Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 28-03-2024

‘Tremendous opportunity’

–– Guyana, DR could combine technologies to advance regional food production, President Ali tells Caribbean Forum

By Naomi Parris

THE growing partnership between Guyana and the Dominican Republic (DR) could unlock tremendous opportunities to advance the region’s food eco-system, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.

The Head of State, during a panel discussion at the first United Caribbean Forum at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Tuesday, highlighted that efforts are underway to advance the country’s food production to ensure food security.

Guyana’s natural resources – arable land and abundant freshwater—position the country as a major player to meet regional food security targets and address malnutrition and hunger.

This combined with the technologies already adopted by the Dominican Republic could unlock greater opportunities within the sector, President Ali said.

“If we are to apply this with the technology that already exist in the DR then we could build a food eco-system here that is second to none,” President Ali said.

In addition to this, Guyana’s geographical location is ideal for wider partnerships with its Latin American counterparts to advance regional food production.

“We are in close proximity of northern Brazil and the future of industry, food, and services in northern Brazil rely heavily on Guy-

ana building the infrastructure and expanding its port to make northern Brazil viable,” President Ali said.

He added: “Our positioning as a country offers us that opportunity to be not only a bridge but also an opportunity for expansion in Brazil and in DR.”

Former United States President, Bill Clinton, who

also joined Tuesday’s panel discussion, lauded Guyana’s government for its sustainable development initiatives.

“I think your priorities in terms of developing a more sustainable agriculture that will both generate more income and better nutrition and better health, dealing with the challenges of cli-

mate change and having a sustainable energy future, these things if you achieve them in the right way, will cause other people to follow you,” the former United States President said.

President Clinton further pledged support to the two nations to strengthen regional growth and integration.

“This partnership between governments and businesses and NGOs between the Dominican Republic and Guyana, I hope, is the tip of the iceberg. I hope it will give new life to CARICOM, and new life to any other organisation that is active here, because you have this amazing opportunity to blend the strength of numbers with the strength of individual gifts,” the former President said.

Clinton said he will lend support through his organisation, the Clinton Global Initiative, by way of providing support to further bridge the existing gaps and foster integration in the Americas.

“The Americas need to work more closely together and, in many ways, the smallest countries by population are the most successful where economies of scale are not as important as personal contact and personal responsibility.

But it is hard to raise the capital to take all of the small countries forward together, so you have this dilemma where, in theory, the smallest countries could be the most successful,” he said.

The growing partnership between Guyana and the Dominican Republic (DR) could unlock tremendous opportunities to advance the region’s food eco-system, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said

Region five fisherfolk to get timely boost

— President Ali commits to improving their working conditions

DURING a visit to Threedoor Sluice, D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice, Region Five, on Wednesday, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali interacted with local fisherfolk and committed to improving their working conditions.

Several issues were raised including the need for a shed for mending fishing gear and the expansion of the current wharf.

In addition to this, the fisherfolk requested the installation of lights to enhance safety during fishing activities in the wee hours and nights; they also requested a tarmac to be built at the water front.

In response, President Ali immediately ordered his support staff to compile a list of all the concerns and requests made by the fish-

erfolk so that they could be addressed swiftly.

The Head of State instructed other officials to work along with the fisherfolk to get the estimate and design for the shed and promised to engage the Ministry of Agriculture to address the issue of the wharf.

“You’ll work with them to [get] the estimate and design for this shed [by tonight] … and we can get

[Ministry of Agriculture] to look at the wharf issue,” he said.

In addition to the issues raised by the fisherfolk, President Ali also instructed the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) representative to meet with farmers in the area and distribute seedlings to help them get back to farming.

He also informed those

present that his administration has made significant strides in addressing previous concerns and requests. The fishing community also benefitted from significant investments to improve their surroundings.

“We want to continue to see how we can support you and deal with some of the new challenges,” President Ali affirmed.

The PPP/C Administra-

tion under the leadership of President Ali has been actively engaging citizens and other sections of society at the grassroots level to get a first-hand look at the issues affecting their daily livelihoods.

This approach has enabled the government to address concerns promptly and suitable to the needs of the respective communities. (DPI)

During a visit to Three-door Sluice, D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice, Region Five, on Wednesday, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali interacted with local fisherfolk and committed to improving their working conditions

167 squatters now landowners in Amelia’s Ward Phase Four

— following the signing of agreements of sale to process certificates of title

THE first 167 families who have been squatting in Amelia’s Ward Phase Four, Linden, Region 10, signed their agreements of sale for the processing of their certificates of title.

This is a commitment made by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues to the residents back in 2021, during an outreach there.

In this area, 424 house lots are earmarked for allo-

cation.

The distribution exercise was held at Linden Foundation Secondary School on Wednesday.

With the ownership document, the residents now have greater opportunities to access loans from financial institutions for home expansion or to start a business.

The beneficiaries were ecstatic to be provided with their documents at today’s exercise.

Beneficiary, Wilma Pigott, who has been living in Amelia’s Ward for the past five years, applied for her ownership document three years ago.

“I am very excited about receiving my title because I am renting and it is costly. So, getting my own will help me a lot,” she said.

The single mother said that her next steps involve the completion of her house.

Another beneficiary, Chisara James, who has been squatting in the area for over three years, could not contain her excitement now that she

is a landowner.

“I am very much grateful to the government for this great opportunity. Don’t want to be an illegal squatter anymore…Being a landowner means a lot because it is your name to something. It means so much to me, more than what you can imagine,” James expressed.

To other people who may have apprehension to applying for their lands or intended to squat, she said, “I am encouraging others to apply for their lands…Just do the right thing.”

She plans to construct a

formal structure on her land.

A 22-year-old beneficiary, Vandy Van Lewin emphasised how happy he is to finally own the land he has been occupying since 2019.

“I am happy that I was one of the 167 persons they [the ministry] called,” Lewin stated.

Minister Rodrigues highlighted that the government’s housing programme is far beyond ensuring that Guyanese have access to affordable and sustainable housing.

“Your title will give you financial independence…It gives you the key to so much more. And for your house lot or the land that you occupy to have any significant value, it has to be situated in a sustainable, designed housing scheme…” Minister Rodrigues said.

And for the housing area to be sustainable, she added that the government is ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is installed such as roads, bridges, drainage, utilities and reserved areas for recreational spaces, schools, and health centres.

Reemphasising that new squatting areas will not be regularised, Minister Rodrigues said that the government is comprehensively addressing the issue of squatting.

Areas such as Blueberry Hill, Block 22, Green Valley, Ituni, and One Mile are among the communities which have been regularised by the government.

Government is also working to acquire lands in the region for these areas to be regularised.

Minister Rodrigues further disclosed, “There are some areas that we are looking at some planned activities

that were committed by His Excellency as well. We have some areas here…Coomacka, Silver Hill, West Watooka, more areas in the Ward… All of these are areas that we are looking at and are going through the process now to acquire these lands, so that they can be regularised.”

Region 10 saw an investment of $356.8 million in 2021 for road upgrades and the construction of houses.

In 2022, $505.8 million was spent on the new infrastructure programme for the new Amelia’s Ward Phase Four.

In 2023, works were advanced while several upgrades were done in Wisroc. Additionally, a new housing area was cleared, Plantation York, where allocations will commence this year.

Over 500 allocations will be made this year in the new area that was recently acquired in Fitz Hope and over 200 lots to be allocated in York.

“So, almost 1,000 house lots, alone, this year for Linden. So, people do not need to squat…,” Minister Rodrigues emphasised.

Minister Rodrigues and her team inspected the housing areas in Plantation York and Fitz Hope.

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves, Regional Executive Officer (REO), Dwight John, Regional Chairman, Deron Adams, Director of Community Development at CH&PA, Gladwin Charles, Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, other officials and staff of the ministry were also at the activity. (DPI)

The first 167 families who have been squatting in Amelia’s Ward Phase Four, Linden, Region 10, signed their agreements of sale for the processing of their certificates of title

Delta Airlines to resume Barbados flights in November

EIGHT years after suspending operations in Barbados, Delta Airlines is set to resume flights to and from the island effective November 21.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill made the announcement during a press conference on Saturday.

Delta will offer a sevenday-a-week service from Atlanta, Georgia, and a weekly flight on Saturdays from New York starting December 23.

Operating with the 737900 aircraft, Delta’s new daily service from Atlanta to Barbados is scheduled to depart Atlanta at 9:45 hours., arriving in Barbados at 15:20 hours.

The return flight from Barbados will depart at 16:40 hours, arriving in Atlanta at 21:00 hours.

markets in North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Minister Gooding-Edghill underscored the significance of Delta’s return to the island, stating it reflects the airline’s confidence in Barbados’ future.

He pointed to leveraging Barbados’ connection with Atlanta as a hub, offering easy access to the southern and Midwest states in the USA through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest in the United States.

“In our ongoing relationship with Delta, we continue to be assured of their commitment to Barbados. My Ministry gives the assurance that Barbados will continue to build on this encouraging momentum and increased interest among travellers,” Minister Gooding-Edghill stated.

He highlighted the strategic timing of the announcement, providing the BTMI with a lead time of nine months to promote and market the new routes ahead of their commencement and the 2024/2025 winter season.

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a public advisory concerning the air quality in both Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and cautioned citizens to take the necessary precautionary measures.

Based on the EPA’s sensors, the air quality in Regions Three and Four is in the “unhealthy” range and this is using the World Health Organisation Standards for Good Air Quality.

According to a press release, the EPA’s sensors at Eccles and Sophia, on Wednesday, showed much higher concentrations than that recorded on March 25, 2024.

“In light of its data, the EPA encourages members of the public to take precautionary measures to protect their health by limiting the time spent outdoors and to wear dust masks as practicable,” the EPA urged.

It was then said that during the period March 19-26, a heat signature comparison revealed a substantial increase in heat signatures along the low coastal plain of Guyana. The EPA then said that visibility has been and continues to be affected by smoke from active fires

The return leg will depart the island at 15:25 hours, landing at JFK at 19:35 hours.

Both services are planned to operate until April 2025.

Additionally, the Saturday-only flight from JFK will depart at 8:15 hours, arriving in Barbados at 14:00 hours.

Gooding-Edghill, flanked

by acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BTMI, Craig Hinds, and CEO of the Grantley Adams International Airport, Hadley Bourne, at the BTMI’s Warrens Headquarters, expressed that the return of Delta will “improve flying opportunities to Bar-

in Regions Three and Four.

According to the press release, in this extended period of little or no rainfall, the conditions are more conducive to spontaneous combustion which may lead to wildfires. It is also more likely in these conditions that careless or deliberate human actions may lead to wildfires.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

According to the public advisory, there is a clear indication that there is a lack of knowledge of the EPA's role in relation to fires, especially given the rise in media stories and coverage of wildfires.

“Consequently, the EPA must inform the public, it does not have the authority, mandate nor capacity to investigate or fight wildfires,” the EPA said.

It was then said that the EPA monitors air quality and

when readings are outside of the normal range will notify

bados.”

He highlighted the Ministry’s concerted efforts in recent months to bolster Barbados’ airline connections globally. These efforts, he said, have resulted in expanded, restarted, and new services and routes to key

According to the Tourism Minister, the Delta service positions Barbados as a premier destination and brand, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the island’s distinct allure to more than 100 million SkyMiles passenger membership loyalty programme participants.

the public to take precautions.

The release then went on to read: “The EPA strongly supports the Fire Service, the relevant authority in its constant and effective efforts to manage wildfires and fires generally. Further, the EPA strongly encourages all public-spirited citizens to promptly report fires and urges the general public to continue to cooperate with any other authority to ascertain the source of wildfires.

“The EPA assures the public that it remains committed to their protection through effective manage-

Furthermore, he noted that this development will bolster the attractiveness of the forthcoming “Come Home” campaign aimed at Barbadians in the diaspora, aligning with the 2025 ‘We Gatherin’ marketing programme. (Barbados Today)

ment of the environment to protect and conserve its natural resources.”

Intensifying diplomatic efforts

VENEZUELA’s recent maneuvers regarding Guyana’s Essequibo territory present a grave threat not only to the sovereignty of Guyana but also to regional stability.

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall’s remarks at the 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva shed light on Venezuela’s persistent disregard for international law and the World Court’s orders.

The creation of the new state, “Guayana Esequiba,” by Venezuela is a blatant disregard for the rule of law and established boundaries. This move adds unnecessary complexity to an already tense situation, further escalating tensions in the region.

Nandlall rightly pointed out Venezuela’s historical acceptance of the 1899 Arbitral Award until the 1960s, when Guyana was on the brink of independence. Since then, Venezuela’s outrageous claims and refusal to produce evidence have only fueled the controversy, despite international condemnation.

Diplomatic dialogue and adherence to international law are paramount in resolving this issue. The Accord signed by the Presidents of Venezuela and Guyana in December 2023 aimed to de-escalate the conflict, emphasising the importance of peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Further, the unwavering support of the United States, as articulated by

General Laura Richardson, is crucial in standing against any aggressive action by Venezuela. Richardson rightly highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and the potential threat posed by President Maduro’s regime to regional stability.

While Guyana has been bolstering its defense and diplomatic efforts, it is imperative for the international community to stand in solidarity with Guyana and condemn Venezuela’s actions. Upholding democratic principles and supporting nations facing external threats are essential in maintaining regional stability.

The upcoming elections in Venezuela present another cause for concern,

as Maduro attempts to cling to power amidst humanitarian crises and democratic challenges. The international community must closely monitor these developments and take decisive action to prevent further destabilisation.

Venezuela’s persistent disregard for international law and the World Court’s orders regarding Guyana’s territory pose a significant threat to regional stability.

Diplomatic efforts must be intensified, and international support for Guyana must be unwavering.

It is only through collective action and adherence to democratic principles that we can ensure peace and security in the region.

OGGN needs spectacles to refocus its vision

Dear Editor,

THE OGGN makes a feeble and ill-informed attempt to refute my assertions (via paid advertisement and letter to the editor) that their submissions to the UNCHR were politically motivated.

The OGGN response focused on two issues, access to information on Guyana’s depletion policy and legibility of Laws (unlike their UNCHR submission which ventured into every possible area, including Mae Thomas and the vagaries of US Immigration practices and policies).

OGGN began with their interpretation (or lack thereof) of the Access to Information Act 2011: OGGN would like the term ‘not in the public interest’ to be defined.

The history of this term is long and storied and it is often left to the courts of a country to determine. Sir Stephen Sedly’s article appropriately titled, “Not in the Public Interest” deals with the issue cogently:

“The preparedness of the High Court to consider whether the state has abused

its powers at the instance of an applicant who has nothing personally to gain is one of the modern cornerstones of the rule of law. It is not an open door: for every individual or NGO that secures permission to apply for judicial review in the public interest, a good many are turned away. Some are considered to be busybodies, others lack what Lord Kenyon CJ once called ‘a very fair case’ … In all such cases, the court has to determine whether the particular claimant has a ‘sufficient interest’ in the subject matter of the claim.”

For the benefit of the OGGN which has restricted itself to an interpretive source of information, the government’s depletion policy has often been stated as “produce as much oil as possible before Zero Net becomes a reality” in other words, do everything to convert underground resources into finance and use that finance to build tangible infrastructure and economic opportunity for all Guyanese.

The OGGN focuses on the claim that Jagdeo said “Guyanese don’t need to know the oil reserves at this time” when

what was explained by Jagdeo is Exxon (with government support) is focusing on the production of oil (which is what earns Guyana revenue via our share of profit oil) and not on the lengthy and complex process of well appraisals which include additional (and costly) drilling and data evaluation.

To quote from OGGN’s submission to the UNCHR “Guyana, considering its limited population, benefits from a considerable number of media outlets. The media environment includes some 20 TV channels, 30 radio stations, four daily newspapers, and about ten popular online news media. All of them disseminate news content also via Facebook.” I would suggest OGGN’s members seek information from more than one (subjective) source to assist with their understanding of any issue.

The other herring OGGN throws into the mix is that citizens cannot access legible copies of Guyana’s laws. “Some Laws are available only as images so poorly orientated that optical character recognition software cannot recognise the

individual letters. And how are people –on the coast or in the hinterland – without special software, to read and know which parts of which laws apply to them?”

1: The previous claim by OGGN to the UNCHR was that the laws were not in “word searchable” format; the claim that the laws are not legible is new. 2. I know of no such illegible laws.

I have never heard any member of the legal fraternity complain or use as a defense that there was no legible copy of the law available. 3: Ignorance of the law is not a defense. I for one have not read many of the laws of Guyana, but commonsense keeps me off the courtroom steps.

Editor, everything written by Darshanand Khusial in this “reply” coincides with my original premise that OGGN stands for ‘Old Guys Griping Nonstop’ and, maybe someone just needs to help them find their spectacles to assist with refocusing their vision.

Sincerely,

Robin Singh

The PNC war of wits, wisdom, words and wickedness

Dear Editor,

PARLIAMENT and the daily papers have always been the arena for political football to become the bone of contention, indulging in controversies, debates, verbal fireworks and even physical explosions.

In December 2021, a parliamentary staffer and personal assistant to the Speaker of the House was the subject of physical and verbal abuse when PNC Opposition members attacked the employee in an attempt to seize the Mace.

During a 2023 presidential outreach, the opposition press even claimed that a reporter was the subject of attempted harassment. On a regular basis, the media often misinterpret information for the sake of misguiding the innocent and creating marketable opportunity.

The worrisome war of wits, words, wisdom and wickedness, weaken and also weaponise the PNC as they struggle to battle their sustenance for worth.

A clueless leader continues to run around searching for an identity of significance while grounding himself in delusive content. His personal imposition (no fault of the public) may become an impediment for his incumbency.

Meanwhile, the PNC, their surrogates and affiliates, align themselves to tongue twisting while maligning themselves to contortions and distortions of facts and figures in order to gain support from their disgruntled constituency. A common trend has been the exaggeration of falsified claims unsupportive by any evidence.

The PNC’s propaganda campaign is a camouflage to hide their deficiencies, weaknesses and limitations. Consistent with their mantra to deceive and conceal the truth, they allude to a program of counter attacking with criticisms, painting the opposite picture, hyper inflate the logistics of any possibility and demanding the execution of the improbable.

Not to overlook, they also lean heavily on their overseas based counterparts to unleash vicious attacks behind hidden locations.

In addition, they use foreign officials in the higher ranks who are part of their “kith and kin”, to influence other dignitaries to perpetuate their opinions, misrepresentations and falsifications. Using international forum, this artery has been a source of poisonous presentations, not caring about the decorum of the country itself to which they belong, hopefully. In order to prove the sharpness of their

metal and convince their particular supporters that the PNC is a party qualified to fight for their direct rights and defend their hereditary cause, they unscrupulously ignite the flame of racism and dishearteningly propagate discrimination for unequal treatment.

This has extended to dominating the streets with exited incense translated into the practice of violent behavior. Party leaders were guilty of this insinuation when they misled crowds at wake-houses and misdirected gatherings at market areas. Those incidences have scorched the victims of torture and left uncompensated damages to be borne by members of one ethnicity.

The PNC have scored uncreditable points during those skirmishes and have managed to only strengthen the notion of their disreputableness.

Recalling the last budget debate when the one tracked mind of the Opposition reflected their negative approach and their enthusiasm to stifle Guyana’s economic growth was transparent, it simply endorsed that the Opposition is callous and irresponsible of forging the interest of Guyanese.

The PNC’s open agenda is riddled with vile, venom and vexatious vicissitudes. Engrained in the defects of Burnham dictatorship, his successors have proven that their sole commitment is towards the indignity of selfishness and greed.

On regaining governance in 2015, the first thing the PNC did was to fatten the salaries of their MPs by a 50% increase and directed that the rest of the public service receive nothing. Taking away the Christmas bonus from the Joint Services was adding salt to the wound during their miserable reign.

The previous administration meticulously designed a careful programme to ravage the quality of standard Guyanese were enjoying prior to 2015. The “sanctimonious gangster” ensured that Guyanese were burden with hundreds of appropriate taxes which would ensure that a certain stream filled the PNC’s coffer which they can then enjoy while the others were left to endure in an appalled state.

The raped Treasury was left empty and cold in 2020. Denying the school children their Cash Grants was indeed an act of insensitive responsibility. That’s what the PNC meant when they referred to the small man becoming the real man and living the good life!

From the many sittings of the Public

Accounts Committee (PAC), it is evident from the scrutinised reports that, mischief was afoot when the previous administration was running the affairs of the country.

The PNC Government twice led this country into bankruptcy, poverty, corruption and economic failure through mismanagement.

The state auditors have not failed to address their undertakings but, encountered tremendous difficulties in performing their required tasks to adequately complete their audits due to incomplete or unavailable records and/or destroyed documents.

The word “trust,” is a foreign language to the PNC and alienated from their vocabulary. Their dubious DNA is decorated with the colors of deceit, dishonesty and double-dealing discomforts.

The PNC has engineered an oil contract in which they have agreed to sell out the birth rights of Guyanese and allowed foreigners to reap the benefits of Guy-

ana’s gold, both liquid and solid. Hiding the US$18 million signing bonus from the Guyanese public confirmed their true intention and real color.

The Brutus type PNC did back stab the sugar workers when they closed the sugar estates and left thousands on the bread line after faithfully promising to keep sugar alive!

On a perpetual basis, the PNC has undermined the confidence of Guyanese at home and abroad.

They have made a mockery of the international community with their daring attempt to rig the 2020 Election in front of their eyes.

By using their wisdom and wits wastefully, they have watered their chance for re-election, and, Guyanese can no longer be convinced of any integrity because of their wicked words, deeds and actions.

Yours respectfully,

Jai Lall.

Nagamootoo’s Faustian journey and Mephistophelean rendezvous

THIS is my second and final review of Moses Nagamootoo’s second autobiography titled, “Dear Land of Guyana.”

My first assessment was published on Tuesday. How can one understand a person who after 40 years of being in his party’s hierarchy, stepped away because he said his democratic instincts did not allow for him to stay but found himself in the identical situation with another party and accepted the same treatment?

Throughout the book, Nagamootoo runs down the PPP, says all types of negative things about them but stays completely silent when his new-found friends in the PNC and AFC proved to be worse than the PPP he so condemned.

This is where people will not forgive Nagamootoo. He claimed that he singlehandedly engineered an APNU+AFC victory in 2015 but even before the ink was dried on the swearing in document, his colleagues in his new outfit, APNU began to toss him side.

Any normal human would then declare the riot act. Any human would say: “This is not the reason I brought you victory, stop or I will bring you down?”

The story of Nagamootoo’s non-functioning role in the APNU+AFC government of 2015-2020 is one that is so sickening that one has to look very hard to find appropriate adjectives to describe him.

In the book, Nagamootoo quoted many times, the positive things about his political history but he chose not to quote my criticism of his extreme aridity as Prime Minister as a daily columnist who was critical of the bizarre direction the 2015 government went into. After he published his book, Nagamootoo must know I will read it and contradict him because he knows that I know he was just a footnote in the APNU+AFC regime.

It is relevant to note that on reading the book, if you come from another planet, and knew nothing about Guyana, you would not have known that the government was a coalition in which the partners have to share power.

Throughout the book, Granger comes across as the leader of a majority party in office when he was not. Nagamootoo kept writing that the President did this and that, and made this and that and wanted this and that.

Here is my experience with Nagamootoo when he was Prime Minister. I met him shortly after he became Prime Minister and told him for the purpose of practical politics as the leader of half of the government, it is strategically unwise to have his office inside the presidential building. He agreed but stayed there for the entire life of the government.

I asked him to facilitate a scholarship for someone which is a request I made several times when the PPP was in power and though I was a critic of the PPP, I succeeded. After enquiring, he told me that THEY (emphasis mine) only giving scholarship for medicine. There and then I knew this man had become a national laughing stock. Who were THEY? Wasn’t this man half of the government?

I remember one incident with Nagamootoo that I will never forget. I was driving out Shell gas station on Vlissengen Road when he rang me asking me to locate Leonard Craig, the head of the National Broadcasting Authority because THEY (emphasis mine again) have fired him. Who were THEY? Craig was an employee of a department directly under Nagamootoo.

Nagamootoo rained down heavy criticism of his former comrades in the PPP in his autobiography but many of them (some I knew personally) were/are better politicians than those we had in the APNU+AFC regime including Nagamootoo himself.

Here are some interesting things in the book. The PNC has onto this day praised President Granger for requesting a recount of all ballots during the 2020 election. During the election rigging, in one of my columns, I challenged that story based on the confidential information I had at the time.

The Americans asked PM Mia Mottley to arrange a recount of the contentious Re-

gion Four ballots. Mottley put it to Granger who unreasonably insisted on all the ballots in an effort to win the game knowing that Jagdeo would disagree. But Jagdeo agreed. On page 13 of his memoir, Nagamootoo said he was present when the visiting CARICOM Prime Ministers put it to Granger that there should be a recount of the ballots and Granger agreed. So it was not Granger who requested the recount.

Finally, Nagamootoo touched on the AFC’s decision to remove him as prime ministerial candidate in 2020 but was completely silent on why.

It is my firm view that it was because the AFC, particularly David Patterson and Nigel Hughes, felt under Ramjattan as PM, they would have stood up to Granger and the PNC unlike what occurred under Nagamootoo.

OGGN’s brazen

bogus behaviour

Dear Editor,

REFERENCE is made to the OGGN’s letter in the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News edition of March 27, 2024.

The OGGN, a bogus entity registered in the United States by a group of overseas based Guyanese, none of whom are local taxpayers, and an entity created to deceive the US Government, has sought to apparently clear its name of “false claims”.

The question is what false claims? Interestingly, they have responded to another writer, but ignored this author whom they reported to the UNHRC and have ignored my 15-page response that was also submitted to the UNHRC and published in the local media. Those are the real issues that they need to defend, not those frivolous matters they write about constantly.

In the said letter, the OGGN claimed that all the laws of Guyana are not accessible, so there is denial of access to information in contravention of the Guyana Constitution. This is a classic demonstration, however, of how the OGGN is clueless to the extent that they are totally unaware that all of the laws of Guyana are readily available and accessible on the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal

Affairs website.

Additionally, hard copies of all the laws of Guyana can be accessed at the Parliament building’s library, which is open to the public. The bogus entity goes on to state in their letter that other examples of denial of information were included in their report to the UNHRC.

But guess what one of the examples that they referred to was.

In their shadow report, they complained about not receiving information under the “Access to Information Act” confirming who is the Minister of Petroleum.

Can you imagine that? This is the sort of question that found its way to the UNHRC. Isn’t it public knowledge who all the ministers are and their respective portfolios? Furthermore, the official gazette is a public document accessible on the Attorney-General’s website where this type of information can be sourced as well.

This is the level of nonsense that the government has to contend with from bogus NGOs like the OGGN and its members, who should be questioned and exposed for their true intentions.

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin

Guyana, China aligned in their pursuit of progress

–– countries’ partnership paves way for mutual prosperity, greater connectivity, collaboration in Caribbean region, Chinese Ambassador says

By Clestine Juan

WITH a shared commitment to mutual prosperity and progress, China and Guyana are forging deeper co-operation, laying the foundation for a brighter future for both nations and the wider Caribbean region.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, during an engagement at the Chinese Embassy on Wednesday, reiterated the importance of the bond between China and Guyana, labelling Guyana as China’s “good friend and important partner.”

She highlighted the shared aspiration for modernisation, pointing out that both countries, as the world’s largest and fastest-growing developing nations respectively, are aligned in their pursuit of progress.

“China and Guyana share a common goal to realise modernisation and share common stances in many international affairs,” she said while reflecting on the shared vision between the two nations.

She reiterated China’s commitment to working alongside Guyana to strengthen the existing partnership, with a focus on building a more “close-knit” China-Guyana community with a shared future.

“China stands ready to work with Guyana to build a more close-knit China-Guyana community with a shared future, jointly safeguarding the overall interests of developing countries, and contribute to world peace, security, prosperity and progress,” Ambassador Guo said.

The ambassador reaffirmed that these promising prospects not only hold benefits for China and Guyana but also for the wider Caribbean region, as it fosters greater connectivity and collaboration.

In July 2023, President Dr Irfaan Ali’s visit to China marked a significant milestone in the friendship between Guyana and China.

During his engagement with President Xi Jinping and other dignitaries, President Ali had stressed the robust political relationship and mutual trust shared between the two nations.

Over 11 years, from US$180 million in 2012 to US$1.23 billion in 2023, the bilateral trade volume between China and Guyana witnessed remarkable growth, reflecting the deepening economic ties between the two nations.

Beyond trade, China’s contribution to Guyana’s economic and social development has been profound.

Through infrastructural projects, connectivity initiatives, and assistance in healthcare, China has played a pivotal role in advancing Guyana’s progress and that of the wider Caribbean region.

One significant example of this partnership is in healthcare. Guyana received invaluable support from China, becoming the first Caribbean nation to receive COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese Government.

Additionally, the presence of the Chinese Medical Brigade since 1993 has further strengthened healthcare co-operation between the two countries.

In terms of infrastructural development, Guyana has embarked on ambitious projects with Chinese companies leading the way.

Contracts with Sinopharm International to construct six new regional hospitals signify China’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure in Guyana.

The new facilities will be built at Anna Regina, Region Two; De Kinderen, Region Three; Diamond and Enmore, Region Four; Bath, Region Five, and Skeldon, Region Six. Each of the new regional hospitals will be 65,000 square feet.

Additionally, companies like China Harbour and Engineering Corporation and China Railway Construction Corporation Limited are spearheading strategic infrastructure projects, contributing significantly to Guyana’s development.

The collaboration extends beyond healthcare and infrastructure. Chinese companies are actively engaged in various sectors, including technology, construction,

renewable energy, and agriculture, reflecting the breadth and depth of the partnership.

The involvement of companies like Huawei in providing IT solutions and ventures into renewable energy projects and potential deep-water port construction

highlights the diverse spectrum of co-operation between China and Guyana.

Further, the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana (ACEG) has seen remarkable growth, with 21 member companies, including state-owned enterprises

listed in the Fortune Global 500, and competitive private companies.

These companies are actively involved in key sectors of Guyana’s economy, further cementing the bilateral ties between the two nations.

President Dr Irfaan Ali (left) and Chinese President, Xi Jinping during their meeting last year

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan (Delano Williams)

Suriname-Guyana Chamber commends progress made on Corentyne River Bridge project

THE Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) has applauded the recent meeting between Suriname's President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and Guyana's President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on March 23, 2024, in Guyana.

According to a press release, this pivotal gathering focused on advancing discussions for a bridge over the Corentyne River, signifying a monumental step towards solidifying the bond between the two nations.

The SGCC commended the involvement of key ministers from both countries. This further emphasised the project's critical nature, and signifies a unified effort to realise a vision that would

reshape the regional dynamics of both countries.

Suriname's Ambassador to Guyana, Liselle Blankendal, echoed this sentiment: "The bridge between Suriname and Guyana is more than just steel and concrete; it represents the culmination of years of collaboration, vision, and determination. It symbolises both countries' commitment to connectivity, progress, and mutual prosperity."

Chair of the SGCC, Dr. Vishnu Doerga said: “Guyana and Suriname have the best chance at full economic integration due to our geographic and historical ties. The bridge will serve as a critical economic driver for both countries allowing for both populations to

experience the best goods and services from each respective country with more efficiency.”

This bridge, a physical manifestation of the connection between Suriname and Guyana, would serve as a cornerstone for regional integration. It would facilitate the movement of people, and enhance trade and investment opportunities.

While SGCC is particularly encouraged by the positive feedback received from our members through a recent survey, which indicates a strong belief that the bridge will significantly increase the free movement of people and goods across the border, it is paramount to recognise that the physical connection the bridge provides is just one piece of

the puzzle.

The true potential for enhanced agricultural cooperation, tourism promotion, and economic growth leading to sustainable prosperity for both nations lies not only in the steel and concrete of the bridge itself.

“Our members strongly emphasise that without a concerted effort to reduce bureaucracy, streamline logistical processes, and dismantle other non-physical barriers, the bridge will not be able to fully "earn back its money" or realize its true potential. The SGCC thus urges the governments of both nations to take these concerns seriously and consider them in their planning and execution stages,” the chamber said.

Addressing these chal -

lenges in tandem with the construction of the bridge is critical to unlocking the full scope of benefits the Corentyne River Bridge could bring to both countries.

As the presidents prepare to enter the project's next stage, focusing on pricing, technical aspects, financing, and operational modalities, SGCC expressed its full support for these efforts.

The SGCC is confident that the collaborative approach adopted by the two governments will ensure that the project's execution will be marked by affordability, efficiency, and mutual benefit.

As the anticipation for the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform (SDCP) meeting in May 2024 grows, the SGCC said it is looking forward to contributing at various levels, offering the perspective and expertise of our members to ensure that the bridge project not only strengthens the economic ties between our nations but also fosters a deeper sense of community and shared destiny.

Guyana and Suriname stand on the threshold of a new era of prosperity, connectivity, and regional cooperation.

“The chamber has committed to remaining an active partner in this journey, championing the benefits of the bridge and advocating for the interests of our members to ensure that this project achieves its full potential for the betterment of both our countries,” SGCC said.

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce has applauded the recent meeting between Suriname's President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and Guyana's President H.E Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on March 23, 2024

Over 800 persons enrolled in Nursing Assistant Programme

–– Health Minister announces, as gov’t continues to pursue efforts to enhance human resource capabilities

OVER 800 persons have already enrolled in the Nursing Assistant Programme on the Guyanese Coursera platform, which was launched last Friday by the Government of Guyana.

This announcement was made by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony during his address at the launch.

“Today is another important day apart from launching the Coursera platform. We spent time with our partners from Mount Sinai to curate and develop Nursing Assistant Courses based on the programmes available on Coursera. That programme is going to last for one year, and we have already recruited more than 800 people,” he said.

This announcement stands in unison with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s commitment to modernising the education sector and also bridging the digital gap.

He went on to say: “In Guyana, we have three nursing schools, but our total output for the registered nursing programme is approximately 200 to 250 persons per year, and this is a three-year programme. We felt that if we were going to scale up training because of the expansion in the health sector, we had to find another innovative way to train nurses, and so one of the things that we decided on was to implement a hybrid programme. We were looking for partnerships on how to execute

a hybrid programme, and then we found that Coursera already had a format.”

The minister then went on to say that since the crafting of the Registered Nursing Programme, over 1,000 nurses have registered and commenced their training.

He further said that training for these nurses will be conducted for three years and upon completion of the theoretical aspects, they will be placed at simulation centres across the country.

Moreover, in his feature address, President Dr Irfaan Ali gave some insight into the type of system the PPP/C Government met with when it assumed office in August, 2020.

He said: “You’ve heard that we came into office at the onset, almost the onset of COVID. With nothing in place, not only was the health sector ill-prepared… to deal with COVID, we did not have a single bed prepared to deal with COVID… but the education sector was also not prepared in any way, shape or form to deal with the consequential effect of COVID.”

Owing to “carefully articulated” policies crafted by the PPP/C administration, this allowed education to be delivered in every corner of the country.

Moreover, according to him, Guyana stands out as one of the few countries globally, that did not have a structural regression in its education system during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Ali continued to reflect on how the PPP/C administration has lifted Guyana off of its feet and placed it on the path to prosperity.

He said: “But let me make this very clear. Three years ago…Minister Manickchand will recall that we shared a forum, when I said that we will deliver first world, first-class education in this country. But that is not all that we said. We said we will deliver first-class, first-world education accessible to every citizen of this country. Today, we can celebrate the accomplishment of this vision.”

Even with attempts by detractors of development

to cast doubt on this goal, the Head of State said that his government stayed committed to the task.

“I say every day, let our results do the talking, lock away the noise and let the results do the talking,” President Ali told the large crowd.

Expounding on the plans that will take Guyana to the next level, Dr Ali said: “We are now looking to position Guyana as the main hub for Latin America and the Caribbean, for Coursera and what we have to offer in this region, to do this. We have to work on building a diversified platform that will cater for all languages and all requirements of the region.”

Health Minster, Dr Frank Anthony (Ministry of Health Photo)

Region Three pupil is Whiz Kids champion

The third season of the Guyana Learning Channel’s Whiz Kids wrapped up on Wednesday afternoon with Oshen Sooknanan from the Qayyim Academy in Region Three emerging as the 2024 champion

THE third season of the Guyana Learning Channel’s Whiz Kids wrapped up on Wednesday afternoon, with Oshen Sooknanan from the Qayyim Academy in Region Three emerging as the 2024 champion.

The finals, which were held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, saw Oshen, Regan Beckles from the Friendship Primary School and Rachel Sawh from the Montrose Primary School competing for the title.

The pupils answered an array of questions from four categories: English, Science, Mathematics and Social Studies.

The competition began with each pupil answering a series of questions in the lighting round which earned them points for the final round.

After an intense final round with each pupil racing to provide the correct answer, Oshen emerged the winner with 160 points. In second place was Regan Beckles with 155 points and in third place with 140 points was Rachel Sawh.

In brief remarks, Minister of Education, Priya

Manickchand congratulated the pupils who participated. She also commended the team at the Guyana Learning Channel for the work put into producing Whiz Kids.

She noted that the Guyana Learning Channel played an important role in education delivery while schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Manickchand highlighted that daily the channel produces content, which is not only educational but also interactive and entertaining.

Head of Distance Learning, Anieshaw Mohamed said that over the last three years, Whiz Kids has not only improved its content but it has also increased its viewership. She reiterated that the Guyana Learning Channel is committed to developing content which will help students across all levels learn in fun and creative ways.

The game show features Grade Six students from various primary schools competing against each other by answering questions in four categories. (Ministry of Education)

President Ali inspects modern $600M abattoir at Onverwagt

AS construction advances on the modern $600 million abattoir at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, Region Five, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali conducted a thorough inspection of the state-of-the-art facility, on Wednesday.

President Ali was joined by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Director General, Madanlall Ramraj and several officials from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

The abattoir will modernise Guyana’s meat processing capabilities and bring it up to international standards. It will also open up new markets for Guyana’s beef and boost the income of cattle farmers while creating valuable employment opportunities.

When completed, the facility will become the main slaughtering area for cattle in the country as Region Five is poised to become the hub for the ‘cattle industry’.

Meanwhile, the head of state inspected ongoing works on the site for a hy-

droponics farm. The farm’s foundation totalling 8,000 square feet is already completed.

He also toured the modern agro-processing facility at Fort Wellington and encouraged the private sector to get

involved.

“Let’s get the Guyana Manufacturing Services Association (GMSA); let them

come here and let us give them the facility to start with the farmers in Region Five… They [are] going to bring

their equipment and it want it fully operationalised by next week,” he stressed.

President Ali also toured the $16.4 million model farm in Fort Wellington. This farm allows farmers, potential farmers, and extension officers from the region to have access to facilities and equipment to design and implement research programmes aligned with technological advancements and the government’s vision for the sector.

It comprises a storage room, shade house, cattle pen, composting house, Vermi and thermophilic composting huts, small ruminants pen, Black Giant Pen and swine pens as well as demonstration plots for orchards and high-value crops such as bell pepper.

All these initiatives tie in with Guyana’s, and by extension – CARICOM –efforts in achieving self-sufficiency and slash the over US$5 billion import bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025. (DPI)

As construction advances on the modern $600 million abattoir at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, Region Five, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali conducted a thorough inspection of the state-of-the-art facility, on Wednesday

Minister Edghill urges drivers to prioritise safety over speed along Lethem trail

–– ahead of much-anticipated Rupununi Rodeo

By Cindy Parkinson

AS thousands of local and international tourists prepare for the highly anticipated Rodeo celebrations in Central Lethem over the Easter weekend, which is scheduled for March 29–31, the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has pleaded with the public to ensure that they prioritise safety over speed.

Recognising that the Lethem Rodeo is one of Guyana’s most “thrilling” Easter events, Minister Edghill said: “Some of our main thoroughfares are experiencing a massive transformational makeover, which you will see as you travel to the exciting rodeo celebrations. However, we implore you to be responsible, and put your safety before speed. In many activities such as these, minor hiccups can sometimes happen along the route. In order to ensure that everyone has safe and easy travel, we kindly ask that you take note of our safety measures and advice that

were put in place.”

Minister Edghill said that there is a significant difference between paved and unpaved roads, and as such, drivers should “maintain a safe operational speed.”

According to him: “Compared to paved roads, unpaved roads differ greatly in their features, and you put others and yourself at serious risk when you speed. This is frequently fatal, along with poor vision and traction, and that is why we continue to implore everyone who uses the roadways to always drive at a safe speed.”

The Public Works Minister further advised that drivers maintain a safe distance between vehicles so that dust can be avoided on the trail.

He added: “It is our hope that you will maintain a safe space between other cars, even in convoys, to lessen the effect of dust clouds. Vehicle-generated dust can significantly reduce vision, particularly for oncoming traffic. When it is essential, use your headlights

and fog lamps, and drive carefully through dense dust clouds.”

Additionally, Minister Edghill said that the journey towards making it one of the busiest events of the year will naturally attract more traffic. However, a thoughtful mindset, a display of patience, being kind to other drivers, and being cautious when maneuvering through traffic will help with a safer and more relaxing trip to their destination.

He also asked that all drivers ‘keep an eye out’ for pedestrians, animals, and livestock that may be using the road as well.

Furthermore, Minister Edghill asked that everyone be prepared with the necessary emergency essentials so that their travels can be as seamless as possible.

“The trail is long, and some areas are remote. Ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition and equipped with emergency essentials, including drinking water, spare tyres, and a first aid kit. If something does go wrong, extend a helping hand to

your fellow travellers. Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for everyone on the road,” Edghill said.

Finally, the Minister added: “Let us make this rodeo experience memorable for all the right reasons! Drive safely, enjoy the event, and bask in all that this beautiful country has to offer.”

Earlier in the week, Iwokrama advised travellers against the use of fire in wooded areas.

According to Iwokrama: “The extended dry weather has left our forests very parched and easy to catch fire. Already, there are forest fires in

various regions of the country.

“In light of this, we must be careful not to further contribute to this serious situation, which particularly affects our local communities and the tourism sector, through the sometimes-thick smoke from these fires.”

As you enjoy your travels through the Iwokrama Forest Reserve and Rupununi savannahs during this Easter season, please:

● “Do not light any fires for camping/cooking close to forested areas or areas with dry bushes or shrubs, since the smallest embers can be carried by

the wind to other areas and start fires.

● “Extinguish all cigarettes properly and dispose of them in a receptacle in your vehicle; do not throw them into the open.

● “Remember to keep all trash in a receptacle in your vehicle and properly dispose of it once permissible.

● “Drive slowly and carefully as the road is dry and dusty, thus limiting visibility.

“A gentle reminder that there is no camping, hunting, fishing, logging or mining allowed within the Iwokrama Forest Reserve. Please think about safety first at all times.”

The connection among water, data and peace

–– FAO remote sensing tool, WaPOR, monitors impact of conflict on agriculture and supports equitable water distribution

WATER is at the centre of all life, and therefore, all economies. Because of this, it is no surprise that water and conflict can also be interlinked.

Water access can be affected by conflict but can also cause it. With increasing water scarcity and the impacts of climate change, the risk of conflict is exacerbated.

In this context, managing water resources effectively and sustainably is paramount to decreasing competition and contributing to local peace. And this begins with monitoring water resources.

With satellites orbiting the earth and collecting large amounts of data daily, including water-related ones,

remote sensing has a pivotal role in bridging the data gap in hard-to-access areas.

WaPOR, which stands for Water Productivity through Open-access of Remotely-sensed derived data, is a tool created by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) that uses open access satellite data to monitor agricultural areas, including in zones that are conflict-affected. This data is freely accessible and is used by FAO and national institutions to support initiatives that aim to avoid conflict between different water users and to identify infrastructure damaged because of it.

Here are four examples where WaPOR data has

Water is at the centre of all life, and therefore, all economies. Because of this, it is no surprise that water and conflict can also be interlinked

helped monitor water resources to reduce conflict and restore access to this precious resource when conflict has cut it off.

1) SYRIA

In 2019, FAO assisted

Syria’s Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) and General Organization of Remote Sensing to use WaPOR data to assess the damage to the country’s irrigation infrastructure caused by the ongoing conflict. Dams, pumping stations, wastewater treatment plants, field irrigation systems and other infrastructure were either destroyed or severely damaged.

Using WaPOR data, technicians from MoWR analysed areas with irrigation infrastructure by tracking plant growth and monitoring the water used by plants. Given that Syria is a semi-arid country, when plant water use was detected, this indicated that irrigated agriculture had remained intact.

Being able to take stock of the extent to which national investments in agriculture had been affected by the conflict is a crucial step in the planning for rehabilitation. These estimations were used by MoWR to guide their reconstruction plans and fundraising needs.

2. THE SUDAN

In April 2023, armed conflict erupted in the Sudan and is ongoing. Widespread insecurity and unsafe conditions have disrupted agriculture including the distribution of seeds, field preparation and

The connection among water ...

cultivation.

In this context, FAO used WaPOR data to compare the 2023 growing season average with those of the previous five years to estimate the impact that the conflict was having on agricultural production.

“Monitoring the performance of the agricultural season was useful for assessing the food security situation in the country and for updating the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification figures, which are used for planning and programming food security interventions,” states Elwathig Mukhtar Hamid, the then Assistant FAO Representative in the Sudan.

The assessment displayed a 51 percent drop in cultivated areas at the beginning of the season compared to previous years. This was largely due to disruptions in markets and financing mechanisms which allow the farmers to procure agricultural inputs. FAO planned a high-quality seed distribution in August, which improved the situation and allowed more farmers to plant in time for the growing season.

This goes to show that remote sensing data can be used to monitor the impact of conflict on agriculture but can also support humanitarian response and show the results of interventions.

3. MALI

In Mali, FAO is working with the Ministry of Rural Development and the World Food Programme to evaluate the impact of ongoing conflict on the country’s agricultural sector. The project is using WaPOR data and tools to elaborate a way of systematically performing these assessments, especially in areas unsafe for local follow-up.

In addition to the persistent climate of insecurity, water scarcity is causing growing competition between the local users. Ponds, rivers and wells are drying up as a result of drought and desertification.

The Water, Peace and Security (WPS) partnership is using WaPOR data as a part of its Global Early Warning tool to generate predictions of conflict based on factors linked to water, agriculture and underlying tensions.

In Djenné, Mali, WPS is using this data to implement conflict resolution measures such as community dialogues in areas where there has traditionally been competition over water resource use.

4. SRI LANKA

FAO’s Knowing water better (Knowat) project in Sri Lanka, worked to clarify issues of water tenure, another potential source of conflict. WaPOR data helped perform water accounting which allows the mapping of water access and entitlement and the relationships around this resource. This is the first step to understanding the distribution and users of water. Ensuring equitable distribution of water resources requires knowing who can access water, but also how much water there is and how much different stakeholders are using.

The Malwathu Oya river basin in Sri Lanka alternates between floods and water scarcity, which is exacerbated by climate change and poor water management, such as overwatering crops. WaPOR data supported irrigation managers in the river basin to assess the agricultural season and plan the following one, in collaboration with local farmers. Being able to track water productivity, field extension workers can advise farmers on the danger of overwatering, both for the basin’s resources but also for the productivity of the farm.

Better irrigation practices and a participatory process has led to more water available for all and better yields, thereby reducing stressors and competition over water resources.

Data is the starting point of action.

By leveraging tools like WaPOR, knowing the status of water resources helps plan interventions and inform decisions to reduce the chances of conflict and increase the prevalence of peace. (FAO)

Luis Rubiales: Prosecutors seek 2.5-year jail term over World Cup kiss

SPANISH prosecutors want the former head of the country's football federation to be jailed for two-anda-half years, after he kissed a female footballer against her will at Spain's World Cup victory.

Luis Rubiales is facing charges of sexual assault and coercion after he grabbed Jenni Hermoso and kissed her on the mouth last August.

Ms Hermoso and her teammates said the kiss was unwanted and demeaning.

Mr Rubiales was forced to resign, but has denied any wrongdoing.

According to a court document seen by Reuters, prosecutor Marta Durantez charged Mr Rubiales with one count of sexual assault and one of coercion for his alleged actions in the aftermath of the kiss. The charges carry prison terms of one year and 18 months respec-

tively. Ms Durantez also accused the former coach of the women's national team, Jorge Vilda, the team's current sporting director, Albert Luque, and the federation's head of marketing, Ruben Rivera, of coercing Ms Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual.

The indictment said they harassed her through "constant and repeated acts of pressure", including through

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her friends and family.

All three denied wrongdoing when they appeared before the court. Each could face up to 18 months in jail if convicted.

Ms Durantez also wants the four men to pay damages totalling €100,000 (£85,677; $108,000) to Ms Hermoso, and for Mr Rubiales to pay at least half of this amount.

She also requested a restraining order for Mr Rubiales, barring him from coming within 200 metres (656 feet) of Ms Hermoso and from communicating with her for the next sevenand-a-half years.

The scandal overshadowed a historic moment for Spain's

women's team, which at the time was celebrating its first ever World Cup win.

During the trophy presentation ceremony, Mr Rubiales clasped Ms Hermoso's head between his hands and planted a kiss on her lips. He was also criticised for grabbing his crotch when celebrating the win, while standing next to Spain's Queen Letizia and her daughter Princess Infanta Sofia.

The incident set off a wave of global anger at sexism at the highest levels of women's sport and led to boycotts of the national team by Spain's players as they called for changes to be made to women's football in the country.

Mr Rubiales was initially suspended by world football's governing body, Fifa, before he eventually stood down as both head of Spain's football federation and vice-president of the Union of European Football Associations (Uefa) in September.

In January, Fifa upheld a three-year ban from footballing activities for Mr Rubiales after he lodged an appeal.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday March 28, 2024) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Brendon McCullum-158* (KKR) (2) Ajit Agarkar-3/25 (KKR)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which two teams contested the first IPL final (2008)?

(2) Which team was crowned the inaugural IPL champions (2008)?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Prosecutors are seeking a 2.5-year prison term for Luis Rubiales

QUINTON de Kock, Dean Elgar, Sisanda Magala, Wayne Parnell and Keegan Petersen were not on the list of contracted men’s players CSA announced on Tuesday.

Fair enough, in every instance. But the case of Anrich Nortje, who also was not named, raises questions.

De Kock, an all-format star until December 2021, now plays only T20Is.

Test specialist Elgar has retired. Magala and Parnell each featured in only seven of South Africa’s 33 white-ball matches last year, and Petersen in just two of their four Tests.

Nortje, also an all-format performer, appeared in only nine of those 37 games. But that was due to a lumbar stress fracture that kept him out of action from September 10 last year to March 7 this year.

At 30, he is in the prime of his career and among the fastest and most effective bowlers in the game. From his Test and ODI debuts in October and March 2019 only Kagiso Rabada has taken more wickets for

IPL and Hawk-Eye join hands to end debate over above-waist no-balls Nortje

South Africa in those formats, and none of Nortje’s current teammates have a better T20I economy rate.

Nortje returned to action in three matches for Eastern Province in the ongoing CSA T20 Challenge, the last two of them five days apart. He bowled all four of his overs in each game and kept a tidy enough economy rate of 6.83, and joined Delhi Capitals following the birth of his and his wife Micaela Nortje’s first child last Tuesday.

If Nortje is fit enough for most of what will be a gruelling IPL campaign - he missed Delh’s first match on Saturday to be with his newly enlarged family - why is he not fit enough to be recontracted by CSA? Because, it seems, he wants to carefully manage the rest of his career.

Cricbuzz understands Nortje has told CSA he wants to concentrate on T20 cricket - franchise and internationals - for most of this year before extending himself to ODIs by the end of 2024. That is understandable for someone who missed the 2019 IPL and has been ruled out

of the last two World Cups by injuries. We may have seen the last of Nortje in whites. But, importantly, he has not retired from the international arena.

So the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States in June remains on his radar. The tournament is likely to be De Kock’s swansong in a South Africa shirt. That is if he cracks the selectorial nod. De Kock scored a 44-ball 100 in a T20I against West Indies in Centurion in March last year, but in 24 subsequent innings in the format - for

South Africa, Lucknow Super Giants, Melbourne Renegades and Durban Super Giants - he passed 50 only twice, and been dismissed for three ducks and six other single-figure scores. He knows he has work to do to Kyle Verreynne and David Bedingham could consider themselves unlucky not to be contracted. Verreynne scored consistently in the SA20 and the domestic first-class competition, and Bedingham’s 110 in Hamilton was among the few positives of South Africa’s Test series in New

Zealand in February. Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi are the new faces among the 18 – down from last year’s 20 - who have landed contracts.

There was good news for Andile Phehlukwayo, who is back in the centrally paid ranks despite playing for South Africa only six times in 2023. There was not as much to report from the women’s list, which increased by one to 16 players.

Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz-Mari Marx have signed up and the

only notable absence is that of Shabnim Ismail who has retired. CSA contracted players for 2024/25:

Men: Temba Bavuma, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.

The women’s contracted squad increased from 15 to 16 with Dolphins fast bowler, Ayanda Hlubi and Titans all-rounder Eliz-Mari Marx earning their maiden contracts. Women: Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Delmi Tucker, Laura Wolvaardt. (Cricbuzz)

…Hawk-Eye has in its database the toe-to-waist measurement of all IPL batters, and the height of the ball is matched to that for each review

TO remove the subjective element involved in adjudicating above-waist no-balls, the IPL, in coordination with Hawk-Eye, has introduced technology to measure the height of the ball as it passes the batter at the popping crease.

That is then matched

against the toe-to-waist height of the batter when in an upright position - recorded in advance. If the height of the ball is higher than where the batter's waist is recorded to be, then it is declared a no-ball. Otherwise it's a fair delivery.

On Wednesday, Mumbai

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) is set to take place on Saturday April 13, 2024, at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue and Camp Street.

This would be the first AGM under the Presidency of Franklin Wilson who took over the helm of the Federation in March of 2023.

Apart from the election of a new executive, the presentation of the audited financial statement which has not been done for many years would be presented by the Treasurer, Maxwell Denny.

Reports from the President and General Secretary, Roger Rogers, will also be tabled.

The AGM will be called to order at 09:00hrs.

Indians’ fast bowler, Gerald Coetzee, became the first to fall foul of this new system when his first delivery of the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad - the sixth of the innings - to Abhishek Sharma was deemed a no-ball.

While the on-field umpire immediately signalled it, the Mumbai Indians players, including captain Hardik Pandya and his predecessor, Rohit Sharma, asked why it

was not called a wide when the ball was nearly outside the mark.

Coetzee had delivered a high full-toss that was also way outside off stump. It was measured at 1.44 metres, 0.42 centimetres above Abhishek's waist height of 1.02 metres. Both readings were showed on the left panel of the TV screen after Hardik reviewed the no-ball call. The no-ball call was upheld.

ESPNcricinfo has learned that Hawk-Eye has measured the waist height for every player this IPL, a piece of information that is available in their database. The third umpire has no role to play during the review, with measurements being worked out by an automated system installed by Hawk-Eye. It has also been learned that HawkEye had been conducting trials for the past two years, and

gave a presentation to the IPL with their improved graphics after the 2023 season.

The new system is expected to put an end to controversial decisions involved in adjudicating waist-high no-balls, like in previous IPL editions.

One such decision was taken by the third umpire in the 2023 IPL, which took place in Hyderabad, incidentally, in SRH's match against Lucknow Super Giants.

In the penultimate over of the SRH innings, Avesh Khan, who was then with LSG, delivered what looked to the naked eye like an above-waist full toss to Abdul Samad.

The on-field decision was a no-ball. However, the third umpire deliberated for long as he studied the ball-tracking technology, and overturned the on-field call. The third umpire took into consideration the fact that Samad was crouching a bit when the ball passed him at the popping crease, and that at full height, the ball would have been below his waist.(Cricinfo).

The third umpire has no role during the review, with measurements worked out by an automated system • (BCCI photo)

South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje

Derek Kallicharran and friend continue support to ‘Project Cricket Gear’

USA-based Guyanese, Derek Kallicharran and Shazam Hussain have once again provided support in the form of three boxes of white cricket balls to “Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyama,” the joint initiative of Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana.

The presentation was done on Kallicharran’s recent visit to Guyana during a friendly cricket game to honour the national team that won the double in 1983 (Shell Shield and Geddes Grant/Harrison Line).

The project also calls on corporate Guyana, private businesses and individuals to help sports clubs in their areas. Village leaders are also encouraged to mobilise the youths and get them actively involved in sports and keep them away from drugs and crimes.

According to members of the initiative, “there has been a recent surge in teenage criminals and we should work together to eliminate this from our society.”

Total cricket related items received/purchased so far: $370 000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, two trophies, 20 pairs of cricket shoes, 33 pairs of batting pads, 35 cricket bats, 30 pairs of batting gloves, 25 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest guards, two boxes, 11 cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets, one softball cricket bat and 13 boxes of white balls.

To date, 72 young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted from eight gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 31 bats, three boxes, six helmets, 27 pairs of cricket shoes,

18 pairs of batting pads, 24 thigh pads, one bat rubber, 31 pairs of batting gloves and three pairs of wicket-keeping gloves.

Many other youths would have benefitted indirectly too. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area received two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also collected one box of red cricket balls

each; Cold Fusion Cricket Club 13 coloured uniforms while RHCCCC received three boxes of balls, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket-keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails. Other beneficiaries are

The Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem and youth coach, Travis Persaud, softball teams in the Upper Corentyne area, No.65 Young Titans, Just Try CC, Wakenaam Cricket Academy, National fast bowler Shamar Joseph, Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple and Leguan Cricket Committee, Essequibo.

Cricket-related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent.

Progressive and well-managed cricket clubs, with a youth programme, will also benefit.

Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers need double overtime to beat Milwaukee Bucks Novak Djokovic splits with coach Goran Ivanisevic

THE Los Angeles Lakers needed double overtime before claiming a 128-124 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

THE Lakers, who were without LeBron James because of an ankle injury, had trailed by 10 points with three minutes and 26 seconds left in regulation time.

Milwaukee led until the Lakers levelled it up at 101101 with 44 seconds left.

The lead went back and forth in overtime until an Austin Reaves three-pointer and two free throws from D'Angelo Russell sealed the win.

Anthony Davis hit 34 points and claimed 23 rebounds, despite struggling for mobility for much of the game, after injuring a knee in a collision with Milwaukee's Khris Middleton early on, while Reaves had 29 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had a triple-double with 29 points, 21 rebounds and 11 assists for the Bucks but missed two free throws after

Reaves' late three. The Lakers, who beat the Bucks by one point at home earlier this month, were down 94-75 with eight minutes and 25 seconds remaining in regulation before they began the comeback which keeps them on track for at least a place in the end-of-season play-in tournament (April 16-19).

Milwaukee coach, Doc Rivers, said his team paid the price for not putting the game out of reach after opening up the double-digit leads.

"When you have a team down 18 points, you have a chance to take that lead to

30 and we didn't do that," he said.

"Instead we let it go from 18 to 10, and that gave them hope. It will be a good lesson for us."

In other games on Tuesday, the Golden State Warriors boosted their hopes of reaching the post-season with a 113-92 away win over the Miami Heat while the Oklahoma City Thunder kept up the pressure on Western Conference leaders, the Denver Nuggets, with a 119-112 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.(BBC Sport)

WORLD number one, Novak Djokovic, has split with coach Goran Ivanisevic.

Former Wimbledon champion Ivanisevic became Djokovic's main coach in March 2022, having worked with him alongside long-time mentor Marian Vajda since 2018.

Serb Djokovic has won a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles but has made a disappointing start to 2024.

"Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago," Djokovic said on Instagram.

"Our on-court chemistry had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid."

Djokovic lost in the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January, suffered a third-round defeat by world number 123, Luka Nardi, at Indian Wells this month, then withdrew from the ongoing Miami Open, citing a need

to balance his "private and professional schedule".

"I remember clearly the moment I invited Goran to be part of my team. It was back in 2018, and Marian and I were looking to innovate and bring some serve magic to our duo," Djokovic said.

"In fact, not only we brought serve, but also lots of laughter, fun, year-end no1 rankings, record breaking achievements and 12 more Grand Slams (and a few fi-

nals) to the count since then. Did I mention a bit of drama too?"

Croat Ivanisevic was nominated for the ATP Coach of the Year in 2023, having helped Djokovic to three of the four Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic shares the record for Grand Slam singles titles with Margaret Court.

The French Open, which starts on May 26, is the next Grand Slam in the calendar.(BBC Sport)

Anthony Davis starred at both ends of the court for the Lakers

Goran Ivanisevic (right) coached Marin Cilic, Tomas Berdych and Milos Raonic before Novak Djokovic (left)

Derek Kallicharran (right) makes the presentation to Anil Beharry

Sunrisers Hyderabad hit highest total in tournament's history in win over Mumbai Indians

SUNRISERS Hyderabad

smashed 277-3 - the highest total in Indian Premier League (IPL) history - in a record-breaking 31-run victory against Mumbai Indians.

Opener Travis Head hit 62 from 24 balls, Abhishek Sharma a 23-ball 63 and Heinrich Klaasen 80 not out from 34.

They took Sunrisers beyond the previous IPL record, Royal Challengers Bangalore's 263-5 in 2013.

Mumbai made a decent fist of the chase, making the match the highest-scoring T20 in history, but ended on 246-5.

Sunrisers' total was also the fourth highest in any

men's T20 and the highest in a T20 franchise tournament.

The men's T20 record is held by Nepal, who scored 314-3 against Mongolia last year. Afghanistan made 278-3 against Ireland in 2019 while the Czech Republic posted 278-4 against Hungary later that year.

The previous record in a franchise tournament was Melbourne Stars' 273-2 against Hobart Hurricanes in the Australian Big Bash in 2022.

Australia international Head was dropped on five and raced to an 18-ball fifty as he put on 68 in 23 balls with Abhishek, after the loss of Mayank Agarwal

Lancashire stint for spinner Nathan Lyon cut to seven games by CA

LANCASHIRE will no longer have spinner Nathan Lyon available for the full County Championship season, as Cricket Australia (CA) seeks to limit his workload.

Australia have five home Tests against India starting in November, which the 36-year-old is set to feature in.

Lyon, who has taken 530 Test wickets, will now be free for seven of the first nine rounds of the Championship.

The county says they are "assessing options" for an extra overseas player, for the white-ball games in particular.

Lancashire's director of cricket performance Mark Chilton said discussions with potential signings were "taking place", and maintained the county is "excited" to retain Lyon for part of the campaign.

"After speaking with Nathan since this decision was taken, I know that he is still really excited about joining up with us," Chilton added.

"[He] remains very committed to Lancashire Cricket, supporting the group and helping us to achieve our goals this summer."

The news comes after the Red Rose County allowed spinner Jack Morley to join Derbyshire earlier this month, but they also have England's Tom Hartley in the squad. (BBC Sport).

for 11.

Abhishek then reached his fifty, two balls quicker - thrashing three fours and seven sixes - before being dismissed at the end of the

11th over with the Sunrisers 161-3.

The scoring slowed slightly as Klaasen joined Aiden Markram but the pair took 75 from the last

five overs to end with an unbroken partnership of 116 from 55 balls.

Markram ended on 42 not out from 28 balls.

South African left-arm-

er, Kwena Maphaka, 17, conceded 66 in four wicketless overs on debut. There were 18 sixes and 19 fours in Sunrisers' innings and a T20 record 38 sixes in the match.

Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan took Mumbai to 50-0 in three overs before Kishan holed out for 34 and Rohit 26.

Tilak Varma struck 64 from 34 balls and, with 113 runs needed from 48, a remarkable win was not out of the question at 165-3 after 12 overs.

But Varma was caught off Sunrisers’ captain, Pat Cummins, as the Australian skipper conceded only three runs from the 15th over to swing the game his side's way.(BBC Sport)

Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware

SURREY is determined to give departing director of cricket Alec Stewart a successful send-off.

It was announced last week that Stewart would step down from his role at the end of 2024 after a decade in the post.

Stewart, 60, has overseen the development of several England internationals, alongside guiding Surrey to three County Championship titles, and a number of key figures in the team are eager to help him sign off with more silverware.

Red-ball captain Rory Burns said: “It can be an emotional driver if that is the way you are inclined.

The way we try to operate, we look at what our process is and what we want to do day to day. It would be nice to send the gaffer out with another Championship win, but we’ve got a lot of hard work to do before that.”

England batter, Ollie Pope, missed the meeting at Kia Oval where Stewart, in typically modest fashion, told the group of his decision, in a brief manner, before he turned the focus on to trying to produce another successful campaign.

Former England wicketkeeper Stewart, who has helped care for his wife through her cancer battle since 2013, played a key role in Pope’s journey from Surrey academy graduate to vice-captain of the Test team.

“I sadly missed a meeting when he announced it to the boys, but I had a phone call with him straight after and, yeah, I felt gutted,” Pope admitted.

“I can’t imagine a club

where you don’t see Stewie in every morning. I think he’s in at 6am every day on the rowing machine or on the treadmill or doing some weights, but that’s because he loves the club and loves being here.

“And he’s also ridiculous at his job as well. The way he sort of makes you feel like you’ve got a personal relationship, but he’s also got the job to give you your contracts or release you.

“I’ve got a great picture

of him giving me my Surrey under-eight player-of-theyear award, which is one I’ll always have. He presented me with my England cap, again the video and the pics of that are seriously special.

“Every player in the club and every member of the coaching staff feels like they’ve just got so much to owe him because whether he sees the talent in you or sees the good person in you, he sort of brings it out.

Alec Sewart is to step down from his role as Surrey at the end of the 2024 season

Nathan Lyon will play seven of Lancashire's opening Championship games before his spell is cut short

Abhishek Sharma's 16-ball fifty was the fastest for Sunrisers in the IPL

Dharry & Marques say ready for showdown in Georgetown on April 20

HOUSEHOLD names

on the local boxing scene Dexter Marques and Elton Dharry are set to battle on April 20 at the Everest Cricket Ground in the main event of the fight night for the super flyweight gold title.

The two boxers will duel it out next month for the World Boxing association (WBA) championship title.

At a pre-fight media conference on Wednesday, Dexter Marques says he had two dreams for this year. “I ask god for two things; to see my big son and to fight for a title. My big son come and now I have a title fight.”

He says this is the moment and he is not letting it go. “No way possible I can lose this and I’m putting in the training and coming up on the 20th. Dharry, prepare yourself, it’s not an easy

KFC Elite League Season 6

road.”

Elton says he been preparing for return to the ring and was faced with a few hurdle but he is ready and rearing to go. “I’m thankful for this opportunity… where me and Dexter will match skill…I’m prepared to be myself and prepare to win, prepare to shine; if you check my track record, I showed up championship fights and I really do handle my business. I’m experience and I will show that.”

He says his record speaks for him. “I will walk out that ring victorious like always in championship fights.

President of the GBBC Peter Abdool said that he hopes with Guyana TV Network coming on stream to bring the fight to homes around the world will help boost the sport.

“You can literally see the fight anyway in the world for free. We have not had in Guyana for the longest while and has stopped the kind of attention we ought to have had over the years.”

Abdool says he hopes this will change with this boxing card. When the pair last entered into the squared circle Dharry won but Abdool says that Dexter has matured and will provide a serious challenge.

Dharry records stand at 27 win, 6 losses and 1 draw with 15 knock-out in 34 bouts. Marques record is 21 with 18 wins and 3 losses which includes 6 TKO.

The event is organised by Brisco promotion, Dharry promotion in partnership, Guyana Boxing Board of Control and Guyana TV network.

Police FC flawless against Ann’s Grove United to stay atop of standings

THE Guyana Police Force football club stayed unbeaten, as they cantered to 3-1 win over Ann’s Grove United, on Tuesday, at the Guyana Football Federation National Training Centre in the KFC Elite League Season 6.

Police’s Neron Barrow continued his goal scoring prowess in the 4th minute of play for the lead before Ann’s Grove Shaquan Joseph found the equaliser in the 24th minute of the first half.

The rest of the first half saw no further trouble to the scorers, as they went into the break 1 apiece.

However, second half goals from Junior Redmon and Tyrone Delph in the 83rd and 90+2 minute of play saw Police levelling, then going ahead for the comfortable 3-1 victory.

Police FC, after the latest win, top the standing with 5 wins in five games on 15 points.

Western Tigers are second on the standing with three wins in four games, on 9 points with Slingerz also unbeaten after 3 wins but are third because of Western Tigers superior goal difference.

The League is set to re-

sume on Sunday, March 31, with a double-header as members of the Golden Jaguars will suit up for defending champions, Guyana Defence Force, who will be tackling Fruta Conquerors in the opener at 18. 30hours.

Slingerz FC will play Western Tigers in the feature match at 21:00 hours.

The top ten clubs are competing for the first-place cash prize of G$2,000,000 and cash rewards of G$1,200,000, G$800,000, and G$500,000 for the second, third, and fourth positions.

Boxing (left to right) Dexter Marques stand-off against Elton Dharry

Police FC winning squad