Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 01-01-2023

1st JANUARY 2023

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See Inside No.106950

Happy New Year to all our readers. Thank you for your support throughout the year.

The next edition of the Guyana Chronicle will be published on January 3, 2023.

Guyana ranked fifth fastest-growing economy, even without oil SEE PAGE

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Major transformative plans for 2023 SEE PAGE

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- commencing work on Hospitality Institute - massive road works - expanding shrimp production - healthcare to be boosted - more training for teachers

Guyanese on Saturday night welcomed the New Year in grand-style. Some celebrated by cooking the traditional Guyanese dish, cook-up, while others had a fun night out (Delano Williams and Latchman Singh photos)

‘We have a very clear, definitive Massive increase in arrivals to plan for oil & gas revenues’ SEE PAGE

- President Ali tells Al Jazeera

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SEE PAGE

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Guyana recorded

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 1, 2023

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Guyana ranked fifth fastest-growing economy, even without oil

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 1, 2023

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

By Tamica Garnett during a live broadcast on his Facebook page on SaturWHEN assessed on its non- day, examined the evolution oil performance, Guyana is of Guyana’s development. ranked fifth in the world as In 2022, the Internationthe fastest growing econ- al Monetary Fund (IMF) omy in 2022, while with World Economic Report oil, projections place Guy- projected Guyana to grow at ana as the fastest growing 57.8 per cent for 2022, with economy. the second fastest-growing This is according to Pres- economy being Fiji, which ident Dr. Irfaan Ali, who, is projected to grow at 12.5

per cent.

However, based on the country’s half-year projection for 2022, Guyana’s non-oil economic growth is placed at 9.5 per cent. For 2022, according to the world economic report, after Fiji, Kuwait had an 8.7 per cent projection, as did the Maldives, while Saint Kitts and Nevis’ projected growth is 9.8 per cent.

“That tells a lot, because it now shows the result of the redirection of government policies from subjecting the population to more than 200plus taxes to investing in the productive sector,” President Ali boasted.

“Amidst all of these global challenges, what we saw was that Guyana’s economic performance in 2022 was not only remarkable, but is one that is worth a study,” he added.

The growth profile of 2022 showed agriculture projected to grow by 17.9 per cent; quarrying and mining at 11 per cent; the construction sector by 19 per cent; wholesale and retail trade by 12.5 per cent; transportation and storage by 13 per cent; and accommodation and food services by 18 per cent.

“These are a direct re-

sult of the confidence in the economy, as more medium and small enterprises invest in the diversified portfolio.

And this is also important when we look at what people call the Dutch Disease. The diversification of our economic portfolio is holding strong,” the President said.

According to President Ali, the government’s targetted expansion of the other economic sectors, and diversifying of the economic pillar is showing direct results due to the policy formulation and measures that have been implemented.

“If you look at what is happening in different sectors, we see that there is renewed energy. There is renewed optimism; renewed investment in the manufacturing and constructive sector, extractive sector, productive sector, agriculture, agriculture processing,” the Head of State said.

He added, “The last two years was really spent on rebuilding the architecture and framework that supports the upliftment and development of these sectors. In the coming years, we’ll see, in a greater sense, the impact of the investments we are making in different sectors.”

According to the Presi-

dent, “Though 2022 saw severe economic shocks, Guyana’s economic performance was still remarkable, with the shock of the global crisis not fully impacting the lives of the people in Guyana, thanks to initiatives, policies and measures that the government implemented that brought stability to our internal system.”

Notwithstanding all of the international pressure, President Ali said the government was able to reduce the impact of inflation, the cost of living and food crises and keep prices relatively stable.

Though many countries experienced double and triple-digit inflation this year, Guyana kept inflation in single digits, with its projected seven per cent being below the global inflation rate.

“From a macroeconomic perspective, notwithstanding the complex international environment we’re operating in, we have seen the true results of the policies and measures adopted by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government,” President Ali said.

Over the course of the year, the government implemented a number of meas-

ures to ease the burden on the population. Among infrastructural measures were the government’s construction of 183 bridges in 2022, and the construction and maintenance of a total of 1,651km of roads to improve commute nationwide, including in hinterland communities.

In housing, more than 10,500 house lots were allocated in 2022. The government also had major developments in education, health, and social welfare.

According to President Ali, the past year was one that required policy formulation and measures that mitigated the full effect of global issues such as the high inflation rate, the high cost of living, increasing cost of food practices, shortages of food products on international markets, supply chain crisis, and increase in shipping cost, all of which impacted Guyana severely.

The management of the inflation and inflationary pressure and cost of living was due to very careful planning and a very robust system in terms of our expenditure profile and spending in the right areas, the Head of State said.

‘We have a very clear, definitive plan for oil & gas revenues’

- President Ali tells Al Jazeera

By Tamica Garnett

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has emphasised that the government has a very clear plan for the management and use of Guyana’s oil-and-gas revenues, which will see prosperity of all Guyanese.

President Ali made the declaration during a recently aired sit-down with international broadcaster Al Jazeera.

Speaking with Al Jazeera’s John Hendren on “Talking to Al Jazeera,” the Head of State made it clear that every single Guyanese stands to benefit from the country’s patrimony.

“We have a very clear plan, we have a very definitive plan. And that plan includes all of humanity. I’ve made it clear, the prosperity of Guyana must lead to the prosperity of the region, the CARICOM region and the

region around us. We want to contribute positively to humanity,” the President declared.

Responding to Hendren on whether ordinary Guyanese will feel the benefits that investments from the oil-andgas revenues will bring to the country, Dr Ali argued that while some political elements may seek to oppose Guyana’s transformational path for their own political agenda, there’s no denying the current and future development taking place in the country.

The President pointed to the many infrastructural, social, and economic developments already taking place across the country, from which thousands of Guyanese are benefitting.

The President made it clear that there are several visible ways in which the government is making the lives of all Guyanese better.

“When you are able to give your citizens the best possible healthcare; when you’re able to announce measures that are giving every single citizen who requires dialysis a cheque every year; when you’re able to give every school child a transportation grant to help them to go to school; able to give them a uniform grant; when you’re able to increase old age pensions; when you’re able to ensure the primary healthcare is working for its best for the people.

“When you’re able to build roads all across the country to reduce the cost of transportation; when you’re able to expand and open up tens of thousands [of] new acres of land for agriculture; when you’re able to deliver 50,000 house lots to people; when you’re able to construct a child and maternal hospital; when you’re able to invest in free education, 20,000 scholarships; when you’re able

to have a programme that will see $150,000 Guyanese trained as coders.”

The President was unafraid to highlight that the international media has a tendency to question the ability of developing countries to equitably manage massive resources, but the same line of questioning is not put to developed countries.

“The sad thing is, many of the mainstream media, you go to the US and many countries that were built on oil and gas, built on fossil fuel and you don’t ask if the ordinary people felt the effect of fossil-fuel revenues.

“But in small countries termed Third World, we say that they don’t know how to use their revenue, they need a guiding light on how to use their resource,” the President lamented.

Discussing the fear of the “Dutch disease” and “resource curse,” the President informed the interviewer

that Guyana has taken many cautionary tales from other countries; he assured of safeguard measures in addition to looking at the prudent management of the resources.

The Dutch disease is an economic term for the negative consequences that can follow the rapid development of one sector of an economy, leading to the decline of other sectors; the resource curse refers to a paradoxical situation in which a country underperforms economically, despite being home to valuable natural resources.

“I don’t like people saying it is ‘resource curse,’ we must be frank enough to say it has been a management and people curse. It is bad management of decisions that are made by people that has made this resource become a negative in terms instead of a positive. That is why we are very, very careful in terms of what we are going to do as a country,” the President said.

“We understand what it takes to manage the country without resources, so we more than understand the responsibility that comes with managing a country with resource with this opportunity to transform the life of every single person.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 1, 2023

Major transformative plans for 2023 - commencing work on Hospitality Institute - massive road works - expanding shrimp production - healthcare to be boosted - more training for teachers

THE Irfaan Ali-led government plans to “step on the accelerator” in 2023 to complete its national and transformative agenda.

Noting that the “best is yet to come” in his New Year message, President, Dr Irfaan Ali laid out his plans for 2023, which includes policies, programmes, and projects.

The Head of State is working towards the

completion of major road transport works, including the Linden to Mabura Road; completing the Eccles to Diamond road link; advancing plans for the four-lane highway between Crane and Schoonord; the new bridge across the Demerara River, and the Ogle to Eccles road link.

He also plans to intensify the digital transformation of Guyana, including plans relating to coding,

telemedicine, smart classrooms, virtual education for the hinterland; electronic health records management, and establishing a single window for business and building permits.

He also promised that work will commence on the much-needed National Hospitality Institute.

As it relates to agriculture, President Ali said that shrimp production will be increased, more shade houses will be used and the ministry will promote large-scale cultivation of high-value crops, such as broccoli and cauliflower, and large-scale dairy pro-

duction.

“These are only some of the massive transformative plans we have for every single region.

“Our primary goal is shared prosperity, one which is characterised by reduced inequality. In this regard, no region, community, or village will be left behind in our quest to create a One Guyana,” President Ali emphasised.

PLANS FOR THE HEALTH SECTOR According to President Ali, healthcare will be boosted in the New Year.

He noted that major upgrades will be undertaken

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

to regional and district hospitals and improvements undertaken at health clinics and centres.

Works on the construction of new hospitals at Anna Regina, Bath Settlement, De Kinderen, Little Diamond, Enmore, No.75 Village; and a new pediatric and maternity hospital at Ogle will proceed this year.

“In addition, every regional and district hospital will soon be able to offer a suite of diagnostic services such as (CT) scans, echocardiograms, ultrasound scans, and X-rays.

The demand for more medical personnel will be met through expanded training, including quadrupling the number of nurses trained each year. We want the best education with which our citizens can benefit from.”

EDUCATION The President promised that the government will provide the resources to equip children with worldclass education.

As such, this year, the Education Ministry will intensify teacher training to ensure that by the end of 2025, all teachers in the public education system

are trained.

“All students will be entitled to universal secondary education. The school feeding programme will be expanded. This year we will also begin consultations on plans to ensure that every child receives a rounded education.

“Every student exiting school should have exposure to at least one sport, one musical instrument, one foreign language one technical and vocational skill as well as be imbued with a sense of volunteerism and social responsibility,” the President noted.

According to President Ali, the plans for 2023 will lay the foundation for the establishment of the post 2030 State.

“We envision a country, which at the turn of the next decade will be the energy and industrial capital of the Caribbean, a prime tourism destination, a regional food security, and transport hub, and a competitive knowledge-based and low-carbon economy. The post 2030 Guyana will be inclusive and wedded to sustainable development.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 1, 2023

Massive increase in arrivals to Guyana recorded

By Tamica Garnett

GUYANA saw a massive increase in travel at three of the country’s main port of entry where an overall total of 717,822 passengers were processed for 2022, representing an 82.6 per cent increase in arrivals over 2021.

The number represents passengers processed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri, Eugene F. Correia Airport at Ogle, and at Moleson Creek, Corentyne.

These statistics were revealed by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, during a live broadcast on his Facebook page on Saturday. During the address, Dr. Ali noted that as a result of the government’s investment in tourism, Guyana has been positioned, not only as an important ecotourism

destination, but also as a destination that is events based.

At the CJIA, as of December 30, the country processed close to 658,000 arrivals, an increase of 78 per cent over passenger movement in 2021. At the Eugene F. Correia Airport, some 26,928 passengers were processed, marking a 69 per cent increase when compared to 2021.

However, at Moleson Creek, the country saw the highest arrival turnover, with some 32,894 passengers, or a 338 per cent increase from 2021.

At CJIA, out of the 12 months, the highest increase in international arrivals for a single month was seen in September when the inaugural Cricket Carnival was held. In September, a historical 31,050 arrivals were recorded.

“This tells you a story

about the name Guyana,” President Ali commented.

“This is no doubt positioning Guyana in a positive frame and as we continue to build our tourism product, get new product, and as we continue to get the new hotels coming on stream and continue to build new events, for example the Cricket Carnival, we expect to push closer to that 1 million arrival mark.”

The increase in travel comes amidst the country adding three new airline carriers to the market this year; these join the four airlines that were already operating. With at least two more airline carriers scheduled to come on stream this year, the numbers are expected to increase exponentially.

“This tells you about a country that is on the

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Chairman of CJIA’s Board of Directors, Sanjeev Datadin distributing gifts at CJIA to arriving passengers on Christmas Day (CJIA photo)

move. It tells you about the country that is attractive, a country that people want to go to, it tells you about the set of policies and measures that are bringing the results, for our country and our peo-

ple,” the President said.

Among other things, the Head of State credited the increased arrivals with the good portrayal that Guyana has received in the international media over the past year.

“This year alone, Guyana had more than 110 International headlines all across the world, out of which more than 90 per cent were positive headlines,” the President said.

Judge rules Police Force has no authority to blacklist anyone from leaving country

By Clestine Juan SUPREME Court Judge, Navindra Singh has ruled that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) does not have the authority to blacklist persons from leaving the jurisdiction.

This landmark ruling stemmed from the constitutional challenge filed at the High Court by Police Finance Officer, Woman Senior Superintendent (ag) Marcelene Washington, who is currently before the court on conspiracy charges for allegedly defrauding the State by falsifying $5.1M in food vouchers. The charges were indictable.

She was represented

by Dexter Todd and associates in the challenge filed against the Attor-

Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken

ney General, the Minister of Home Affairs and the Commissioner of Police.

Washington sought a declaration that her dep-

rivation of the freedom of movement by the GPF breached her constitutional right.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, s h e sought an administrative order of Mandamus directed to the Commissioner of Police compelling him to remove her name from the blacklist at all ports of exit.

She added that the inclusion of her name on such a list is “capricious, vexations, malicious, abuse of power, unconstitutional, unlawful, ultra vires and in excess of jurisdiction.”

In her court affidavit, Washington argued that

she is a naturalised citizen of the United States of America and has to travel every six months to maintain her citizenship.

She explained that she was charged in June 2021, and no court order was made to restrict her leaving the jurisdiction since she did not pose a flight risk.

However, Williams said she later received a letter from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry

of Home Affairs, through the Office of the Commissioner indicating that since she was criminally charged, she is now blacklisted from travelling beyond Guyana’s borders.

Justice Singh, in his ruling, found that the GPF cannot restrict the movement of any person around or out of Guyana unless such restriction is provided for in the laws of Guyana or pursuant to an TURN TO PAGE 7

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 1, 2023

A Bright Future Beckons THE dawn of a new year always brings with it a renewed sense of hope and optimism. Such optimism, in the context of our rapidly evolving economic and social life, is not without justification.

Never before in our history, has there been such a tidal wave of transformative changes which potentially could catapult Guyana from a state of dependency and underdevelopment to one of sustainable prosperity.

Guyana is now a major player on the regional and international stage. It is the first country in the world to benefit from carbon credits, thanks to the hard and painstaking work by both President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Vicepresident Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

Guyana is now ranked among the fastest growing economy in the world, a quantum leap from the shameful ‘pariah

state’ status under the previous PNC regime.

As pointed out by President Ali, getting the country to the state it is now has not been easy. The country experienced some distressing periods under the previous PNC administration which rigged its way to power for close to three decades. It was indeed an uphill task for the PPP/C to position the country on a path to prosperity and for literally snatching democracy from the clutches of the APNU+AFC in the March 2020 General and Regional elections.

Prior to 1992, the country was under dictatorial rule by the Burnham regime and following Burnham’s death in August 1985, a similar trend of dictatorial rule continued under Desmond Hoyte until democracy was finally restored to the country on October 5, 1992.

As the President said in his

recent address, the importance of good governance cannot be overemphasised and ways will have to be explored to further deepen our democracy. An examination of the country’s developmental profile would reveal that it was only under democratic governance that significant economic and social gains were made. In other words, there is a positive correlation between democracy and development as our own experience in Guyana has demonstrated.

As we look back to 2022, we have good reasons to be thankful. The country has been making steady progress in all facets of national life.

Thousands of Guyanese benefitted from employment opportunities generated by the oil sector and the continuing part-time jobs across all the regions of Guyana. This has impacted positively on disposable income especially for

those in rural areas where job opportunities are not readily available.

Our people are living longer and healthier lives and our children are doing better at school. The government’s home-ownership program has now become a success story, thanks to the distribution of thousands of house lots coupled with easier access to bank loans. The crime situation is under control and according to police reports, the incidence of crimes have decreased significantly compared to previous years.

These are all indicators of an enhanced quality of life for which the PPP/C administration must be commended.

There is a restoration of hope of a better and more secure future for all Guyanese.

Regrettably, while Guyanese can now bask in the glory of a better life, the same cannot be said for a signifi-

cant segment of the world’s population many of whom are forced to endure a life of fear and insecurity. The war in Ukraine is still raging and millions are forced into a life of refugees, having been uprooted from the comfort of their homes and families. The income gap is getting wider and more and more people are pushed at the margins of the world economy.

The tragedy of it all is the fact that such sufferings are man-made and such a catastrophe and misery can be resolved through enlightened thinking by those in the corridors of power.

At the international level, the year ended on a somber note with the passing of two international icons, Queen Elizabeth of Britain and, more recently the passing of retired Pope Benedict XV1.

It is, however, the continuing war in Ukraine that con-

tinue to take the international spotlight. The war has had a crippling effect on the lives of the Ukrainian people. It has also resulted in rising energy costs and in the price of food items.

Fortunately, for us in Guyana, the full impact of the energy crisis and its impact on rising food prices have been cushioned by the fiscal and monetary policies of the PPP/C government. This is especially so for the more vulnerable segments of the population. Subsides in water and electricity and increased pensions have contributed significantly in providing a better standard of living for our senior citizens.

Guyanese have high expectations of the coming period ahead. Resolutions will be made, even though it is always advisable to temper expectations with current realities.

A bright future beckons!

Guyana has become a better place in 2022 despite no LGEs

Dear Editor, PLEASE permit me the space to extend warm Season’s Greetings to all readers at home and internationally.

Locally, although we have had very wet weather, from the looks of things around Georgetown and various parts of the country, Guyanese are displaying celebratory vibes this season with a passion reminiscent of the Christmas of old that many recall.

Thanks to the astute leadership of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, General Secretary Dr. Bharat Jagdeo, and a hardworking PPP/C team, we are in a better place. Guyana is on a swift recovery path from the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant

APNU+AFC threats against our democracy.

Although other critical platforms including the overdue and promised Local Government Elections are still to be held, the signs of forwarding progression are bright for the new year.

Notwithstanding, holiday presents opportunities for our citizens at home and afar to once again experience the ‘typical’ Guyanese Christmas holidays.

We welcome all visitors and those Guyanese who have so far overcome their nostalgic feelings and come home during this period. It is also a point from which we could objectively retrospect, and develop strategies to avoid the pitfalls that are likely from the typical PNC characteristic style and

agenda.

Lest we forget or become complacent about elections-related threats to our freedoms in our beloved country, the struggles will forever continue with election matters as they have, with origins characterised by lawless behaviours displayed by leaders and supporters of the PNC to maintain power at any costs, even before I was born in 1953.

Editor, the annals of our history confirm that in 1953 our first general elections were held, and a united PPP swept the polls. But only after a mere 133 days, the British rulers suspended the Constitution and imprisoned Political Champion, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, and his closest comrades.

In 1957 and 1961, the

PPP won the elections again!

However, in 1964, while the PPP won the most seats, a collation government between the PNC and the United Force (UF), was allowed to form the government.

Since then, the PNC set up machinery including a heavily manipulated Guyana Elections Commission that significantly contributed to the rigged elections of 1968, 1973, 1978-80, and 1985.

It was the PNC riggers who targeted the setup of a PNC “One Party State,” the consequence of which resulted in heavy corruption, unrelenting crime, basic food shortages, blatant discrimination, murdering of our citizens, and a total collapse of the economy.

The Guyana economy reached a point where the

country was paying interest on foreign debt more than our income. Parents had to work all day and listened to their children screaming in pain and they could not even get an even an aspirin to give a sick child. Two pregnant mothers on a single bed in the hospital became a statutory position, while rats and roaches ate at the patients’ bodies while in the hospital.

It was the foregoing unacceptable and severe living conditions at home that forced our people to leave the country, and others to unite and formed the Political Committee in defence of Democracy.

General elections were due in 1990, but in response to the globally acknowledged outcries of our people, the PNC’s full control of the

Guyana Elections Commission was removed through the intervention of the Carter Centre.

The intervention realised a mediatory position in which the PNC agreed to postpone the general and regional elections for two years to fix the election system, and in the 1992 elections, we had the dawn of a new era.

After two decades, the PPP/C held proper Local Government Elections (LGEs) for the first time in 1994. Notably, since then, the PNC did everything to prevent the holding of LGEs due to their increasing unpopularity across most communities.

The exceptions were following their return to TURN TO PAGE 7

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 1, 2023

US$172M loan from China to help build new harbour bridge

THE Government of Guyana on Friday completed the electronic signing of a loan agreement with the Bank of China for 160.8 million Euros (US$ 172.4M)

for the advancement of construction of the new Demerara River bridge.

In May last year, the government signed the US$260M contract for the major new bridge as part of its plans to expand and modernize Guyana’s transport infrastructure, and significantly reduce

the traffic woes on the East Bank of Demerara.

While a huge chunk of the loan will fund construction of the bridge, the rest of the money is catered for in the budget.

The project, which has been long in the making, was awarded to the Joint Venture of China Railway Construction Corporation (International) Limited, China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co., Ltd & China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Co.,

Ltd. The hybrid designed bridge will feature a modern four-lane structure (two carriageways); cycle lane with a 2.65-kilometre length; driving surface of

about 23.6 metres or 77.8 feet and will have a lifespan of some 100 years.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge is also a vital linkage for the transport of agricultural goods from Regions Two and Three into Region Four and beyond.

“Therefore, easier and

more efficient transport links will support agricultural development and food security for Guyanese,” the Finance Ministry noted in a press release on Friday.

The current Demerara Harbour Bridge is over 40 years old and connects the East Bank at Peters Hall with the West Bank at Meer Zorgen, an estimate of 40,000 to 45,000 people and over 20,000 vehicles each day (11,000 per direction).

The new Demerara Harbour Bridge is a critical component of the government’s drive to expand and modernize Guyana’s transport infrastructure and will address the challenges faced by users of the current bridge by providing safe, efficient, and effective crossing.

It will offer easy connectivity to both the existing East Bank Demerara road as well as the new Diamond to Eccles bypass, the existing West Bank Demerara road, and the new Parika to Schoonord

Guyana has become a better...

FROM PAGE 6 power using the now wellestablished, scandalous “broadsheet,” instead of the acceptable and legitimate Statements of Poll while doing all forms of skullduggeries.

Following their significant whipping at the LGEs in 2016 and 2018 while in power, they have resorted to their delaying, suppressive approach. However, one who takes the PNC’s

characteristic trickery for granted does so at their peril.

The nation and international community have witnessed and rejected their flagrant attempts at bullyism.

Therefore, our government must ensure a corrective and supportive legal mechanism is in place to prevent the future rigging of elections in this country. Our people must resist all forms of rigging and the PNC must find proper leadership to work

for a united country.

President Ali has set the tone by walking the walk of advancing a most potent “One Guyana” motto, which must become a reality.

The holding of the LGEs is also necessary, and GECOM must fulfill its responsibility and complete the elections in early 2023.

The unfinished work of the Commission of Inquiry must also be completed in 2023, so those appropriate correc-

tive recommendations are addressed for the next general and regional elections.

Our government is thankful for the support of objective partners and the nation expects that all corrective systems are addressed, to end all forms of rigging elections in this country. A progressive 2023 to all Guyanese and our supporters!

Yours respectfully, Neil Kumar.

road. The new bridge will transform the face of transportation between Regions Three and Four and farther regions. The new high span, four-lane bridge will facilitate the smooth flow of traffic without congestion and delays.

The bridge is also a key strategic investment as economic activities on both sides of the Demerara

expand rapidly, with developments on the horizon such as new and expanded shore bases, a massive gas-to-power project and other industrial activities, alongside growth in more traditional sectors such as housing, construction, and services such as tourism.

The bridge will play a significant role in accommodating and propelling economic growth.

Judge rules Police...

FROM PAGE 5

Order of the Court.

In fact, he added that since the filing of these proceedings, the Bail Act of 2022 was passed and assented to and the provisions therein, particularly section 11, are most instructive.

Section 11 makes it very clear that conditions, including conditions restricting a bailed person’s ability to travel, may be imposed by the Court granting bail.

The respondents in the case had denied that Washington is “blacklisted” from travelling beyond the borders of Guyana, but rather, asserted that the Immigration Department of the GPF would formulate an “administrative list” of all persons charged with an indictable offence.

They contended that this is done as a protocol and guidance to the Immigration Department and

if such persons attempt to travel at border points, those persons are usually advised to seek the permission of the Court.

Justice Singh, however, found that it was clear that the names of persons charged with an indictable offence are placed on a list; whether it is called a “blacklist”, or an “administrative list” is wholly irrelevant.

Additionally, the judge said by creating such a list, the GPF and/or the respondents have determined that the law authorises them to limit the movement of such persons solely because they have been charged with indictable offences.

And, so, the judge made it clear that no such authority is reposed in the Guyana Police Force under any written law of Guyana, and they woefully misconstrued themselves.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 1, 2023

Looking ahead to 2023

This year is set to be another historic one for Guyana as the country races ahead to join the ranks of the world’s major oil producers.

After a milestone year that included several new discoveries, new production that doubled Guyana’s revenues and a historic budget that included billions of Guyanese dollars in oil revenues for the first time, 2023 is set to push Guyana’s new status even further.

ExxonMobil, still the largest operator offshore Guyana, is planning to complete its current 25well drilling programme by the end of June. That will be followed by an even larger investment in exploration—a 35-well campaign that will be launched when the current plan is completed.

ExxonMobil Guy-

ana has also applied for an environmental permit to drill up to 12 exploration wells on the Canje Block during 2023-2024.

The Canje Block lies further offshore than the Stabroek, in deeper water with more challenging drilling conditions.

No commercial-scale discoveries have been made so far on the Canje Block despite years of exploration and billions of US dollars invested, a reminder that outside of the incredibly prolific Stabroek Block, Guyana remains a somewhat risky prospect.

But the evidence from similar countries like Suriname also points to an answer to questions related to Guyana’s production sharing contracts and how they balance that risk.

Suriname boasts a similar slate of discoveries and

prospects, but still has zero commercial production offshore, no revenues and no final decisions to invest in development even now, years after the first finds were made.

The largest investors have mainly steered clear of Suriname in favour of Guyana these last five years, in large part because the country’s contracts do not offer sufficient incentives for companies to take the risk of investing in oil exploration.

Meanwhile, companies continue to develop additional assets here in the Stabroek Block, most notably the Payara and Yellowtail projects, which have passed environmental reviews and should commence in 2023 and 2025 respectively.

That will add 470,000 barrels per day to Guyana’s production levels—

meaning substantially more revenues within the next few years. If all projects remain on track, Guyana would be producing at least 800,000 barrels per day offshore by 2025 and well over a million barrels per day by the end of the decade.

With production already topping 360,000 barrels per day in the third quarter, the government took in more than US$1.4 billion last year in royalties and profit sharing, and that is likely to increase substantially in 2023.

While international organisations urge caution in spending oil revenues as a rule, economic analysts are careful to note that Guyana is not Norway.

An already industrialised country with a high standard of living before it discovers oil can afford to stash away its revenues

and spend little.

But Guyana has significant needs right now, including things like infrastructure and education, where early investments can help build significant economic growth years down the road.

The government is starting to spend oil money to meet those needs.

The budget passed in February was already a landmark in terms of the country’s oil future, including record high spending on education and health funded by oil revenues, and combined with historically low deficits.

The 2022 budget was 44 per cent larger than 2021, and education and healthcare experienced 22 per cent and 36 per cent funding increases, respectively.

Expectations are that this trend will accelerate

rapidly in 2023 with more money flowing to a wide variety of projects and social programmes.

The government also expects significant progress in 2023 on the electricity front, with construction beginning on the gas-to-power plant at the Wales Estate and the approval process moving forward for the Amaila Falls hydropower project.

The gas project could start lowering household electricity costs by as much as half when it comes online in 2024 or 2025.

With more than 30 finds to date offshore and more hopefully on the horizon, the news continues to be good for Guyana’s rapid efforts to scale up production while oil is still commanding high prices.

A 34- year-old fisherman from Good Hope and a 30-year-old housewife from Enmore, East Coast Demerara, were arrested for possession of narcotics on Thursday evening.

A statement from Police Headquarters detailed that at 19:45 hours on Thursday, Police were on mobile patrol in Phase ‘2’ Good Hope when they noticed a man and woman acting suspiciously as they stood at the corner of a road.

Ranks conducted a search on the fisherman when they discovered a transparent ziploc plastic bag containing a whitish rock-like substance suspected to be cocaine on the ground alongside the man.

He was arrested and tak-

en to the Vigilance Police Station where the 0.5 grams of suspected cocaine were weighed in his presence.

Additionally, the female

was also arrested after ranks found on her person a yellow and black plastic bag with several small transparent ziploc bags that con-

tained a whitish rock-like substance suspected to be cocaine and three transparent ziploc bags that had leaves, seeds and stems sus-

pected to be cannabis sativa.

She, too, was arrested and the suspected narcotics—5.3 grams of cocaine and nine grams of canna-

bis—were weighed in her presence at the police station. Both suspects were placed into custody pending charges.

Fisherman, housewife busted with drugs

The suspected marijuana and cocaine discovered by the police (Guyana Police Force photos)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 1, 2023

Guyana needs a strong political opposition in 2023

THE year 2022 did not witness the type of political maturity, development, and growth that the Guyanese public was expecting from some of its political leaders and parliamentary representatives.

For instance, A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition continued to dabble in the politics of opportunism, rancour and division. This political coalition showed that it could no longer be considered a movement to bring political parties and their visions of a united and strong Guyana to fruition.

The coalition movement has been in shambles since Aubrey Norton came to the helm of political power as there were no fruitful meetings between the parties that were supposed to form the coalition.

Things are so bad that the AFC is withdrawing effectively from it today. The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) party is not in any alliance with it. Robert Corbin

and David Granger’s coalition did not hold strong. It fizzled as soon as it faced defeat at the general elections because it was not a genuine partnership forged on the concepts of mutual respect and agreement. It is now the PNC/R and Norton is seemingly satisfied with this development, so much so that the coalition remains only but a name.

No genuine attempt has been made on his part as APNU head to call a meeting of the five paper parties which form the purported coalition.

Perhaps, Norton is wrestling with known and unknown forces within the very PNC/R party that he leads who are working against him and want him gone on or before the next general elections. Divisions, conflicts and disagreements are rife in the party and the balance of power is shifting away from Norton as it did during the Granger, Harmon and Corbin years.

This conflict and policy of Norton have led to Gee-

ta-Chandan Edmond, Van West Charles, Harmon, and a host of other political heavyweights leaving or taking a backseat in the party.

Secondly, the coalition could not have an impact on changing the political landscape in Guyana for the betterment of all people as it had intended. The year 2022 saw the opposition politicians paying sheer lip service to the concepts of national unity, shared governance and political cooperation.

In 2023, Guyana is in no way closer to the attainment of those ideals and concepts than it was in the 1980s during the Burnham and Hoyte presidency. The current crop of politicians who form the political hierarchy of the coalition and the PNC have lost the philosophy and ideology behind opposition politics. There is no political education or guide for them to take on the very competitive, political geniuses and intelligent stock in the PPP. Thirdly, they entered into no political pact or deal with the PPP/C government to

address some of the burning issues that they said they were passionate and serious about changing, such as constitutional reform, police reform, tackling racism and ethnic divisions, better working conditions and salaries for public servants and other groups.

The PPP/C alone continues to churn out policy after policy and initiative after initiative to tackle the very issues which the opposition claimed they were passionate about, and then the political opposition claims that the PPP government is authoritarian and is not consulting it.

When it does, the heap of recommendations and suggestions coming from the opposition politicians are not anything of substance or merit.

The APNU+AFC continued, throughout last year, to play with the lives of Guyanese by obstructing development and legislation. They boycotted the National Assembly when it was convenient to do so. No opposition member proposed

any sensible motion that did not have a political motive.

Every opposition motion was amended and then passed.

Alleged racism and discrimination and apartheid have become the basis of opposition politics in Guyana as they try to make the baseless claims stick on the PPP/C government, which continued with its agenda of bringing development to people of all groups in Guyana by tackling the need for the socio-economic issues of oil-rich Guyana throughout 2022.

Finally, the opposition in Guyana needs to take time to study the political environment, structure and mood of the Guyanese public. It must rethink and regroup before it makes its moves in 2023.

It must rethink its political strategy on how it will use the issues that the public is most concerned about to hold the government accountable and cause a resounding effect on policy adumbration.

It must handle the leadership battle that is still

brewing internally once and for all before another poor performance at the general polls. It must practise what it preaches when it talks about ethnic solidarity, unity and positive change. There is no place for petty politics, the politics of racism, politics of opportunism and victim politics in Guyana.

This year, Guyana’s opposition must act maturely, responsibly and intelligently.

They must come to the table and talk with the President and PPP/C party. They must be held accountable for their actions in the political conflict in Guyana.

Guyana needs political unity if it is to move forward with its socio-economic development. The PPP/C cannot do it alone and must be kept in check whenever it steps out of line.

Guyana needs a strong, vibrant and active political opposition in 2023. There is still time for Norton and all the opposition politicians to stop the myopic, dangerous, divisive and puerile shenanigans.

Anti-Dumping Bill coming to protect consumers from unfair trade practices

By Clestine Juan IMAGINE yourself as an entrepreneur who sells a bottle of water for $100; everything is going well, and you are making a profit.

One day though, another person shows up and they’re selling the same bottle of water, but for only half of your price. How do you feel about that? Maybe you feel like you’ve just been dumped.

To remedy such situations, the government will be working on a new legislation - the ‘Anti-Dumping Bill’ this year to safeguard local consumers against cheap and substandard products.

‘Dumping’ happens a lot in global trade. It’s when a company exports a product at a lower price than what it charges locally. Guyana imports foreign goods and exports domestic produced goods to countries all over the world. Free and fair global trade is good for everyone since it fosters healthy com-

petition, creates jobs, and stimulates innovation.

But sometimes, foreign companies try to gain an unfair advantage in other markets.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, recently said that this new bill will protect against unfair trade practices and “protect our economy from bad goods.” “...a lot of dumping is taking place at the international market where expired products, substandard products are being dumped into third world countries,” Nandlall said.

According to him, this bill will protect local companies that have long been asking for such legislation to be put in place to safeguard themselves and their consumers.

“They’ve been asking for it for a while now because they have to compete. Our local manufacturers have to compete with a lot of massproduced, substandard goods

come such a move by the government to safeguard consumers.

“We look forward to the

ers can actually compete against real products and Guyanese consumers can actually enjoy safety and

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall and also it affects our population as well because there are manufacturing standards,” the Attorney General lamented.

Meanwhile, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry

(GCCI), Timothy Tucker, in an invited comment, said the bill has the full support of the government.

Tucker said that the chamber has always been supportive of anti-dumping regulations, and they wel-

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker government enacting this bill as soon as possible, so that our local manufactur-

reliability in the products that they’re purchasing,” Tucker added.

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PPP’s New Year message

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends best wishes to our Guyanese brothers and sisters here at home and in the Diaspora, for a peaceful, prosperous, and productive 2023.

The dawn of the New Year offers an opportune moment for reflection and recalibration to complete unfinished business, as well as a fresh juncture for the launching of new initiatives under our manifesto for achieving collective prosperity as a nation.

While the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war posed many challenges for Guyana, as was the case

across the world, our government was able to stay the course in keeping our country moving forward in line with our manifesto promises while easing the suffering of our most vulnerable citizens.

Under the national infrastructural improvement plan, work has commenced for the much-anticipated new Demerara River Bridge.

The Mandela Avenue to Diamond highway is almost complete; the Ogle to Eccles and the Linden to Mabura highways have commenced, while funding for a new Soesdyke-Linden highway has been secured and sourcing has com-

menced for a new Corentyne corridor.

Concomitantly, the national energy master plan that is expected to halve electricity costs is well underway with the contract already signed for the Wales Gas to Shore project. Guyana also achieved the milestone of becoming the first country to have been issued carbon credits specifically designed for the voluntary and compliant carbon markets for successfully preventing forest loss and degradation by the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART). This paved the way for the signing of a multi-million US dollar agreement for the sale

AIMING to bring smiles to the faces of children, community activist, Tabata Hicken, along with other members of the ‘ F r i e n d s f ro m t h e Logos Hope’, hosted a book and toy distribution event on December 18 and 26 at Leopold Street, Charlestown and at ‘A’ Field Sophia, Georgetown.

During an interview with this newspaper, Hicken said the event catered for children from as young as two years to as old as 13.

Moreover, the books covered a vast set of subjects such as Social Studies, Science, English and Mathematics.

“Books are a gift that can continuously be used,” Hicken af-

firmed. He emphasised that while toys are tangible, books are a lifetime commodity that can benefit someone in many ways. Because it was the festive season, they could not divert from the tradition of gifting toys and embracing the love and warmth, Hicken said.

He reflected on the disruptions caused by

of carbon credit to Hess Corporation, a substantial portion of which will go towards Amerindian development.

Thousands of jobs have been created in every region, salary scales have been adjusted upwards and small business loans and grants have benefited thousands. The ongoing housing revolution has empowered countless Guyanese and the health sector is set for world-class advancement.

As a pillar of our nation-building efforts, our government has embarked on a wideranging citizens empowerment programme through state-sponsored

academic and professional scholarships, youth participation in governance; ICT and other skills training, socio-cultural investments, and community based enhancement drives.

All of these and more, have been achieved under the competent leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Wi t h t h e s e o v e rwhelming successes over the past year, our management of the new and emerging multi-dimensional economy, and the resolute positioning of our country among the global community of contemporary democracies, Guyana is poised for exciting times ahead

and we are confident that the People’s Progressive Party has emerged as the only party of choice for the building of a truly progressive and prosperous nation.

As we embrace 2023, our party remains confident in the strength and resilience of all Guyanese and in our collective will to mitigate any and all challenges we may face in the New Year. May we all be imbued with a sense of renewal and enthusiasm as we work assiduously to strengthen bonds of togetherness in our forward march.

Once again, best wishes for a joyous New Year!

Over 300 children benefit from book, toy donation

Book and toy donation at the South Liliendaal Community Centre Ground

Book and toy donation at Leopold Street, Charlestown

the COVID-19 pandemic on the education system. Hicken highlighted that these detrimental effects cannot be solved by one person or organisation, noting that it requires co-operation from everyone.

Given the fact that school attendance dropped significantly during the pandemic,

Hicken said the organisaion is on a mission to provide resources to help children to get back on track.

Survival Supermarket, Gafoors, Guyana Stockfeeds Inc., Jai Signs and Auto Design, and Mohamed’s Enterprise, are just a few that entities that Hicken extended his gratitude to.

Hicken said the organisation welcomes any donation from the public. Furthermore, he extended a welcome mat to all, stating that he be contacted at the South Liliendaal Community Centre Ground at ‘A’ Field Sophia, Georgetown, where the organisation is located.

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The Internet, social media pressure and misinformation

By Vanessa Cort

THE internet has been blamed for many ills.

Some such as the reduction in reading and face-to-face contact, an almost inevitable consequence of the time people spend on the medium. But others are more insidious and a result of the way the technology is used.

In a recent international-governmental furor, the US administration has sought to bar federal employees from using the popular Chinese app, Tik Tok, on government devices for fear that it could be used by the Chinese government “to censor content or spy on Americans.”

Facebook has been accused of laxity in monitoring conspiracy theories, misinformation and hate posts, and the US government has been vocal in

claiming that Russia has used the ‘net’ to attempt to influence the last elections.

Late last year, a former Facebook employee turned whistleblower, criticised some of the company’s policies and leaked several documents, thereby sparking a federal investigation.

The American government responded critically to a CNN report on the leaked documents which indicated that the company “has had a tougher time managing vaccine misinformation than it has let on publicly.” And US President, Biden, was dissatisfied with the platform’s handling of vaccine misinformation.

In a damning censure of all social media platforms, reported by CCN, White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, declared: “In July, our surgeon general came to this briefing

room to label misinformation a public health issue and importantly, conveyed that social media platforms are a prime channel for the trafficking of bad information, given their enormous role in our society. And since then we’ve

exacerbate the problem by causing “vaccine hesitancy.”

Earlier this year, Instagram also came under fire for promoting body shaming and a condition known as body dysmorphia disorder (BDD) – a

continued to see platforms regularly amplify anti— vaccine content over accurate information.”

The criticism is even more pertinent now as in recent weeks – faced with a fast-moving respiratory illness, the flu virus and an upsurge in COVID-19 infections – US health experts have complained that vaccine misinformation has only served to

fixation or obsession with perceived physical flaws.

Hannah Sayer, writing for the World Institute on Disability (WID) put it this way: “Social media has been a blessing for many of us…But, like most internet mediums, social media represents a double-edged sword that has the power to ostracise and isolate as much as it can uplift and connect.

For instance, Instagram has been especially linked to increased body dysmorphia, depression and other mental health disorders for users.”

A study from as far back as 2017 ranked Instagram as “the most dangerous social media platform in regards young people’s mental health.”

The reason given is that Instagram, as well as other photo and video-based apps like Snapchat and Tik Tok, offers filters and lenses which “dramatically change the way someone looks.” The end result is that persons begin to take what they see on screen as the reality and their perception of life can easily become warped.

Now another issue is brewing. Last week the Good Morning America show drew attention to the increasing pressure being put on mothers to be perfect, by social media. This has caused some to allow the seemingly perfect lives of others to make them doubt themselves

and has led to distress.

Chelsey Theriault, says in an article for CYBERPARENT: “As mothers I think we’ve all fallen down that rabbit hole of questioning our parental abilities because other moms on Facebook are doing better.”

She, however, asserts that most mothers face “the same chaos” that the person viewing does, pointing out that what is seen on Facebook are the highlights of someone’s life and not “realistic aspects of parenting.”

She contends that because social media encourages social comparison the more time you spend on the platforms the more you will be exposed to competition.

Her solution is to limit social media use to 30 minutes a day– a tall order for many – and supports this by adding, “Studies have shown that this restriction can positively impact you overall wellbeing.”

Tourism sector continues to expand - GTA

AS the tourism sector continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Guyana has seen a tremendous increase in visitor arrivals, which was largely due to the flurry of events hosted here, including Cricket Carnival and the Bartica Regatta.

According to a press release from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), “in keeping with the Government of Guyana’s progressive approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has since been fully reopened while maintaining all the necessary public health measures to ensure absolute safety.”

This return to normalcy had a positive impact on the tourism sector and according

to the GTA, as of July 2022, the total visitor arrival figure stands at 156,428.

This reflects a 96.98 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2021.

The projected visitor arrival figure for the entire year is 291,241 compared to 2021’s 158,347.

Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips, during the recent Guyana Tourism Awards and Gala 2022, had noted that the number of visitors arriving in the country is increasing and would keep growing as the nation develops.

According to him, Guyana’s tourism is “rebounding,” with an increase in visitor arrivals from the previous year and projections for additional growth.

Going forward, he claimed that the government has set a goal of increasing visitor arrivals to as many as 500,000 by 2025.

As Guyana continues to welcome travelers, there have been a number of notable achievements in the tourism sector, including Guyana being featured as the cover story of the April edition of National Geographic magazine.

Additionally, in its most recent issue, the well-known US lifestyle magazine Essence listed Guyana as one of the 12 destinations to visit in 2023.

Guyana was also ranked eighth on the magazine’s list of top travel destinations and has been called an “underrated” tourism destination.

There were also 17 new experimental tourism products launched in 2022, with 10 of those being launched during Tourism Awareness Month.

The director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh, said in part, “Guyana is poised to welcome many more visitors in 2023 and attract wider regional and international markets, so this is exactly what we need to do to welcome them and ensure that they have a diverse avenue of experiences to indulge in.”

He further asked that existing, as well as potential operators, get onboard with GTA and work with them to identify, develop and market new tourism experiences in Guyana.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 1, 2023

Welcoming 2023 in Style!

(Delano Williams photos)

Interdicted cop accused of killing Brazilian miner freed by court

AFTER spending almost four years on remand for the murder of a Brazilian miner in the Puruni District, Cuyuni/Mazaruni, interdicted Police Constable Robert Daniels has been freed of the crime.

He had filed legal proceedings against the Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Commissioner of Police.

The murder charge against Daniels was previously reduced to the lesser count of manslaughter.

Justice Navindra Singh ruled in favour of the application filed by defence attorneys, Dexter Todd, Dexter Smartt and Aliyyah AbdulKadir.

In court documents seen by this newspaper, Daniels argued that the criminal proceedings against him breached his constitutional right to a fair trial.

He further claimed that the investigation into the allegation of murder against him by the Police Complaints

Authority was not properly executed and so, it has since rendered the criminal charge against him unsafe.

It was based upon the investigation carried out, that the DPP recommended that Daniels be charged with murder in August 2018. In 2019, Daniels was committed to stand trial for the capital offence after the conclusion of a preliminary inquiry.

In February 2020, the indictment was reduced to manslaughter by the DPP, and Daniels was released on $250,000 bail after his attorneys managed to secure his pre-trial liberty before another judge.

Justice Singh ruled that Daniels committal by the magistrate be set aside and that the DPP’s order of the manslaughter indictment is voided.

Daniels was charged with the August 11, 2018, murder of 37-year-old Evastevo Marques Costa.

Police investigations had revealed that a Subordinate

Dead: Evastevo Marques Costa Officer and Daniels of the Kurupung Police Station left the said station on August 10 on an ATV for patrol duties while being armed with a .30 carbine rifle.

They subsequently joined a boat and proceeded to a landing along the Puruni

River.

Police said on arrival at the landing sometime around midday on Saturday, August 11, the Subordinate Officer claimed that he remained in the boat while the constable, who was armed with the rifle, exited and proceeded

FREED: Police Constable Robert Daniels to a shop and shortly after, two loud explosions were heard which caused him (the subordinate officer) to make inquiries.

The body of a male Brazilian was seen lying on the ground a short distance away; he was picked up,

placed in a boat and taken to the main landing.

However, Daniels had told police that he acted in self-defence since Costa shot at him with his firearm and he (Daniels) returned fire with his service weapon.

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RHTYSC, NAMILCO, Pepsi, Bakewell cricket teams present university scholarship to Jonathan Rampersaud

THE Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC), since its formation in 1990 by three-time Commonwealth Youth Service awardee, the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Youth Club has always placed special emphasis on the importance of education for its membership and youths across the Ancient County.

Last Thursday, the club continued this tradition by handing over a University of Guyana scholarship to its 19-year-old assistant secretary Jonathan Rampersaud.

The national Under-19 vice-captain is currently attending classes at the Tain Campus of the University as he seeks to obtain a Bachelor Degree in Business Management.

Earlier this year, he passed with distinction in his

Associate Degree. RHTYSC secretary Hilbert Foster had promised Rampersaud's mom Rohanie that the RHTYSC would assist her son in his pursuit of an educational background.

Foster stated that the commitment was made as he was very impressed by the drive and hard work of Rampersaud to succeed on and off the cricket field and also to support his mom who is the single breadwinner in the home.

He noted that his assistant has always placed special emphasis on his education and had also excelled at the CSEC while being a student of J.C Chandisingh Secondary School.

The scholarship was made possible by the RHTYSC NAMILCO First Division, Bakewell Second Division and Pepsi Under-19

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RHTYSC executive member Tyrone Pottaya hands over scholarship to Jonathan Rampersaud

teams.

Rampersaud, who was recently the leading wicket-taker for Guyana Under-19 team in the 2022 CWI Regional Tournament plays for all three teams. He is the captain of the Pepsi Under-19 team, vice-captain of the Bakewell Second Division team and a senior member of the NAMILCO Thunderbolt First Division team.

Among his teammates are Kevin Sinclair, Kelvon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Clinton Pestano, Shawn Perreira, Assad Fudadin, Eon Hooper, Shemaine Campbelle, Mahendra Gopilall, Jermey Sandia, Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond, Matthew Pottaya and Jason Sinclair.

The scholarship is a continuation of the cricket team's efforts to promote the importance of education under its massive Say No/Say Yes Pro-

gramme directed to over 80 youths in the Ancient County.

The team under the programme hosts the annual Republic Bank summer camp, honours teachers and outstanding students, distributes educational materials including school bags, hosts educational competitions programmes like essay, spelling bees, debating competition and assists students with bicycles to attend school.

The team also publishes youth magazines, stickers, youth information booklets and the placement of billboards in the county.

Rampersaud, in brief remarks, stated that he was very happy that the club that he has represented since he was twelve years old has invested into his future. He committed himself to making his teammates and club very proud.

looked unlikely as soon as Saka had latched on to a rebound from Martinelli's shot to tuck the ball home for his sixth league goal of the season.

The absence of striker Gabriel Jesus through a knee injury collected while on World Cup duty may have worried Arsenal fans, but Saka and Odegaard are compensating for the Brazilian striker's layoff.

Arsenal captain Odegaard's seventh goal of the season came when he capitalised on a poor header out by Billy Gilmour to put his side 2-0 ahead before half-time, the Norwegian's shot going down into the ground and beyond Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

And they started the second half just as well as the first, Nketiah poking the ball in from close range after Sanchez fumbled Martinelli's shot from a tight angle.

But they wobbled when full-backs Ben White and Olek-

sandr Zinchenko were substituted after an hour. Rattled by Mitomo's goal and then a good spell from the hosts, Martinelli finished off a length-of-thepitch move with a shot that went in off Sanchez's legs to seemingly put the game beyond Brighton's reach.

William Saliba was then too casual on the edge of his own area, allowing Ferguson his chance to pull another goal back, and when Mitoma seemed to have made the score 4-3, Mikel Arteta's side looked worried until the decision by VAR. Arsenal face a tough January before reaching the league campaign's midpoint, with Tottenham and Manchester United to follow, after Newcastle.

Their two meetings with second-placed Manchester City are also yet to come, and Arteta will want to address the defensive frailties that surfaced on the south coast.

Arsenal go six points clear atop Premier League table (BBC) - Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League with an entertaining victory at Brighton.

This result, allied to Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Everton, extends Arsenal's advantage heading into 2023.

The visitors were cruising at 3-0 thanks to goals by Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah before Kaoru Mitoma pulled one back.

Gabriel Martinelli settled any nerves with Arsenal's fourth, before Evan Ferguson added Brighton's second with his first league goal.

Mitoma had a second goal chalked off to deny the home fans a grandstand finish as Arsenal held on for a deserved three points.

Brighton were a long way off the pace for the first hour, but after Martinelli had restored the three-goal advantage they showed great spirit to reduce

the arrears again through Ferguson.

They were then convinced they had made it 4-3 with two minutes remaining when Mitoma looked to have scored again, but after a VAR check the Japanese midfielder was revealed to be just offside.

Arsenal are back in action against Newcastle United on Tuesday, buoyed by an increasingly formidable-looking lead over champions City with both sides having played 16 games.

ARSENAL STAND FIRM DESPITE DEFENSIVE WOBBLES Although the Premier League season is still not at the halfway point due to the World Cup hiatus, this win could be a key moment in Arsenal's bid for a first title since 2004.

Brighton had been the last side to beat Arsenal - a 3-1 Carabao Cup win in November - but the prospect of a repeat

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 1, 2023

GCB satisfied with 2022 achievements From page 24 Board successfully hosted the CWI Regional Women Tournaments 2022. These Tournaments were the CWI Blaze T20 and the CG United Super 50. All matches were played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, due to persistent rainfalls which left many of the earmarked venues in conditions not suitable for play.

The GCB successfully hosted the Inaugural Bilateral Under-13 Goodwill Series between Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago which comprised four matches. The Trinidad & Tobago visitors were given opportunities to see some tourist attraction sites. At the conclusion of the Goodwill series, a simple presentation ceremony was held.

The GCB in collaboration with the Government of Guyana under its Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Cricket West Indies, successfully hosted the Guyana leg of the West Indies versus Bangladesh Tour.

Four matches were played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, namely the 3rd T20, and the first, second, and third ODI matches.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) commends His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana for the historic Cricket Carnival Event held in Guyana which coincided with the hosting of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), 2022.

The historic feature was conceptualised successfully and merged cricket and sports tourism in a manner that stimulated much interest among cricket enthusiasts from local, regional, and international levels.

The GCB is of the view that under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Government of Guyana through its Ministry of Tourism will unwaveringly drive the promotion of sports as a complementary tourist attraction to Guyana’s wildlife, natural marvels, and other outstanding landscapes.

The initiative witnessed record crowds at CPL matches played in Guyana, especially the second qualifier match between Jamaica Tallawahs and the host team Guyana, and served to rekindle memories of past, high spectator support for cricket.

Additionally, the Government of Guyana through its Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Ministry of Education must be commended for affording thousands of schoolchildren an opportunity to witness and be a part of the exciting CPL matches. Clearly, the hype of Cricket Carnival activities blended effectively with a high number of ecstatic tourists throughout the hosting of the Guyana leg of the CPL Also, the GCB commends His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the

Inter County Tournaments

Government of Guyana for the provision of adequate soil to resurface the GCB’s Cricket Facility in La Bonne Intention (LBI) situated on the East Coast, Demerara.

Additionally, the GCB is particularly appreciative to His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana for their efforts in the restoration of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) hostel and its practice facility which is situated in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast.

REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS: The Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) ended second in the points table placement in their preliminary Group A matches (16 points), behind Trinidad and Tobago with 18 points. The GHE lost their semi-final match to the Jamaica Scorpions after posting an impressive 318 for 9 off their allotted 50 overs.

However, the Jamaica Scorpions surpassed the GHE score to record 322 for 7 off 48.1 of their allotted 50 overs. Jamaica Scorpions beat Trinidad and Tobago in the CG United Super 50 final.

The Guyana Women were managed by Kavita Yadram with Julian Moore as the coach and Shemaine Campbelle as captain. The CWI Blaze T20 (Women) and the CG Insurance Super 50 (Women) Tournaments were respectively won by Jamaica and Barbados. The Guyana Senior Women’s Team with 10 points placed fourth in the CWI Blaze T20 behind Trinidad and Tobago (14 points), Barbados (16 points with an NRR of 1.428), and Jamaica 16 points with an NRR of 2.171.

Jamaica won the CWI Blaze T20 by virtue of a superior net run rate over Barbados.

In the CG Insurance Super 50, Guyana finished on top of the points table with 6 points in the preliminary Group B matches, and Barbados finished on 8 points at the end of the preliminary Group A matches. In the semi-final match against Jamaica, Guyana made a paltry 23 all out from 11.2 of their allotted 50 overs. Jamaica in reply made 27 for 2 from 5.1 overs to win by 8 wickets.

Barbados beat Jamaica by 8 wickets in the final which was reduced to 26 overs due to rainfall.

The Guyana Under-19 team was managed by Budhesh Chatterpaul with Andre Percival as the coach and Alvin Mohabir as captain.

Guyana finished fourth in the preliminary rounds of the CWI Rising Star Under-19 Three-Day Championship.

Nevertheless, Guyana finished third in the Tournament, after defeating Jamaica in the Third Placed Championship Decider. The Leeward Islands won the Rising Star Under-19 Three-Day Championship.

Guyana Under-17 team was managed by Neil Rudder with Garvin Nedd as the

coach and Alvin Mohabir as the captain. Guyana finished on 11.6 points just ahead of the Leeward Islands who ended in the cellar position on 8.8 points. Windwards Islands won the tournament, finishing with 17.8 points.

The Guyana Under-15 team was managed by Elroy Stephney and coached

by Latchman Yadram with Dave Mohabir as captain.

The Guyana Under-15 team placed second in this tournament and was narrowly edged out by Barbados (who finished on 18.4 points) for the Rising Star Under-15 Championship title.

The Inaugural Bilateral Under-13 Goodwill Series between Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago comprised four matches. These matches were played on Sunday, December 11, 2022, Tuesday, December 13, 2022, Thursday, December 17, 2022, and Saturday, December 19, 2022.

The Guyana Under-13 team won the second match, while Trinidad & Tobago got the better of Guyana on the other three occasions.

A presentation ceremony was held at the match venue, Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Shaan Ramtahal of Trinidad & Tobago received the Player of the match award for the fourth and final match, as well as for taking the Most Wickets in the Goodwill Series (13). Trinidad and Tobago vice-captain Mikaeel Ali collected the award for the Most Runs in the Goodwill series (57).

CWI dubbed the age group Tournaments, The Rising Stars Championships with reference to the respective categories of Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19. In identifying players for the future, some Guyanese players were earmarked as potential players. These are Navin Boodwah and Arun Gaida in the Under-15, Rampertab Ramnauth and Mavendra Dindyal in the Under-17 category, and Isai Thorne, Rampertab Ramnauth and Mavendra Dindyal in the Under-19 category. The players identified by CWI are: CWI Rising Stars Under-15: Darrius Batoosingh, Navin Boodwah, Shem Sargeant, Kemar Dixon, Brendan Boodoo, Matthew Miller, Pajay Nelson, Akobi Crichlow-Byer, Arif Khan, R’Jai Gittens, Arun Gainda; 12th man: Jorden Charles CWI Rising Stars Under-17: Stephan Pascal, Rampertab Ramnath, Jordan Johnson, Joshua Dorne, Orlando James, Nathan Sealy, Divonie Joseph, Micah McKenzie, Nathan Edward, Solomon Bascombe, Jatario Prescod; 12th man: Mavendra Dindyal CWI Rising Stars Under-19: Stephan Pascal, Rampertab Ramnath, Jordan Johnson, Ackeem Auguste, Joshua Dorne, Tarrique Edward, Nathan Edward, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, Onaje Amory, Johann Layne, Isai Thorne; 12th man: Mavendra

Dindyal Further, four Under-19 Female players were identified by CWI to participate in preparatory activities leading up to the ICC Under-19 Female World Cup scheduled to be held in South Africa in January 2023. The players who were identified are Cyanna Retemiah, Ashmini Munisar, Realeanna Grimmond, and Niveena Ramnath.

Coach Steve Liburd visited Guyana prior to the trial matches held in Trinidad to take the four girls through some developmental stages.

The sessions were held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS West Indies versus Bangladesh The third T20 match between West Indies and Bangladesh was played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on July 7, 2022.

West Indies won the match by 5 wickets. In reply to Bangladesh’s 163 for 5 from 20 overs, West Indies posted 169 for 5 from 18.2 of their allotted 20 overs. However, Bangladesh won all three of the ODI matches played at Providence. These matches were played on July 10, 2022, July 13, 2022, and July 17, 2022.

CRICKET DEVELOPMENT The Guyana Cricket Board continued to align the implementation of its Cricket Development Activities with its strategic aims. The GCB’s Five-Year Strategic Plan embraces Cricket West Indies’ two-year incremental development pathway programme.

REPUBLIC BANK FIVE FOR FUN In 2022, through the sponsorship of Republic Bank, the GCB/CWI/Republic Bank Five For Fun Programme, the GCB was able to lend to the development needs of players ages 7 to 9 years old and 9 to 11 years old from over 75 primary schools across the county. The programme in 2022 placed emphasis on 25 primary schools within each of the three counties.

The Republic Bank Five For Fun programme was launched on June 21, 2022, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. This event was followed by the training of teachers in the three counties, Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice. The training of teachers focused on the development coaching needs of 150 teachers across the country, that is, two teachers each from the earmarked twenty-five (25) primary schools within each of the three counties.

INAUGURAL BILATERAL UNDER-13 GOODWILL SERIES (GUYANA, AND TRINIDAD & TOBAGO) The Inaugural Bilateral Under-13 Goodwill Series between Guyana and Trin-

idad and Tobago was a resounding success in terms of addressing the void in the two-year incremental age gap programme. The implementation of an Under-13 development programme allows players to progressive follow a developmental pathway under the watch of Association, Commttiees, Counties and National coaches and selectors.

The Under-13 Development Activities is expected to avoid or lessen the reduction in the participation of players in cricket training and matches between the Under-11 and Under-15 ages categories.

This regional initiative realises a critical aspect of the development pathway of the players. The intent of the Under-13 Programme is to expose players to a solid foundation that will aid the development of their game as individual players and team players.

By learning the recommended ways to bat, bowl and field at an early age, as well as the mental applications required in competitions, the GCB is of the view that the young players will be in a better position to master their technical and mental skills.

FEMALE DEVELOPMENT AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE ACTIVITIES Efforts to structure female cricket continued during 2022 with training sessions in Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo. These activities were mainly conducted prior to the Female Under-19 and Senior Inter-County Tournaments.

The aim is to establish at least two venues in each of the three continues which will realise continuous training activities for girls and women interested in playing cricket.

CWI LEVEL ONE COACHING CERTIFICATION COURSE Over 40 coaches completed the CWI Level One Coaching Course which was held in April 2022. Individuals with the CWI Foundation Coaching Course Certificate or the ICC (Online) Coaching Certificate were eligible to participate in the course.

Participants who submit the relevant supporting documents of the First Aid Certificate, Child Protection Certificate, and Police Clearance within the given timeframe are issued the CWI Level One Coaching Certificate. In support of this requirement, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) arranged First Aid Courses for the coaches to attend, with the most recent course being held in Georgetown in October 2022.

GCB’S CRICKET ACADEMY PROGRAMME The GCB continued its planning to implement 18 Academies across the country. Currently, a detailed plan is being examined for imple-

mentation. A pre-Kick-Off meeting was held for the relevant stakeholders to provide them with an overview of the Academy Programme’s needs and requirements.

Several facilitators presented on the respective topics of interest of the Academy Programme. This included information on technical, skill, fitness, mental, diet and nutrition, and lifestyle of the players. Topics on Etiquette and Communication including Public Speaking were addressed. The GCB’s Academy programme is expected to commence within the first half of 2023.

GUYANA HARPY EAGLES TRAINING PROGRAMME (CONTRACTED, PAY FOR PLAY, AND EMERGING PLAYERS) The Harpy Eagles’ training intensified after the conclusion of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The GHE contracted players, the Emerging players and those that are identified as the Pay for Play (neither a contracted nor an Emerging player) is currently going through preparatory exercises for the CWI Regional Four-Day Tournament which begins in early February 2022. All players vying for national selection will be required to go through the pre-season fitness assessment and evaluation exercises on January 3, 2022, and January 4, 2022.

MATCH OFFICIALS AND SUPPORT STAFF DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES The training of Match officials and support staff is an area of great significance to the effective and professional conduct of cricket matches.

In this regard, the GCB expects the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council (GCUC) to submit their proposal on the measures to be implemented for assessing and evaluating the standard of umpires and the procedures for the selection of umpires for the various levels of domestic cricket. Training activities are also planned for Match Referees, Scorers, and Grounds men.

GEAR DONATION FOR YOUTH PLAYERS During 2022, the GCB distributed a large amount of cricket gear to Associations and Committees. The Essequibo Cricket Board accepted donations in aid of its player development programme for its affiliate Committees. West Demerara, East Bank Demerara, and Upper Demerara were also beneficiaries of a substantial worth of cricket gear donated by the GCB. All of the recipients gave high commendations to the GCB for their invaluable contribution to the development needs of the youths in their respective Counties, Associations, Committees.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 1, 2023

Diamond United gets a shot in during their match with East Berbice yesterday

Tiger Rentals Under-13 football tournament launched

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) officially kicked off its Tiger Rentals Under-13 football tournament yesterday morning at the National Training Centre (NTC) at Providence where a total of 11 teams gathered for the ceremonial March Past before the tournament officially kicked off.

Taking the salute at the March Past were head of GFF; Wayne Forde; Tiger Rentals’ Country Manager Shane Singh; and GFF Technical Director; Bryan Joseph.

During remarks, Singh reiterated Tiger Rentals’ support for local football, especially at the grassroots level.

He said,, “We are confident that this can only bode well for Guyana and its nurturing of youth for the future. We look forward to supporting this tournament while assisting the GFF to fulfil its

obligations to grow football throughout Guyana.”

Tiger Rentals’ commitment to the tournament surpasses $10M and Forde was quick to express gratitude to the partner for the support.

He posited, “The GFF alone cannot organise football in Guyana. Partnerships like these, with the corporate community and other stakeholders are key for the continued development of the game locally.”

Forde also expressed gratitude to the GFF staff and players who are assisting in multiple capacities to ensure the tournament’s success becomes a reality.

The GFF Tiger Rentals’ tournament will be played in the group round-robin stage between clubs and Academy Training Centre (ATC) teams before moving forward to the knockout round.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 1, 2023

GCB satisfied with 2022 Achievements Inter County Tournaments

THE Senior Inter-County Super-50 Championship was won by Berbice, who defeated Essequibo in the final. The main awardees for the tournament were Leon Johnson for the most runs (233), Romario Shepherd for the most wickets (9) and Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

The GCB’s Senior Wom-

en Inter-County Super-50 Tournament was won by Berbice, who finished on top of the points table of the round-robin tournament format.

Hemma Singh grabbed the award for the Most Wickets (7), Katana Mentore for the Most Runs (198), and Shabika Gajnabi the Most Valuable Player of the Tour-

nament (173 runs, 3 wickets).

The GCB Girls Under-19 T20 Inter-County Tournament was won by Berbice, who finished on top of the points table of the round-robin tournament format. The main awardees for the tournament were Realeanna Grimmond for the Most Runs (120), Niveena Ramnauth for the Most Wickets (3), and Realeanna Grimmond for the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.

The GCB’s Under-19 Inter-County Tournament (Male) was cancelled due to inclement weather.

The GCB’s Under-17 Inter-County Tournament was won by Demerara, who finished on top of the points table of the round-robin tournament format. Alvin Mohabir collected the award for the Most Wickets (11), and Jonathan van Lange the award for the Most Runs

(104).

The GCB/Dave West Indian Imports and Exports Under-15 Inter-County Tournament was badly affected by persistent rainfall and though some matches were played, the final were not played as scheduled.

Further, in 2022 the GCB was able to secure sponsorship from Republic Bank for a National Under-23 Inter-Club Knockout Super 50 Tournament. This tournament will commence in 2023 and will serve to fill the gap in the player development pathway for players graduating from the Under-19 age group tournaments in search of national selection for the Guyana senior team.

GCB HOSTING OF BILATERAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS The Guyana Cricket Continued on page 22

Tiger Rentals Under-13 football tournament launched See page 23

Diamond United gets a shot in during their match with East Berbice yesterday Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

| SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2023