Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 13-04-2024

Gov’t finalises agreement for 36 megawatts of ‘emergency power’ –– President Ali announces; says no effort will be spared to address issues of power supply –– Cuban engineers to help address GPL’s technical deficit, massive overhaul of transmission, distribution lines on the cards

‘Work with us, we have major plans for the education sector’

1,500

ExxonMobil’s US$12.7B Whiptail Project gets green light

–– production could begin in 2027; SBM awarded contract to build FPSO for this sixth development project –– to provide critical resources for further economic, social upliftment of Guyana - Natural Resources Ministry says

1,500 persons move closer to home ownership –– after securing house lots at Wales Development Housing Scheme

Silencing of dissenting voices, space for Indian members questioned

Comprehensivenationalactionplanlaunchedtocombatcervicalcancer –– Dr Jagdeo tells teachers; assures nation’s educators of plans to increase remuneration

––Ubraj Narine points to concerns of marginalisation; party’s risk of losing more ‘talented’ persons PNC-R leadership battle…

As part of its Dream Realised Housing Drive for 2024, the Ministry of Housing and Water distributed

house lots for the Wales Development Housing Scheme to eligible residents of Region Three

An example of a ‘power ship’

ExxonMobil’s US$12.7B Whiptail Project gets green light

–– production could begin in 2027; SBM awarded contract to build FPSO for this sixth development project

–– to provide critical resources for further economic, social upliftment of Guyana, Natural Resources Ministry says

THE Government of Guyana has granted a Petroleum Production Licence to the Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil, for its sixth development offshore Guyana, Whiptail.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, on Friday, said that this US$12.7 billion development will produce 250,000 barrels of oil daily, bringing daily production to 1.3 million by the end of 2027.

clude up to 10 drill centres with 48 production and injection wells.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, this development will in -

“This vessel joins the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity and Prosperity FPSOs, which combined, are currently producing over half a million barrels of oil daily.

Construction is also in pro-

SBM Offshore has been awarded the contract by ExxonMobil Guyana for the construction of Jaguar, the floating, production and offloading (FPSO) vessel identified for this development.

gress for the Yellowtail and Uaru developments. Production for these projects is slated to commence in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

“Notably, oil production from this sixth development will generate billions in revenue for Guyana, thereby supporting significant economic and social upliftment for the country and its citizens,” the ministry said.

According to ExxonMobil Guyana, first oil from the Whiptail development is anticipated for 2027, and its announcement further earmarks deep-water Guyana as an investment boom and driver of economic growth in the region.

These new projects represent significantly larger investments than earlier ones like the Liza Phase One and Two projects, and will tap into more difficult-to-access reservoirs in deeper waters.

Building upon the success seen in 2022, during which the oil sector employed over 5,000 Guyanese workers, Whiptail will increase local content opportunities for Guyaneseowned-and-operated businesses.

President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company, Liam Mallon highlighted the company’s commitment to local-content opportunities and reiterated that it is a partner in Guyana’s development.

“Our unrivalled success in developing the Guyana resource at industry-leading pace, cost and environmental performance is built on close collaboration with the Government of Guyana, as well as our partners, suppliers, and contractors.

“The Stabroek Block developments are among the lowest emissions intensity assets in ExxonMobil’s upstream portfolio, and will provide the world with ad-

ditional reliable energy supplies now and for years to come,” Mallon said.

Production from the six Stabroek Block developments will generate tens of billions of dollars of revenue, and significant economic development for Guyana. Since first production in 2019, more than US$4.2 billion has been paid into the Guyana Natural Resource Fund.

There are currently 6,200 Guyanese working in support of Stabroek Block operations—which is 70 per cent of the workforce. The cumulative spending of ExxonMobil Guyana and its contractors with Guyanese suppliers since 2015 surpassed US$1.5 billion at the end of 2023.

Guyana’s energy sector is expected to boost national security and prosperity with its oil and gas industry having experienced exponential growth, with production numbers rising from 101.4 million barrels in 2022 to 142.9 million barrels of oil in 2023, contributing to an estimated 40.2 per cent surge in export volume.

Also, Guyana is expected to witness a significant 34.3 per cent increase in its real GDP in 2024, primarily due to the growth in oil production from the Prosperity FPSO.

Further development across all sectors is also expected, as the government plans to improve and expand the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) generation capacity with the gas-toenergy project and other initiatives.

The revenue generated from oil exports has enabled the government to invest in critical sectors such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and agriculture.

The Whiptail project is ExxonMobil Guyana sixth development offshore Guyana

Gov’t finalises agreement for 36 megawatts of ‘emergency power’

–– President Ali announces; says no effort will be spared to address issues of power supply

–– Cuban engineers to help address GPL’s technical deficit, massive overhaul of transmission, distribution lines on the cards

THE Government of Guyana on Friday finalised an agreement for the supply of “emergency power” to address the increase of power outages.

During a live broadcast statement on his official Facebook Page, President Dr. Irfaan Ali revealed that the government, through the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL), finalised a time-charted agreement with UCC holding for a “power ship” to be deployed to the country within three weeks.

“This arrangement will bring an additional 36 megawatts of power to the national grid to offset generation shortfalls,” Dr. Ali said.

The agreement will see the chartering of a power supply vessel that will be connected to GPL’s Demerara-Berbice Integrated System at Everton in Berbice, providing support to the generation capacity of the power company. The vessel will be in the country for a period of 24 months.

“This power arrangement is being optioned at a very competitive cost; it will cover the charter cost of the vessel, including its generating engines as well as operations and maintenance cost,” the President said.

While this comes on

stream, the government is still faced with a host of challenges, which it is working to address.

In 2020, the government inherited a system that lacked maintenance. Resources, the President lamented, were not expended on the transmission for the projected increase in demand for electricity supply.

Notwithstanding the challenges, the government confronted the issue, and had commenced work to expand and enhance the capacity of the country’s sole electricity provider.

He said while up -

grades were necessary, the government was only “catching up” to the growing demand of the country.

Dr. Ali said: “We confronted the challenges and worked assiduously on expanding the system, enhancing the capacity of the system, building out sub-stations, building out a network, enhancing the main transmission line [and] creating some amount of redundancy.”

In addition to the challenges surrounding low maintenances and aged equipment, GPL is also facing a skill deficit at the

technical level.

“We have already started to plan to confront the growth, because, as we move towards the reduction in the cost of energy, more entities that are self-generating now will migrate to the grid, and we now have to work on ensuring that projection; that growth is taken into account,” the Head of State said.

The government, he added, is assessing its management capability, and is working on strengthening its management capacity.

To this end, he re -

vealed that there will be a massive overhaul of the power company’s distribution and transmission lines.

“We have started a lot of that work, but there is tremendous investment that is required in the transmission lines across the network; that is why we are already in discussion with stakeholders to see how we could accelerate the investments,” Dr. Ali related.

Work will also be done on “line losses”, both from the technical and non-technical aspects, which includes addressing the stealing of electricity.

While the emergency power is being supplied, simultaneously, the government will work to supply 60 megawatts to support the growing demand, and what will be the outcome of reducing the country’s electricity cost.

He highlighted that while the government is actively pursuing its gas-to-energy project to supply around 300 megawatts of power, additional power will be needed.

“We are also thinking ahead as to whether additional gas will be required to have a second gas plant; to have an expanded generating capacity. The task is ours; [it] fell on the PPP/C to fix broken things and make it work and rebuild things.

“The government is

taking ownership. We understand, yes, there are issues that we are dealing with at GPL, and we are working on the technical issues; the capacity and capability issue, but the government is making the investment to make it better,” the Head of State affirmed.

The previous APNU+AFC government, President Ali said, failed to address the dire issues at the GPL during their tenure in government.

The ‘slothfulness’ in the lack of maintenance and investments has left the current government now addressing challenges, and looking to enhance the capacity of the power company for the future.

Meanwhile, to address the technical capacity of GPL, the government plans to recruit an additional 10 engineers to ensure adequate maintenance and reliability in the system.

“We have gone out many times to procure the services of Guyanese, engineers and we have not been successful, because of the demand for engineers in other areas… I have just concluded meetings with the Cuban ambassador, they have very skilled technical personnel who they are willing to deploy immediately to work in the system to help us technically,” President Ali said.

By Naomi Parris

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

Comprehensive national action plan launched to combat cervical cancer

–– outlines target for greater HPV vaccine coverage, other crucial objectives

By Shamar Meusa

IN a bid to provide a comprehensive framework in the fight against cervical cancer, the Ministry of Health (MoH) on Friday launched its action plan for the elimination of the disease, which is one of the leading causes of death among women in Guyana.

Spearheaded by the ministry and supported by partners, including the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the action plan charts a clear path, from 2024 to 2030, to significantly reduce and ultimately eliminate the impact of cervical cancer on women in the country.

Delivering the feature address at the launch of the milestone plan on Friday, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony said that while discussions on various cancer types have taken place, a comprehensive programme has been lacking for cervical cancer.

“So, what we are launching today is that strategy, from prevention right up to treatment or treatment of complications,” he said during the launch at Pegasus Corporate Suites, Georgetown.

Starting with prevention, the minister indicated that the use of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines could help in this regard, and noted that while this was initially introduced here just around 2010, there were various challenges faced in relation to the coverage.

He pointed out that prevention efforts will see a concerted push to increase HPV vaccination coverage, targeting a 90 per cent vaccination rate among girls aged nine to 15.

However, Dr. Anthony

explained that new guidelines by multiple public health agencies have indicated that HPV vaccines can also be given to persons between the 16 and 25 age group and the 26 to 45 age group. As such, he said that these categories will also be targetted now.

The minister said that dispelling myths and misinformation surrounding the vaccine is paramount to achieving this goal, with plans to extend vaccination efforts to older age groups.

“We need to come together to ensure that we fight off these myths and fake

news that are being circulated about the vaccine and I think once we can do that, we would see the percentages increase,” the minister said.

Further, he mentioned that as part of this comprehensive action plan, focus will also be placed on the screening aspect, and the further introduction of additional screening methods in the public health sector.

Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Programme

Dr. Lachmie Lall, while giving an overview of the elimination of the cervical cancer

among Guyanese women.

Among the five strategic actions, part of the plan is to treat 90 per cent of all women with precancerous lesions, and 90 per cent of all women with a confirmed cancer diagnosis. Additionally, it aims to improve the quality of life of women with end-stage disease.

Also, paramount is the provision of a comprehensive communication strategy, which will improve awareness about cervical cancer, including information on prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment.

programme, said that the plan was designed to ensure that more women in the country survive cervical cancer, and can continue to lead productive lives.

“This strategic plan is well rounded and ambitious, with a multifaceted approach that has the potential to significantly reduce and eliminate the burden of disease, and to improve the outcomes for Guyanese,” she said.

Dr. Lall related that the overarching goal is to significantly reduce the mortality, morbidity and disability caused by cervical cancer

This year, the government has set aside some $3.8 billion for a targetted cervical cancer programme which would see an increase in early detection and preventative action for women across the country.

This budgetary allocation serves as a specific intervention to ramp up capabilities to detect and fight against cervical cancer, and also signals the intention to expand the work that the government has been doing in the areas of women’s health and cancer screening in Guyana.

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony delivering remarks at the launch on Friday

Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases & Mental Health Programme Dr. Lachmie Lall

1,500 persons move closer to home ownership

AS part of its Dream Realised Housing Drive for 2024, the Ministry of Housing and Water distributed 1,500 house lots for the Wales Development Housing Scheme to eligible residents of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Many persons rejoiced since they were waiting for years to receive their house lots. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, however, explained that development of this magnitude requires careful planning so that the government could provide and deliver a better level of service to the allottees.

“Over the past three years, through the Ministry of Housing and Water, we have spent billions of dollars to develop and upgrade new and existing housing areas on the West Coast of Demerara and now on the West Bank of Demerara,” he said during the house lot allocation ceremony on Friday.

Minister Croal further emphasised that major infrastructural works were done on the West Coast of Demerara so that the residents could live and operate in a better, more advanced environment.

According to him, over $16.6 billion was spent on the development of villages such as Meten-Meer-Zorg, Leonora, and Stewartville.

“So, getting your house lots is not done in isolation, but there is a financial commitment to ensure that you have access...we had over 278 roads in Region Three, of which about 90 per cent

are completed. In the last year, $5.64 billion was spent on community roads,” Croal added.

He further said that 107 two-and three-bedroom houses were finalised for residents on the West Coast of Demerara in just over a year as part of the government’s home ownership initiative.

“As part of our home ownership, not only the allocation exercise, but also the construction of houses. In a year and a half ago, we completed over 107 two and three-bedroom houses on the West Coast of Demerara, and as I speak, we have another 337 houses that are under construction within the Leonora, Edinburgh area,” Croal said.

In the upcoming weeks, the minister said that the project department will be going through the procurement process to identify contracts and construction companies to embark on the next set of houses.

Minister Croal also emphasised to the people that the return of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government to office signalled a new era for Guyanese and the people of Region Three.

Croal said: “Our President, the son of the soil, His Excellency President Irfaan Ali, committed to revitalising and reimagining the West Bank and the West Coast of Demerara. His vision included new hospitals, malls, a superhighway, the establishment of new housing areas, new schools, and a new bridge over the Demerara River...as well as the upgrad-

ing of infrastructure, which will include street lighting and our water distribution systems. I am, therefore, pleased to say that we have kept the promises of development in your region.”

He also mentioned that the first phase of work has begun on the hospital at De Kinderen, and roads are being constructed in Windsor Forest and Stewartville.

Croal also related that the construction of the new Ministry of Housing and Water office, with additional staff, is to ensure that residents of Region Three are provided with a faster, more reliable service.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, in her address, outlined that Region Three has the second highest demand for house lots across the country, with the first being Region Four.

According to her, there isn’t a better way to bring prosperity and transformation to the lives of Guyanese by giving them the ability and power to own their own homes.

“When you own your own home, you control your own life, and that is especially true for women,” Rodrigues said.

She also related that based on the government’s track record, women, men, and all other Guyanese are all empowered through home ownership.

Not having to worry about paying the rent or being thrown out by the landlord, the government’s aim of ensuring that every Guyanese owns their own home

–– after securing house lots at Wales Development Housing Scheme

“gives the ultimate sense of security and independence, because you have the power to control your own life,” Rodrigues added.

Beneficiary, Esther Persaud said she has been beyond satisfied since she applied for the house lot since 2008.

Battling to contain her tears, Persaud told the Department of Public Information (DPI): “It means a lot to me because it is the first time, I will be owning a home.”

Another happy landowner, Bibi Rabia Khan was relieved when she received the call yesterday for her land since she applied for it in 2012.

“It is great. I have been waiting a while and the day is finally here. I’m really happy that I can start my own home and plan for the future,” Khan said.

Another beneficiary, Kortis Simon expressed, “I feel excited to know that I can provide a stable home for my family.”

Beneficiary, Cecil King said he is happy to be closer to owning his own home.

“To be here today is a good moment for me. I am excited to start building my dream home,” King expressed.

Beneficiary, Tatum Khan said: “I feel good that they finally called. It is good to get something of your own. With how the country is going now with development, this is a very good opportunity for us as a family.”

An excited resident pulls his lot number as Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal looks on

Narratives of whole truths

FORMER Prime Minister and President of Guyana, Samuel Hinds, has recently issued a compelling call to the APNU-AFC, urging them to confront the complete truth of Guyana’s political history in the pursuit of national reconciliation.

Hinds, who serves as Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), emphasised the crucial need for honesty and transparency in addressing the deep-rooted divisions within Guyanese society.

At the heart of this call is the ongoing dialogue sparked by Moses Nagamootoo’s recent book, “My Quest for National Unity – Dear Land of Guyana.”

Nagamootoo’s reflections on the events surrounding the 2020 General and Regional Elections have ignited

debate, particularly regarding the loss of dignity experienced by Guyanese citizens during the transition of power.

However, Hinds contends that Nagamootoo’s narrative falls short of capturing the complete truth, especially concerning the role of the APNU+AFC in exacerbating racial tensions.

Hinds emphasised the importance of acknowledging uncomfortable truths to move forward as a unified nation. He pointed out the need for genuine national reconciliation, which requires a candid acknowledgment of past injustices and a commitment to forging a more inclusive future for all Guyanese.

Drawing from his own experiences, Hinds vividly recounted the atmosphere during the APNU+AFC coalition’s victory in the 2015 elections. He highlighted instances of demeaning treatment and

the abrupt termination of changeover arrangements.

Moreover, Hinds delved into the historical context of Guyana’s political landscape, touching upon past injustices and divisions within the country. From the split of the PPP in 1955 to the challenges leading up to the 1992 elections, he stressed the importance of reconciling with the past to move forward as a unified nation.

Central to Hinds’ message is the call for a shared commitment to national cohesion and prosperity. He echoed President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s call for “One Guyana,” emphasising the need for collective effort and support, particularly in light of recent discoveries of oil off Guyana’s shores.

Also, in light of Freddie Kissoon’s critique of Nagamootoo’s book, which

pointed out the glaring disparity between the narrative of reconciliation and the actions of the APNU+AFC coalition during their time in power, it becomes evident that embracing the whole truth is essential for genuine reconciliation.

Nagamootoo’s memoir may claim to be about the quest for political and social cohesion, but it must confront the reality of how his administration’s actions exacerbated divisions within Guyanese society.

Embracing narratives of whole truths, as advocated by Hinds, is not only a crucial step towards reconciliation but also a foundation for building a brighter future for the nation.

It is time for all stakeholders, including the APNU+AFC coalition, to heed this call and work towards a more united and inclusive Guyana.

Importance of improving livestock breeds in Guyana

Dear Editor,

THE livestock industry has great potential for development and has many spin-off industries. It can provide a cheap protein food source for the population, provide employment, and earn foreign exchange.

To realise this potential, efforts are being made through the MOA to improve the local breeds and to be able to increase productivity in an efficient and economical manner.

The sheep and goat industry is important in Bartica and the Rupununi. Sheep are also reared on the coastland. The animals are generally of the improved breeds which were imported in the 1940s and 50s. Crossbreeding has led to some improvement in the quality of animals.

Pigs are found all across the country,

especially in Amerindian and rural areas. Poultry is the most common animal in the backyard farming system. Horses are kept by some farmers as draft animals and for transportation.

The most common livestock animal is cattle, which ranges from the improved breeds to the creole animals. Improved breeds such as the zebu and taurines were imported to Guyana in the 1900s and after.

These cattle were brought to improve the beef and/or dairy industry in many tropical countries. Programmes such as the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) still import genetic material to improve the local breeds.

The improved breeds are found mainly on the coastland and in some parts of the interi-

or. With the sugar industry on the rise again many small and large-scale farmers are also keen on expanding their livestock rearing and the MOA has been ensuring assistance in all forms is given in that regard.

A small percentage of the improved breeds are found in the Rupununi where there are attempts by Brazilian farmers to improve the local breeds with genetic material from Brazil.

The creole animals, which are found right across the country, have adapted to the different ecological and environmental conditions. These animals are considered tough and hardy but have a slow growth rate and poor carcass quality.

Livestock farming plays a major role in the agriculture sector in Guyana. It is a significant contributor to the way of life of

many rural farmers. Livestock contributes to the livelihood of approximately 2,000 low-income farmers, contributing to about 3.1 per cent of the agriculture GDP.

These farmers rear cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, donkeys, and poultry. Livestock is considered an asset and often regarded as an insurance against hard times and is an important means of converting crop by-products into human food. Animals also provide manual labour, power for transportation, and a source of rural employment.

With the Guyana-Brazil partnership, the enhancement of livestock production and farming in bound to set standards that the rest of the Caribbean is likely to follow.

Sincerely,

Sean Daniels

The AFC was the most power drunk party in Guyana’s history

IN 1968, the PNC rigged the general elections to rid itself of its partner in government, the United Force, which it formed a coalition with to oust the Jagan premiership in 1964.

One should use more complex analysis in describing the PNC’s 1968 putsch as a lust for power. Politically, it was a power grab but the situation was more complex than that.

Before we proceed, important to note is the acceptance by humans that it is morally reprehensible and legally criminal to rig election for one infallible reason – you deny citizens their right to vote and their right to choose their leaders. After four years of coalition power from 1964, the situation became untenable. The PNC and the UF after 1964, had absolutely nothing in common.

The 1964 regime was a fragile coalition characterised by daily bickering. These were two different parties with diametrically opposite views on everything. The PPP, at the time, was viewed with more political and cultural hostility by the UF than the PNC.

The PNC felt it could no longer accept the UF as a coalition partner. It rigged the election to get rid of the UF rather than allowing the electorate to decide if it wanted to vote for the UF or give a majority to the PPP.

The 1964 coalition had to become humpty dumpty because coalition governments are little mini governments wrapped up in one envelope. Coalition government is a genetically fragile

creature. Constitutionally and legally, the country has one government but, politically, each party for all practical purposes, is a government within a government.

The reason why Netanyahu is back in power is because the coalition that removed him simply could not accommodate each other’s requests. Below is the reason why coalition administrations quickly fall apart.

John’s party from Xanadu joins with Martin’s party from Mannadu to form the government. They agree on a consensus prime minister. John’s wants a statue to be built of its founding leader who passed away and is considered a hero after the government is won.

The consensus prime minister after government is won, got up and ridiculed the hero of John’s party. There and then the coalition breaks up. It broke up because the prime minister had no political authority to ridicule the hero of his coalition partner.

From the time AFC and WPA got in power in 2015, they both began to betray their supporters by telling them they cannot go against the policies of the PNC because Cabinet requirement is that you defend the Cabinet as a matter of collective responsibility.

The AFC leaders, with every passing day from May 2015, justified their subordination to the PNC by citing the principle of Cabinet oneness.

People in the AFC began to complain to me about the excuse of Cabinet solidarity that AFC

leaders were using to justify their power intoxication. So, in defence of these patriotic souls, I published a column in the Kaieteur News of Tuesday, August 30, 2016, titled “Cabinet solidarity in coalition regimes is pathetic nonsense.”

I went at length to argue theoretically with practical examples from around the world that in coalition regimes there cannot be such a thing as acceptance of Cabinet unity. It is an oxymoron. A seven-foot man cannot be referred to as too short to play basketball.

You cannot find a mango being incredibly sweet and want more of it despite its sourness. Likewise, a coalition cannot have Cabinet solidarity simply because it is an oxymoron.

I wrote that article in 2016 and AFC leaders read it and ignored it. They knew there wasn’t such a thing in coalition regimes as mutual acceptance of Cabinet solidarity but they used that fictional construct to mask their power drunkenness.

From 2015 to this day, AFC leaders continue to insult this nation by telling Guyanese that

they were hamstrung in pursuing their promises to their supporters because they could not go against Cabinet unity.

Dominic Gaskin and David Patterson repeated that aridity on the Freddie Kissoon-Gildarie Show and now in his just released memoir, Moses Nagamootoo boldly stated so. The AFC leaders know that the Guyanese people know that they are hiding the truth and the truth is they enjoyed power so much that they turned a blind eye to the old, Machiavellian, Burnhamistic, habits of the PNC because they wanted to stay in power.

Nagamootoo should never have written his second autobiography because he has earned more enemies than if he had remained silent. His book is about the Granger presidency and not about the second coalition government in Guyana’s history.

When you read Nagamootoo’s memoir, then you would know that there wasn’t a coalition government between 2015 and 2020. It was a PNC government.

Guyana will move forward with all people ‘integrated as one’

–– President Ali emphasises; says will not ‘waste time’ on naysayers’ ‘selfish propaganda’ geared at achieving political advantage

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali, in rejecting “selfish propaganda” geared at achieving political advantage, has maintained that the “One Guyana” objective will be achieved through the integration of the country’s people, with equal and equitable opportunities.

During an interview with Trinidad and Tobago’s CNC 3 morning show on Monday, the Guyanese Head of State said the unjustified claims are engineered to portray a narrative that has historically been peddled by the Opposition to create division among citizens.

“I don’t waste my time on propaganda that is aimed at selfishly accomplishing things that give you some political advantage or some political narrative,” he said, adding: “This country is going to move forward as “One Guyana” with all the people integrated as one; we are going to set the agenda as to what unity looks like. We’re going to live in unity; we’re

going to ensure that unity is incorporated into economic expansion and policymaking.”

The President highlighted that the government’s push for unity is evidenced by several projects and initiative geared at improving the lives of all Guyanese.

“When we announced a special programme for people with dialysis, it goes to every Guyanese. When we announce a schoolchildren grant, it goes to every Guyanese. When we announce a woman empowerment programme, it goes to every Guyanese. When we announce a programme to give you a voucher for every single woman in Guyana to go and have their medical checkup for Cervical Cancer, it goes to every Guyanese,” Dr. Ali said passionately while defending his leadership.

The utterances geared at creating racial division, President Ali said, is the “architect” of destroying what unity is meant to be.

Despite what is being peddled, the Head of State affirmed that Guyanese could look forward to the nonstop implementation of policies and programmes to enhance

their livelihoods and push economic development.

“You will see a continuation of polices that would lead to sustainable development; polices that are aimed

and directed towards building the prosperity of every family.

You will see Guyana taking a lead role, if not the lead, on the issue of climate security, energy security and food security,” President Ali said.

Already, the government has outlined an ambitious 2030 and beyond agenda for sustainable economic growth.

With special emphasis on improving the lives of every citizen, major investments will continue in the areas of agriculture, health, and education.

“We don’t want wealth to be in economic parameters alone; we want wealth to be enjoyed by citizens of the country through a good standard of living,” Dr Ali said, adding: “You will see a lot of policies and programmes that will continue along this trajectory.”

The government, he said, will make tremendous investments in information and communications technology

(ICT), placing technology at the forefront of driving the country’s economy.

For example, the country will see its governance system moving towards greater efficiency through digitisation.

“We are migrating all the manual processes into digital processes, so that you have less human bias in the system itself, and the system must work in an efficient and reliable way,” he said.

Aside from this, there will be additional investments to enhance the country’s human-resource assets.

“We have been investing heavily in research and development, enhancing our human-resource capacity; we want to have one of the highest skilled human resources-based assets in the world,” Dr. Ali emphasised.

The government is also working towards implementing an economic initiative to improve and expand disposable income at the household level.

‘Work with us, we have major plans for the education sector’

–– Dr Jagdeo tells teachers; assures nation’s educators of plans to increase remuneration

MAJOR plans are in store for the education sector, and a key component of this will be the increase in the remuneration package for the country’s educators, General Secretary of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said.

The General Secretary, during his weekly news conference on Thursday, said: “Remuneration will grow in the future,” when asked to comment on the impasse in negotiations between the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU).

“I want to urge the teachers to work with us, we have major plans for the education sector. Their remuneration

will grow in the future. We have to be balanced… but in the future it will grow steeply,” Dr Jagdeo said.

Some $135.2 billion is set aside in Budget 2024 to realise the government’s vision of having a world-class education system here. In 2023 some $105 billion was spent in the sector in various areas.

Under the PPP/C Administration, the wages and salaries have grown by 61 per cent, according to Dr Jagdeo in a past press conference.

The wage bill increased from $24.4 billion in 2020 to $39 billion in 2023, representing a 61.4 per cent increase in salaries for teachers.

Moreover, the education

sector’s budget significantly increased, from 51 billion dollars in 2020 to 135 billion dollars in the current year,

marking a substantial increase of about 162 per cent. This funding has enabled a series of improvements in

the sector, including infrastructural development and the erection of several stateof-the-art education facilities across Guyana.

The GTU, however, orchestrated a protest to call on the government for more. On March 4, following a court-appointed mediation, the GTU had called off its protest and agreed for the striking teachers to return to their classrooms.

However, on March 12, talks between the GTU and the Education Ministry broke down again, after the ministry upheld the government’s position that discussions surrounding salary increases should be from 2024 onwards.

The GTU had asked for a 20 per cent increase and

indicated that they are interested in discussing only salaries, particularly between the period 2019 and 2023, and nothing else.

The union maintained its determination to discuss only salary matters concerning the prior years and refused to address the other 25 matters, which were identified for discussion by both the Ministry of Education and the union. This resulted in the representatives of the union abandoning the process and walking out of the meeting. Last month, the GTU withdrew its application seeking to force the Education Ministry into discussions regarding teachers’ salary increases for the period 2019 to 2023.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

PNC-R leadership battle…

Silencing of dissenting voices, space for Indian members questioned

–– Ubraj Narine points to concerns of marginalisation; party’s risk of losing more ‘talented’ persons

DESPITE Chairman of the People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R), Shurwayne Holder stating that the party business should not be aired in the public, individuals within the party are now saying that there are forces “silencing” them from talking against the current leadership.

Latest to join the infighting is former Mayor and PNC-R member, Ubraj Narine who has questioned whether the party truly welcomes persons of Indian descent.

Recently, members within the party have seemingly developed the tendency of using Facebook to hound and take jabs at their fellow comrades.

While Holder has said that he will not back down from his statements made towards former party General Secretary, Amna Ally, Narine has said that he is still waiting for the leadership of the PNC-R to “condemn certain parts of the statement issued by Chairman Shurwayne Holder.”

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the PNC-R Chairman said that he does not believe Ally has “the moral authority to say who is unfit to lead the party”.

Narine, in a Facebook post on Friday, responded to Holder’s statement by saying that this incident raises “pertinent questions about the PNC’s stance towards internal dissent and the representation of individuals from different backgrounds within its ranks.”

He then went on to defend the party stalwart who Holder had accused of attempting to divide the party.

“As a concerned member of the PNC, one is left pondering the consequences of challenging the party’s leadership. Will any member who dares to step forward be labelled as a supporter

of the rival party, the PPP? Furthermore, does the PNC truly welcome individuals of Indian descent, like myself, under its current leadership?” Narine questioned.

This sentiment comes at a time when the incumbent leader, Aubrey Norton has accused persons within the party of having a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) agenda. The PNC-R leader’s capabilities have since been questioned by Ally, who hammered him and spoke out against his leadership.

Deeming the accusation against Ally as a “puzzling scenario,” Narine then asked:

“How can someone with such a long-standing commitment to the party suddenly be deemed a supporter of the PPP?”

He then delivered a blow to Holder and boldly stated: “It seems that the Chairman, Mr Shurwayne Holder, may lack a comprehensive understanding of the party’s history particularly that of our esteemed founder leader, Forbes Burnham, and the PNC itself.”

While emphasising that the PNC was built on principles of “inclusion, unity, and embracing diversity,” Narine went on to say that for anyone within the party

to label any individual who seeks to challenge the party leadership as a supporter of the PPP/C is not only “unfair but goes against the very principles” the party was founded on.

He then pointed out that dissenting voices against the current leadership are being suppressed.

“Rather than stifling voices of dissent, it is essential that the PNC embraces its diverse membership base,” he said in the post.

Narine then went on to say: “The PNC’s leadership should recognise that fair criticism and the pursuit of excellence are not synony-

mous with disloyalty. In fact, they are crucial to maintaining a thriving democratic culture within the party. By silencing dissenting voices, the PNC risks losing talented individuals, stifling internal growth, and alienating potential supporters.”

Moreover, the PNC-R member took a jab at Norton who has been holding on to power and has not yet announced a definite date for the overdue congress. He also brought to light a number of violations that have been occurring within the party.

Narine said: “Congress has been overdue since December. That is four months and counting. Other aspects of the constitution, like monthly meetings and quarterly councils, have also been violated. Instead of attacking Amna, why not demand that the principles and articles of the constitution of the PNC be upheld? Why not direct attacks on government corruption instead of attacking Amna?”

He said that it is important for the party to address the concerns raised by “loyal members who feel marginalised due to their Indian heritage or desire to challenge the party’s leadership.”

Former Mayor and PNC-R member, Ubraj Narine (left) and Chairman of the PNC-R, Shurwayne Holder

Kaieteur News forced to apologise to gov’t again for false publication

AMIDST mounting criticisms over its cases of irresponsible and sensational reporting, the Kaieteur News has again apologised to the government for a false publication.

The newspaper on Friday issued a retraction and apology, which was tucked away, for an article head-

lined: “Guyana borrowed to buy two airplanes for the price of four”, which appeared in its April 5 edition.

In the article, it was reported: “The Government of Guyana has borrowed a US$23.27 million loan from India to buy two Dornier 228 airplanes from an Indian Aeronautics

Company when they could have gotten four for the same price.”

It then stated that the Indian government purchased six similar planes for its air force from the same company at a price of US$31.9 million.

The newspaper then quoted the Economic Times as stating: “The De- fence Ministry on Friday (March 10, 2023) sealed a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure six Dornier aircraft at a cost of Rs 667 crore for the Indian Air Force”, and then posited that Rs 667 crore is equivalent to US$31.9 million; this means that the Indian Government purchased six of the same aircraft from the same company at a price of US$5.3 million for one.

Utilising a conversion tool, it was, however, easily determined that Rs 667 crore is equivalent to just over US$80 million.

During a press conference last week, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo responded to several allegations from the Opposition surrounding the purchase of the aircraft.

He said: “These aircraft were not bought by the Government of India and sold back to the Government of Guyana… Let me give you the details…

So, the two aircraft were bought from the Indian government; these are aircraft that are new,” while underscoring that the new aircraft were bought at $8 million each.

He then pointed out that the government purchased $6.23 million worth of spares for these two aircraft, including reserve engine, propellers, etc…, and then spent about another million on the training of 19 persons, including the pilots, engineers and technicians flying the aircraft to Guyana. Further, engineers were sent from India to Guyana to work with the government for six months.

“So, the total is US$23.37 million. But for the aircraft themselves, it is US$16 million [in total] for the two,” he said.

The PPP General Secretary then went on to say: “We bought these aircraft from the company that manufactures them in India, directly.”

During a press conference this week, the PPP

General Secretary addressed the Kaieteur News’ article which had the computation error, and other sensational stories.

He said: “...It’s the people out here, because a lot of them watch these press conferences, and we need to sometimes point out that the point I just made, that this newspaper has ceased to be a credible news organisation, that it’s now the political arm of an individual.”

This is not the first time the newspaper has found itself at the centre of criticism, as there have been instances where persons have been forced to file lawsuits against them for false publication.

There have been consistent efforts by the Kaieteur News to discredit the government, and, moreover, the publisher, Mr Glen Lall, has been accused of using the newspaper as a propaganda machinery to advance his known political ambitions.

Just last month, the newspaper was forced to apologise to the government and the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) for false publication.

Furthermore, on several occasions, Dr Jagdeo, has had reason to call out the Kaieteur News for its frequent “distortion” of facts.

36 Region Three residents get ‘big help’ to construct houses

–– with steel, cement vouchers

A TOTAL of 36 residents of Region Three on Friday received steel and cement vouchers from the government to aid in the construction of their homes.

The distribution event took place at the compound of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in Klein Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, in Region Three.

Those constructing homes valued at $6 million or less were provided with steel and one sling of cement

to construct their foundation, while persons with budgets ranging from $6 million to $25 million received two slings of cement.

One of the beneficiaries, Bhasmattie Seenarine expressed her immense gratitude for the voucher.

“Now I can start my home, since this is a very big help for me,” she told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Another beneficiary, Nazima DeFreitas from Sisters

Village, West Bank Demerara, emphasised the significance of the assistance in offsetting building material expenses.

“I am happy about it, because it will do a lot for me. I am glad that we could get the cement and such for free; I have to do my fence and all of that,” DeFreitas expressed.

Echoing similar sentiments, Deonarine Sookdeo said the voucher came at the appropriate time, and will significantly help his family’s

home-construction efforts.

“I waited a long time, and I finally got through,” the man exclaimed.

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal highlighted the substantial injection of some $41.7 million into Region Three’s economy.

“In Region Three, we have issued 167 vouchers under the steel and cement programme. The government is committed to facilitating

your homeownership,” he said.

Overall, approximately 1,095 vouchers, amounting to an injection of about $274 million, have been issued under this initiative.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues underscored the overarching goal of improving people’s lives through investments in the economy,

thereby enhancing access to homeownership, basic utilities, and other benefits.

The beneficiaries can redeem their vouchers at designated locations, including Gafson’s Industries Limited, National Hardware, Cemmax Procurement and Contracting Inc., David Persaud Investments Ltd, and Eddie’s Managerial and General Service. (DPI)

A total of 36 residents of Region Three on Friday received steel and cement vouchers from the government to aid in the construction of their homes

Public Works Minister orders repaving of $96M Naamryck Backdam road

THE Ministry of Public Works is taking action to address residents’ complaints regarding the quality of the recently paved $96 million Naamryck Backdam Road in Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

Following an inspection Friday morning, Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill directed the contractor, Extreme Construction Inc. to repave the road to meet ministry standards, and, more importantly, the residents’ satisfaction.

“This cannot be accept-

ed the way it is; this has failed the test, so this got to be used as a levelling course, and now you got to get it proper. Quality asphalt for the entire road, and we got to finish this up before next week Wednesday,” the minister asserted.

The contractor was advised to overlay the existing surface with two inches of high-quality asphalt to ensure road longevity.

Further addressing the concerns of residents, the minister instructed that the speed humps be modified to allow for smoother passage, particularly for farm-

ers transporting produce.

“Whenever we do work in any community, one thing we have in mind is the people.

The beneficiaries are the ultimate goal; their satisfaction is important,” Minister Edghill underscored.

Farmers were also asked to avoid using the road with tractors during paving.

The ministry’s engineers will be on-site to oversee construction, and ensure the project meets the 1000-metre specification. (DPI)

GUYANESE sub-contractors and entrepreneurs have earned nearly US$1 billion from oil and gas companies since the passage of the Local Content Act in December of 2021.

In 2022, some $440 million was earned by registered companies, while in 2023, there was an almost 20 per cent uptick in earnings, with companies ending the year with $524 million in profit.

In an exclusive interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Director of the Local Content Secretariat Dr. Martin Pertab described the tremendous success Guyanese entrepreneurs have seen as a result of the passage of this piece of legislation.

“We have seen how Guyanese are benefitting; we have seen how Guyanese have moved from owning one car to thirty cars…From owning one apartment and now they have apartments, all because of the preference that is given to them under the law for the provision of those goods and services that are listed under the First Schedule of the Act,” Dr. Pertab explained.

As of April 2024, more than 800 companies have been approved and are currently part of the Local Content Register.

More than half-a-billion US dollars is expected to be attracted through procurement activities in 2024, a five per cent increase from 2023.

“The 40 sectors that we carved out, those sectors this year are expected to attract $550 million in businesses, and that includes accommodation, transportation, laydown yard facilities, all those sectors that we have listed under the First Schedule of the law,” the director said.

He pointed out that the secretariat is focusing on ensuring farmers outside of

Georgetown benefit from the oil and gas sector’s food demands.

The intention, he said, is to establish a consortium of farmers that will connect with a food processing company, supplying produce directly to oil and gas companies.

Collaborations will also be facilitated with catering companies to utilise produce from these farmers.

The Local Content Bill was passed in the National Assembly after intense debates on December 29, 2021.

Guyanese business owners can find out the documents needed to register for the Local Content Register here.

The Ministry of Public Works is taking action to address residents’ complaints regarding the quality of the recently paved $96 million Naamryck Backdam Road in Parika, East Bank Essequibo

Woman in custody after reportedly killing 36-year-old labourer

POLICE are investigating the death of a 36-year-old labourer, Amaziah Hohinkirk, who died after being stabbed reportedly by 42-yearold Alicia Edmonson at Perry Street, Tucville, on Friday.

According to information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the suspect and one of her sons, Darrel Kennedy, who is a friend of the victim, had a misunderstanding on Thursday evening over a speaker box that was damaged.

The police said around 6:50 hours on Friday, Edmonson, of Lot 3 Perry Street, informed her other son, Malkchi Kennedy, that Darrel reportedly abused her.

“At 7:00 AM, Malkchi went searching for Darrel and encountered Hohinkirk with an individual named Sean on Perry Street. An argument ensued, leading them to Alicia’s residence.

Dead: Amaziah Hohinkirk

During the confrontation at Alicia’s residence, Sean (allegedly armed with a hockey stick) struck Alicia on her left wrist. Alicia then allegedly retrieved a knife and stabbed Hohinkirk once in the abdomen and once each on the left and right wrists,” the police said.

The victim subsequently fled the scene with Sean, entered a motor vehicle, and proceeded to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

The suspect and her son Malkchi are presently in custody.

Investigations are ongoing.

Police investigating death of 52-year-old Berbice woman

–– three suspects in custody

DETECTIVES in Regional Division #6 are investigating the death of 52-year-old Ninawattie Nandalall called Sharda, a domestic worker who resided at No. 0 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the woman was allegedly killed sometime between 12:30 hours on April 11 and 07:40 hours on April 12 at the No. 0 Backdam, Corentyne, Berbice.

Police have since arrested three suspects who are assisting with the investigation.

Field trials on the horizon for Sargassum-derived fertiliser

A MULTI-COUNTRY

MISSION to monitor progress with the regional Sargassum Products for Climate Resilience Project, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has recently concluded.

Representatives from the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (PFR) met with key partners in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica in February and March 2024,

to review progress and plan future activities.

Based on the successful outcome of recent scientific studies and greenhouse trials for a Sargassum-derived liquid fertilizer, the partners will commence field trials within the next few weeks. These efforts, which will be advanced in collaboration with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and regional private sector partners, signal promising progress towards valorization of Sargassum and strengthening

the Caribbean’s food security and climate resilience.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of fertilisers has skyrocketed, and farmers across the region need more affordable, high-quality fertilisers to improve their yields, especially in the stressful environment brought about by warmer temperatures and drought conditions. Anything that we can do to improve the supply and reduce costs and dependence on imports will be impactful,” Milton Haughton, Executive Director, CRFM

A multi-country mission to monitor progress with the regional Sargassum Products for Climate Resilience Project, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has recently concluded

Secretariat, stated.

“The project is working with multiple reputable research organisations to ensure a strong evidence-based approach to the product development process. We understand the complex nature of the Sargassum issue and concerns in the agricultural sector and are prioritising human, environmental and plant health in our research and development,” Sophie Jones-Williams, PFR’s Program Manager - International Development, said.

“We are excited about the positive results achieved thus far towards developing a safe and effective liquid fertiliser for the agriculture sector, and the potential for scaling out for wider impact across the Caribbean.

Efforts to optimise the fertiliser production process, based on the greenhouse trials, are underway. The CRFM and PFR are working in collaboration with researchers at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, as well as CARDI and the private sector, to ensure that the project taps into the best expertise available in the region.

Sargassum is a versatile, natural, renewable marine living resource that, if harvested and used safely and sustainably, could birth new economic opportunities for fishers and coastal communities, as well as entrepreneurs across the region, contributing to the realisation of the vision of blue economic growth,” Haughton added.

The project’s two main guiding principles are the circular economy approach, which ensures total utilisation of the Sargassum, including conversion of the residue or waste into other products; and the precautionary principle, which ensures that adequate caution is taken when there is uncertainty and a risk of harm.

This is in keeping with the overall aim of the Sargassum Products for Climate Resilience Project, to mitigate

the environmental and economic impacts of Sargassum influxes in affected Caribbean countries through the creation of inclusive value chains for Sargassum seaweed. Since the inception of the project in 2020, the CRFM and PFR have been working diligently to develop safe harvesting and handling techniques.

They have been rigorously testing to ensure safety from hazardous heavy metals throughout the process of product development, all along the value chain—from harvesting through to pilot scale production, as well as greenhouse trials that utilised the prototype product to grow vegetables. This effort builds upon the CRFM’s prior work, since 2015, to address the persistent problem of recurring Sargassum inundations which have been plaguing the region for the past 13 years.

The region has been seeing high levels of Sargassum inundations almost every year since 2011, and this regional project focuses on developing processes by which the Sargassum can be transformed from a bane to blessing for the Caribbean economy, using science, technology, and evidence-based decision-making to produce safe and viable commercial products.

Although the Caribbean Sea continued to be largely free of Sargassum since the beginning of 2024, the eastern Caribbean Sea is starting to receive large quantities of Sargassum from the central Atlantic, and this trend is likely to continue with increasing inundation of the coastal waters and beaches of several CRFM countries during the coming months.

The final phase of the PFR-CRFM Sargassum Products for Climate Resilience Project will focus on outreach and supply chain development, which would entail the dissemination of a workable model to Caribbean industry stakeholders. (CRFM)

Project launched to improve integrated landscape management, Amazon conservation

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in collaboration with the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), on Monday, launched the project “Securing a Living Amazon through Landscape Connectivity in Southern Guyana” under the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes (ASL) Program.

The ASL is a regional effort for conservation and sustainable development in the Amazon, aiming to connect people and institutions to conserve and manage landscapes. Guyana’s national ASL project, is an initiative that is part of the second phase of the ASL Programme, and seeks to improve integrated landscape management and conservation of ecosystems in targetted areas of the Amazon region.

Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Government of Guyana, the project is implemented by the WWF. The EPA has been appointed the lead executing agency in partnership with the Protect-

ed Areas Commission (PAC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). The initiative is set to be executed over a period of five years, ending in 2028 and has a budget of US$5,152,753.

It targets the enhancement of landscape connectivity through strategic management improvements of the Kanuku Mountains Protected Area and the North Rupununi Wetlands—two of Guyana’s most biologically diverse landscapes.

The project is struc -

tured around four main components: (I) Integrated Protected Landscapes, (II) Integrated Productive Landscapes, (III) Policies/ Incentives for Protected and Productive Landscapes, and (IV) Capacity Building and Regional Cooperation. These efforts aim to bring 611,000 hectares of the Kanuku Mountains’ terrestrial protected area and 901,800 hectares of the North Rupununi Wetlands under improved management, inte -

grating sustainable land and water management practices that support the conservation of these critical ecosystems.

The project also emphasises carbon emission reduction, with an expected mitigation of approximately 847,406 metric tons of CO2, which contributes significantly to global climate change efforts.

The project engages 700 direct beneficiaries, including ensuring 40 per cent female participation, which promotes gender-sensitive

development and diversified management of natural resources.

This timely initiative underscores the Government of Guyana’s commitment to preserving biodiversity as outlined in the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.

Over the next five years, the project will foster collaborations with various governmental and non-governmental organisations and indigenous communities.

Stakeholders attending the launch included represen-

tatives from the EPA, PAC, GFC, WWF - Guianas, Kanuku Mountains Community Representative Group, North Rupununi District Development Board, South Rupununi Conservation Society, Sustainable Wildlife Management, Frankfurt Zoological Society, Iwokrama Centre for Rainforest Conservation Inc., Conservation International, Regional Democratic Office Nine, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guyana Tourism Authority, Ministry of Public Works, Civil Defence Commission, Ministry of Agriculture – Hydromet & Fisheries Department and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

This collaborative approach is poised to pave the way for a more inclusive and comprehensive environmental governance structure, essential for Guyana’s sustainability pledge.

The strategic focus on community involvement and gender-sensitive practices is set to position this project as a model for conservation efforts worldwide, promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship in one of the world’s most vital natural habitats.

Stakeholders attending the ASL project launch

Sheriff Construction expands portfolio to include public projects

SHERIFF Construction, a subsidiary of the Sheriff Group of Companies, has announced its successful transition from private to public projects.

The company has recently completed a Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) revetment project, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and quality in the industry.

“With a proven track record of excellence in private ventures, including the ongoing construction of the Berbice Mall at Palmyra, the recently completed Sheriff

Sheriff Construction just started laying the foundation for the Berbice Mall at Palmyra

Office Complex in Da Silva Street, the Sheriff Hospital in West Demerara, as well as luxury homes and condominiums, Sheriff Construction is seeking to establish itself as a trusted name in the construction sector,” the Sheriff Group said in a press release.

Commenting on the company’s transition, Ameir Ahmad, Managing Director of Sheriff Guyana, remarked: “We are immensely proud of our team’s accomplishments on the plethora of private projects we have undertaken. As Guyana embarks on a decade of significant infrastructural transformation, reflected in the national budgets, Sheriff Construction is strategically positioning itself to seize the emerging opportunities and contribute to the overall development of the country.”

Hayma Singh, Head of Projects at Sheriff Construction, added: “Our success is attributed to the dedication and expertise of our team, who consistently deliver projects to the highest standards. We work with a core of experts, leveraging their skills and experience to ensure the successful execution of each endeavour.”

The company said it remains committed to delivering innovative solutions and contributing to Guyana’s growth and development, noting that as it expands its portfolio to include public projects, it will continue to uphold its reputation for “excellence” and “reliability” in the construction industry.

Education Ministry promotes literary excellence with Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’

TO elevate the study of Literature among secondary school students, the Ministry of Education is staging William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, “Twelfth Night” at the National Cultural Centre.

According to a press release, this innovative endeavour aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for literary works and enhance student engagement in preparation for the upcoming Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate (CSEC) English Literature examination in May.

“Twelfth Night” was selected for its relevance to the CSEC curriculum.

During brief remarks before it commenced, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand said this initiative underscores the ministry’s commitment to fostering cultural enrichment and academic excellence.

To elevate the study of Literature among secondary school students, the Ministry of Education is staging William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, “Twelfth Night” at the National Cultural Centre

She said that the Ministry of Education will continue to provide students with holistic educational experiences which go beyond traditional classroom learning.

Educator Ingrid Richards-Fung said that by bringing these texts to life on stage, students will have the opportunity to experience literature in a dynamic and immersive way, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the written word.

She added that there are plans to extend this initiative by incorporating other literary works from the CSEC syllabus into future theatrical.

The play debuted on Friday afternoon with scores of students from secondary schools across Regions Three, Four, Five, and Six. It will be playing at the National Cultural Centre on April 13, 15, 16 and 17. It was produced by Gems Theatre Production and directed by Ron Robinson.

The Ministry of Education called on educators and students to attend.

Springer enables Volcanoes eruption against CWI Academy

CMC – A compelling all-round performance from 2016 Under-19 World Cup-winning all-rounder Shamar Springer enabled Windward Islands Volcanoes to snap their losing streak with a 158-run win against Cricket West Indies Academy in the West Indies Championship on Friday.

The 26-year-old Barbadian import hit 47 to anchor the bottom half of the Volcanoes batting before they were bowled out for 275 in their second innings about halfhour after the scheduled lunch interval on the third day of their sixth-round match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua.

Out-of-favour West Indies batsman Sunil Ambris made 41, and Ryan John, another 2016 Under-19 World Cup-winning all-rounder, made 20 to beef-up the overall lead of the Volcanoes to 279.

Barbadian left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop was the pick of the CWI Academy bowlers taking four for 78 from 38 overs, and Guyanese fellow leftarm tweaker Ashmead Nedd snared three for 65 from 32 overs. Springer returned to bag four for 30 with his fast-medium bowling and led the demolition of the CWI Academy batting for 121 to hand the Volcanoes their fourth win of the season about halfhour before the scheduled close.

Rookie West Indies white-ball batsman Teddy Bishop led the way for the composite side with 47, and former West Indies Under-19 captain Ackeem Auguste got 24 – but no other CWI Academy batsman reached 20. John struck twice in his opening spell when he trapped West Indies Under-19 batsman Joshua

Dorne lbw for a third-ball duck in his second over, and he followed up with the same method of dismissal for Auguste in his sixth over.

Fellow pacer Gilon Tyson also struck twice in his opening spell when got Kadeem Alleyne caught at point for 18 and bowled West Indies Under-19 batsman Jordan Johnson for one in successive overs.

The Academy side were wobbling on 70 for four at tea, and Springer returned after the break and made sure there was no comeback story, triggering a collapse in which the composite side lost their last six wickets for 28 in 53 balls.

It was the first win for the Volcanoes since they started the tournament with three on the trot and then stumbled to back-toback defeats in the fourth and fifth rounds, and they are likely to regain the top spot in the standings

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

TURFFONTEIN

08:45 hrs Melech

09:20 hrs On The Horizon

09:55 hrs Mount Pilatus

10:30 hrs Captain Hindsight

ENGLISH RACING TIPS AINTREE

08:20 hrs West Balboa

08:55 hrs Brighterdaysahead

09:30 hrs The King Of Ryhope

10:05 hrs Flooring Porter

11:00 hrs Limerick Lace

12:00 hrs Found A Fifty

12:35 hrs Mister Meggit

WOLVERHAMPTON

12:10 hrs Profitman

12:40 hrs Sweet Caro -

lina

13:10 hrs Grey Cuban

13:40 hrs High Court

Judge

14:10 hrs Star Of Lady

M

14:40 hrs Smooth Silesie

15:10 hrs Moon Over The Sea

IRISH RACING TIPS

DUNDALK

11:20 hrs Califionia

Dreamer

11:50 hrs Senor Carrots

12:20 hrs Vivienda

12:50 hrs Mayfaur

13:20 hrs Bungle

Inthedesert

13:50 hrs Shining Itch

14:20 hrs Evening Blossom

14:50 hrs London City

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

KEENLAND

Race 1 Missile

Race 2Theroanrunner

Race 3 Summonyourcourage

Race 4 Shadow Surge

Race 5 Spaliday

Race 6 Julia Shining

Race 7 Roses For Debra

Race 8 Classic Catch

Race 9 Gina Romantica

after gaining (unofficially) 18.4 points.

Earlier, Springer was on nought and Ambris was on two when the Volcanoes started the day on a precarious 165 for seven.

But they shared a

valuable 48 for the eighth wicket that carried Volcanoes past 200, and Springer further frustrated the hosts when he added 63 for the ninth wicket with John before Bishop and Nedd cleaned them up in successive overs.

In the final round of matches, Volcanoes face current leaders Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua, and the Academy host Barbados Pride at the CCG.

Harpy Eagles push for victory against Scorpions

(CMC) – Defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles made a strong push for victory against hosts Jamaica Scorpions at Sabina Park in the Jamaica capital of Kingston in the West Indies Championship on Friday.

The Scorpions, chasing 419 to win, reached 123 for two in their second innings at the close, with West Indies left-hander Kirk McKenzie not out on 39, and his captain, West Indies white-ball batsman Brandon King not out on 13, holding the reins to the outcome of the contest.

Harpy Eagles had earlier dismissed the Scorpions for 153 to gain a 271-run, first innings lead, but they decided to bat a second time.

Led by 44 from their captain, West Indies Test selectee and first innings century-maker Tevin Imlach, and 36 not out from West Indies Test off-spinner Kevin Sinclair, they reached 147 for four before they declared about 45 minutes before the scheduled tea break.

Scorpions went to tea on 23 without loss, but Sinclair

got rookie opener Carlos Brown caught behind for 10 in the third over after the break, and left-arm spin bowling stalwart Veerasammy Permaul got newcomer Javaughan Buchanan caught at second slip for 39 in the first over after the final drinks break of the day.

West Indies white-ball batsman Keacy Carty indulged his love affair for Barbados Pride, bowling with his third first-class hundred, but front-runners Leeward Islands Hurricanes were facing a battle for survival after

they were forced to follow on in Trinidad.

Carty struck 12 fours in a top score of 127 from 232 balls in a little more than 4-1/2 hours, and was a pillar of strength in the Hurricanes batting before they were bowled out for 288, replying to the Pride first innings total of 542 for nine declared, on the stroke of tea on the third day of their sixth-round match at Queen’s Park Oval in the Trinidad capital, of Port of Spain.

West Indies Under-19 wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew supported with 53, and opener Mikyle Louis, the most prolific batsman this season, made 52, but the Hurricanes batting was undermined by clubmates, Roston Chase and Shaquille Cumberbatch.

Chase, the West Indies batting all-rounder, grabbed three for 47 from 14.2 overs with his off-spin, and rookie pacer Cumberbatch bagged three for 48 from 15 overs, while discarded West Indies left-handed all-rounder Raymond Reifer snared two wickets.

There were two prolonged periods of resis -

tance from the Hurricanes when Carty completed a second-wicket stand of 170 with Louis after their side started the day on 97 for one, and he put on 67 with Andrew for the fourth wicket before being caught behind off Cumberbatch inside the first hour after lunch.

Trailing by 254, the Hurricanes got off to a strong start and reached 98 for one after long-serving left-handed opener Kieran Powell was caught at slip off the uncomplicated leg-spin of former West Indies Under-19 batsman Kevin Wickham for 52 to the final ball of the day; Louis was not out on 45 when stumps were drawn.

ELSEWHERE

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force were also scenting victory after a destructive spell from Test pacer Anderson Phillip propelled them to a 353-run, first innings lead against hosts Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners.

Phillip grabbed five for 71 from 22 overs, and the Marooners were bowled out for 238, replying the Red

Force first innings total of 591 for seven declared, about an hour after lunch at Frank Worrell Field on the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies in Trinidad.

Hometown boy Yannick Ottley defied Phillip and the rest of the Red Force attack to hit the top score of 56 after the composite side continued from their overnight total of 109 for five,

First innings century-makers, Jason Mohammed, not out on 41, and lefthander Amir Jangoo, not out on 34, then anchored Red Force to 95 for two, before the declaration came about 50 minutes after the schedule tea break.

Set 449 to win, the Marooners were 67 for one in their second innings when stumps were drawn with opener Damel Evelyn not out on 43, and teenaged leg-spin all-rounder Zishan Motara not out on nought.

Kjorn Ottley, bowling his uncomplicated medium pace, got the late wicket of compatriot Kamil Pooran, brother of West Indies lefthander Nicholas Pooran, caught behind for 18.

Milo S chools’ Football C hampionship Battle lines drawn for round of 16 today

THE final 16 teams remain in the 2024 edition of Milo Schools’ Football championship.

Those 16 sides will do battle today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday) at the Ministry of Education ground with quarter finals slots up for grabs.

After the round robin play two teams from 6 groups advanced along with four best place third place sides.

The top teams are Chase Academy (Group A, Dolphin Secondary (Group B), West Ruimveldt Secondary (Group C), Ann’s Grove (Group D), Waramuri (Group E) and South Ruimveldt (Group F).

Saturday will see the first taste of round of 16 action

with Leonora tackling Bartica at 12 hours 30; both sides have only suffered one loss and will be hard pressed to reach the next round.

Next, The Bishops’ High, which qualified as one of the four ‘third place teams’ face defending champions, Chase Academy; the former stamping their authority on the tournament.

That game is at 14 hours 30.

Dolphin who led their group will then take on Queen’s College and after which there will be a battle of ‘Ruimveldts’ between South and East.

On Sunday Essequibo side Abram Zuil -who’s only loss was to Chase Academy - meets Ann’s grove looking for a quarter final spot from

13 hours.

Ann’s Grove also topped their group and will be in fine form looking to move on.

President’s College will next clash with Charlestown from 14 hours 30.

Yarakabra will also lock horns with Waramuri and another Ruimveldt Battle between North and West will close off the day.

The tournament is sponsored by Nestle MILO, sanctioned by the Ministry of Education and approved by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

Other sponsors include Ministry of Sport, Ministry of Local Government, Yellow Steel Inc, Massy and MVP sports.

Sean Paul, Kes to produce 2024 T20 World Cup anthem

THE International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday announced that iconic Grammy award-winning artiste Sean Paul, and Soca superstar Kes will join forces to produce the official anthem of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, hosted in the West Indies and USA.

With just 50 days to go until the Men’s T20 World Cup begins, the anthem’s production is in full swing for the track that will reverberate around the world when 20 international teams come together across the West Indies and USA from 1-29 June. The anthem is being produced by Machel “Tano” Montano, and will be launched in the coming weeks, together with the music video, which will feature cameos from several well-known superstars.

Grammy Award winner Sean Paul is a Jamaican dancehall artiste, philanthropist and record producer who has also earned several Grammy, Latin Music and Billboard Music Awards nominations. He is also the recipient of an MTV Europe Music Award (2003), Grammy Award winner ‘Dutty Rock’ Reggae Album of the Year (2004), the ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards for ‘Top Reggae Artiste of the Year’ (2005), an American Music Award (2006), of which he is the only Jamaican artiste to have won in the category for ‘Favourite Pop/Rock Male Artist’, and MOBO Award (2013). Kees Dieffenthaller, known to the world as KES, is the lead singer of Kes the Band, the eclectic outfit from Trinidad and Tobago behind some of modern Caribbean music’s most indelible an-

thems. In addition to his collaboration with Sean Paul on the tournament’s official anthem, Kes has shared the stage with the likes of Will Smith, Major Lazer and John Legend, and has collaborated with artistes from Wizkid to Snoop Dogg.

Grammy-award winning artist Sean Paul said: “Cricket has always been a major part of our culture, so I’m honoured to record the official anthem for the T20 World Cup. “I’m a big fan of Kes, and the track will feature a nice touch of the Caribbean, with some dance, to an international vibe and of course Soca. It will be a real anthem for people to sing out and feel the spirit of unity.”

Soca superstar Kes said: “Our mission has always been about bringing worlds together, so blending cricket (dear to us in the Caribbean), with music is a powerful combination. Shoutout to Sean Paul, Tano, and the whole team for creating this musical vibe. Can’t wait for everyone to sing along to this worldwide anthem, and bring the party to stadiums across the West Indies and USA.”

The announcement of the artistes to feature on the official anthem comes as party-stand tickets for World Cup matches are also set to go on sale on Monday 15 April at 10h00am AST at tickets. t20worldcup.com, with prices starting at just US$25.

General tickets are also available for purchase on the ticketing website and will be available at box offices across the Caribbean when they open in the coming weeks.

A ward-winning artiste Sean Paul

Soca superstar Kes

Caribbean Table Tennis Championships… Edghill; Britton to spearhead seniors Van Lange to lead juniors

GUYANA will serve off its participation in the Senior Caribbean Table Tennis Championships next week in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The competition will run from April 16 to 21 and will see the locals competing in the singles, doubles, mixed and team events for top honours.

Guyana’s team features Shemar Britton, Niran Bissu, Joel Alleyne and Elishaba Johnson in the men’s category while the ladies will be led by Olympian Chelsea Edgill and includes Jasmine Billingy, Thuraia Thomas and Natalie Cummings.

Last year Guyana finished third in the men and women to qualify for the Pan American (PAN AM) and Central America and Caribbean (CAC) games.

Head of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Godfrey Munroe said that it’s a balanced unit which he expects to give good account of themselves.

He said, “The plan is to maintain that (bronze medal performance) at least. New to the team Niron Bissu, who will be making his debut, the hope is to continue budding new set of players as we get the opportunity. Christopher Franklin, the national champion is not available [for the games.]”

According to Munroe, getting the team to the games was a task.

“[We are] quite pleased to be able to send the team, quite a herculean task with the price for tickets escalating and even the accommodation, but we were able to seek funding. We managed to secure the (support) of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, National Sports Commission, Guyana Olympic Association along with other partners,” the GTTA boss added.

The added benefit of the tournament according to Munroe will be to give

likes of Edghill, Britton and Cummings good quality competition ahead of their engagements in the coming months in Lima Peru for the Olympic qualification ahead of the Paris 2024 summer games.

The country’s top players worked individually before training for the past month together in preparation for the championship under Cuban coach Duary Cisneros Yasel and coach Linden Johnson.

Among the confirmed countries for the Caribbean Table Tennis Championships are Barbados, Trinidad, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Haiti Jamaica and St Lucia.

Juniors also in the mix

Meanwhile Munroe also shared that the GTTA has earmarked a team to compete in the junior division of the Caribbean tournament which also runs from the 23rd to 29th in the Dominican Republic

“Jonathan [Van Lange] will be leading that squad, they were the silver medalist squad last year and the hope is to repeat or surpass that,” Munroe said.

The junior team is made up of Van Lange, Colin Wong, Krystian Sahadeo, and Malachi Moore along with Thuraia Thomas, Jasmine Billingy, Samara Sukhai and Akira Watson.

Thuria Thomas will also play in the female under 19 girls’ singles, her final year in the youth division

While Jasmine Billingy, Akira Watson and Samara Sukhai will compete in the under 15 girls category.

The youngsters will be led by coach linden Johnson and will depart in a weeks’ time while the seniors will depart next week.

By Sean Devers

DEFENDING champions Berbice beat Essequibo by seven wickets at Malteenoes, while Demerara defeated the Select 1X by nine wickets at Lusignan in yesterday’s opening round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Male U-19 Inter-County 50-overs tournament.

At Malteenoes, in a match reduced to 39 overs due to a damp pitch, Berbice invited Essequibo to bat in hot conditions, and the Cinderella County boys were off to a solid start.

On a pitch with good bounce, Rajindra Ramballi and Shahid Vieira batted carefully as the pair shared a solid and slow 62-run partnership.

However, off-spinner Salim Khan removed both openers in the space of a

run to leave the score on 63-2.

Ramballi was looking set for a big score on 21 with four boundaries, as did Vieira, who reached the boundary three times in his 25.

Salim Khan struck again without addition to score when Myheim Khan fell for a duck, while Skipper Thaddeus Lovell (5) became the first of three batters to lose their wickets via the run-out route.

Jodon Campbell attempted a cut shot at one bounce and turned from ‘leggie’ Sanjay Algoo and was caught behind for 24 off 26 balls (two fours and six).

Seven batters failed to reach double figures in a poor display as the last seven wickets crumbled for 15 runs, leaving Essequibo all out for 108 in 34.5 overs.

Salim Khan took 3-30, while Kumar

Deopersaud (2-11) and Algoo (2-27) bowled well for Berbice.

Berbice, in turn, reached 109-3 in 21.5 overs.

Rampersaud Ramnauth (12) and Kevin Kestin (0) were both caught behind of consecutive balls from the lively Bruce Vincent after the openers had put together 22.

Although Bruce was denied his hattrick, the Essequibo new-ball bowlers Bruce and Lovell tested the batters with some good short balls as they both worked up some pace.

However, Skipper Rampertab Ramnauth and Damion Cecil added 18 to revive the position before Golcharran Chulai removed the former for an attractive 27 laced with two fours and a couple of sixes with the score at 40-3.

Cecil, who made 31 with two fours

and Rashad Gaffur unbeaten on 22 saw Berbice to victory.

At Lusignan, the select X1 were bowled for 100 in 33 overs before Demerara, led by an undefeated 53 from Romeo Deonarain and 46 from Sachin Balgobin.

Earlier, only Justin Doobay who hit three fours in 23, Skipper Shiloh Adams 20 and Nityanand Matura unbeaten on 19, passed 15.

Wavel Allen (3-22), Riyad Latiff (3-33) and Alvin Mohabir (2-7) did the damage with the ball for the home team.

The next round will be played tomorrow with Berbice and Select X1 facing-off at Meten-Meer-Zorg and Demerara and Essequibo clashing at Malteenoes.

Both games are scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs.

Olympian Chelsea Edgill

Shemar Britton

Marques’ manager is confident ahead of the fight against Dharry

By Sean Devers

DEXTER Marques is promising his fans an event that will not disappoint when he faces Elton Dharry in the World Boxing Association’s super flyweight gold championship on April 20.

At the National Gymnasium in Guyana last June, 38-year-old USA-based Guyanese Bantamweight pugilist Dharry improved his professional record to 34 bouts, 27 wins. 6 losses and a draw when he defeated Colombian Ramos Roland in the main bout over eight rounds.

On the main supporting

bout of that card, 38-year-old Marques was clinical in his destruction of Luis Carrillo in their Super Bantamweight fight scheduled for eight rounds to move his record to 21 bouts, 18 wins and 3 losses.

The pair will now match gloves for the World Boxing Association’s super flyweight gold championship, with the winner likely to fight for the WBA title.

And Keyola Hinckson, Manager of Marques, expressed confidence in her boxer’s abilities and determination to emerge victorious in the upcoming bout

and thanked Marques’ many supporters.

“On behalf of myself and fighter Dexter Marques, we would like to acknowledge the persons/businesses who have been going above and beyond to show support by way of sponsorship for his upcoming fight on April 20th at the Everest Cricket Ground,” she said.

“Special thanks are being expressed to Mr Sherwyn Hazel of Pearl White Auto who has been backing Dexter for several years, not forgetting Glambeatsby Keke Beauty Spa, Giftland Office Max, Sally’s Boutique, How-

Demerara Volleyball Association Clubs League…

Richards duo helps Castrol strikers past Venguy VC

CORWYN and Kirby Richards were the heroes on Thursday as they guided the Castrol Strikers side to victory over VenGuy Volleyball Club in the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) League.

Kirby Richards captained the team, but it was Corwyn Richards that led in the scoring column.

Corwyn dropped 18 points in an awesome display for the victory as his team completed 41 attacks in the match with 3 aces and 6 blocks.

Castrol strikers railroaded VenGuy in the opening set, 25-12, and they went on to outclass them again in the second set as well, 25-15, with Kirby Richards scoring 12 points.

The third set proved much tougher for the Castrol side as VenGuy’s Gustavo Granados and Klondyke Rodney, with 6 points each, showed their worth, upping their game in an effort to force a fourth set

in the five-match clash.

In the end, Castrol would get good minutes from Vance Harding with 9 points as they closed it out in straight sets, winning the third 25-20.

Corwyn Richards, by virtue of his 18 points in their victory, rose to the top of the league’s individual points table with 48 points overall in their four outings.

Omari Joseph, 45, and Trevon McRae take the next two spots on the individual points table.

Castrol Strikers now lead team’s leader board with 10 points after 3 wins and a loss.

Premier Eagles, who held the reigns at the top, are now down to second place with 9 points after 3 wins.

Third place is the Guyana Defence Force with two wins in 3 games.

Alphas, VenGuys, Classic Ball Blasters and Vanguards complete the table in that order.

ard’s Grocery Store, West Indies Sports Club, Colours Boutique and Glamazon Beauty Salon and Cosmetology School,” his manager reminded.

“Your contributions cannot go unmentioned, as this played a major part in getting Dexter ready for his fight and with this, we say thank you, thank you, thank you. Come April 20th you will not be disappointed!” stated Hinckson.

Marques who made his professional debut in 2006 has fought Dharry once in 2011 and lost.

The epic battle is set for the Everest Cricket Ground with the first bout scheduled to commence at 18:00 hours.

Dexter Marques and his Manager Keyola Hinckson

VenGuy

Castrol

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Man-of-the-Match at Lusignan Romeo Deonarine

Man-of-the-Match at Malteenoes Salim Khan