Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 17-04-2024

Gov’twelcomesPublicProcurementCommission’sreportonBelleVuePumpStationcontractaward

‘We take

the

responsibility of finding the solutions’ – President Ali says in response to ongoing electricity woes –– power ship to leave Cuba for Guyana today

Communitymembersamongthoseawarded$1.069BincontractsforSophiaroadprojects

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, met a delegation from the African Export-Import Bank (AfriExim). The delegation was led by Professor Benedict Oramah, the President of AfriExim. The discussion was centred on exploring investment opportunities in various areas. Professor Oramah was accompanied by Alhaji Aliko, Dangote the CEO and founder of Dangote Group in Nigeria (Office of the President photo)

Gov’t welcomes Public Procurement Commission’s report on Belle Vue Pump Station contract award

THE Government of Guyana has welcomed the finalisation of the report by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) on the contract awarded for the Belle Vue Pump Station on the West Bank of Demerara.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, during a live broadcast on Tuesday evening, said: “The completion of this report by the Public Procurement Commission provides ample evidence that the institutions that we have worked for so many years to establish are in fact, operating and functioning and are discharging their extremely important mandates.”

The government has said that the completion of the report is in keeping with the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Dr Singh said: “It will be recalled that [the] entire architecture requiring open competitive public procurement was established during the previous People's Progressive Party/Civic Government when we, along with our partners in Parliament legislated a number of amendments to our Constitution; which were brought into the Constitution in 2001, which included provisions for the establishment of a Public Procurement Com-

mission.

“And that it was this very PPP/C Government that took to Parliament a very modern and comprehensive procurement bill that would then be enacted, that has now become known as the Procurement Act, which establishes the framework for the operationalisation of the National Procurement and Tender Administration, Ministerial and Regional Tender Boards, and the entire framework that now provides for competitive public procurement and architecture that did not exist prior to its enactment and establishment….”

In a press statement, the Ministry of Finance said citizens could recall that the PPP/C Government, under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali, since resuming office and with a view to building on the foundation laid during its previous tenure, restarted the agenda to strengthen the institutions that are critical to ensuring public accountability, transparency and good governance; these are essential prerequisites in good governance.

“In the particular case of the Belle Vue Pump Station contract, the government, in addition to the already transparent process through which projects are awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), acknowledges the fact that the report includes recommendations which are useful for consideration, going forward. At the same time, we wish to elaborate on the context within which these developments are occurring,” the ministry said.

In his broadcast, Dr Singh said: “And I wish to assure the Guyanese public that these recommendations will engage careful study by our government and by the respective agencies of our government and, where appropriate, will certainly inform future reforms and future actions to be taken, including corrective actions in a number of areas where for example, observations were made regarding consistency between bidding documents and instructions to

bidders, etc….”

The government, he said, is also constantly mindful that it is implementing an accelerated and aggressive development agenda which involves a significant number of infrastructural works, and a significant revamping of government recruitment activity by extension, needless to say, displaces a tremendous demand on the contracting and construction industry.

“And we consider it a matter of policy priority to ensure that the prerequisites are put in place so that the construction and contracting industry is able to respond in the manner that will be needed not only in the immediate term, but into the medium term,” Dr Singh related.

He specifically referenced the volume of work being executed that exerts a tremendous demand on the existing/pre-existing/traditional contractors who have been operating in the industry for a number of years.

“We define our respective thresholds of qualification to ensure that [the] objective is met, that the pool of contractors is grown in order to meet this growing demand,” Dr Singh said.

He, however, clarified: “We are deeply mindful of ensuring that we contract companies that have the capacity to discharge

the obligations that they will be required to discharge from the contracts that might be awarded.

“And they're able to do so with due regard to compliance with the respective bills of quantities that are associated with respected projects, that they’re able to do so in a timely manner and that they are able to do so efficiently.”

The growth in the national budget from $300.7 billion in 2019 to a budget of $1.146 trillion this year, is evidence of this government’s transformational agenda and vision for Guyana, the Ministry of Finance had highlighted.

Within this, the government’s Public Sector Investment Programme, including investment in roads, bridges, schools and hospitals has grown by over 900 per cent over the same period to $666.2 billion.

“Not only has this expanded the capital expenditure to drive growth and development, but it has led to an increase in employment countrywide and necessitated an urgent need for the widening of the base of contractors available to execute projects. This would allow for every region to benefit, so that citizens all around the country would in turn, be able to experience the development taking place.

“It must be recalled as well that in December 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its Article IV Report lauded government for its Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms. The report noted that ‘the government also strengthened the procurement framework as the Public Procurement Commission, had five new commissioners sworn in and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) designed a comprehensive training programme in procurement, and commenced the design of a management information system to improve its operational efficiency.

“In conclusion, the Government of Guyana once again welcomes the PPC’s completion of the report on this matter and wishes to remind [sic] that this process is testimony that the procurement reform structures put in place are working.

“The government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring good governance, accountability and transparency in this and all other matters in relation to the procurement, awarding and implementation of projects throughout the country, as it continues its accelerated development agenda,” the Finance Ministry said.

‘We take the responsibility of finding the solutions’

– President Ali says in response to ongoing electricity woes

–– power ship to leave Cuba for Guyana today

By Shamar Meusa

FOLLOWING the announcement that a power supply ship will depart Cuba for Guyana today, President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, said that the Government of Guyana takes the responsibility of finding solutions to the ongoing power woes in the country.

The Head of State commented on the situation which has attracted remarks of frustration from the population, on the sidelines of the Local Content Summit

where he noted that the recent agreement to acquire some 36 megawatts of power from UCC Holding for a power ship, is a feasible one, and will add to the national grid thus offsetting generation shortfalls.

Stating that several problems led to the situation, he explained that the exponential growth in demand and lack of capacity are major issues. Against this backdrop, he said that part of the solution lies is the buying of additional generation capacity.

“…there are very few

companies that can give you this power in 15 days. We have been able to get this in 15 days. Of course it’s feasible,” he told reporters.

As such, he added that the government takes ownership of the system that it inherited in 2020 and further takes the responsibility of finding the solutions to fix it.

Meanwhile, the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, during a panel discussion at the same event on Tuesday stated that the current spate of blackouts is temporary and

will be fixed soon.

“The ship, tomorrow [Wednesday] I was told, will leave Cuba to come to Guyana. We’re expecting it in a few days and it will put 36 megawatts in the system,” he disclosed.

While noting that it was a temporary measure, he said that there are plans in place to deal with the situation, in the immediate term, to address the shortage in generation capacity to bridge the gap, until the gas-to-energy plant comes on stream with the 300 megawatts of power to add to

the country’s grid.

He also noted that the electricity issues have transcended many administrations and most recently was caused by the increased demand for power with the rapid transformation of the country’s economy and growth in several sectors.

Late last week, President Ali announced that the government had finalised an agreement for the supply of emergency power to address the increase in power outages.

Through the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), the time-chartered agreement with UCC Holding for a power ship to be deployed to Guyana was signed.

The agreement will see the chartering of a power supply vessel which 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 24 months.

‘Big shift’ needed in banking sector – President Ali –– says its modernisation will help drive economic growth

By Clestine Juan

WITH Guyana being among the fastest growing economies in the world, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has signalled the need for a “big shift” in the business mindset of bankers and their clients for the modernisation of the sector to propel the nation’s economic advancement.

The Head of State was at the time delivering his featured remarks at this year’s Local Content Summit which was held at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre

in Kingston, Georgetown. President Ali underscored the significance of the summit as a platform for networking and collaboration among key stakeholders, as he highlighted the importance of bringing together capital and human assets to integrate companies and foster the scale necessary for sustainable growth.

With an impressive average economic growth rate of 10 per cent over the past three years, Guyana stands out as one of the fastest-growing economies globally.

The heart of Guyana’s

economic success lies in its strategic management of its burgeoning oil industry.

However, President Ali cautioned that realising these opportunities requires a fundamental overhaul of the banking sector. As such, he challenged traditional notions of banking, calling for a paradigm shift towards a more dynamic and investment-oriented approach.

“The banking model needs to change,” asserted President Ali as he urged banks to transcend their role as mere repositories of funds and embrace a proactive

stance in wealth creation. He criticised the prevailing risk-averse culture within the sector, advocating for a more assertive and analytical approach to capital deployment.

“Banks can no longer be a counter that you deposit money, and you get some interest, and you get a business model around that and then you are very risk averse. So, you look at the best opportunity for lending and you’ll lend to that so your returns are very high as can be seen in your balance sheets.

“That is not banking, that

is a traditional approach to money management. Banking and Finance is an art. It is an art of utilising liquidity in the system through structure and mechanism to grow wealth and create wealth.” President Ali affirmed.

While outlining his vision for a banking sector that actively identifies and pursues growth opportunities, President Ali explained that banks must evolve from passive custodians of capital to proactive agents of economic development.

He said: “This requires a big shift in the business

mindset of the bankers and the client. We need to move up this value scale in the banking sector. To have more investment-type bankers who are on a daily basis, analysing the opportunity in the market. This requires some investment from the banking sector.

“It requires the banking sector to use more analytical tools in defining the opportunities for the country. But importantly, in modelling those opportunities and then going out to their

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar (second from right), during the panel discussion on Tuesday (Delano Williams photos)

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the Local Content Summit which opened on Tuesday at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Kingston, Georgetown

Storming of Mexico Embassy in Ecuador…

CARICOM Chairman urges dialogue, use of relevant multilateral processes

CHAIRMAN of CAR -

ICOM, the President of Guyana Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, attended an emergency meeting of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (CELAC) on deliberations on the violation of the Geneva Convention on Diplomatic Relations after the assault of the Mexican Embassy in

Quito by authorities of the Government of Ecuador.

According to a post on his official Facebook page, during the meeting, Dr Ali said: “The Member States of CARICOM, reaffirm the importance of adherence to the prin-

ciples of international law and the rules of diplomatic engagement enshrined in the Geneva Convention, which codifies inviolability of diplomatic missions and consular offices.

“CARICOM is, therefore, deeply concerned that the Republic of Ec -

uador has recently taken actions that have violated the premises of the Embassy of Mexico in Quito.”

The CARICOM Chairman went on to say: “We anticipate that both states seek to resolve the matter through dialogue and ac-

cess to relevant multilateral processes, with a view to ensuring that our region remains one of peace.

This must be the priority of all of us; to ensure that this region of ours remains a zone and a place of peace and co-operation.”

Chairman of CARICOM, the President of Guyana Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, attended an emergency meeting of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (CELAC) on deliberations on the violation of the Geneva Convention on Diplomatic Relations after the assault of the Mexican Embassy in Quito by authorities of the Government of Ecuador

‘Big shift’ needed in banking ...

clients.”

With the government’s targeted investment in public capital goods and infrastructure paving the way for sustained growth, he posited that the banking sector in Guyana was poised for expansion, offering significant opportunities for both domestic and international investors.

UNTAPPED OPPORTUNITIES

Drawing attention to untapped opportunities in regional collaboration, President Ali challenged Guyanese businesses to expand their horizons beyond national borders.

He called for a concerted effort to leverage the country’s growing capacity and scale to pursue regional opportunities, thereby unlocking new avenues for economic growth.

“If we are building the capacity of companies

here, what is the market we are targeting? Is it only building that capacity and scale and capability for the local market? Or do we now look at this capacity and scale your building locally and find regional opportunities through which we can apply this capacity and expand the economic and financial opportunity for the local businesses. And that is where we have to position ourselves,” President Ali told the summit. He warned that in building the capacity of local companies, they must not limit themselves to the domestic market but actively seek out regional opportunities.

“Don’t tell me the opportunity is not there! As you build a scale, the government is saying we are going to invest. That is why from the government side, we are developing a model to match the economy of the future,” the Head of State said.

Recently, the Senior

Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, highlighted the country’s rapid growth and the substantial impact this has had on the banking and financial sectors.

During his presentation at this year’s Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Minister Singh pointed out that the growth in credit was not just a quantitative leap but also a qualitative one, as the domestic banks, despite being relatively small, have been responding within their capacity.

However, this growth also opens opportunities for international banks in Guyana.

“There’s a limit beyond which the domestic banks have been responding… and so there’s an opportunity even for international banks in Guyana,” Dr. Singh remarked, highlighting the potential for increased internation-

al banking presence in response to the country’s economic dynamics.

The finance minister also pointed out the significant role of multilateral and international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Bank, which have notably increased their lending to the private sector in Guyana.

This involvement of international players, he said, underscores the country’s growing credibility and attractiveness as an investment destination.

Moreover, the minister elaborated on the private sector’s robust response to the conducive economic environment created by the government.

He noted the remarkable growth in home

the attractiveness of the sector for banking investment.

almost risk-free lending environment.

“Nobody wants to lose their home,” he said, explaining the low default rates on home loans in Guyana, which enhances

Dr. Singh, in his presentation, explained that the country is on the brink of a financial revolution, buoyed by its strategic economic reforms and burgeoning oil and gas sector.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing the Local Content Summit (Delano Williams photo)

loans for homeownership, a direct response to the government’s housing programme, signifying the sector’s

Progressive Banking

IN the wake of Guyana’s meteoric rise as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has sounded the clarion call for a transformative shift in the nation’s banking sector.

His recent address at the Local Content Summit resonated with a sense of urgency, emphasising the indispensable role of a modernised banking industry in propelling Guyana’s economic advancement to new heights.

At the heart of President Ali’s message lies a bold challenge to traditional banking paradigms. He advocated for a departure from the passive custodianship of capital towards a proactive stance in wealth creation.

The President rightly asserted that banking is not merely about safeguarding funds, but rather an intricate art form utilising liquidity to foster growth and generate wealth. It’s a call to arms for banks to shed their

risk-averse tendencies and embrace a more dynamic, investment-oriented approach.

President Ali’s vision extends beyond mere rhetoric; it demands tangible action. He emphasised the imperative of fostering a business-mindset shift among both bankers and clients. This entails elevating the banking sector along the value scale, nurturing a cadre of investment-savvy bankers who are adept at identifying and capitalising on market opportunities.

Such a transformation requires investment from within the banking industry itself, including the adoption of advanced analytical tools to drive informed decision-making.

Crucially, President Ali underscored the need for Guyanese businesses to expand their horizons beyond national borders. As the country experiences unprecedented growth, regional collaboration presents a fertile ground for economic expansion.

By leveraging its burgeoning capacity and scale, Guyana can tap into a wealth of regional opportunities, thereby diversifying its economic portfolio and fortifying its position on the global stage.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh also highlighted the transformative impact of Guyana’s rapid growth on the banking and financial sectors. This growth not only reflects quantitative expansion, but also signifies a qualitative leap in the industry’s responsiveness.

Dr. Singh’s remarks underscore the burgeoning potential for international banks in Guyana, signalling a shift towards greater global engagement and integration.

Moreover, the involvement of multilateral and international financial institutions underscores Guyana’s growing credibility as an investment destination. With increased lend-

ing to the private sector, these institutions validate the country’s strategic economic reforms and underscore its attractiveness to global investors.

As Guyana stands on the cusp of a financial revolution, driven by its burgeoning oil and gas sector and strategic economic reforms, the imperative for progressive banking practices has never been more pressing. The banking sector must heed President Ali’s call for transformation, embracing innovation, and agility to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

His vision for a modernised banking industry sets the stage for a new era of economic prosperity, one fuelled by collaboration, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of growth. It’s time for Guyana to seize the moment and embark on a journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future.

Community members among those awarded $1.069B in contracts for Sophia road projects

–– Dr Jagdeo urges residents to capitalise on skills training programmes

By Trina Williams

WITH Guyana’s development “boom” continuing to reach every community, more infrastructural enhancements are in store for Sophia, as the government has awarded $1.069 billion in 85 contracts for crucial projects in the community.

This initiative is a continued fulfilment of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s promise of building out Guyana’s infrastructure, so it could be modernised and become more efficient to support a flourishing economy.

Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, during his remarks at a community outreach and simple ceremony at the Sophia Primary School, said the PPP/C does not only visit and make promises during the elections period, but instead always listens and delivers.

The Guyana Chronicle spoke with several contractors who gave their view on the country’s unprecedented developmental growth and what the road projects in Sophia mean for the community.

Alliea Webb, the project manager of KHE engineering, lauded this initiative and commended the government for remaining consistent with the delivery of its manifesto promises.

She said: “On behalf of KHE engineering, I’d like to thank the government for keeping their promises of giving the citizens of Sophia better roadways after long years of bad roads and people complaining.”

Tariq Duncan of Tariq Duncan General Construction, who is also a resident of Sophia, highlighted his reasons for being excited about this and other initiatives. This includes the government placing focus on letting the residents be a part of their community’s transformation and taking Sophia off the backburners of development.

“This initiative is good because I see they reached out to the local residents to give them contracts,” he said.

Additionally, Delroy Williams of Aki’s General Construction gave this publication an insight into how his community has been transformed

under the current government.

“This is a good thing for the people of Sophia,” he said, while pointing out that the contracts are being awarded to residents of the community, since they would know their needs more than anyone else.

The Sophia resident went on to say: “We see a lot of development; we

see most of the community centre grounds and playfields [being] developed.... We continue to see a lot of development, drainage and everything being cleaned as well.”

IMPROVING

LIVELIHOODS

Although the awarding

of contracts was the main focus of the engagement, Dr Jagdeo allowed residents to take the floor and voice their concerns.

With one fisherman telling him about the hardships that ordinary individuals like him are facing, the Vice-President responded by saying that residents should participate in the

skills training programmes to enhance their abilities and access other opportunities.

“I’ve said to the fisherman that outside of the scholarships we’ve had here, we are training about maybe another 15,000 people in skill training. So this is under Minister Hamilton and also Vindhya through the WIIN programme and some other programmes, [are training women]...

“So we need like heavy-duty equipment operators, we need truck drivers, we need carpenters, we need [them] in large quantities now, we need plumbers, we need electricians. If people find those individuals who are prepared to go in for their training, I can get Joe Hamilton to come here and arrange the training,” Dr Jagdeo said.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, said that because of a previous visit to the community where he participated in a clean-up campaign, he along with several other ministers listened to the residents and what they had to say.

Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo interacts with a resident of Sophia (Shaniece Bamfield photo)

The renegotiation debate of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement: What are the considerations?

THIS topic has been explored about a year ago by this author where a number of factors were discussed. Of recent, proponents for the renegotiation of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement have renewed and amplified their calls for renegotiation.

However, those proponents have consistently failed to adequately expound on and justify the “bargaining powers” in Guyana’s favour that it can leverage to successfully pursue same. Others have questioned whether the government has even approached ExxonMobil Guyana and its Co-Ventures (CoVs) on the issue of renegotiation, to which ExxonMobil Guyana has already indicated publicly that it is unlikely that they would agree to a renegotiation at this stage.

In this regard, reference is made to the provision in the Petroleum Agreement (2016) which establishes that both parties must agree.

With this background in mind, this author wishes to revisit this topic―and, in so doing, examine some other factors that have previously not been explored by this author. For ease of reference, hereunder is a summary of the background to this issue and a summary of the preceding arguments.

SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS ARGUMENTS

Previously, the author examined the subject matter of this analysis from three dimensions, namely: (1) the project lifecycle, (2) the investment risks and capital-intensive nature of the industry, and (3) the impact of climate change policies and energy transition on the future demand for the global industry. Towards these ends, it was argued that the project lifecycle of the oil and gas business is approximately 40 years.

The exploration and development phases spanned 20 years (1999-2019) before production (first oil), the oil companies have continuously injected capital to explore and develop the resource. The nature of the oil and gas business is such that it is inherently of high investment risks and highly capital intensive.

The exploration and development costs for Liza 1 alone amounted to about US$4 billion, the total estimated development cost for Liza 1, Liza 2, Payara and Yellowtail is an estimated US$29.3 billion, representing 100 per cent of Guyana’s pre-oil GDP in the case of Liza 1, and for the four approved projects combined represents 7.3 times Guyana’s pre-oil GDP.

Many countries are already accelerating climate change policies, aiming to transition from a fossil-fuel driven energy system to renewable energy with investments amounting to hundreds of billions in US dollars, which ultimately means that these developments will have a direct impact on global crude oil prices which will be on a downward trajectory, at some point into the future, whether its 50 years or 100 years from now.

Fiscal regimes. It is worth noting that it is normal practice for petroleum producing countries to design a separate fiscal regime specifically for the oil and gas industry that is usually different from the mainstream fiscal regime applied to companies operating in other sectors. There are different types of fiscal regimes that can be applied to the oil and gas industry. The reason for this is largely because of the highly capital-intensive nature of the industry, the size of the industry and investments, the nature of the project life cycle, which is about 40-50 years; 10–15 years of exploration, another 5-10 years developing the fields for production (provided that the fields are commercially viable), and another 20 years of productive life.

Oil price volatility: Typically, oil price volatility is impacted by market conditions (demand and supply) as well as geopolitical tensions. The criticisms concerning the 2016 Petroleum Agreement are often characterised as extremist views, ignoring these and many other practical variables.

Geopolitical risks: The ongoing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela ought not to be discounted from the risk matrix. See article here exclusively on this topic by this author. https://www.guyanastandard.com/2023/10/01/ the-guyana-venezuela-border-controversy-the-geopoli -

tics-of-oil-regional-security/.

The incumbent government has done a commendable job in terms of maximising value for the country through better contract administration. Two critical elements in which the government has succeeded in this regard are (1) the local content legislation and (2) the gas-to-energy project, of which both will translate into another US$2 billion annually in direct and indirect benefits for the country.

Political risks: The sanctity of an investment contract and stability of investment go hand in hand. This is especially important when a country that is historically underdeveloped has been starved for investments, foreign direct investment (FDI) in particular, and is seeking to stimulate investors’ confidence and to attract investments in the economy. The multiplier effect of investments helps to create sustainable employment opportunities for the population, develop and monetise the natural resources of the country, contribute to national development through the value chain matrix, tax revenue for the State, foreign exchange earnings through exports, and improving the overall social and economic well-being of people and by extension the country.

Moreover, investment security in this case is considered highly critical given that there needs to be some degree of assurance that would sustain at least eight political cycles, with the project lifecycle and risks in mind which cover a 40-year period as discussed earlier.

It is within these contexts that investment security and stability, especially for oil and gas investments, are particularly important for the reasons such as: Minimising the political and market risks of the country which, in turn, would lend to an attractive investment climate for global and domestic

investments.

Considering Guyana’s political history, it is important to ensure that the political risk of the country is viewed as low-moderate so that Guyana continues to be regarded as a globally attractive destination for investment across all sectors, inter alia, demonstrably assuring investors of their investment security.

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The government has been strongly criticised for not renegotiating the Stabroek Block Petroleum Agreement (2016) largely because it has promised to do so when they were in opposition. But this argument conveniently ignores the vital context altogether.

There are two separate recorded interviews with the Vice President as Opposition Leader in 2019, and President Ali, as the Presidential candidate leading up to the elections in 2020. Both President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo had said in opposition that they are committed to reviewing “all of the contracts” and the entire legal, fiscal, and regulatory frameworks for the oil and gas sector, together with improved contract administration. The fact is that the government has done exactly what it said it would do in opposition.

To this end, the government did the following:

As soon as the government assumed office in August 2020, it moved swiftly to implement Local Content Legislation which is now generating an estimated US$1 billion annually from cost-oil to procure goods and services from Guyanese suppliers and provision of employment

The renegotiation debate of the 2016 Petroleum ...

opportunities for Guyanese.

Work began on the implementation of the gas-to-energy project which would translate to another US$1 billion in direct and indirect benefits for the economy.

A new model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) was developed with significantly improved fiscal conditions that will result in the government’s take increasing from 28 per cent based on the 2016 PSA to 50 per cent. The new fiscal terms include the introduction of a 10 per cent corporate tax, 10 per cent royalty up from two per cent, cost recovery ceiling

down to 65 per cent from 75 per cent, and profit oil remains at 50 per cent. This new PSA will apply to all future production agreements.

A new modern Petroleum Activities legislation was developed (already passed in the National Assembly) which would repeal and replace the outdated Petroleum law.

More importantly to note is that apart from the Stabroek Block which is the only block that had moved to production before the government assumed office in 2020, there are nine other active Petro-

leum Prospecting/Exploration Licences.

So, once commercial discoveries are made, the new PSA/fiscal terms will apply to those. In other words, the government has effectively renegotiated nine other contracts that were based on the old fiscal terms because those have not moved to production as yet unlike the Stabroek Block.

In addition to the earlier argumentations as to why the government opted not to renegotiate the Stabroek Block, there are some other considerations that were not articulated before―by anyone including this author. These are examined hereunder.

There were two unprecedented events that weakened the government’s position, even if it wanted to renegotiate the Stabroek Block’s PSA. In this respect, the government would have been in a stronger position if by the time it assumed office following the general elections, ExxonMobil and its CoVs had not moved to production. Cognisant of the ramifications, ExxonMobil Guyana aggressively transitioned into production in record time by December 2019, knowing full well that election was due in March 2020.

By ExxonMobil’s own admission, coupled with independent research to verify same, the timeline by which ExxonMobil moved from discovery to first oil in just five years, is a record achievement across the global industry, aided by the deployment of advanced technologies.

Historically, it took about ten years to develop projects from commercial discovery to production following an investment decision. Secondly, one would recall that after the successful passage of the “No-Confidence Motion” (NCM) in December 2018, elections were constitutionally due three months thereafter; but was not held until March 2020, then the election result was declared five months later in August 2020.

Almost one and a half years later, there was a change in government following the NCM in December 2018 and the general elections in March 2020.

One has to appreciate that the investment decision for the Stabroek Block was based on the 2016 PSA and the fact that Exxon had already started production, renegotiation would have been difficult. There are lessons from the experiences involving a neighbouring country that had forcefully imposed additional fiscal conditions through legislative amendments.

This experience resulted in that country ultimately becoming liable to the oil companies for the breach of terms and conditions of the original contract, to the tune of some US$40 billion in compensation.

There is another notion that the government’s reluctance to renegotiate the Stabroek Block PSA is a huge loss for Guyana largely owing to the fact that the Stabroek Block’s discovery has proven to have a high-quality crude proven reserves thus far, and it is the largest oil block that

ExxonMobil and CoVs control.

Notwithstanding, even this notion has its limitations when one analyses the situation. In so doing, it was found that, based on all of the current discoveries and approved projects so far, the sum total of the size of the project development (PDA) areas is equivalent to less than 10 per cent of the entire Stabroek Block.

The Stabroek Block comprises an area of approximately 26,806 sq.km or 10,843,003 hectares. The total discoveries to date is excess of 11 billion barrels of crude, which ExxonMobil Guyana aims to develop through a total of ten (10) Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels by 2030.

So far, there are six projects of which five have been approved, and two are already in production. Together, these six projects cover an area of approximately 441 sq.km or 44,100 hectares, of which the largest is Whiptail, covering approximately 10,900 hectares.

As such, it is safe to assume that the other four-projects that will be developed by 2030 to bring the total FPSOs to ten, may cover an area of an average of 10,000 hectares each, giving rise to a total of 841 sq.km or 84,167 hectares. In total, this represents 3.14% of the total Stabroek Block area.

Pursuant to the 2016 PSA, taking into account the one-year extension granted by the government for force majeure, the Petroleum Prospecting License for the Stabroek block will expire in 2027, given the maximum amount of time the license can be renewed in accordance with the Agreement.

This means that, even with continued exploration activities in the Stabroek Block until 2027, considering the current discoveries after 24 long years, it is highly unlikely that ExxonMobil will be able to explore and develop more than six per cent of the Stabroek Block area before the expiration of the 2016 PSA.

It, therefore, means that when the 2016 PSA expires, ExxonMobil Guyana and CoVs will have to relinquish an estimated 90 per cent-94 per cent of the unexplored Stabroek block, at which point the new fiscal conditions and PSA shall apply.

Contrary to the popular view propagated by the critics of the government that it has walked back its promise to renegotiate the oil contracts, as discussed and demonstrated herein, this is not the case.

The Stabroek Block is the only Block out of ten active exploration licences that moved into production almost one and a half years before the government assumed office in 2020.

In the circumstances, it is imperative for the government to create an environment of political, economic, social, and geopolitical stability which are the prerequisite conditions that will enable the government to pursue its transformative economic and development agenda in a sustainable manner, while building a prosperous nation.

ITD, MCC and TUS ignored President Ali’s anti-colonial edict

FOR over 10 years now, there is a weekly column in the Stabroek News titled, “In The Diaspora”(ITD) edited by long standing executive member of an organisation named Overseas Friends of the WPA, Dr. Alissa Trotz, one of the most active members of Guyana’s enduring Mulatto/ Creole class.

The strapline for ITD reads as follows: “This is one of a series of weekly columns from Guyanese in the diaspora and others with an interest in issues related to Guyana and the Caribbean.” Here is what Dr. Trotz does. Working closely with co-owner of the Stabroek News, Isabelle DeCaires, they select persons from the diaspora to write the weekly column.

For the past four years, it is incredible to know that not one column has been written by someone who has political sympathies for the Ali Government. Incredible to know that not one column has contained contents that put the Ali presidency in a positive light.

It is said that there are a million Guyanese in the diaspora. It is a monumental fact that among those one million folks, are countless scholars spread all over the diaspora that write analyses in favour of the Guyana Government. Some of them have splendid texts on Guyana’s political economy. Yet to date, not one of them has been asked by Trotz and DeCaires to pen a commentary for ITD.

All of ITD pieces have been anti-government. Remember John Mair (Bill Cotton) said that he examined 16 discussions on oil hosted by Moray House headed by Isabelle DeCaires and only one featured a pro-government actor- Minister Charles Ramson.

This columnist is an admirer of President Ali and writes favourably of him. Yet on my programme, the Freddie Kissoon-Gildarie Show, I feature opposition leaders, the latest being the former mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine.

It is the decent thing to do - give other folks with differing viewpoint the opportunity to be heard. You can disagree with them and offer your interpretation but let a hundred flowers bloom as Mao Tse Tung, the former great leader of China, once remarked.

President Ali announced last year that the Guyana Government would not allow exclusive housing areas for Western employees of the oil company. No former colonial country would want to see that site in their nation. It symbolises the ugliness of colonial rule. At one time, there was uproar in Barbados when part of the public beach was off-limit to locals. A calypsonian composed

a song about it and it became an instant hit all over the Caribbean.

A hundred per cent of this nation’s population would reject special housing reserves for the expatriate staff of the oil company and related companies. It is simply a non-negotiated issue in Guyana and the CARICOM countries.

Today, such people live all over Region Four inside compounds that Guyanese live. Where I live there are several White oil company executives, so I pass their houses while walking my two dogs and no security rank comes up to me to tell me I cannot walk there.

You would have thought that such a politically inspiring, anti-colonial policy of President Ali would have been met with an ITD column but it did not happen. You would have thought the usual suspects (TUS) would have at least published a letter in the paper they always write for – Stabroek News – congratulating the President on his excellent direction. But it did not happen. Why?

The Mulatto/Creole class (MCC) and TUS are not opposed, at the ideological level to exclusive housing areas for the White foreigners. I have lived all my life in this country and have spent all my life studying it. You know who would get exclusive invitations to the parties of those oil bosses in those exclusive compounds – folks from the TUS and MCC. They would not miss a single party.

They say a picture tells you so much about life. The BBC HARDtalk programme visited Guyana. Now I say to you just put some analysis on what you saw. The host, Stephen Sackur interviewed a number of people whom he visited at their worksites and at the oil conference. He interviewed well known civil social activist and member of the Mulatto/Creole class, Ms. Vanda Radzik.

Ms. Radzik is sitting on the Fort Groyne jetty with shoes off and her left leg sprawled out on the jetty, almost touching Mr. Sackur. Why was that ambience accepted by Mr. Sackur? It is a serious documentary and the format should have been an interview with Ms. Radzik-Veira in her office.

How come they were on the seawall?

Why the woman had her shoes off and leg resting on the wall and why Sackur approved of such an ambience?

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

No shortage of support for Afro-Guyanese

–– Minister Walrond affirms; points to provision of crucial support to IDPADA-G groups –– challenges persons claiming otherwise to produce credible evidence of victimisation, neglect of any particular race, religious community –– Guyana supports extension of International Decade for People of African Descent

THE Government of Guyana continues to contribute heavily to the development of the Afro-Guyanese communities and the preservation of culture.

This view was expressed by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who is leading a Guyana delegation at the Third Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Geneva, Switzerland.

In an invited comment on

the sidelines of the forum, Minister Walrond said that of the $100 million allocated to The International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G) groups in 2023, almost $70 million was disbursed to groups across the country.

“Some people are very good at playing the victim and labelling the government as prejudiced, but the evidence is clear. This PPP/C government has as -

sisted IDPADA-G groups in community projects, lecture series, the establishment of mega-farms and block-making projects, training programmes and many other initiatives, all geared towards our commitment to the principles of fairness,” she said. Minister Walrond also referenced the contributions made to the Afro-Guyanese community for Emancipation Day activities as another area of unequivocal support for all Guyanese, regardless of race.

“In 2023 alone, we contributed over $26 million towards promoting and preserving our African culture through Emancipation Day activities to communities, cultural groups and religious organisations across our country. This ensured that our drummers, dancers and other cultural performers were incentivised to keep the culture alive. Equally important is that this type of cash injection allows for greater awareness of the African culture, not just in the Afro-Guyanese community, but for all Guyanese,” Minister Walrond said. She also addressed claims of victimisation against Afro-Guyanese, challenging anyone with evidence to come forward.

“I want to offer my assurance that any credible evidence of victimisation or negligence against any particular race or religious community in Guyana will be dealt with expeditiously because this is contrary to our One Guyana philosophy. It will not be condoned,” the minister stressed.

In her remarks at the opening of the United Nations (UN) Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Geneva, Switzerland, Minister Walrond also pointed to programmes and measures aimed at improving the lives of Afro-Guyanese.

With Guyana being a nation which has citizens from all walks of life, she said: “Guyana as a multi-cultural

and multi-ethnic society is mindful and keen to ensure that our population, in its entirety, enjoys the best quality of life our country can afford.”

She further said that the government is aware that the panel will address the issues of reparations, sustainable development, economic justice, education, overcoming systemic racism and historic and cultural recognition. And Guyana has been and will continue to support the call for reparations.

“We also know that CARICOM has been at the forefront of demanding reparations for the descendants of enslaved Africans.

No shortage of support ...

Guyana is fully committed to the CARICOM position and His Excellency President Irfaan Ali is on record of having added his voice to the call for the need for reparations,” Walrond said.

She added: “Consequently, we have established a national reparations committee within the framework of a 10-point plan agreed upon by the Caribbean Community. We in Guyana provide financial support to this committee and are proud to have facilitated the presence of its

EXTENSION OF THE DECADE

Regarding the call for the second International Decade for People of African Descent, the minister said that the government has taken note of its merits and unreservedly supports the extension of the Decade.

“Guyana looks forward [to] contributing to the efforts towards improving the conditions of people of African descent. Both by supporting the work of this forum and

by continuing to craft and implement programmes that will redone to benefit of Guyanese of African descent,” the minister said.

Earlier this year, President Ali related that time is of the essence and advancement must be made towards creating a mechanism that leads to reparations.

During a panel discussion at the African Prosperity Dialogues, the President told African leaders who were present not to allow themselves to fall into the discussion of whether slavery has

been recognised as a grave human violation, because it already has.

But instead, he said they must focus on getting the guilty party to move from the apology stage to creating a mechanism.

In a previous address at a high-level meeting to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action that was held under the theme, “Reparations, racial justice and equality for people of African descent,” President Ali

told world leaders: “Guyana is committed to gaining international reparations for the crime of African enslavement. Reparative justice must not only include a full and unconditional apology from those responsible and/or who benefitted from the transatlantic trade in captive Africans and their consequent enslavement, but must go beyond apology.”

The President said that it is in this regard that Guyana will continue to support efforts being made within the Carib-

bean Community to press for the convening of an international summit to demand reparative justice for the victims of the transatlantic slave trade, African enslavement, and its enduring effects.

The Head of State also reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and said that the country was pleased to join in adopting the Declaration.

Chair at this session.”

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, among other officials at the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

NDMA unveils comprehensive cybersecurity policy framework

TO enhance cybersecurity resilience, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) unveiled 43 new policies as part of Government’s National Cybersecurity Policy Framework at the launch of its four-day policy sensitisation seminar hosted at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC), on Tuesday.

According to a press release, this is the first in a series of engagements across the public sector, which will be facilitated by the NDMA.

These cybersecurity pol-

icies will provide a strategic approach to managing cybersecurity risks, outline roles and responsibilities for various stakeholders and include mechanisms for incident response.

Cybersecurity experts developed them to protect Government of Guyana’s information and communication infrastructures from cyber threats, directly complement government’s vision of utilising Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) resources to provide easy access to gov-

ernment services, facilitate information sharing, and promote collaboration among government agencies, and other relevant parties.

NDMA's General Manager, Christopher Deen, underscored the importance of maintaining a robust and modern cybersecurity framework.

He reiterated the significant advantages of adopting modern cybersecurity practices and reaffirmed NDMA's dedication to collaborative efforts aimed at bolstering cyber resilience

across government.

Deen emphasised: “By championing a culture of cyber awareness and investing in cybersecurity capabilities, we can collectively mitigate risks, strengthen our cyber defences, and uphold transparency and security in our nation's digital landscape. This ensures that we emerge stronger, safer, and more resilient in the face of cyber threats.”

Further, Deen highlighted the government's substantial investments in leveraging technology to propel the

nation's growth trajectory, as one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

This commitment underscores the imperative of continuously enhancing cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive data in alignment with the nation's technological advancement.

The participants of the four-day training session include the Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Agencies, and senior Information Technology representatives from government ministries and their sub-agencies.

Deputy General Manager with responsibility for Operations, Orson Smith,

called the policies “timely,” highlighting their significance beyond mere business continuity, and acknowledging the critical role they play in safeguarding the sensitive data stored by government agencies.

Smith further related how a robust framework not only protects vital information but also upholds public trust and confidence in governmental institutions.

The Deputy General Manager urged heads of agencies to recognise the myriad benefits of embracing such policies. Highlighting the proactive measures embedded within the framework, he emphasised how its implementation fosters resilience against cyber threats, enhances incident response capabilities, and promotes effective collaboration among stakeholders.

NDMA remains at the forefront of shaping the future landscape of cybersecurity within government’s ICT ecosystem. With a steadfast commitment to advancing cybersecurity resilience, the Authority continues to work with other government agencies to fortify the nation's digital defences against evolving cyber threats.

NDMA’s General Manager, Christopher Deen

Starbucks now brewing at MovieTowne

STARBUCKS Guyana can now be found at two locations. The doors to the second store which is located at MovieTowne was officially opened on Tuesday.

Store Manager Daniel Roberts, who was enthusiastic about the opening of the MovieTowne location said: “Well today’s opening has been a tremendous success in my view. It’s the middle of the week and had a number of customers lined up this morning, waiting to enter our store.”

He continued, “We

catered for a large turnout today. I think we did fairly well today as it relates to the turn out.”

Roberts said that the store is always trying to develop a sort of experience for the customers.

“Each Starbucks store you go into, you’re going to feel different. It’s going to be the same brand, but it’s going to create a different kind of cultural experience whereby the store is set up in a way whereby you transform and travel through a different kind of experience through coffee,” he added.

Police, military presence to increase with operation

‘Eye in the Sky’

- exercise will utilise drones, include roadblocks, stop and search, roving patrols, among other things

Additionally Starbucks will be celebrating its first anniversary at Amazonia Mall, which opened its doors to the public on April 24, 2023.

Since opening its first location at the East Bank Demerara mall, Starbucks has remained committed to its Guyanese customers. Starbucks, in partnership with Prestige Holdings Guyana Inc., is focused on the expansion of the Guyanese market.

The MovieTowne store will be open from 06:30 hours to 22:00 hours daily.

According to information from the GPF, this operation involves the use of drones, which may be seen flying low in some areas. Members of the public are advised not to be alarmed. ‘Eye in the Sky’ will run for one month; during this time there will be an increase police presence. Roadblocks, stop and search, traffic enforcement, roving patrols, and raids will be conducted.

There will be motorcycle and bicycle campaigns, roadblock operations, cordons and searches, and the execution of warrants. Members of the public were asked to give full support and cooperation to the Joint Services.

Starbucks opened its second location in Guyana at MovieTowne on Tuesday

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), on Tuesday, initiated a joint operation in Georgetown called ‘Eye in the Sky.’

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), on Tuesday, initiated a joint operation in Georgetown called ‘Eye in the Sky’

Women’s economic empowerment to take centre stage at WE LIFT 4

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, has extended heartfelt gratitude to corporate Guyana for its unwavering support of the WE LIFT (Women Empowerment – Leading, Innovating, Flourishing Together) initiative.

It will showcase the resilience, creativity, and innovation of women entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to showcase their products and services to a wider audience.

With over 250 women-owned businesses represented, attendees can expect to find a diverse range of offerings, including art, crafts, construction, design, decor, beauty enhancement,

Taking place on April 20 and 21 at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, WE LIFT 4 promises to be the ultimate destination for women-owned businesses and supporters of women’s economic empowerment.

catering, agro-processing, and much more.

Minister Persaud, speaking at a press conference held at her secretariat on Lamaha Street, Georgetown, emphasised the pivotal role played by business entities in driving social change and fostering inclusive development.

She commended their commitment to corporate social responsibility and hailed their contributions as instrumental in advancing entrepreneurship among women.

Nations Incorporated, ExxonMobil (Guyana), Demerara Bank Limited, Banks DIH, ENET, and the Inter-American Develop -

ment Bank (IDB) are the event's principal sponsors this year.

Also on board is GTT.

On Tuesday, representatives from the first three firms handed out cheques in various amounts to Minister Persaud.

The ministry has said that this significant investment will propel WE LIFT 4 to new heights, enabling them to provide an environment that is conducive to female business development and a hub for networking, uplifting and empowering women across the nation.

“Thank you to all our sponsors for believing in WE LIFT and more importantly for working with us to provide the largest expo that features women-owned businesses in our country and perhaps in the region. And the point needs to be made that all the years that we've done it and this year, everything is provided to the women free of cost,” Dr Persaud said.

Head of Marketing at Demerara Bank Limited, Pravini Ramotar, said the financial institution is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs in Guyana.

Recognising the significant role women play in driving economic growth and development, Ramotar said that Demerara Bank has pledged to provide tailored financial solutions and resources to women-owned businesses to promote women’s economic development.

For example, at WE LIFT 4, she stated that the bank will offer lower interest rates and waive processing fees for loan applications to customers interested in financing their enterprises.

Pamela O'Toole, Director of Nations Incorporated, stated that the company is glad to sponsor an initiative that allows women to exhibit their enterprises.

“I hope that this partnership can continue for many

years to come,” she said.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil's Community Relations Advisor in Guyana, Ryan Hoppie, stated that women's empowerment is critical to the oil firm, which is why it has returned as a sponsor this year.

“We are happy to come on board again this year, supporting and giving women the opportunity and the platform to showcase their businesses, to network and of course, to uplift each other,” he said.

Minister Persaud lauded Demerara Bank Limited for its proactive role in providing tailored financial solutions to women entrepreneurs.

According to her, financing is always something that determines how far women can go and if they can even start their own business.

“So, I think that Demerara Bank Limited coming on board with this offer of lowered interest rates and also waiving the processing fee is a very good step for those women because, on site, they can access this opportunity and it's specially done for the WE LIFT initiative.”

Dr. Persaud stated that women are taking advantage of the opportunity.

She stated that for some, it may be a startup while others may seek to expand their business.

While WE LIFT 4 has several sponsors, Nations Inc is the largest, and the educational institution has been working with the government to provide free training to women.

According to Dr. Persaud, We LIFT 4 demonstrates the government's commitment to empowering women and upskilling them through vocational training, allowing them to achieve financial independence. Admission to WE LIFT 4 is free and gates open from 14:00 hours to 20:00 hours.

From L-R: Pamela O’Toole, Director of Nations Incorporated; Head of Marketing at Demerara Bank Limited, Pravini Ramotar; Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud and ExxonMobil’s Community Relations Adviser, Ryan Hoppie

Contractors encouraged to increase staff complement for timely completion of CJIA projects

THE three contractors working on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s Expansion Project have been urged to get the work done promptly, and in keeping with contractual obligations.

During a visit to the ongoing project on Monday, Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works, inspected: (1) the replace-

habilitation of the Baggage Make-up Area.

Minister Edghill said each contractor will be held accountable for their project delivery.

He also advised that some contractors would need to increase their labour force and implement a shift system to ensure timely delivery.

The three contractors working on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s Expansion Project have been urged to get the work done promptly, and in keeping with contractual obligations

ment of the Asphaltic Concrete Pavement with Rigid Pavement for the International Apron at CJIA, (2) the Construction and Rehabilitation of the New and Existing Commercial Center and the VIP section, (3) the Construction of the New Administrative Office Building, and (4) the Re-

The new works on the airport are part of the PPP/C government’s plans to continue modernising Guyana in keeping with international standards, positioning the country as a pivotal connectivity hub for the Caribbean, Latin America, and other countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe.

“We are working to bring more options to

Contractors encouraged to increase...

ensure there is greater ease in travel in and out of Guyana,” Minister Edghill said.

He added that the focus is on expanding the physical infrastructure of the national airport to make it more commercially viable and busi -

Contractor K&S General Contractors Inc. is tasked with upgrading the baggage make-up area, with an

ness-friendly. There will be new restaurants and concession areas, business services, and other offices set up including for airlines.

The VIP lounges would also be a major investment with Guyana advancing in the area of events tourism. Additionally, the over 300 staffers at CJIA would be moved to a much more comfortable facility. The modernisation budget for 2024 is approximately $1.1 billion.

$81,158,185 budget, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc. is working on the administrative building with a budget of $890,440,820 and on the rigid pavement with a budget of $703,176,270, while PD Contracting is working on the commercial centre with a budget to the tune of $874,265,155.

Guyanese must come

together and celebrate the gift of life

- President Ali says in Navaratri message

By Cindy Parkinson

IN observance of the sacred period of Navaratri, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Monday night, joined Hindus at the Good Hope Mandir on the East Coast of Demerara to pray to the divine mothers, Durga, Laxmi, and Saraswati.

The auspicious occasion is a worldwide celebration that symbolises many facets of feminine strength and heavenly energy. It was also the eve of Ram Navami.

In his address to the congregation and, by extension, the nation, President Ali emphasised the importance of unity, unselfish devotion to God, and being a good human being towards each other during these auspicious festivities and long after.

He used the occasion to urge all Guyanese to come together as a family and as a community to honour and celebrate the gift of life and its journey.

While explaining the significance of acknowledging all that God is accomplishing in your life, President Ali said that the Supreme Being grants everyone the opportunity to live and experience a lovely life filled with all the goodness, glory, and mercies.

“This period of fasting, cleansing, and reflection is a period through which, as

families, as a mandir, and as a community, we come together to journey spiritually. We come together on a spiritual journey in which we support and encourage each other.

Every night for the last week, devotees like you all across our country are in mandirs, satsangs, and in their homes, reflecting selflessly, giving praise and thanks, and celebrating with each other life and what it has to offer,” President Ali said. He further reminded all that the auspicious period of Navaratri is an opportune time for devotees and all Guyanese alike to renew themselves, their spirituality, and the next generation.

President Ali said: “This occasion gives us the opportunity to renew our spirit, renew our spirituality, and give us this beautiful opportunity of bringing the next generation along.”

Expressing his happiness at seeing a number of children at the mandir, particularly on a school night, President Ali said: “I am so pleased tonight to see so many children in the gathering, on a Monday night, because of the richness of our beliefs, the richness of our values, the richness of our teachings, the richness of our positions, and the richness of our spirituality, which must be passed on. That is

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali joined Hindus at the Good Hope Mandir on the East Coast of Demerara for Navaratri celebration

GuySuCo to get new management team soon - President Ali says

A NEW management team is set to take the helm at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) as the government pushes forward with modernising its operations.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made this announcement, on Tuesday, during an interview with reporters at the Local Content Summit.

He outlined several upcoming changes at the organisation, affirming the government’s commitment to providing the necessary investments to revive the sector and bolster its role as a key contributor to Guyana’s economy.

The president revealed that GuySuCo will soon have a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the corporation. Sasenarine Singh is currently occupying this role.

“We have been working aggressively at modernising GuySuCo. What we are doing is bringing a new structure. The current CEO will move into a new capacity, and we have a team that is coming,” the President said. Additionally, President Ali disclosed that the government is recruiting specialists from various countries, in -

cluding India and Cuba, to enhance GuySuCo’s operations.

“We have to address factory, agriculture, human resources, and the supply of labour. We are now in the process of bringing all of this together because sugar must be viable, and we are making the investment to make sugar viable again,” he said.

In this year’s budget, a whopping $6 billion has been earmarked for GuySuCo to enhance production and operational efficiency within the sugar industry.

The PPP/C Administration, in its 2020-2025 manifesto, pledged to revive the sugar industry following its shutdown under the previous coalition government.

In less than three years, the administration has successfully reopened the Rose Hall Estate, which resumed operations in 2023.

Since 2020, significant investments have been infused into the rehabilitation and modernisation of sugar factories and cane fields. Over 4,600 workers have been rehired since then, bringing total employment in the industry to over 8,100 employees. (DPI)

Education officers, IDB representatives conduct visit to Region Nine

THE Ministry of Education (MoE) in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), continues to spearhead efforts to enhance education in Region Nine.

A team comprising of education officers and rep-

group discussions with school leaders and teachers to inform resource allocation strategies aimed at strengthening instructional leadership at the district and school levels. In collaboration with regional education authorities, such as acting Regional Edu -

resentatives of the IDB conducted a visit to the region from April 9-11, 2024.

According to a MoE press release, the IDB team focused on a number of initiatives aimed at improving the educational outcomes of students in that region. They engaged with head teachers, teachers and regional officers, gaining valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in education delivery in the area, and experienced the rich cultural heritage of Guyana's hinterland communities.

One highlight of the visit was the exploration of bilingual education initiatives in Wapichan communities. Three nursery schools - Aishalton Nursery, Karaudaranau Nursery, and Mururunau Nursery - were identified to participate in bilingual teacher training provided by the University of Guyana. This pilot initiative underscores the ministry's commitment to promoting inclusive and culturally relevant education.

Moreover, the IDB team conducted focus

cation Officer Francine Gomes in Lethem, valuable data was collected to guide future interventions.

Infrastructure improvement was also a key focus of the mission. The IDB team assessed the condition of primary schools slated for rehabilitation, including the Aishalton Primary and Awarewanau Primary. Additionally, plans for the construction of a new primary school at Tabatinga were discussed, highlighting the ministry's commitment to providing modern learning environments for students.

The ministry was represented by Deputy Chief Education Officer for Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development, Marti De Souza; Assistant Chief Education Officer Nursery, Devindre Persaud, and Project Coordinator Patrick John.

Meanwhile, the IDB team was led by Education Specialist Sabine Aubourg, Economics Principal Specialist-Education Gregory Elacqua, and consultant Ana Mijares.

Officials engaging in discussions in Region Nine (MoE photo)

Housing applicants from 2019, prior years urged to update their information online

THE Ministry of Housing and Water - Central Housing and Planning Authority says it is currently processing applications made during 2019 and in previous years and is therefore urging those applicants to update their information.

On its Facebook page, the ministry stated that it “wishes to inform all persons who applied on or before 2019 and have received an Acknowledgement Letter, to contact the ministry through the online electronic system so that all applications can be updated and processed.”

It added: “The Ministry has intensified efforts to allocate house lots to applicants once their applications are updated and house lots become available in the respective regions.

All persons who applied for house lots in 2019 and prior years should update their information by visiting the following links: https:// Hai.chpa.gov.gy, https:// mohw.gov.gy, or https:// chpa.gov.gy”.

The ministry also explained that the process is simple, and requires applicants to input their names, date of birth and identification number. Once inserted a notification will be seen indicating whether the application was found or not.

If found, the applicant can move forward and update their information if they need or wish to, and can also change their preference for land or a built housing unit.

When the updated information has been submitted, applicants will receive a message indicating the successful updating of their information and that they will be contacted for an allocation based on availability.

If an application was not found, it means the application did not fall within that date, and the applicant will therefore need to contact the ministry’s housing department on 706-5730 for more information.

Persons can visit the ministry’s Facebook page for more information.

Guyanese must...

why places of worship like the temple/mandir are so important.”

Observing that there were more girls than boys in attendance at the function, President Ali said: “As you can see, we have many more young girls than boys, and that is also a reflection of our society. If we look at the university, we have more women graduating than men.

If we look at the enrollment at the university, we have more women enrolling than men, which is good, but we have to also ensure that the men are not left behind. And you have to also encourage them to live a more positive life. You have to encourage them to join and be a part of occasions like these where we can all enjoy life on this level of spirituality. And it gives you a deeper and different appreciation for life.”

In relation to community and national responsibility, President Ali commended the pundit from the Good Hope Mandir for playing an integral role in the development of the people in his community and across the country.

Finally, regarding the government’s commitment to the people of Guyana, President Ali used the opportunity to highlight and share

what the future holds for the country and its people.

“I want you to know that this government will do everything that we can do, and I say to you that the resources and the revenue that are there now are in transition. The real resources and revenue will come after 2027, when we will be able to do huge transformative things. With the hard work that we are putting in now, we are going to see the fullness of the results before 2030,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hindus across Guyana and the world celebrated Ram Navami on Tuesday. Ram Navami is the day on which Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, incarnated in human form in the land of Ayodhya. He is the Ardha Ansh of Vishnu, or has half the divinitive qualities of Lord Vishnu. The word “Rama” literally means one who is divinely blissful, who gives joy to others, and one in whom the sages rejoice.

It is said that Bhagwan Rama exemplified the perfect person (Maryada Purushottam). He is the embodiment of compassion, gentleness, kindness, righteousness, and integrity.

Although he had all the power in the world, he was still peaceful and gentle.

View of the web page applicants should see

Border controversy…

Guyana welcomes UN Security Council’s call for maintenance of peace in the region

THE Government of Guyana (GoG) has welcomed the statement issued by the United Nations (UN) Security Council, on Monday, in relation to Venezuela’s recent spurious claims to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory.

In a statement, on Tuesday, the government said that this will aid in maintaining peace in the region.

“Guyana is committed to the peaceful resolution of the controversy with Venezuela in full accordance with international law through the process of the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” the government said.

The country also expressed gratitude to the members of the Security Council for its valuable con-

sideration of this issue of great importance for the two countries and the region.

“Guyana welcomes the reaffirmation by members of the Security Council of the importance of upholding the Court’s Order, the principles of respect for each State’s sovereignty and territorial

integrity, and the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state, as enshrined in Article 2 (4) of the United Nations Charter.

“The Government of Guyana hopes that the statement by the United Nations Security Council will contribute to the maintenance of regional peace and security, and to ensuring that Latin America and the Caribbean remains a Zone of Peace,” the statement read.

In a statement on April 15, the UN Security Council expressed its concern about the possible escalation of tensions between Venezuela and Guyana, and urged the parties to exercise maximum restraint,

reminding them of their obligations to comply with the Order of Provisional Measures issued by the International Court of Justice on December 1, 2023.

The Council also underlined the importance of maintaining regional peace and security, and ensuring that the Latin America and Caribbean region remains a Zone of Peace.

“In this regard, it commended regional efforts which resulted in the conclusion of the Declaration of Peace and Dialogue of

Argyle of 14 December 2023 in which Guyana and Venezuela, inter alia, agreed that any controversy between the two states will be resolved in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement of 1966.

“The members of the Security Council urged the parties to resolve their differences through peaceful means and to uphold their obligations under international law and the United Nations Charter. They also stressed the importance of

regional actors playing a facilitating role in easing the tensions,” the statement read.

Furthermore, the members reaffirmed the importance of upholding the principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity and the prohibition to any party, on the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state, as enshrined in Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter.

Guyana Energy Conference to champion greater inclusion of women in O&G industry

By Feona Morrison

IN a move towards enhancing gender inclusivity in the oil and gas sector, the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo has announced plans to advocate for greater representation of women in the industry.

This decision comes as Guyana's burgeoning oil reserves continue to attract significant investment and attention on the global stage.

Speaking on behalf of Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo during a recent interview on EdYou-FM, the incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kiana Wil-

burg, emphasised the importance of empowering women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

“The oil and gas industry is heavily male dominated. And I think the voice of women, the perspectives that we have, it adds to the policy positions ensuring that the policies that do come out from the legislative branch are in our best interests,” she said.

In this regard, Wilburg said that the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo and she are passionate about “women having a seat at the table”.

“It’s not just about having us at the table and we

just fill a position, but how our perspectives are incorporated into policy documents. And I think that is going to be at the core of what we do, not just for 2024, but beyond,” she said.

To achieve its objectives, the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo plans to implement a range of initiatives aimed at attracting, retaining, and advancing women in the oil and gas sector.

The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo is an annual event that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders

- incoming CEO Wilburg says

to discuss the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the energy and supply chain sectors. Wilburg assumed her new role with a proven track record of energy sector knowledge. She embarked on her career in journalism in January 2013, quickly establishing herself as a discerning reporter with a keen focus on politics, finance, parliamentary affairs, and agriculture.

The discovery of oil and gas in Guyana in 2015 marked a pivotal turn in her career, sparking an enduring passion for this sector. She has since been at the forefront of investigating, analysing, and documenting every facet of this dynamic industry for the last nine years.

Education Ministry orders mandatory counselling, suspension, transfers

- following incident at Queenstown Secondary School

THE Ministry of Education, on Monday, concluded the investigation into the physical assault of a female student at the Queenstown Secondary School.

Following the circulation of a video recording of the assault last Friday, the Ministry of Education immediately launched an investigation into the matter.

On Monday morning, officers in the ministry’s

Secondary Sector Department met with the parents and children involved in the incident and several actions were taken after a probe.

Scheduled and mandatory counselling, suspension and transfers were some of the actions taken for the short and medium term.

“The Ministry of Education is committed to safe and supportive

learning spaces for all students. It's imperative that schools continue to prioritise the well-being and safety of their students, fostering an inclusive and respectful community where every individual feels valued and protected. It is equally important that these values be taught and enforced in homes across the country,” the Education Ministry said.

Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo incoming CEO, Kiana Wilburg

Explainer: Why foreign leaders prefer other Chinese cities over Beijing as first stop of China trip?

WHEN foreign leaders plan visits to China, the destination of their first choice is not always the nation's capital, Beijing.

It might seem surprising at first glance, given Beijing's status as the political heart of China. However, it is understandable if the purpose of their visit, its political or cultural symbolic meanings, or the message they aim to convey are taken into account.

CHONGQING

The booming megacity of Chongqing in southwest China is famed for its mountainous terrain and fire-breathing hotpot. The Yangtze River winds its way through the city, painting a mesmerizing panorama.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Chongqing on Sunday morning to kick off his packed three-day visit. He then travelled to Shanghai on Monday and is scheduled to conclude his visit in Beijing on Tuesday.

The various fields in which China and Germany enjoy promising co-operation are believed to have played a major role in determining his itinerary.

As an economic engine in the inland region, Chongqing has a strong industrial base and has reshaped its industrial landscape through innovation.

Accompanied by a large delegation of ministers and business executives, Scholz visited Sino-German joint venture Bosch Hydrogen Powertrain Systems (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. and experienced the assembly of hydrogen fuel cell power modules.

He is impressed by the co-operation between German and Chinese enterprises in the field of hydrogen technology, and Germany is willing to continue to deepen friendly exchanges with China and push bilateral co-operation to a new level.

Chongqing has been actively expanding its capacity in hydrogen production, creating remarkable potential for bilateral co-operation in the area.

In December 2023, a major hydrogen supply centre for vehicles in southwest China went operational in Chongqing.

As Germany faces challenges with its green energy push, it is expected that German automakers will take advantage of the visit to deepen collaboration with their Chinese peers, which have become leading global players in new energy vehicles, said Sun Yanhong, a senior research fellow at the Institute of European Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Additionally, Chongqing serves as a pivotal hub for

China-Europe freight trains. Observers said that Scholz's visit paves the way for future bilateral co-operation in infrastructure.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the inauguration of the China-Europe freight train services in the German city of Duisburg. Soren Link, mayor of Duisburg, said that the demand for logistics between China and Europe is still high, and Duisburg is willing to maintain and strengthen

ties with China while endeavoring to foster greater connectivity between the two sides.

GUANGZHOU

Political and economic considerations also play a major role in foreign leaders' selection of cities, as exemplified by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's China trip earlier this month.

She commenced her journey in the southern city of Guangzhou, and then visited Beijing amid ongoing tensions surrounding U.S. economic and high-tech restrictions against China and the issue of production capacity.

According to Huo Jianguo, a vice chairman of the China Society for World Trade Organisation Studies in Beijing, Yellen's decision to choose Guangzhou as her first stop indicates the "pragmatic" nature of the visit that focuses on commercial issues and businesses.

"Choosing Guangzhou as the first stop appears to be downplaying the official tone ... Yellen was more pragmatic during this trip and willing to have contacts with companies so as to create a

more relaxed atmosphere," Huo said.

Yellen's Guangzhou trip drew widespread attention both within China and worldwide.

"Yellen's visit to China sent a positive signal, showing that China and the U.S. are willing to communicate," Huo said.

China, the world's third-largest country by territory with a population of over 1.4 billion and a rich history, is home to a myriad of vibrant cities.

From the political centre of Beijing to the financial hub of Shanghai, the trade port of Guangzhou and the inland municipality of Chongqing, each city offers its unique characteristics.

By immersing themselves in different Chinese cities, foreign leaders can get firsthand experiences and develop a more comprehensive understanding of China's multifaceted geographical, economic and cultural landscape, thereby enabling them to refine their policy decisions and improve relations with China.

China New Growth: Smart tech empowers cement plant in south China

AT a cement ore field in the southern Chinese city of Baise, a fleet of trucks laden with limestones shuttled back and forth. A close look revealed that they’re driverless.

Those electrically driven trucks are equipped with multiple sensors like LiDAR, millimeter wave radar and vision cameras. Enabled with 5G tech and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, they are controlled by an intelligent console and run automatically throughout the mine lot.

The cement plant under

China Resources Group exemplified the traditional industry upgrading of the manufacturing powerhouse, driven by emerging digital and smart technology.

By the end of 2023, China had built 421 national-level demonstration factories featuring intelligent manufacturing and over 10,000 local digital workshops and smart factories. China has unveiled an action plan to promote industrial equipment upgrades. By 2027, the penetration rate of digital research and development

(R&D) and design tools in major enterprises will exceed 90 per cent, and over 75 per cent of their key production processes will be digitally controlled.

In 2023, the cement plant in Baise adopted a whole-mine unpiloted transport system developed by Waytous, a Beijing-based intelligent mining tech provider incubated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The unmanned project was the first of its kind built in one go in China.

The ore blending in traditional cement plants

mainly relies on human experience. It’s a process of mixing ores of different grades after they’re extracted to ensure the quality standards required.

However, the traditional scheduling dependent on manual labor is time-consuming and not optimal. It tends to result in low vehicle utilization rates and more wasted ores.

Now, the plant uses digital twin and 3D modeling technology to produce a virtual simulation model of an ore body with a reserve of 71 million tonnes.

The AI algorithm has

been employed to construct a digital model that can automatically generate optimal plans for the combinations of mining locations and mining volume.

The digital upgrading has brought a 105 per cent increase in labor productivity, a 56 per cent reduction in unplanned equipment downtime, a 25 per cent increase in quality stability and a 24 per cent reduction in carbon emissions, said Sun Zhen, general manager of the plant.

At the site, the whole process including cement mining, grinding and de-

livery has been digitalised and intelligently controlled.

“The system can be automatically tuned in the background running process, so that it can run in a more economical and stable state,” said Luo Ling, an engineer sitting before a screen in the centralized smart control centre.

In December, the cement plant was selected as an “Advanced Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Lighthouse” or “lighthouse factory” by the World Economic Forum.

China’s GDP expands 5.3 per cent year on year in Q1

CHINA’S gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.3 per cent year on year in the first quarter of 2024, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Tuesday.

On a quarterly basis, the economy increased 1.6 per cent in the first three months.

“China’s high-quality

The country’s GDP reached 29.63 trillion yuan (about 4.17 trillion U.S. dollars) during this period, the NBS data showed.

development has made new achievements in the first quarter. The national economy has sustained recovery momentum and got off to a good start,” Sheng Laiyun, deputy director of the NBS, told a press conference.

Sheng mentioned positive factors during the period such as rising production demand, stable employment and prices, and growing market confidence.

“These positive factors driving economic recov -

ery are accumulating and strengthening, laying a good foundation for full-year growth,” said Sheng.

Sheng attributed the upbeat momentum in the first quarter to the implementation of supportive government policies and intensified macro-control efforts.

China’s GDP grew 5.2 per cent year on year last year and the country has targeted its full-year economic growth at around five per cent for 2024.

Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz learns about a Sino-German co-operative scientific research project on water monitoring in Jiangbeizui, southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, April 14, 2024 (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Mandela Avenue fatal accident: Driver freed after compensating victim’s family

THIRTY-THREE-YEAR-

OLD Martin Samuels of Festival City, North Ruimveldt, lost his life on September 1, 2023, after a hire car collided with the motorcycle he was riding.

The collision occurred around 07:15 hrs at the intersection of Mandela Avenue and Cemetery Road

in Georgetown, and led to the arrest of the car's driver, Lloyd McKenzie of Belfield, 52, East Coast Demerara (ECD). He was subsequently charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Following the accident, McKenzie was taken into custody to assist in the investigation. He was later charged and released on $300,000 bail pending the hearing and determination of the trial.

However, the case took an unexpected turn last Friday when the mother of

Samuels' children testified at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court. She said that a compensation agreement had been reached with McKenzie's legal team and the deceased man's family.

Although the exact amount of compensation was not disclosed during the court proceedings, the grieving woman confirmed that McKenzie had paid the entire sum. So, based on her testimony, acting Chief Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, dismissed the charge against McKenzie.

According to initial police reports, the collision occurred as McKenzie's hire car, bearing license plate #HD 3165, attempted a right turn onto the southern carriageway from the extreme southern drive lane of the northern carriageway. Meanwhile, Samuels, riding motorcycle #CL 8097, was travelling west along the southern drive lane of Mandela Avenue.

Investigations revealed that the traffic light at the intersection was red in McKenzie's direction, indicating a stop in traffic flow. However, McKenzie allegedly failed to adhere to the signal, resulting in the fatal collision with Samuels' motorcycle.

The impact of the collision threw Samuels into the air, and despite receiving prompt medical attention, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Dead: Martin Samuels

Freed: Lloyd McKenzie

Harpy Eagles still with a chance of lifting 13th title

By Sean Devers

WINDWARDS Volcanoes have their best chance of winning their first-ever regional first-class tournament since the Shell Shield four-day tournament was inaugurated in 1966.

In 1981 they shared the title with the Leeward Islands; playing as the Combined Islands under the leadership of Vivian Richards.

They now lead the points table with 89.6 points, 3.4 points ahead of the defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles, who moved to the third spot with 87.2 points heading into the final round of the 2024 West Indies Championship which commences today.

Barbados Pride are second with 87.8 points while Leewards Hurricanes are fourth with 82.6 points, leaving the race for the title wide open for any of the top four teams.

In the final round, the

game between the Leewards and the Windwards in Antigua could be the match which sparks the most interest.

Barbados battle the West Indies Academy also in Antigua, while Guyana who have won six titles in the last eight years oppose cellar dwellers CCC at the UWI ground in Trinidad.

This is the first season since 2014 that Guyana is playing without Leon Johnson leading the team, the region’s most successful captain with six first-class titles.

On paper, Guyana plays the weakest opposition but cricket is played on the field and for them to win their 13th title they will have to beat the CCC, taking maximum batting and bowling points and hope for the other games to end in draws.

Ironically, the last time Guyana played the CCC was in 2014 in a day/night game at the UWI ground in Trinidad; CCC won by seven wickets.

This was the first game as captain for Johnson.

The CCC has beaten Guyana three times in their last five matches dating back to 2010.

Guyana won their last four games in this tournament after losing to the Leewards, when Mickel Louis became the 11th West Indian to score centuries in both innings.

Guyana’s other game against T&T was washed out in St. Kitts after only the first day’s play was possible.

West Indies all-rounder Kevin Sinclair has a century, 11 50s and 78 wickets, including four five-wicket hauls in 28 first-class matches.

He has 471 runs this season with his maiden ton and two 50s, highlighting an outstanding season with the bat. His runs are only bettered by Mikyle Louis with 549 and Kraigg Brathwaite with 473 runs.

He has the tournament’s third highest score of 165 not out against the WI Academy

(behind Amir Jangoo 218 and Brathwaite 189) and could play a key role for Guyana with both bat and ball, especially since the track in Trinidad should favour his off-spin.

Skipper Tevin Imlach has the second most runs for Guyana with 380, including two centuries and a 50.

Keeper Kemol Savory and Tagenarine Chanderpaul have scored the other centuries in a tournament in which 18 hundreds have already been scored.

The Guyana top order has struggled to capitalise on batting points available when you score within a limited number of overs. Chanderpaul, Matthew Nandu and Kevlon Anderson have been the most guilty in this regard.

In the last game, Raymond Perez replaced the injured Nandu at the top of the order but failed to take advantage of the opportunity and will need to bat the way he bats for DCC if Guyana

is to get maximum batting points.

Many times in this tournament the middle order and the tailenders have stepped up to get Guyana to a big total with Veerasammy Permaul and Gudakesh Motie getting important 50s, while even pacer Nial Smith has chipped in with useful runs.

It will take a collective effort of positive batting to get Guyana to a massive total and try to beat the CCC by an innings.

Guyana’s bowling has been their strength with 19-year-old Isiah Thorne being arguably the quickest in the tournament, on tracks which have not been the fastest; he has 16 scalps so far.

Smith (15 wickets) returned for the third round from a hamstring injury and has also bowled with genuine pace, while the experienced Permaul (24) and Motie (15) have been among the wickets.

Sinclair could play a crucial role in this match which

is a ‘must-win’ game for Guyana.

Over on the CCC side, Kamil Pooran has gotten starts in every game but was unable to convert his 88 against the West Indies Academy into a ton.

At the same time, the experienced Bajan Shamarh Brooks, with centuries at both Test and ODI levels, has been the biggest disappointment with his 62 against T&T being his best score.

Wicketkeeper Demario Richards has scored a couple of 50s, while Amari Goodridge scored 75 against the Leewards.

The 17-year-old leg-spinner Zishan Motara is one to watch for the future since he has 15, including a best of 7-108 against Jamaica, while 22-yearold Damel Evelyn has also shown promise and scored 50s against T&T and the Leewards.

‘Reinvigorating West Indies Cricket’ symposium set for this month

CMC – TRINIDAD and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley will later this month chair a conference on West Indies cricket, which is aimed at securing the commitment of major stakeholders to advancing the game at all levels.

Entitled “Reinvigorating West Indies Cricket – A Symposium for Strategic Collaboration and Innovation”, the conference will be jointly hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Government and regional nation grouping, CARICOM, and will engage topics

such as the strategic direction of West Indies cricket, the development of cricket and cricket and tourism.

Dr Rowley is the current chairman of the CARICOM Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket and has been one of the main proponents of governance reform in Cricket West Indies.

“The conference aims to foster a collaborative environment to secure the commitment of CARICOM Governments, Cricket West Indies (CWI) and territorial boards to strategically advance the sport in all its formats:

Tests, One Day Internationals and T20s,” a media release said Tuesday.

Discussions during the conference will also surround “the business trajectory of the sport and emphasise collaborative efforts toward cricket development and promotion.”

The conference, which runs from April 25-26 at the Hyatt Regency here, is expected to be attended by “all relevant agencies, organisations, cricketing legends, former and current players, clubs, coaches and administrators.”

Hosting the event was one of the decisions arising from the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM held in Guyana last February.

With West Indies struggling on the field to recapture their success of the past and CWI also facing questions surrounding its governance, CARICOM has increasingly weighed in on the direction of the game in the region as one of the major stakeholders.

Already, new CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow, who last year replaced Ricky Sker-

ritt in the top post, has pledged his commitment to working closely with regional governments to develop the game and returning it to success.

The conference comes six weeks before the region plays

host to the ninth T20 World Cup, which will be played across six Caribbean territories from June 1-29.

For the first time, United States will cohost the tournament with West Indies.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday April 17, 2024)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Mumbai Indians & Rising Pune Supergiants

(2) Mumbai Indians (won by 1 run)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who won the Man-of-the-Match Award in the IPL 2017 final?

(2) Who copped the Man-of-the-Tournament Award?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

‘We are more than people who hit a ball or swim’

— GAC head tells athletes at Social Media workshop

CHAIRPERSON of the Guyana Athletes Commission, (GAC), olympian Chelsea Edghill outlined to Chronicle Sports that the commission has a number of programmes they are aiming to execute for the benefit of the country’s athletes in the coming months.

The body, which hosted a Social Media Management workshop over the weekend, operates under the umbrella of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).

She noted that the commission is the premier forum for athletes' representation and development and it is committed to empowering Guyanese athletes to excel both on and off the field.

“We have a few more workshops, one that will be focused mainly on mental health, another on nutrition, just so we can help in the overall development of athletes. Lastly, we will be hosting our forum that will bring athletes together

talking about our election for the athletes’ commission and what to expect from us in the future,” she said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the commission’s first event for the year at the Guyana Olympic Association’s headquarters at Liliendaal over the weekend, Edgehill said that the goal was to better position ath-

letes to access more support through proper branding and social media profiles.

“We noticed that there is a growing interest in athletes’ lives and how they prepare and train and it also bodes well for them. When it comes to NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deals and these big companies wanting to sponsor ath -

letes, in Guyana we have a changing landscape for sports and it is important to equip athletes with the necessary tools to access all the opportunities.”

The workshop which was facilitated by social media trainer Jevon Wilson and saw representative athletes from all the major sporting disciplines, in -

cluding Cricket, Athletics, Rugby, Table Tennis and Football among others.

She noted that the GAC also used the forum to give athletes an insight into the work of the commission, the progress it has made and accomplishments since it was formed in 2022.

The workshop equipped athletes with essential

knowledge on presenting themselves professionally across various social media platforms.

The workshop also emphasised the significance of maintaining a professional online presence.

The GAC chairperson says this workshop will have huge values for athletes who are beginning to recognise the power of their voices for good.

“Athletes play a pivotal role in society, in terms of inspiring other people and being a positive influence on society, so I think this workshop bodes for all athletes. We need to be seen as more than people that [sic] hit a ball or swim; we have a part to play and our voices should be heard.”

Edghill added that the workshop underscores their dedication to providing invaluable resources and support to the sporting community, ensuring their continued success in the national, regional and global arena.

Green Machine ready for RAN 15s championship next week

— Angus set to lead national ruggers

THE country’s national rugby team, the ‘Green Machine’, is set to scrum back into action next week with the return of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15’s championship.

The new look 15 tournament is the first to be organised by RAN since the advent of the global pandemic.

The first round will see nations battling for a place at

the top of the south zone. Guyana will kick off their campaign against Trinidad and Tobago in a home and away clash. The first showdown is set for Trinidad and Tobago on April 27th with the return leg set for June 1st. Guyana is playing in Tier 1 of the South Zone and they will play the winner of Tier 2 tri-series consisting of Barbados, St Vincent & Grenadines

and St Lucia.

Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) president, Ryan Dey, says they will select a strong team which will be announced this weekend as they go to bring home the bacon.

“The goal for the whole campaign is to somehow show how far we have come with this new team that we have; you will see a team of

very new faces and some old familiar faces,” He said.’

The GRFU boss said, “We are trying our best to get the best team out of this country; we also have some people coming in from the USA, England and Australia.”

Dey says that the union is eager to see how the top players will fare against the formidable regional side that

is Trinidad.

“We are going to use the first game against Trinidad as a yardstick since we haven’t played a 15’s match since January or February of 2019 and Trinidad has been playing locally and they had some international friendlies,” he said.

Trinidad are coming off games against the USA and Barbados and will be looking

to flex their muscles against Guyana.

The team is set to be led by long time rugby coach, Larry Adonis, with assistant coach, Oslyn Olivier, and manager Petal Adams.

Aubrey Lindo is the team doctor with Jamal Angus set to return as skipper of the team Guyana is a former RAN 15’s champion.

Guyana Athletes Commission with participants at their Social Media Management Workshop at Olympic House

— Briton John takes first pair of races

THE Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) over the weekend pedalled off its points race series in the various categories.

Briton John won both races in the Senior Elite division to take the maximum 30 points on offer to lead the standing.

On Sunday, John got the better of Christopher Griffith

The first two legs of the series were staged on Saturday at the inner circuit of the National Park and on Sunday from Homestretch Avenue to Umbrella Resort and back.

with Segun Hubbard third. On Saturday, John led podium finishers Curtis Dey who got fifth on Saturday with Griffith third.

Robin Persaud also picked up the first Under-50 race on Saturday with Kwame Ridley second, Alex

Mendes third and Roy Mangru fourth.

Mangru returned to take the win on Sunday.

Simone Sandy won both ladies races to take full points from the opening races.

Junior Niles won the Over-50 race on Saturday

but managed second place on Sunday behind Mark Spencer.

Alexander Leung will also go into race three as the top junior after taking both events over the weekend, on both occasions edging Sidwell Sandy.

The series sees riders being awarded points along with medals and trophies.

The accumulated points will be tallied at the end of the year, and the top three performers in each category will be awarded.

GCF ‘Points Racing’ series pedals off GSSF, Horizon group partner for practical shoot

THE Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation has proudly joined forces with Horizon Group Inc., for its next much-anticipated practical shooting match.

Horizon Group Inc, a pioneering force in sustainable property development in Guyana, is 100% Guyanese-owned and operated-company, and is committed to supporting local sporting events that promote skill, camaraderie, and community engagement.

The Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation, renowned for its dedication to promoting the sport of shooting in Guyana, will host the match, attracting participants and enthusiasts from across the nation.

The event promises to be a

thrilling showcase of marksmanship and sportsmanship.

Earlier this week, Mr. Winston Hermanstyne, Business Development Manager of the Horizon Group Inc., presented the sponsorship funds to Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, Match Director of upcoming Match.

Mr. Hermanstyne emphasised Horizon Group's commitment to fostering local talent and supporting initiatives that contribute to the vibrancy of Guyana's sporting landscape.

Horizon Group Inc. is known for its innovative approach to property development, specialising in green communities that prioritise sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Their signature projects feature homes equipped with cutting-edge solar technology and industry-leading water-purification systems, ensuring residents enjoy a comfortable,

eco-friendly lifestyle.

"We are thrilled to support the Practical Shooting Match hosted by the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation," said Mr. Hermanstyne. "As a company

deeply rooted in Guyana, we believe in investing in initiatives that not only promote sportsmanship, but also contribute to the overall well-being of our communities. We look forward to witnessing the excitement and skill on display at the event."

The Practical Shooting Match, made possible by the generous support of Horizon Group Inc., promises to be an event to remember, bringing together handgun shooters, spectators, and supporters for a day of thrilling competition.

Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon thanked the company for coming on board and explained the three elements of practical shooting: Speed, Power and Accuracy. Built around safety, the sport simultaneously measures

the ability of the competitor to shoot rapidly and accurately with a full-powered gun in a fun, fair, and competitive environment.

Match Director Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon went on to note that excellent prizes for the Top Three Overall Shooters in each division will be made available.

She also indicated that the stages for the match were designed to be dynamic and free style, in that there is no set arrangement of the targets; thus, the shooter will have to choose their order of engagement as targets become visible.

Safety for all will come first and will be monitored by several experienced range officials and ranks of the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation.

Spankhurst leading Guyana horse-race earnings

THE Jumbo Jetowned champion horse

Spankhurst is leading the earnings for the 2024 horse-racing season.

Spankhurst will be eyeing more dominance on Sunday, April 28, at the Jumbo Jet Race of champions at the Rising Sun Turf Club.

After three starts, Spankhurst recorded two wins and one third: earning G$ 4,500,000. Stolen Mon-

ey sits in second position with one first-place spot, and two seconds along with a fourth. The big grey has earned G$ 3,250,000 thus far after four starts.

Crowd favourite Bossalina, who is set for her return on April 28 at Rising Sun, sits in third position on the earnings ratings this season.

Bossalina started in two races for 2024 and recorded one first and one third: earning G$ 2,500,000.

Four-year-old horse

Firecracker has earned G$ 1,500,000 with two wins from two races. Three-yearold horse, Country Rock sits in fifth with two wins and one second place, earning G$ 1,300,000. Easy Time, who had one start this year, and claimed second, has earned G$ 1,000,000. Mon-

ey Time, Jessica Pride, She WBO on Time and Creemore are the other horses that rounds out the top 10

earners for 2024.

Eight high-quality races are on the provisional programme for the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee Race of Champions that is set for April 28 at the Rising Sun Turf Club. More than $10,000,000 (ten million dollars) will be up for grabs and the feature race, which will be open to all imported and locally bred horses running at 1,600 metres, will see

the top horse walking away with G$2,000,000.

Spankhurst, Bossalina, Easy Time, Jessica’s Pride and Stolen Money are among the top horses that will be igniting Rising Sun in the feature event. A total purse of G$3,750,000 will be divided for the feature race, while the entry fee is G$232,500.

Races are subject to changes and entries for the April 28 Race of Champi-

ons will close on April 22. Horses must be properly entered via Fazal Habibula on telephone 611-1141, Buju 658-7037, Shazenna/ Rose on 322-0789, Glen on 1 (868) 368-5192 or Ginjo on 618-7278.

The race will run off at 12:00hrs and is sponsored by Jumbo Jet, AJM Enterprise, Sinotruck, and XCMG. Admission is G$2,000.

Cyclist in action in the GCF points series race at the inner circuit of the National Park

Kaieteur Attack Cycle Club Simone Sandy, after collecting her medal from GCF official Nigel London

Stand United junior GCF points leader Alexander Leung collecting his medal from GCF official Nigel London

Match Director of upcoming G.S.S.F Practical shooting match Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon collects sponsorship funds from Mr. Winston Hermanstyne, Business Development Manager of Horizon Group Inc

Harpy Eagles still with a chance of lifting 13th title

Tagenarine Chanderpaul