Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08-04-2024

‘It is in the Guyanese DNA to love, share’

–– President Ali says, affirms Guyana will remain committed to condemning injustice

Swift action results in minimal disruption to traffic across DHB

— after tug, barge from construction site of new river bridge crashes into four buoys, two pontoons on southern side of existing structure — Minister Edghill says investigation will be conducted today to determine cause of incident, avoid future occurrences

By Clestine Juan

A tug and a barge being used at the construction site of the new Demerara River Bridge drifted and crashed into the Demerara Harbour Bridge Sunday night.

The incident which occurred around 19:30 hrs, affected the bridge's operations, sparking immediate response efforts from authorities.

While the collision did not render the DHB out of service, the minister said it prompted concerns regarding traffic flow and safety measures.

Responding swiftly, various teams including the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) were mobilised to address the situation.

Minister Edghill assured the public that traffic was still flowing albeit with controlled measures in place to minimise disruption.

He highlighted that efforts

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, who was at the scene, said: “A motor tug and barge which has been engaged at the construction site of the New Demerara River Bridge drifted and came in contact with four buoys and two pontoons to the southern section of the current Demerara Harbour Bridge.”

‘Tremendous commitments in words but limited movement’ Advancing carbon market…

–– President Ali says, continues to lobby for forest payments

US

again

were underway to allow for marine vessels to cross by 4:00 hrs on Monday, mitigating further impact on traffic.

MARAD Chief Pilot, Lindsay Baird provided insights into the tide conditions, explaining that it “ takes approximately an hour on this spring for it to turn. At that time, when there is a jack tide when it is at its weakest, that is when the operation will take place.”

Plans were laid out for the removal of the barge once tide conditions were optimal, with a tug on standby for the manoeuvre.

Meanwhile, General Manager of the Demerara Harbour

Bridge Corporation, Wayne Watson, reassured the public of the safety of transiting and ongoing programmes.

“At this time, we can safely say that it is safe for transiting and all of our programmes. At this initial stage, we can conclude that there will be minimal obstruction to traffic either river or vehicle traffic along the bridge,” he said.

Minister Eghilll said an investigation will be launched on Monday to determine the cause of the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

He also said that no injuries were reported.

‘I have rarely seen so much across-the-board interest in a single market’

–– Director of Macro Policy at distinguished Washington DC policy advisory firm says ahead of visit to Guyana –– acknowledges government’s commitment to ‘responsible, conscientious’ development of transformative ‘energy discovery’

EU

eyes

more business, investment opportunities within Caribbean region

–– delegation to be among key investment stakeholders at upcoming regional forum

dismisses Venezuela’s rumour of military base in Guyana

The construction barge which collided with the Demerara Harbour Bridge

US again dismisses Venezuela’s rumour of military base in Guyana

–– White House officials call for respect of ICJ orders

By Clestine Juan

WHITE House National Security Communications Adviser, John Kirby, has said that the United States has “no plans” for a secret military base in Guyana— a rumour which is being peddled by Venezuela amid the ongoing border controversy.

During a press briefing last Thursday, Kirby addressed concerns in Venezuela, where lawmakers allied to President Nicolás Maduro approved the creation of a new state in Guyana’s resource-rich Essequibo region.

Despite ongoing proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Venezuela has attempted to assert itself to lay claim to Guyana’s territory, citing a December referendum as socalled “justification.”

President Maduro has also accused the US of having placed “secret military bases” and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters in Guyana to attack the population of southern and eastern Venezuela.

“There’s no plans for a secret military base,” Kirby said as he dismissed the rumours.

The United States has long denied that it has plans to set up a military base in Guyana. Guyana’s government has also made no request for the establishment of such a base here.

Venezuela, with no evidence, has been weaponising commentaries made on social media by persons to propagate a distorted narrative on the border controversy.

The creation of the new state, named “Guayana Esequiba” by Venezuela, adds another layer of complexity to the longstanding territorial controversy. Venezuela, last year, had increased claims to two-thirds of Guyana’s Essequibo region.

This area is known for its wealth in oil, timber, and other natural resources, drawing attention and contention from both sides.

In response to Venezuela’s actions, Guyana has been bolstering its defence and diplomatic efforts with the help of international partners, aiming to counter security threats while promoting regional stability.

Despite these preparations, Guyanese officials have reiterated their focus on defence rather than offence.

Following Venezuela’s

reaction to the docking of the British offshore patrol vessel, HMS Trent, in Guyana’s waters, President Dr. Irfaan Ali clarified the nation’s defensive posture, indicating no intent to initiate conflict with Venezuela.

Despite the tensions, a recent declaration agreed upon by Guyana and Venezuela in St Vincent and the Grenadines, facilitated by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has calmed the situation, with both countries committing to peaceful dialogue.

Following a historic meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in St Vincent and the Grenadines on December 14, 2023, both leaders agreed “not to threaten or use force against one another,” reinforcing their commitment to peace and stability in the region.

The two nations also agreed to cooperate to avoid incidents on the ground conducive to tension between them. In the event of such an incident, the two states will immediately communicate with one another, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Community of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAC), and the

Advancing carbon market…

President of Brazil to contain, reverse and prevent its recurrence.

The genesis of the controversy dates back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision that delineated the land boundary between then British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela.

Despite historical arbitration, tensions persisted, leading Guyana to approach the ICJ in 2018, seeking affirmation of the award’s legitimacy.

With the support of CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and international partners, Guyana stands firmly in its legal battle, which remains under the ICJ’s consideration.

Kirby reiterated the importance of both parties respecting the recent ICJ’s provisional measures which are binding on the parties involved. Under the UN Charter, all states are solemnly bound to comply with the court’s orders, which can be enforced by the UN Security Council.

“We’ve said many times that there’s an 1899 arbitral ruling about the border between Guyana and Venezuela, and we want both sides to respect that ruling and to do it peacefully,” Kirby said.

Last week, in response to escalating aggression from neighbouring Venezuela, the Government of Guyana issued a stern warning that the latest attempt by the nation to annex more than two-thirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory will not be allowed.

This action by President Maduro has triggered fierce condemnation not only from Guyana’s, but international and regional bodies.

The government highlighted that this move by Venezuela contradicts the spirit of the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace, signed in December 2023.

“It is unfortunate that the commitment made at Argyle to the pursuance of good neighbourliness, peaceful coexistence, and the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean is now again seriously threatened by President Maduro’s words and action today [Thursday],” the statement read.

Describing the action as “a flagrant violation of the most fundamental principles of international law,” Guyana reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the Charter of the Organisation of American States, and customary international law.

‘Tremendous commitments in words but limited movement’

By Naomi Parris

THE forest remains a critical component in the fight against climate change, and massive support is required to conserve it, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has maintained.

He said, however, while global stakeholders are aware of this, there have not yet been many solid commitments to fund such efforts.

In view of this, President Ali continued to lobby for a structured mechanism to advance monetary support to fund conservation efforts.

The Head of State made a case to enhance efforts to conserve forests within the Caribbean and Latin Ameri-

can region, during a presentation at the Sixth Annual Security Challenges in Latin America Forum held at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Centre, School of Advanced International Studies, last week.

During the frank discussion, the Guyanese Head of State said: “I would say there is tremendous commitment in words, in understanding that there is a value, but there is very limited movement towards developing a mechanism through which that, value is monetised.”

Guyana since 2007 has been lobbying for support to enhance conservation efforts of its forest and those of its

neighbours that are a part of the Amazon Basin. While Guyana has entered a voluntary market to preserve its forests, a structured mechanism could create a greater incentive for Guyana and other developing countries.

WHAT ARE CARBON MARKETS AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

In a nutshell, carbon markets are trading systems in which carbon credits are sold and bought.

Companies or individuals can use carbon markets to compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing carbon credits from

–– President Ali says, continues to lobby for forest payments

entities that remove or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

According to President Ali, the market is “not getting the type of reaction that it deserves.”

What is needed are frank discussions on decision making and policy making to acknowledge the value of forests by the already developed countries.

The value of forests, the Guyanese leader said, must be written in policy-making frameworks to support a market-based mechanism

In 2022, Guyana sold 37.5 million carbon credits for a minimum of US$750 million, to be paid during 2022-2032 (a third of the

credits Guyana will receive over 2016-30); this is one of the largest transactions in the world.

More recently, Guyana made the world’s First Paris Agreement Corresponding Adjustment for ART-Issued TREES Carbon Credits, allowing for the authorisation of carbon units for use in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

“We were one of the first countries to have an agreement with the Kingdom of Norway and then we had an end-user agreement with the Hess Corporation.

We now are working on having another agreement.

So, we have proven that the model can work although it’s a voluntary market, but we now have to move that on a global scale in a very structured market, and that is what we want to do.

Work with everyone in bringing this,” the President said.

LACK OF WILL

According to President Ali, there is ‘lack of will’ to advance the carbon market and value forests.

“Whilst on one hand, the world is saying we must take these measures, we must adopt these policies,

White House National Security Communications Adviser, John Kirby

‘It is in the Guyanese DNA to love, share’

–– President Ali says, affirms Guyana will remain committed to condemning injustice

IT is within the Guyanese DNA to love and share, so it is only natural that the nation jumps at any opportunity to support humanitarian causes, President Dr Irfaan Ali has said.

This was according to the President during his address at the Qiyaam Lailatul Qadr– A night of Prayer for Global Peace, Guyana and Palestine, on Saturday evening, when he reflected on Guyana’s love and compassion.

“In our DNA as Guyanese, we are built to love. We are built to share. We are built to sacrifice. Even when we had very little, Guyana sacrificed every single time the world was in need,” the President said.

Reflecting on the period when current Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo was the Head of State, Dr Ali noted that Guyana had the distinction in the world as being the highest per capita donor for humanity and humanitarian efforts around

the world.

“Today these values shape us as a people and as a country,” he said, while adding that this is cemented in the PPP/C government, which he has the honour to lead.

President Ali went on to say that the PPP/C government is developing policies and programmes that allow the citizens of this country to achieve prosperity, and his administration is doing this in such a manner that the nation’s resources are being managed responsibly.

Even as Guyana acknowledges its steps towards the improvement of all lives, the President drew attention to the suffering of persons the world over, including the people of Palestine and those in Haiti, who are facing severe adversities.

“Terrorism has no place in our modern world and has no place in any religious texts, none whatsoever. We are very principled; Guyana and the People’s Progres -

sive Party/Civic government have always been principled on matters, like for a matter of fact, every successive president in our government at the UN would always have a paragraph to speak about Palestine and injustice

in other places in the world.

“We speak on behalf of Haiti. We speak on behalf of Palestine. We speak on behalf of Cuba, because we always speak from a position of principle. We speak against terrorism, because as

I said, these are things that have no place in our societies,” Dr Ali firmly said.

The humanitarian disaster in Gaza remains grave as a result of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Severe food insecurity is a defining feature of the crisis, affecting the whole Gaza population at crisis level or above.

Gaza’s healthcare system has also collapsed, leading to hospital closures and a shortage of medical supplies.

As it relates to Guyana’s Caribbean Community (CARICOM) sister state, Haiti, President Ali, who is also the current chair of CARICOM, has taken a lead role in addressing the political and humanitarian crises in Haiti.

He has been instrumental in bringing together envoys and regional leaders for an emergency summit, in Kingston, to address the growing security problem in Haiti.

Dr Ali has been involved in discussions aimed at re-

storing normalcy and stability to Haiti in the face of persistent gang-related violence. He has also participated in diplomatic initiatives to assist Haiti’s democratic transition, such as talks about the country’s situation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The Guyanese Head of State has also stated that he is dedicated to seeing Haiti thrive, and has participated in diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation, such as endorsing the formation of a presidential transition council in Haiti.

“Tonight, we have reinforced once again who we are as Guyanese, we have to reinforce once again, what makes us separate and apart from all other nations,” President Ali told the scores of both Muslims and non-Muslims gathered at the National Ramadan Village, where over $72.5 million was raised to support the people of Palestine.

‘Tremendous commitments in words ...

From page 2 on the other hand there is no commitment when it comes to providing the resources. There is no commitment when it comes to valuing and monetising the assets that are key in keeping our planet alive,” he said.

Forests are arguably the earth’s greatest asset. According to the Guyanese leader, forests also provide a service.

He said: “In any society, in any economic structure model, you have to pay for that service.

You have to pay for that service and that is why we believe that the time has come for this monetisation to be structured and to be compulsory.

And that is what we are working [on], we are pushing ahead with.”

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

Since 2007, Guyana has been lobbying for a structured carbon market-based mechanism to simultaneously preserve its forests and pursue development. The country boasts forest coverage of 85 per cent that traps 19.5 gigatons of carbon.

‘One Guyana’ vision leading community development in Eccles-Ramsburg

AS the Eccles-Ramsburg community continues its journey of positive progression, it stands as a beacon of collaborative governance and innovative solutions, as its Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) continues to pave the way for a brighter future for all its residents, enriching the lives of future generations.

Anchored by the guiding principles of the “One Guyana” vision championed

Infrastructural upgrades and drainage prioritisation stand as cornerstones of Eccles-Ramsburg’s development agenda.

“The Eccles Ramsburg NDC has prioritised drainage to recognise the importance of adequate drainage systems in safeguarding communities. The cleaning of many community drains is in an advanced stage,” the community leaders said.

Recognising the critical role of resilient infrastructure

of collaborative governance that permeates every aspect of decision-making.

Led by dynamic community leaders such as Neil Kumar, Sean Richmond, and Christopher Chan, the community has embraced a participatory approach that ensures development efforts are guided by local needs and aspirations.

Through meaningful engagement with residents, local leaders, and community activists, Eccles-Ramsburg

by President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the community stands as a testament to the tangible results that emerge when leadership aligns with community aspirations.

Since assuming office in August 2020, President Ali has embarked on a journey of proactive governance, spearheading initiatives that have propelled significant development nationwide.

According to EcclesRamsburg community leaders, President Ali’s approach, marked by assertive interventions and strategic collaboration, has catalysed progress in municipalities and Local Authority Areas (LAAs) across the country, with their community emerging as a focal point of this transformative agenda.

The leaders said that at the heart of Eccles-Ramsburg’s significance lies its strategic location as a vital gateway connecting diverse regions and communities.

Serving as a central conduit to leading international airports and home to the current and new harbour bridge, the Eccles-Ramsburg LAA plays a pivotal role in facilitating the seamless movement of people and goods, enriching the national tapestry, and driving economic growth.

Ramsburg exemplified the transformative potential of visionary leadership and community collaboration.

The commitment of local leaders to advancing the collective vision for progress and community empowerment is evident in their tireless efforts to monitor and implement approved projects.

Through their dedication and strategic oversight, the Eccles-Ramsburg NDC said that it is charting a new course towards resilience and connectivity, setting a standard for sustainable development that can be replicated across Guyana and beyond.

Looking ahead, the Eccles-Ramsburg community leaders said that they remain steadfast in their commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth.

“Eccles-Ramsburg’s journey is purposeful and mobilised but far from over. The forward-thinking approach…reflects a commitment to sustainable development and resilience in the

in fostering sustainable growth, the community leaders have embarked on a comprehensive programme of road refurbishments and enhancements designed to withstand the challenges of tomorrow.

These initiatives, coupled with innovative floodmitigation measures and advanced construction techniques, underscore EcclesRamsburg’s commitment to building a resilient community that can thrive in the face of environmental challenges.

Central to the success of Eccles-Ramsburg’s development initiatives is the spirit

has created a development model that is responsive, inclusive, and efficient.

The recent visit of President Ali to Eccles-Ramsburg underscored the significant progress achieved through collaborative governance and proactive leadership.

During the visit, key stakeholders, including government officials, councillors, and community leaders, witnessed first-hand the tangible results of ongoing $39.5 million development projects.

From critical infrastructural upgrades to innovative drainage solutions, Eccles-

face of challenges.

“One that would ensure advantages in our community transitioning, while complementing the national goal of extending development benefits across Guyana with an accelerated endeavour, ensuring equitable progress and enhancing the quality of life for every citizen,” the community leaders said.

With ongoing and future projects under the Ministry of Works and strategic interventions guided by local needs and aspirations, the community is poised to continue its growth trajectory.

Members of the community team inspecting works done in the alleyway at the back of Flamboyant Supermarket, Eccles

Christopher Chan, Neil Kumar, Jasodra Applesammy, Shantaram Seetaram, and Chaintarine Persaud inspecting works done on the first major alleyway in AA, Eccles

Major construction works at Mazaruni, Lusignan prisons progressing well

CONSTRUCTION works which are ongoing at the Mazaruni and Lusignan prisons are nearing completion and will bring significant improvements to the living and working conditions for inmates and staff.

Currently, the Mazaruni Prison is being expanded with a new building being built to house prisoners.

This project is in its second phase of construction and is expected to finish within the next few weeks.

This is aimed at enhancing the overall infrastructure of the prison, allowing both prisoners and staff to dwell in a more modern environment.

Additionally, to fortify

the security of the prison, the fence is also being done and it is 98 per cent completed. This project is being executed at a cost of $66 million.

Rehabilitation works are also ongoing on the evolving boundary fence and watchtower. This is currently at a 70 per cent completion.

Furthermore, reconstruction has since commenced on the officers’ mess which is about 20 per cent finished. The $57 million project is designed to provide recreation to both the senior and junior officers of the Mazaruni Prison.

Meanwhile, the expansion works at the Lusignan

Prison consist of six new state-of-the-art prison sections. Works have already been completed on lots one, two, three, and six, and have already been made operationlised.

Lot four is currently in the advanced stage of construction.

This expansion project at the prison will also see the establishment of a vocational school which will soon be used to train inmates in a variety of skills.

The school is almost completed and will majorly help to minimise recidivism in the prison service.

Works are also ongoing in the ‘Holiday Bay Facility’ which is being renovated into a trade shop where prisoners will be exposed to

programmes including auto mechanics, joinery, tailoring, and carpentry.

These are all opportunities being crafted by the government to allow inmates to be productive as they prepare for reintegration into society.

Moreover, the Infirmary Annex, senior officers’ living quarters, and the overhead

water-storage tanks and water treatment plants have already been built and are operational.

These major projects are all aimed at improving the overall functionality of the prisons in the country.

Upon completion, it will see the government getting closer to its goal of transi-

tioning from a panel system to that of a correctional structure.

In this year’s budget, the Guyana Prison Service was allocated a sum of $6.5 billion to continue to achieve its strategic goals.

The money will be spent for the benefit of both the prisoners and staff. (DPI)

Rallying the International community

VENEZUELA’S recent decision to promulgate the Organic Law for the “Defence of Essequiba” is not just an affront to the sovereignty of Guyana, but is also a destabilising move that threatens the peace and stability of the entire Caribbean region.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, has rightfully echoed the concerns raised by President, Dr Irfaan Ali of Guyana, calling on fellow Commonwealth member states to stand in solidarity with Guyana during this critical time.

Under this new law, Venezuela aims to assert control over two-thirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory, effectively creating a new state within its own borders. This blatant disregard for international law and diplomatic norms is deeply troubling.

By granting itself the power to elect a governor and allowing the National Assembly to legislate in this territory,

Venezuela is escalating tensions and undermining the efforts to resolve the longstanding border controversy through peaceful means.

The decision by President Nicolás Maduro’s government directly contradicts the order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 1, 2023.

The ICJ’s ruling explicitly stated that Venezuela must refrain from taking any actions that would alter the current situation in the territory until a final decision is reached.

Venezuela’s latest move not only violates this order, but also undermines the spirit of the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace signed by both countries in December. 2023.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General rightly emphasises that the ICJ process is the lawful and appropriate means to address this controversy.

The international community,

including the Commonwealth, has consistently supported Guyana’s position and urged Venezuela to abide by the principles of international law. However, Venezuela’s persistent disregard for these principles only serves to prolong the conflict and jeopardise regional stability.

It is worth remembering that the border between Guyana and Venezuela was settled by an arbitral tribunal in 1899, a decision that Venezuela accepted for over 60 years. Despite decades of negotiations, Venezuela’s repudiation of the award upon Guyana’s independence in 1966 reignited tensions that have yet to be fully resolved.

The referral of the matter to the ICJ by the United Nations Secretary-General was a significant step towards a peaceful resolution, but Venezuela’s continued provocations undermine the credibility of international institutions and exacerbate the situation.

In light of Venezuela’s latest ac-

tions, it is imperative that the international community stands united in support of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Commonwealth, along with other relevant stakeholders, must exert diplomatic pressure on Venezuela to abide by its international obligations and engage constructively in resolving the controversy through peaceful means. Failure to do so risks further escalation and instability in the region.

As responsible members of the global community, we cannot afford to ignore Venezuela’s blatant disregard for the rule of law and the principles of peaceful coexistence. It is incumbent upon all nations to uphold the sanctity of international law and work towards a just and lasting resolution to the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. Anything less would be a betrayal of our collective commitment to peace, security, and justice.

Our President is a man of the people and for the people

Dear Editor,

THE entire Caribbean, South America and the world at large should be and are extremely elated and proud that a young, selfless, honest, courageous, hard-working and dedicated leader has emerged in our dear land.

He is a Guyanese leader who is not only dedicated to foster and promote the socio-economic development of his own country, Guyana, but to the Caribbean as well.

This salient fact has merited His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali yet another prestigious international award, the Caribbean Global Award, which followed closely after he was honoured with the highly acclaimed Global Africa Leadership Award and the Order of Freedom of Barbados Award.

His exceptional and superb leadership has now transcended our borders. The prognostication is clear that he is a world-class leader who is not afraid to stand for the truth and to

defend that truth.

This is just the fourth year in his first term in office as President and he has already surpassed all expectations, and proved to the naysayers that he has all the qualities which have already elevated him to the calibre of Dr Jagan and Dr Bharrat Jagdeo -- the best Presidents this country has ever seen.

His recent BBC interview speaks volumes of his oratorical ability and competence to rapidly and fearlessly deliver his message and to defend his country -- a delivery which is unmatched. It must be recalled that last year he staunchly defended the need for reparations on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.

He was never at lost for words and has never failed to match his actions with those words, and that is a rare combination in this world which is replete with hypocritical and dishonest leaders.

It must be recalled that in his inauguration speech, Dr Ali promised to work for all

Guyanese regardless of colour, class or creed, and he has kept that promise unlike the PNC and AFC leaders who used the opportunity in government for self-aggrandisement. They lied, deceived and impoverished the Guyanese people-- the leopard cannot change its spots. Where was the UNHRC then?

Our President is a man of the people and for the people and his quest for a One Guyana in nurturing the unity of the races, inclusivity and sharing the prosperity, and his achievement so far has surpassed what others in the PNC, who were in government for 33 years, have failed to achieve.

In fact, the PNC and the AFC have never intended for the unification of the races, their violent and bloody street protests will forever be ingrained and indelibly etched in our memories. Today, President Ali has wended his way into all the Afro-Guyanese villages and into their hearts.

The PNC simply tore the races apart, espe-

cially the Indo and Afro-Guyanese. I wonder why the UNHRC was silent on these atrocities, the massive corruption and the glaring and well-documented attempts to rig the 2020 General and Regional Elections. These do not matter apparently.

The indications are clear and conclusive that President Ali will take and is taking Guyana to an unparalleled height of development, but at the same time, he will not allow our Caribbean sister nations to be left behind and even those farther afield.

Our poverty-stricken experiences during the harsh and unlivable conditions under the PNC have taught us the art of sharing, and President Ali will leave no stone unturned to ensure this.

No Guyanese will suffer from hunger unless it is by choice.

Long live our President.

Dear Editor,

THE ongoing massacre in Gaza, Palestine, has once again highlighted the stark and harrowing realities faced by Palestinians caught in an unending genocide.

This is further underscored by the tragic deaths of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers, killed in an Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) airstrike.

This incident, wherein aid workers were reportedly mistakenly targeted under the belief that they were Hamas operatives, compels us to confront an uncomfortable question: how many Palestinian lives have been brutally ended under the guise of mistaken identity?

These aid workers were pursued and killed; Israel claimed it was a mistake. Perhaps the first strike, but were the second and third also mere errors? Similarly, Palestinian youths are targeted and killed by Israeli snipers. Videos depict Palestinian youths attempting to collect airdropped US aid being systematically shot by Israeli snipers.

The characterisation by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as a source

of “relentless death and destruction” is more than rhetorical. It reflects a grave reality where respect for international humanitarian law seems disregarded.

The numbers are staggering: in just six months, 4,348 children, 4,924 women, 757 elderly people, and 144 journalists have been killed. In total, over 32,000 lives have been lost.

This human toll is accompanied by the destruction of over 70,000 housing units and the displacement of more than two million people. And it should be noted that this war did not start on October 7, 2023, but rather, this has been the disastrous situation of Palestinians for over 70 years.

The recent UN report, “Anatomy of a Genocide,” by Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur about human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, offers a chilling assessment. It suggests that the pattern of violence and Israel’s policies during its operations in Gaza could meet the threshold for genocide.

This is a serious allegation based on an analysis that shows how the principles of “jus in bello” (or justice in war) have been

intentionally distorted, with protective measures subverted to legitimise violence against Palestinians.

This grim scenario is exacerbated by the broader context of settler-colonialism and settler-violence and the erasure of the Indigenous Arab presence to establish Israel as a “Jewish state.” The acts of land confiscation, house demolitions, and denial of Palestinians’ right to self-determination are seen as part of a genocidal logic integral to Israel’s settler-colonial project in Palestine.

Amidst these developments, high-ranking Israeli officials have reportedly advocated for the ethnic transfer and expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. Such statements, along with actions on the ground, underscore a chilling disregard for Palestinian rights and lives.

Palestinians are made refugees in their own land, facing starvation, with children dying from hunger and malnutrition, trapped in a cycle of violence and displacement with no end in sight. They are even forced to consume grass for sustenance.

Israel has severely restricted the entry of aid into Gaza and has prohibited even basic health supplies essential for hospitals to func-

tion, in addition to bombing and destroying almost all the hospitals in Gaza. Currently, pregnant mothers undergo caesarean sections without anaesthesia, and babies die due to the lack of electricity for incubators, a situation exacerbated by Israel cutting off the power supply.

It is imperative for the international community to not only acknowledge these realities, but also to take concrete steps to address them. Respect for and protection of human rights must be paramount, with Israel held accountable to international standards. Silence and inaction signify complicity.

We must advocate for peace, justice, and a sustainable resolution that respects the rights and dignity of all Palestinians. The urgent need for a two-state solution, where Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side in peace and harmony, has never been more apparent. We must collectively demand an immediate end to the genocide in Palestine.

From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

How many Palestinian lives have been brutally ended under the guise of mistaken identity? Extension

services are critical for achieving food security and improving productivity

Dear Editor,

THE Ministry of Agriculture in Guyana plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting the country’s agricultural sector.

One of the key initiatives undertaken by the ministry is the provision of agricultural extension services.

These services are essential for small-holder farmers as they (extension officers) provide them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to improve their agricultural practices and increase productivity.

Agricultural extension services involve the dissemination of information, training, and technical assistance to farmers to help them adopt modern and sustainable farming techniques. This can include guidance on proper crop and livestock management, soil-conservation methods, pest and disease control, market access, and financial management.

The importance of agricultural extension services to farmers cannot be overstated. These services enable farmers to enhance their knowledge and skills, leading to increased yields and improved agricultural practices.

By adopting modern techniques and technologies, farmers can boost

their productivity, enhance the quality of their produce, and ultimately increase their incomes.

Furthermore, agricultural extension services play a crucial role in promoting sustainable farming practices.

By educating farmers on environmentally friendly methods such as organic farming and proper soil-conservation techniques, extension services help farmers to protect the natural resources on which their livelihoods depend.

In addition, agricultural extension services play a vital role in promoting food security and rural development. By empowering farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge, extension services help to increase food production, reduce food insecurity, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.

Overall, it is a key component of agricultural development in Guyana. By providing farmers with the information, training, and resources they need, extension services help to improve agricultural productivity, promote sustainable farming practices and enhance food security and rural development.

The Ministry of Agriculture in

Guyana continues to invest in and support farmers through these services to ensure the continued growth and success of the coun-

Sincerely, Shazad Sookram

try’s agricultural sector.

Sincerely, Fawaz A. Harry

Please note these 46 words of Moses Nagamootoo

LAST Friday, Moses Nagamootoo officially launched his memoir, “Dear Land of Guyana” at the Pegasus. Nagamootoo’s book is replete with omissions that run into the thousands that have left a gaping aperture in Guyana’s historiography that he compulsorily has to fill if he is ever going to redeem himself.

Please see my two negative critiques of his memoir - Tuesday, March 26, 2024, “Book review: Nagamootoo’s

comical tragedy,” and Thursday, March 27, 2024, “Nagamootoo’s Faustian journey and Mephistophelean rendezvous.”

After reading what Nagamootoo is reported in the media as saying at the launch, I say unapologetically that Moses should seek counselling. He told his audience that his book is about his journey of contribution to the quest for political and social cohesion in Guyana. But the contents of his book contradict that, so this is why I talk about counselling.

How can you launch your memoir about your attempts to bring reconciliation to Guyana yet when you were in power for five years, your administration exacerbated the divisions in Guyana and your own individual performance in government allowed for the expansion of the divisions?

Here is Nagamootoo in his words on page xi of the preface of his autobiography: “The coalition cannot absolve itself from blame for its removal from office. The complex but toxic mix of inter-party bickering, dependence on ethnic support, entrenchment of the impulse to rig elections, misuse of office to foist personality politics and party paramountcy, cannot be underestimated.”

These are the words of the said man who got up last Friday night at the Pegasus and spoke his life long quest to erase political and ethnic polarization in Guyana.

Those 46 words above were never elongated on in the memoir. When you read those 46 words as you are moving through the pages, you know that all phone calls will go unanswered, dinner or lunch will have to wait and you aren’t putting down the book to go out until those meaty, teasing, titillating, tantalising dramas are described by Nagamootoo. But there is none of that in the book.

How can someone like Nagamootoo, with over 50 years in politics before he became the Prime Minister, tell a gathering of people who came together to buy his book, he has striven all his life for unity in his country, yet the very book they have in their hands contradicts what he opened his mouth and said to them?

If the people who gathered that evening at Pegasus didn’t read my two reviews of the book and were hoping to digest the juicy stories on inter-party fighting between 2015 and 2020 then they must be angry with Nagamootoo by now.

Here is a man who fought party paramountcy all his life with this columnist being part of that long journey, and he

was the strategic player in 2015 that made the APNU+AFC coalition achieve power only to see party paramountcy return.

And what did he do about it? There is no explanation or description in his autobiography of what he did. One has to conclude that he did nothing because the organisation that is tied to the paramountcy doctrine wanted him to be Prime Minister again after 2020 and not Ramjattan.

When he wrote his book, one wonders if Nagamootoo was aware of what co-founder of the Alliance For Change, Raphael Trotman, wrote in a letter in the Stabroek News of December 2, 2020.

I quote: “We are a people comprising several nations living in a geographic space we call Guyana… at any given time one or two of those nations will not like another, accept another or give the other the legitimacy it needs. The PNC discovered this from 1966 to 1992 and 2015 to 2020. The PPP discovered this from 1992 to 2015.”

For more on what Trotman had to say about the failure of the AFC in office to dilute racial suspicions, see my column of Monday, December 14, 2020 with the title, “The sickening admission/confession of Raphael Trotman.”

Here are the promotional words of Nagamootoo’s memoir on the back cover: “The formation of a multi-ethnic, six party electoral alliance and its election in 2015 as the first ever broad-based coalition government in Guyana, were giant steps in the right direction towards promoting national unity. It was worth the try to heal our divided nation.”

Moses Nagamootoo owes it to his country to tell us why the giant steps became footprints in the sand that the waves washed away.

Those 46 words in his book on the explanation is an insult to this nation. Here is the poem that best describes the political career of Moses Nagamootoo: “But man, proud man Dressed in brief authority Most ignorant of what he is most assured.”

World Health Day and cancer

IT is known as the silent killer and over the years, cancer has claimed the lives of millions around the world.

It is a complicated disease, which can cause noticeable symptoms rapidly, yet in other instances an individual may have the disease for years and develop no symptoms.

In addition, many cancer symptoms are difficult to differentiate from other less serious illnesses. Hence early diagnosis is not always possible, unless regular health checks are made, particularly when changes in the body are detected.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) the most common types of cancer in men are

lung, prostate, colorectal (affecting the colon and the rectum) stomach and liver. While breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are most common among women.

Researchers also state that certain groups are more susceptible to the disease than others - men slightly more than women and

black men more than other ethnic groups.

Cancer is also the second leading cause of global deaths, with an estimated 9.6 million people succumbing to the disease in 2018. The WHO also recognises that the cancer burden is growing, particularly in low and middle income countries, where health

systems are least prepared to manage the influx of patients.

It is against this backdrop that the Guyana government, three years ago, adopted a three-stage approach to combat cervical cancer which the Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, said is preventable and yet is the second most prevalent cancer in this country after breast cancer.

Last year Guyanese were also urged to make the most of the ministry’s cancer prevention efforts, which included the relaunching of the HPV vaccine, early screening and early treatment.

World Health Day, celebrated on Saturday under the theme: “My health, my

right”, invites everyone to focus on a single health challenge with global impact, such as cancer.

This year’s theme was chosen “to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education and information...”

There is also a need for clean air, potable water, good nutrition, quality housing, proper working and environmental conditions and freedom from discrimination.

It is a mammoth task exacerbated by disease and disasters worldwide, pollution and widespread conflicts, which all cause

“death, pain, hunger and psychological distress’ ‘.

And while 140 countries recognise health as a human right and include it in their constitutions, many are guilty of not implementing laws to ensure that their populations are entitled to health services.

The WHO, therefore, urges the public to know their health rights, make decisions about their own health, promote the right to health “as an intrinsic pillar of our broader human rights” and champion health as a priority by getting involved in the decision-making around health.

‘I

have rarely seen so much across-the-board interest in a single market’

–– Director of Macro Policy at distinguished Washington DC policy advisory firm says ahead of visit to Guyana –– acknowledges government’s commitment to

ACE Consulting Group (ACG) – a premier strategic advisory and local consulting firm – is partnering with ACG Analytics to bring a prominent group of experienced international investors from Washington DC, New York, and London to explore Guyana’s growing market.

According to a press release, ACG Analytics is a distinguished policy advisory

firm in Washington DC and is renowned for its expertise in advising asset managers primarily located in New York City, Miami, and London.

ACG Analytics’ Chris Czerwinski, Director of Macro Policy, who will be accompanying the group, underscored the market interest in Guyana, stating: “In my years working with investment funds in macro, special situations, and event-driven

‘responsible, conscientious’ development of transformative ‘energy discovery’

strategies, I have rarely seen so much across-the-board interest in a single market, and a government so committed to the responsible and conscientious development of its transformative energy discovery. We are excited to see first-hand all of the good things that are happening in Guyana.”

The delegation travelling to Guyana represents hedge funds with collective assets

the time to explore Guyana’s landscape.

Vice President of ACE Consulting Group, Wazim Mowla, who runs the Group’s Washington DC operations, said: “The trip shows that the attention of experienced investors has moved from “interest” to “action” when looking at the country’s market. There’s a steady pipeline of project opportunities in Guyana and we hope that the group joining us in Guyana is one of many.”

under management of approximately US$200 billion to meet with policymakers and business leaders on the rapidly changing investment landscape.

Dr. Rosh Khan, President of ACE Consulting Group, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating: “This trip is a milestone in Guyana’s journey towards sustainable economic development. It’s no secret that the world’s eyes are on Guyana, including Wall Street. We’re excited to facilitate this high-level delegation and explore various avenues for critical investments in Guyana.”

The ACE Consulting Group-ACG Analytics partnership highlights that Guyana’s market is ready for some of the world’s most influential investors. There is a broad consensus from the delegation that now is

ACE Consulting Group and ACG Analytics are orchestrating a series of high-level meetings with key stakeholders across various sectors in Guyana. Leveraging ACE’s extensive network and deep-rooted expertise, the partnership is convening meaningful dialogues that address critical issues and explore untapped opportunities for growth and development.

Labourer shot during suspected robbery at Charlotte Street

A 35-year-old labourer is nursing a wound to his left thigh after he was shot during a suspected robbery around 09:40hrs at Charlotte Street, on Sunday.

According to information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), investigations revealed that the victim, Wesson Hinds, was standing on Charlotte Street, opposite the Truth Power, Glory, and Sanctuary Church, when two unidentified men wearing face masks approached him on a motorcycle.

The pillion rider, according to police, disembarked, demanded belongings from the victim, asking “if he get anything” and without delay, discharged a round from a handgun, hitting the victim to his left upper thigh.

Subsequently, the suspects fled on the motorcycle.

The victim is receiving medical treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, as investigations continue.

President of ACE Consulting Group, Dr Rosh Khan

Vice President of ACE Consulting Group, Wazim Mowla

20 families from Yakarinta, Nappi get new homes

THE livelihoods of 20 families from the communities of Yakarinta and Nappi in Region Nine have been significantly uplifted, as they

received keys to their new homes through the Hinterland Housing Programme.

As part of the hinterland initiative, the government

has committed to building 400 houses in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine to provide sustainable housing to vulnerable families. The

20 by 25 feet houses cost approximately $3 million each.

During his outreach to the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo district, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal officially handed over the homes to 10 families in both communities, on Saturday.

One of the beneficiaries of Nappi, Winston Marcello, expressed immense gratitude for being provided with a new house. He told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the gift means a lot to his family.

“I want to thank the government for bringing this housing programme to the region, especially in Nappi for the first time,” Marcello

expressed.

Also from Nappi, Grace Melville is overjoyed since her children will be comfortably accommodated in their new home.

“My living condition will be much better than before,” Melville added.

Another beneficiary, Regina Jonas, now finds relief in her new home, given that her previous living conditions were unsatisfactory.

Meanwhile, Minister Croal emphasised that close to $700 million is currently being spent on the hinterland housing programme.

He indicated that a total of 120 of these houses are currently under construction in Region Nine.

The blocks and other building materials were sourced directly from the community and Lethem.

The first ten houses were handed over to flood-affected families in Kokerite Hill in Region One last November.

The residents were also enlightened about the government’s extensive plans for enhanced development in the region.

Notably, Nappi is among the communities that will soon receive cassava to improve production in the Rupununi, following the recent commitment made by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. (DPI)

The livelihoods of 20 families from the communities of Yakarinta and Nappi in Region Nine have been significantly uplifted, as they received keys to their new homes through the Hinterland Housing Programme

EU eyes more business, investment opportunities within Caribbean region

–– delegation to be among key investment stakeholders at upcoming regional forum

By Naomi Parris

WITH the aim of strengthening its partnership with the Caribbean region, the European Union (EU) will be among the key investments stakeholders to participate in the upcoming Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) that will be held in Georgetown, Guyana.

Speaking at the formal launch of the forum, last week, Joan Nadal Sastre, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, said the EU intends to be a “key business partner” with the region to achieve mutual sustainable goals.

“The European Union wants to do more business with the Caribbean; we want more EU companies

to see the Caribbean as an investment opportunity. We

want to be a key business partner …we have a lot to put on the table,” Sastre said.

He said that while the EU and the Caribbean have long shared a relationship, opportunities for further advancement are abundant.

“The Caribbean and the European Union enjoy a longstanding partnership, which is founded on shared values, common interest and strong economic, social and cultural ties to ensure that this partnership keeps growing stronger and stronger,” Sastre related.

The CIF forum which is slated for July 10 -12 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, will focus on a green economy transition, which will generate 400,000 additional high-paying jobs in the Caribbean, harnessing technology for agriculture in countries such as Guyana, Belize, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica, to further achieve food security targets.

Further, digitalisation and technology will be among the topics to harness

innovation to create wellpaid jobs in the services sector.

JoEllen Laryea, Manager of Partnerships, Advocacy and Reporting, Caribbean Export Development Agency said that CIF will be a key platform for attracting the right investors to the region.

She emphasised the importance of technology, innovation, and investment in driving sustainable economic growth, highlighting the potential for collaboration between regional and local markets to create a positive impact

“We’re focusing on those sectors that can support our transformation to create a greener, smarter Caribbean. We also are looking to raise the profile of the candidate as an investment destination in the Caribbean which has so much to offer to the world as a whole,” Laryea said.

She further stressed the need for investment in sectors such as sustainable agriculture, technology innovation, and green economy transition, with a focus

on fostering sustainable development and economic transformation in the Caribbean.

Aimed at fast-tracking Caribbean development, CIF serves as a platform for sharing, learning, preparing and finalising business and investment deals that support regional transformation.

It is anticipated that the event will feature a dynamic agenda, bringing together key decision-makers, foreign-direct investors, government agencies, and entrepreneurs, to engage and connect for the benefit of the region.

It is billed to be the largest business gathering of the region. Last year, CIF saw 500 participants, 92 per cent of which were business owners and investors from over 45 countries.

This year, to further support businesses and facilitate meaningful engagements, an online application will come on stream to help participants, investors and business owners to navigate the packed agenda.

Joan Nadal Sastre, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Guyana

New $12M well to benefit residents at Quarrie

FOR the first time, some 262 residents of the village of Quarrie will have access to clean and safe water, following the commissioning of a $12 million well.

The new well was officially commissioned in the small Amerindian village, located in Central Rupununi, Region Nine, by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, Sunday morning.

The water supply system was recently rehabilitated to achieve 60 per cent coverage there.

Prior to these works, residents heavily relied on a hand-dug well, which suffered severe depletion as a result of the prolonged dry season.

It was then decided that two new wells would be drilled by Guyana Water

Incorporated (GWI) coupled with community participation to provide reliable service.

The drilling of the second well will be done within the next two months to service 20 more households with first-time access, increasing the overall coverage from 20 per cent to 95 per cent.

The sum of $20 million

CARICOM concerned about storming of Mexican Embassy in Ecuador

The following is the full text of a statement from CARICOM:

“THE Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) reaffirm the importance of adherence to the principles of international law and rules of diplomatic engagement enshrined in the Vienna Convention which codifies the inviolability of diplomatic missions and consular offices.

CARICOM is, therefore, deeply concerned that the Republic of Ecuador has recently taken

actions that have violated the premises of the Embassy of Mexico in Quito.

We anticipate that both states will seek to resolve the matter

For the first time, some 262 residents of the village of Quarrie will have access to clean and safe water, following the commissioning of a $12 million well

is being spent on the two new wells and a new distribution system.

Minister Croal highlighted that from 2020 to date, access to potable water has increased from 60 per cent to 94 per cent in Region Nine.

through dialogue and access to relevant multilateral process with a view to ensuring that our Region remains one of peace.”

“So now, our emphasis, therefore, is to ensure that every household, those that are spread out, can have access too…That is the type of investment we are making. By the time we are finished with 2024, we will see over

30 completed wells in Region Nine,” Minister Croal underlined.

Meanwhile, Senior Councillor of Quarrie, Martin Anthony, emphasised that residents will no longer have to worry about water shortage since the well will be a permanent source.

“For a very long time, we were struggling with our water system and now it is here. This is such a great initiative for us here in Quarrie,” the councillor expressed.

A meeting was also held at the information and communication technology (ICT) hub where various issues were raised by the residents.

Five households that are not within the vicinity of the well will be provided with tanks to store water.

The minister was joined by Regional Chairman, Bryan Allicock, GWI’s Hinterland Services Director, Ramchand Jailall, and other technical staff. (DPI)

GPF cart off Ramesh Sunich 70th birth anniversary softball

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) Officers defeated Trophy Stall Lions by five wickets to emerge winners of the Ramesh Sunich 70th birth anniversary feature softball match, played last Friday evening at the

Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Queenstown.

Led by a blistering undefeated 51 (three fours and four sixes) from Trevor Benn and 42 (six fours) from Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram, Police Officers reached the required 169 for five, replaying to Trophy Stall Lions 168 for nine made in their allotted 20 overs.

Troy Benn also contributed a valuable 24, hitting two fours and two sixes off a mere eight balls.

Bowling for Trophy Stall Lions, Vicky Bharosay took two for 24.

Trophy Stall Lions had earlier posted a challenging 168 for nine with the burly left-hander Anil Beharry leading the way with a brilliant 61 which included eight fours and two sixes.

Clyde Canterbury chipped in with 28 which contained three fours and a six.

Deputy Commissioner Budhram, who also led the Officers, ended with the fine figures of four for 29 off his four overs. He received valuable support from Assistant Commissioner Khali Pareshram who took three for 21.

At the presentation ceremony, which followed, Police Officers received the winners’ trophy while Trophy Stall Lions had to settle for the runners-up hardware.

Deputy Commissioner Budhram was voted the player of the match and also copped the best bowler award.

The best batsman award went to Trevor Benn while Gladwin Hanover and Raheem Haynes shared the best catch prize. Francis was recognised as the best fielder of the match.

A prominent softball player himself, Sunich disclosed that he was delighted to be associated with the staging of the birth anniversary game to honour the special milestone.

According to Sunich, who is a prime supporter and sponsor of sports in Guyana, he has long been a lover of softball cricket and still plays the game at the senior level. He boasted that his business is extremely supportive of softball cricket and sponsors

teams as well as tournaments in Guyana.

Apart from his main operation in Bourda Market, Trophy Stall also has branches at South Road and Bourda Street, Georgetown, and at Freeyard, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

MILO Schools Football tournament 2024

… South Ruimveldt; Waramuri Primary register wins

THE 2024 edition of the MILO Schools football tournament continued at two venues in Georgetown over the weekend. Waramuri Top won 2-0 against President’s College while South Ruimveldt beat L’Adventure 5-1.

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS SCOTTSVILLE 08:10 hrs Connoisseur 08:45 hrs Kitten’s Adventure

09:20 hrs Fabulous

09:55 hrs King Of The Gauls

10:30 hrs Northern Warrior

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

LINGFIELD

09:00 hrs Rabinal

09:30 hrs Operate

10:00 hrs Elforleather

10:30 hrs Mart

11:00 hrs Kuwaitya

11:30 hrs Wedgewood

12:00 hrs Ciara Pearl

NEWCASTLE

08:50 hrs Spirit Of Ash

09:20 hrs Busby

09:50 hrs Loyal Touch

10:20 hrs Stallone

10:50 hrs Loubiere

11:20 hrs Midnite Storm

11:50 hrs Marie’s Jewel

12:20 hrs Dandys Gold

WOLVERHAMPTON

12:30 hrs Blue Collar Lad

13:00 hrs Ellomate

13:30 hrs Lawmans Blis

14:00 hrs Dunstan

14:30 hrs Beauzon

15:00 hrs Borgi

15:30 hrs Absolute Dream

See full results below

SUNDAY RESULTS

Ministry of Education Ground Games

The Bishops High 1 vs Hope Secondary 0

Bishops High School Goal Scorer - Micaiah Defreitas (67th)

Santa Rosa Secondary 0 vs Charlestown Secondary 1

Charlestown Secondary Goal Scorer - Dilshawn Alleyne (66th)

Presidents College 0 vs Waramuri Primary Top 2

Waramuri Primary Top Goal Scorers - Rondell Peters (46th), Odell Holmes (53th)

QC Ground Games

Abram Zuil Secondary 3 vs North Ruimveldt 2

Abram Zuil Secondary Goal Scorers - Jeraldo Culpepper (23th), Omar Kendall (35th), Eron Benjamin (55th)

North Ruimveldt Goal Scorers - Jeremiah Moore (1st), Darnel Sealey (52th)

L’Adventure Secondary 1 vs South Ruimveldt Secondary 5

L’Adventure Secondary Goal Scorer - Shakiel Sealey (16th)

South Ruimveldt Goal Scorers - Mark Phillips (2nd, 5th), Seon Grant (10th), Devanta Giam (65th), Jadia Shortt (69th)

The New Central High 2 vs Queen’s College 1

The New Central High Goal Scorers - Trevor Gordon (65th), Own goal scored by Queen’s College

Queen’s College Goal Scorer - Owen Hooper (19th)

SATURDAY RESULTS

Ministry of Education Ground

Chase Academic Foundation 11 vs Bushlot Secondary 0

Chase Academic Foundation Goal Scorers - Bevon Jones (8th, 24th), Tyrell Walcott (12th), Bryon Wharton (28th, 29th, 32nd), Omar Sam (31st, 38th), Shaquan David (44th), Duquain Samuels (60th) and Isaiah Hill (65th)

West Ruimveldt 5 vs Yarowkabra Secondary 0

West Ruimveldt Goal Scorers - Danavan Welcome (7th), Jerimiah Griffith (9th, 63rd), Elijah Sattaur (21st), Jamal Fraser (59th)

Carmel Secondary 0 vs Dolphin Secondary 3

Dolphin Secondary Goal Scorers - Garry Burnett (50th), Jamal Williams (65th), Own goal by Jason Barlow from (10th)

Queen College Ground Games

Marian Academy 1 VS Bartica Secondary 3

Marian Academy Goal Scorers - Louis DaSilva (54th)

Bartica Secondary Goal Scorers - Rodcliff Adamson (4th), Ezekiel Baldeo (5th), Reizer Reid (20th)

New Amsterdam 1 vs Leonora Secondary 2

New Amsterdam Goal Scorer - Feaad Hussein (48th)

Leonora Secondary Goal Scorer - D’Lessandro Valenzuela (22nd), Keon Grant (28th)

Anns Grove Secondary 1 vs East Ruimveldt 2

Ann Grove Secondary Goal Scorer - Nyron Jerrick (55th)

East Ruimveldt Goal Scorer - Ezekiel Gibson (23rd), Jaden Abrams (26th)

The victorious Police

pose with birthday boy Ramesh Sunich

GUMDAC Badminton Tourney dominated by Haynes & Ramdhani

By Sean Devers

AKILI Haynes and Priyanna Ramdhani successfully defended their mixed doubles titles when the Guyana Badminton Association’s (GBA) GUMDAC three-night Easter Badminton tournament concluded on Saturday at the National Gymnasium.

Haynes also won the Men’s Doubles partnering with Tyrese Jeffrey while Ramdhani won the Women’s Doubles after teaming up with Mishka Beharry.

The men’s doubles final between the older duo of Chung and Chen and the younger Haynes and Jeffrey was a thrilling match, going to a three-setter.

At the presentation ceremony, the GBA President Emily Ramdhani told the gathering that the GBA is extremely grateful towards Mr Darrell Carpenay, CEO of GUMDAC, for his continued sponsorship of the tournament.

“Sponsorship plays a crucial role in the success and sustainability of sporting events, and Mr. Carpenay’s support is undoubtedly invaluable. Additionally, we would like to acknowledge the players, parents, spectators, and fans whose involvement and support were vital in making this event a success” said the GBA Head.

She added, “Moreover, we would like to acknowledge the Director of Sports and the Staff of the National Sports Commission for availing the usage of the National Gymnasium.”

“Having access to appropriate facilities is essential for hosting successful tournaments and facilitating the growth of badminton in Guyana,” continued the mother of Priyanna and the widow of the late GBA President Gokorn Ramdhani, ending by adding, “Their support ensures that players have a suitable venue to showcase their skills and compete

at their best.”

The collaboration between the GBA and the NSC underscores the importance of partnerships in promoting sports development and fostering a vibrant sporting culture within the country” The GBA President concluded.

FINAL NIGHT RESULTS:

Mixed Doubles Finals:

Akili Haynes/Priyanna Ramdhani beat

Tyrese Jeffrey/Ambika Ramraj 21-14, 21-10

WOMEN’S DOUBLES FINALS:

Priyanna Ramdhani/Mishka Beharry beat

Ayanna Watson/Shivannie Persaud 21-16, 21-13

MEN DOUBLES FINALS:

Akili Haynes/Tyrese Jeffrey beat Marlon

Chung/Wenyuan Chen: 21-19, 18-21, 21-14

The overall winners are as follows:

MIXED DOUBLES

3rd - Wen Yuan Chen/Shivannie

Persaud

Avinash Odit/Mishka

Beharry

2nd - Tyrese Jeffrey/Ambika

Ramraj

1st - Akili Haynes/Priyanna

Ramdhani

WOMEN’S DOUBLES

3rd - Naveah Eastman/Malia

Haley

Alimah Eastman/Asiyah

Eastman

2nd - Ayanna Watson/Shivannie

Persaud

1st - Priyanna Ramdhani/ Mishka Beharry

MEN’S DOUBLES

3rd - Nkosi Beaton/Frank Waddell

Avinash Odit/Javid Rahaman

2nd - Marlon Chung /Wen Yuan Chen

1st - Akili Haynes/Tyrese Jeffrey

First-place winners in three categories (from left) Haynes, Jeffrey. Ramdhani and Beharry

Marian Academy wins Nations’ chess interschool invitational

MARIAN Academy emerged victorious at the National Chess Interschool Invitational, hosted by the School of the Nations on March 26th, 2024.

The tournament, which attracted fifty participants, aimed to ignite a passion for chess among beginners and intermediate players.

In a surprising outcome, Queen’s College secured second place, tying with the host school.

However, the individual champion title belonged to Queen’s College’s Mahir Rajkumar, who dominated the field with six wins and a single draw.

Marian Academy dominated the remaining top spots, with 12-year-old Alek Ubaldo Singh and 14-yearold Micaiah Enoe taking the second and third places in the male division.

The top female players were all from Marian Acad-

emy – Chelsea Harrison (10 years old), Kristen Xavier (14 years old), and Tharisha Montes DeOca.

Marian Academy’s chess team’s success highlights the school’s enduring commitment to chess development, particularly amongst

beginners and intermediates.

The tournament also awarded top finishers in each age category. Jaden Jagoo claimed the Under-18 title, while Samuel Barkoye and Tremusa Marshall secured first and second places in the Under-16 category.

Omar Shariff and Tejasvarun Kandavel emerged victorious in the Under-14 division, with Julian Mohabir and Javier Davenand taking the top spots for Under-12 players. Beyond competition, the event fostered connections

between established chess powerhouses and youngbloods in the community.

With the essential backing of the Guyana Chess Federation, the School of the Nations rolled out the royal treatment, enlisting the expertise of National

Arbiter, Odit Rodrigues, to assist their very own chess teacher, Oluwadare Oyeyipo, in orchestrating this grand event.

Oyeyipo invited local chess royalty, Women’s Champion Jessica Callender, Junior Champion Keron Sandiford, and former Junior Champion, Ricardo Narine, to supervise and ensure fair play throughout the competition as official arbiters.

The Guyana Chess Federation is delighted with the initiative of School of the Nations as the tournament was organised by the young people within the federation.

President of the GCF, Anand Raghunauth, lauds the success of the tournament and encourages more similar events which will promote a competitive chess environment among beginners of the game.

MORE than 40 youths benefit from Sir Curtly Ambrose/BCB fast bowling clinic

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) in collaboration with Dr. Frank Denbow hosted its second fast-bowling clinic with cricket legend Sir Curtly Ambrose. More than 40 cricketers walked away with knowledge at a threeday clinic which was held at Jai Hind Ground in Albion.

Ambrose visited Berbice two years ago and conducted a similar camp at Albion, and that camp included a then-unknown Shamar Joseph, who is now a West Indies Test bowler. Isai Thorne, who is now a Guyana Harpy Eagles fast-bowler, was also a graduate of the clinic.

“When I came here two years ago, I did not know what to expect. I always have an open mind and it was nice to be back in Berbice. Giving back to cricketers means a lot to me, it gives me great satisfaction,” Ambrose said.

Sir Curtly also gave credit where it was due, noting that he was not the only person responsible for Shamar

Joseph’s success. Ambrose, however, is hoping that more fast bowlers can follow in the footsteps of Joseph.

Meanwhile, overseas-based Guyanese Dr Frank Denbow, who is the brainchild of this bowling clinic hailed the first clinic as a success and saw the need for a second clinic.

“This idea (of having Sir Curtly in Berbice) came about when I was watching the West Indies Under-19 vs England Under-19 in September 2021. I saw Isai Thorne, at that time he was 16 years old, and he was the fastest bowler. He was destined for greatness, so I made contact via a friend who knew the then BCB President, Hilbert Foster, and I pitched idea to him, to have Sir Curtly doing a three-day camp in Berbice.”

“I said I wanted Sir Curtly because I found him to be the most disciplined fast bowler. He has the best economy rate among fast bowlers who took more than 200

wickets. Mr Foster made it come through in 2022, and it was a success. Several players in that group went on to play for Guyana, and one played for the West Indies,” Denbow explained.

Dr Denbow added: “There is another fast bowler who will play for the West Indies within 18 months.

After the success in 2022, we went ahead to have the second camp.”

Berbice Cricket Board President Dr Cecil Beharry also thanked Dr Denbow and Sir Curtly on another historic visit. He advised the youngsters to return to the club and continue to work on their games.

“What you learnt from Sir Curtly is not for you to do when he is here alone, but you need to develop it with your coaches at your club. That is the hope we at the BCB have for you, so you can do better, and do well for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies,” President Beharry said.

The 40+ youngsters that

were present expressed gratitude to Sir Curtly for his sharing his knowledge.

Guyana Under-15 fast-bowler Arif Khan, and

National captain Adrian Hetmyer were among those present at the camp.

Some of the Berbice Under-19 female cricketers

were also present on day two.

The clinic started on Friday April 5 and concluded on Sunday April 7.

Marian Academy emerged victorious at the National Chess Interschool Invitational, hosted by the School of the Nations

Sir Curtly Amborse sharing his knowledge with some promising fast-bowlers

GDF fireworks halt Police unbeaten streak

POLICE FC who went into Saturday’s KFC Elite League match-up as the number 1 side in the league were stumped when they tackled defending champion the Guyana Defence Force.

Kevin Lane put the soldiers on notice early as he converted a chance on the first play to record a goal for the lead.

The goal remained until the 23rd when a foul just outside the box saw GDF rewarded with a free kick which Chris Macey then converted to equalize the game.

Neron Barrow pulled one back in the 54th minute after the resumption as the Police Force tried to arrest the army boys.

The comeback was however short lived, Ryan Hackett came to the fore in the 72nd minute to create more cushion for his side, extending the lead to 4-2.

Chris Macey returned for his second goal in injury time to give the soldiers a fifth goal as they took a comfortable 5-2 victory.

Despite the loss police still lead the table after 6 wins out of 7 with 18 points.

Champions GDF moved to third position with four wins in four games behind

Olvis Mitchell gave GDF the ‘go-ahead’ strike in the 33rd after which Ian Dooker made it 3-1 in favour of the back-to-back champions with his goal just before the break.

GFF women’s league division 1…

second place Slingerz FC on the points table.

Slingerz are also unbeaten with 5 wins in 5.

Western tiger have dropped to fourth on the table with 3 losses in five games.

Games continue on Tuesday with Ann’s Grove United Football Club playing Buxton United Football Club and Monedderlust Football Club facing off with champions Guyana Defence Force Football Club

The league is sponsored by KFC Guyana, Namilco, Blue Water Shipping, Guyana Beverages Inc, Turbo Energy Drink, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, RadioShack Guyana and AKT Motos.

Soldier Ladies stomp Fruta Conquerors

ON Saturday evening at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre (NTC) saw another thunderous performance from table leaders, the Guyana Defence Force, when they matched skills with top side Fruta Conquerors in the Women’s League Division 1.

GDF took an awesome 17-nil victory with Glendy Lewis, Sandra Johnson, Jalade Trim, Glengie Lewis and Shenessa Cornelius accounting for goals in the thrashing.

Sandra Johnson was the most prolific for the soldier ladies, her strikes punctuating both halves of the contest, as she registered six goals in the 8th, 34th, 37th, 49th, 62nd and 90th minutes.

Glendy Lewis was also one of the architects of Fru-

ta’s demise with a ‘fiver’. She pierced the Fruta’s defence frequently in the second half for goals in the 1st, 45th, 42nd, 84th, and 87 minutes.

Jalade Trim and Glengie Lewis also contributed to the massive victory with a double each in a GDF-dominated possession game.

Shenessa Cornelius scored the other goal for the 17-nil performance.

Jalade Trim who was the chief playmaker in the midfield and skipper on the night told Chronicle sport their aim is to repeat as champions.

“Our coach told us to keep possession and the

goals will come and that is exactly what we did,” She added.

She sounded a warning to all challengers, saying, “Please watch out we are coming for you.”

The Women’s League Division is designed to exhibit women’s abilities, and create pathways for selection in national team programmes and professional footballing outfits.

The division 1 women league continues next Saturday at the Bartica Community Centre ground with Pataro Strikers meeting champions GDF FC women.

Appadu leads Guyana jockey points standing after race four

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

Appadu, who piloted Stolen Money to some exciting races, recorded six wins, seven seconds, three third spots and one fourth in his 21 starts this year thus far, while seasoned jockey Colin Ross sits in second with 41 points.

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

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

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

Trinidadian jockey Kiran Razack had 12 starts and has 28 points. These top jockeys and others will be aiming to extend their lead and go beyond when the Race of Champions meet runs off on April 28. That race will be at the Rising Sun Turf Club and will be hosted by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing

Committee.

Quinton Kellman, (fifth), Kevin Paul (sixth), Nicholas Patrick (seventh), Vishal Ramnarine (eighth), 18-year-old Kishawn Pereira (ninth) and Dillion Khelawan (tenth) are the top 10 jockeys after four races thus far for the 2024 season.

According to the Guyana Horse racing, a first place is equal to five points, while a second place is equal to three points. Third place is two points while fourth place is one point.

Five horses must start before third place is given and seven horses must start before fourth place is given.

GDF’s Olvis Mitchell after scoring for the Champions

GDF goal scorers (from left to right) Jalade Trim, Shenessa Cornelius, Glendy Lewis, Glengie lewis and Sandra Johnson

Jockey Ronaldo Appadu leads with 59 points, 18 more than Colin Ross in second

GUMDAC Badminton Tourney dominated by Haynes & Ramdhani

Essequibo

By Sean Devers

ESSEQUIBO U-19 Girls team made an auspicious start to their 2024 female inter-county T20 campaign when they inflicted a thrilling four-wicket win with 17 balls to spare over defending champions Demerara at Malteenoes ground yesterday.

In hot conditions on a flat track Demerara opted to bat and were provided with a solid foundation from their openers; Naiomi Barkoye and Tilleya Madramootoo who shared in 116run partnership.

The tall right-handed Skipper Barkoye dominated the stand with several aggressive off-drives while more technical correct and stylish Madamootoo played some elegant shots on the fast Malteenoes sward as their partnership continued without much bother.

GCB’s Female U-19 T20 Inter-County cricket

get past Demerara

by 4-wkts in opening round

Demerara’s openers Naiomi Barkoye (left) and Tilleya Madramootoo who shared in 116-run partnership could not prevent Essequibo from winning by four wickets

The pair, playing on their home turf and watched by a large crowd which included a sizable contingent of Essequibo supporters, played with plenty of authority and aided by wayward bowling, looked well set to both register fifties.

The only flaw with the national batters was their lack of awareness in converting ones into twos and taking advantage of erratic returns which should have produced over-throws.

(3) fell to Lauren Williams at 133-3 to stem the runs flow.

A tired looking Madramootoo was bowled by Samaroo for 46 off the penultimate ball of the innings after facing 61 balls and reaching the boundary twice as she tried to reach her half-century.

Samaroo had 2-17 from 3 overs for Essequibo who began their reply in positive fashion.

Aliyah Da Silva and Marks attacked the bowling and the pair raced to 39 in five overs before Aneesa Chetram had Marks DaSilva stumped for 13 at 59-2.

DaSilva soon fell for 13 and the Demerara fans started premature celebrations.

her grandmother, went after ‘leggie’ Latchman and clobbered her for a six and two fours in an expensive over which swung the pendulum in Essequibo’s favour.

She was eventually bowled by Latchman but her cameo 27 from 17 balls with two fours and a six had given the lasses from the Cinderella county the ascendancy.

Even the demise of the level headed Williams; bowled Naiomi Barkoye for a well-played 32 from 24 balls with two fours could bring back Demerara, who fielded poorly and dropped eight catches, into the game.

With three to win Qzel Sampson flicked Madramootoo for four to finish not out on eight.

In the 16 th over with score on 116 Tremaine Marks finally removed Barkoye for 43 from 56 balls with three boundaries before Naiomi’s sister Cianna Barkoye (5) was lbw to a ball that kept low from Briana Samaroo to leave Demerara on 125-2.

Skipper and National player Lauren Williams and the ‘big hitting’ Shonette Belgrave silenced the home fans with Belgrave dominating a third wicket stand of 60.

West Indies ‘A’ Women’s player Niya Latchman

Belgrave, watched by a large of screaming Essequibo fans which included

Latchman, whose first two over cost just four runs, finished with 2-27 while Barkoye had 2-25 in a losing effort.

Today at the same venue from 13:30 hours Berbice clash with Demerara.

The overall winners and the sponsor Darrell Carpenay (5th from left)