seriously since Venezuela lives in the world of the 18th and 19 centuries when states could acquire territory by aggression, once their armies were stronger than their neighbours.  Examples of this are Prussia’s seizure of Silesia from Poland or Germany’s seizure of Schleswig/Holstein from Denmark and the partition of Africa. The main reason for this anachronistic state of mind is Venezuela’s devotion to the Bolivarian cult when Simon Bolivar, a quintessential 18th century man, went over South America after the end of the Napoleonic wars in 1815 carving countries out of the decaying Spanish Empire and the other reason is that Guyana, a militarily weak oil-rich country, offers a quick seizure by the Venezuelan armed forces which is hundreds of times stronger than Guyana’s. Guyana, on the other hand, lives in the modern world, and this causes it to treat the Venezuelan threat as being resolvable by legal means but Guyana has to be constantly aware of Venezuela’s anachronistic cast of mind.  Unfortunately, such a cast of mind takes a long time to change and Venezuela could only be restrained from any adventurism by Diplomacy.  The international community is committed to preserving the peace of the world and especially so in South America.  Accordingly, OAS, The Commonwealth, the United States, the United Kingdom, CARICOM  and many European Community countries are supportive of Guyana.   They are also supportive of Guyana because it is clear that Venezuela is the aggressor and Guyana is the victim.  They will restrain Venezuela until the International Court of Justice (ICJ) adjudicates on the controversy. We will briefly remind readers of the background of this controversy: In 1841, the British Government engaged the well-known German cartographer, Robert Schombergk to demarcate British Guiana’s boundaries which he successfully completed.  Venezuela then raised an objection, claiming that Schombergk had taken part of their territory.  The British did not accept Venezuela’s claim and Venezuela then approached the United States for support, citing the Monroe Doctrine.  President Grover Cleveland, an anti-British personality, even threatened war, if Britain did not come to the table with Venezuela.  Venezuela, however, demanded a Treaty of Arbitration which resulted in the Treaty of Washington in 1897 between Venezuela and Britain.  Jose Andrade signed the treaty on behalf of Venezuela which was ratified by the Venezuelan Congress. The Arbitrators consisted of five persons -two appointed by Venezuela, two appointed by Britain with a neutral Chairman.  Venezuela appointed the Chief Justice of the United States and an equally prominent American judge and Britain appointed two equally prominent British judges with De Maatens, a very respected and prominent Russian judge as Chairman.  The Arbitrators scoured the Archives of Spain, Holland and Britain, did thorough deliberations and made their award in 1899.  All parties accepted the award and the Venezuelans were particularly jubilant, even printing postage stamps in honour of the Award.  The Venezuelans were particularly pleased that the British lost their claim to the mouth of the Orinoco River.  The Venezuelans insisted that the boundary be demarcated with immediacy and in 1900, a Joint Boundary Commission of British and Venezuelan surveyors went to work and made their final Report in 1905.  Venezuela further affirmed the boundary when, in 1921, Mount Roraima was identified as the meeting point of the boundaries of Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela. In the 1960’s, Britain was determined to withdraw from and give its Caribbean colonies including British Guiana their Independence.   The successor Independent Guianese Government was expected to be under the leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, a Marxist. The USA felt that Dr. Jagan would link up with Cuba, a Communist state and a close ally of the USSR with whom the USA was in the throes of the Cold War.  The USA accordingly opposed the granting of Guiana’s Independence and Venezuela, then an American client state, in 1962 opposed Guiana’s Independence. The justification proffered by Venezuela for its opposition was a posthumous letter written by Mallet-Prevost, one of the junior lawyers at the Arbitration claiming that the decision was rigged in favour of Britain.  The veracity of Mallet-Prevost’s letter could not be proved and not much cognizance was given to it by Venezuelan intellectual circles for twelve years after its publication.  Britain and Venezuela however were able to arrive at the Geneva Agreement of 1966 whereby it was agreed that the Controversy would be settled within four years and with the Geneva Agreement, Britain was free to grant Guyana its Independence which it did in May 1966. Guyana and Venezuela decided to use the Good Offices Process under United Nations auspices and if this failed, the UN Secretary General was tasked with choosing a mode of settlement to which both parties will use.  After nearly 30 years, the Controversy remained unsettled and both parties decided to withdraw from the Good Offices Process.  The Controversy then reverted to the UN Secretary General and he chose the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to make the final decision on it.  Guyana immediately accepted the ICJ as being the final arbitrator but Venezuela challenged this but the ICJ affirmed its capacity.  After Guyana and Venezuela would have made their final submissions, the Court will make its decision within a year. Venezuela continues to make bellicose threats on Guyana and these compel Guyana to always be on the alert. Related Similar Articles

PRODUCING/ PROCURING READY-MIXED CONCRETE THAT MEETS THE NATIONAL STANDARD Jul 14, 2024 Features / Columnists, GNBS, News, Waterfalls Magazine Kaieteur News – In Guyana, several local companies are producing ready-mixed concrete to meet the demands of the rapidly growing construction sector. Using ready-mixed concrete reduces the labour-intensive process of on-site mixing and provides confidence to purchasers that the product meets specification and quality standards. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has developed the National Standard “GYS 227 – Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete” to establish criteria for the production of ready-mixed concrete in Guyana. This standard defines ready-mixed concrete as concrete delivered to the site or into the purchaser’s vehicle in a plastic condition, ready for placement without further treatment. The standard specifies the conditions for production and delivery of ready-mixed concrete, including methods for nominal mixes, specified strength mixes, and specialized mixes. It also outlines how purchasers can specify the required properties of the concrete in their orders. Additionally, the document provides guidance on the information that purchasers should provide when ordering ready-mixed concrete, the inspection facilities required from the supplier, and the necessary tests. It distinguishes routine tests conducted by the supplier from those the purchaser is responsible for. It’s important to note that this standard does not cover the placement, compaction, curing, or protection of concrete after delivery, nor does it apply to materials for lean concrete or similar road base materials. Regarding materials used in ready-mix, the standard specifies that water should be clean and free from impurities that could affect the concrete mix adversely. Cement should be measured by weight or in whole bags as delivered by the manufacturer, while aggregate should be measured by weight. Two types of mixers are specified: stationary mixers and truck mixers (or truck agitators). If a stationary mixer is used, the mixing time should be at least two (2) minutes, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. For truck mixers, a revolution counter must be provided, and mixing should continue for at least 100 revolutions at a rate of not less than 7 revolutions per minute, as per manufacturer specification. The standard also sets requirements for concrete delivery, focusing on discharge time and the information that must be included on the delivery ticket. It stipulates that the basis of supply should be in cubic meters, as agreed between the purchaser and the supplier. Finally, the standard covers inspection, sampling, and testing of ready-mixed concrete to ensure confidence in the quality of the product supplied. The GNBS encourages suppliers of ready-mixed concrete to be guided by the requirements of this standard to ensure the consistent delivery of a quality product to consumers. In addition to setting standards for ready-mixed concrete, the GNBS offers testing services for the compressive strength of locally manufactured concrete cubes, slabs, and hollow blocks, as well as non-destructive testing of concrete structures. For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065/66, 219-0069 or WhatsApp: 692-4627 or visit gnbsgy.org Related Similar Articles

Hardat, Belgrave, Barkoye ease Guyana to maiden Blaze T20 title Jul 14, 2024 Sports The 2024 CWI Regional Women’s U19 T20 Blaze champions. 2024 CWI Regional Women’s U19 T20 Blaze Finals – Guyana beat Leewards by 23-runs (DLS method) Kaieteur Sports – It was a monumental day for Guyana Women’s cricket, as the Under-19 team rocketed their way to the 2024 Blaze T20 Championships title, etching their name in the history books of regional cricket. The Realeanna Grimmond-led team ran roughshod throughout the entire tournament as they went to the finals with just one loss under their belts. Guyana bowlers were relentless as they were throughout the tournament, with seamer Trisha Hardat bullying the opposition with 4-10 from 4 overs. The pair of Danellie Manns who grabbed 2-14 and the consistent Niya Latchman (1-5) lent tremendous support to Hardat as they kept Leewards to 68 all out. For the second game, Captain Jahzara Claxton kept Leewards afloat with a gritty 25 off 27 balls, with Courtney Brown (7) being the next best scorer. Prior to the rain interrupting, Guyana raced to 63-5 in 11.3 overs, after Shonette Belgrave and Naomi Barkoye spanked a number of boundaries which put their side well ahead of the run-rate; by the time rain arrived. Belgrave hit three fours and a six while Barkoye hit four fours in her run-a-ball, as Sainvani Kambalapalli (2-27) and Amara Richards (2-12) tried their best. Related Similar Articles

Miss, Mrs., and Teen India Guyana Pageant 2024 culminates in a splendid display of celebration and culture Jul 14, 2024 Features / Columnists, News, Waterfalls Magazine Miss, Mrs & Teen India Guyana 2024 crowned in grand style at the Ramada Princess Hotel Roraima Ballroom. The winners are Miss Teen India Guyana – Timran Dookna, Miss India Guyana – Diana Heralal and Mrs India Guyana – Devi Lim. (left to right) Kaieteur News – The recently concluded Miss, Mrs., and Teen India Guyana Pageant 2024 was a dazzling display of beauty, talent, and cultural pride, marking a significant milestone in the pageant’s history. This event not only celebrated the elegance and intelligence of its participants but also served as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Guyana. The Miss, Mrs., and Teen India Guyana Pageant has evolved over the years into a prestigious event that showcases the best of Indian culture in Guyana. Initially part of a global network of pageants under the Miss, Mrs., Teen India Worldwide organization, this local competition has grown in prominence, reflecting the vibrant Indian community within the country. The pageant provides a platform for women to express their individuality, talent, and dedication to social causes, all while celebrating their cultural roots. This year, the organizers took inspiration from the Miss, Mrs., Teen India Worldwide Pageant by holding the Talent and Evening Gown segments as separate events. This format allowed participants to shine in their areas of strength without the pressure of a single, condensed competition. The Talent Segment was a spectacular affair, highlighting the diverse abilities of the contestants. In the Talent Segment, Timran Dookna stood out in the Teen category with her eloquent spoken word piece on embracing one’s true self despite society’s expectations. Her performance was both inspiring and thought-provoking, resonating deeply with the audience. In the Mrs. Category, Devi Lim captivated the judges with a rich cultural dance that showcased her grace and skill, while Ruchira Guyadeen in the Miss category performed an equally mesmerizing traditional dance, embodying the spirit and vibrancy of Indian culture. Global Pioneer Award of Excellence presented to Founder and Chairman of Miss, Teen and Mrs. India Worldwide – Mr. Dharmatma Saran The grand finale of the Miss, Mrs., and Teen India Guyana Pageant 2024 was a night to remember. Diana Herelall was crowned Miss India Guyana 2024, a title that recognizes her poise, intelligence, and cultural dedication. Timran Dookna, not only won the Talent Segment but also went on to become Miss Teen India Guyana 2024, embodying the spirit and enthusiasm of the younger generation. Devi Lim took home the title of Mrs. India Guyana 2024, honouring her grace, talent, and commitment to her community. This year’s pageant was particularly significant as it marked the first time the founder of Miss India Worldwide, Dharamatma Saran, visited Guyana to witness the event. His presence underscored the importance of the pageant and highlighted the growing recognition of Guyana’s role in the global Indian community. Mr. Saran’s visit was a moment of pride for the organizers and participants alike, signaling a new era of international collaboration and prestige for the pageant. PREPARING FOR THE WORLD STAGE Guyana is gearing up for another potential victory on the global stage, inspired by Aruna Sukhdeo’s remarkable win at Miss India Worldwide 2023. Aruna’s achievement marked only the second time in 31 years that a representative from Guyana had won the international title, igniting hopes for a back-to-back win. This drive for excellence is bolstered by previous successes, such as Netu Lal, who placed first runner-up in the Miss Teen India Worldwide competition, and Reanna Arkhan, who secured a top-five spot in the Mrs. category. The local pageant’s organizers and participants are working tirelessly to ensure that their representatives are well-prepared to compete with the best from around the world. Reflecting on earlier achievements, in 2022, Beauty Razack made history as the first Guyanese to win the Miss Teen India Worldwide competition. Additionally, Maya Persaud placed in the top five, while Melicia Seepaul delivered a commendable performance, showcasing the depth of talent which Guyana has to offer. The winners of the 2023 pageant during a performance The pageant also featured the presentation of the Maharani Award, a special accolade given to individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields. This year, the award was presented to Poonam Singh, a beloved Guyanese music idol, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the music industry. Poonam’s acceptance of the award was a highlight of the evening, as she continues to inspire countless young artists with her talent and dedication. The event was met with overwhelming support from the public, reflecting the deep cultural pride and community spirit of Guyana. Attendees were thrilled by the high caliber of the performances and the elegance displayed by all the contestants. The pageant was not just a competition but a celebration of heritage, unity, and the shared aspirations of the Indian community in Guyana. Miss India Worldwide 2023 – Arun Sukhdeo Final Walk Pageantry, at its core, is about more than just beauty. It is a platform for empowerment, self-expression, and cultural pride. The Miss, Mrs., and Teen India Guyana Pageant exemplifies this by encouraging contestants to engage in community service, advocate for social causes, and represent their heritage with pride. This year’s participants undertook various initiatives to give back to their communities, demonstrating that they are not just pageant queens but also leaders and change-makers. As the curtains fall on the 2024 edition of the Miss, Mrs., and Teen India Guyana Pageant, the organizers and participants are already looking ahead to the next year. With each edition, the pageant evolves, incorporating new ideas and approaches to better showcase the talents and achievements of its contestants. The commitment to excellence and cultural celebration ensures that the pageant remains a highlight in Guyana’s cultural calendar. The legacy of the Miss, Mrs., and Teen India Guyana Pageant is one of empowerment, cultural celebration, and community impact. Each year, it nurtures and showcases the talents of Guyanese women, providing them with a platform to express their individuality and make a difference. The 2024 edition was no exception, setting a high standard for future pageants and reinforcing the importance of cultural pride and community service. Related Similar Articles

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